I don’t know about you but I think airline bag prices have gotten crazy expensive! Over the summer we went to NYC for a few days then took a 9 day cruise and on the back-end spent another night in NYC a total of 13 days. We had so much fun!
Trying to pack on the other hand was a bit crazy! Luckily we were allowed a carry-on and a personal item for free on the airline we chose. Strategically packing for that long of a trip with multiple outfit types needed for each person, I knew we were either going to have to take at least a couple of our big suitcases or plan to do some laundry. So I decided to do a bit of research on what option would be cheaper.
Guess which one was cheaper?
That is right, doing laundry! I didn’t really think about it until I sat down and looked at the cost of prepaying for just one large suitcase and well then you also have to pay to get it back as well. Many airlines now charge by the size of bag as well. The airline we were taking was going to be $70 for one large suitcase.
I busted out google maps and looked up our hotel in NYC. Guess what there was a self service laundry at the end of the same block as our hotel. The pricing for the self service laundromat was about $15 per wash/dry cycle. I also made sure to bring a few laundry pods with me so I didn’t have to purchase any. The cruise ship did not have self service laundry but they did offer same/next day laundry for a decent size bag which only ended up being $15.
Laundry can be a challenge while traveling, especially if you’re on an extended trip or trying to pack light. Here are seven laundry hacks to help you keep your clothes clean and fresh while on the go:
- Pack Travel-Friendly Fabrics: Choose clothing made from quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabrics like merino wool or synthetic blends. These materials are not only comfortable to wear but also easy to wash and dry overnight.These are also more comfortable in warm weather.
- Use a Travel Laundry Bag: Invest in a lightweight, compact travel laundry bag or stuff sack. It helps keep your dirty clothes separate from the clean ones and prevents odors from spreading. I also like to have a bag for wet items as well.
- Hand Wash in the Sink: For quick and easy laundry on the go, you can hand wash your clothes in a sink. They make some amazing laundry sheets that work great for washing items in the sink.
- Laundry Services: When staying in hotels check if they offer laundry services. It can be more expensive than doing it yourself, but it’s a convenient option when you need a quick turnaround. If you are cruising be sure to check out your particular ship. Most ships offer a laundry service option and some have self service options.
- Dry Clothes in the Shower: Hang your wet clothes on a shower curtain rod or towel bar to let them air dry. This can also come in handy if you have wrinkles, the steam from the shower can help remove them.
- Dryer Sheets: Place a dryer sheet in your suitcase to help keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Bonus Tip: If you’re concerned about wrinkles in your clothes, use packing cubes or roll your clothes instead of folding them. This can help minimize wrinkles and save space in your luggage.
Remember to check the specific laundry facilities available at your destination and plan accordingly. These hacks can make managing your laundry while traveling much more manageable, so you can stay fresh and comfortable throughout your trip.
