Packing lighter not only will help you save you time at the airport, but it can significantly reduce the amount of money you spend on your next trip. Unfortunately, most airlines now charge you to check in your luggage, and it is important to be aware that the largest allowed size for carry-on bags is 22×14×19 inches.

With careful planning and strategic packing, however, you can maximize your suitcase and shave approximately $50 off on your next round trip flight with a few smart packing strategies.

Here are a few quick tips for lightening your load on your next flight:

Call Your Destination First – Wherever you are headed, whether it is for business travel or leisure, call first and see what is already included in your hotel room. Some items like bathrobes, hair dryers and toiletries are common, but you may discover that your hotel can offer some unexpected items that will free up a great deal of precious space in your carry-on bag. For example, your hotel may offer complimentary beach towels, toys or movies for children, or portable cribs. You might be surprised to learn just how little you really need to bring!

Divide Your Luggage – If you are traveling as a family, divide the luggage up between each family member and consider investing in one small roller bag for each child, which they will be able to maneuver themselves. Child size luggage can be found at discount stores like Target, Walmart, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. Even with this investment, you can still easily save $25 on the way back because you won’t need to check a bag. The bonus is that your family can use that bag for years to come, making it easy to recoup your travel investment.

Pack Smart – It always seems that it’s the people who do not take the time to pack wisely that become the most flustered or are asked to step aside by security. The most important thing to note is that Transportation Security Administration rules require that passengers only carry liquids in 3-ounce containers in no more than one clear, quart-sized bag.

I love to visit freebie sites like Freebies4Mom.com, DealSeekingMom.com or The Savings Lifestyle and stockpile sample size toiletries and detergent for my trips. If you travel frequently, reusable travel containers can also be a fantastic investment, since they can be refilled with the items you already have from home.

Make sure to store the clear bag right on top for easy access, as it will need to be removed from your bags when going through airport security.

Establish Order In Your Carry-on – Underneath your bag of toiletries, tightly roll your clothing to prevent wrinkling and to maximize the space in your carry-on luggage. Choose clothing that can easily be mixed and matched and make sure to prepare for the weather conditions that may be awaiting you. There is nothing worse than being at an amusement park with your family during a torrential downpour and paying $15 for an umbrella, or heading to a state with warmer weather and paying $35 for a junky tourist sweatshirt because you are freezing.

Last, make sure that any electronics that will need to be inspected are at the top next to your toiletries until you get through security. The ones that will not need to be run through separately will be easier to scan if they are right on top, and those that require a separate inspection will be easier to access. Remember that everything can be rearranged in the bag once you get through security to protect your electronics from harm during travel.

Save Even More Money – The best part about keeping your bags light is that you can use this as an excuse to not buy so many travel souvenirs on your trip. Consider that light bag as not only a money saver, but also as the ultimate excuse to not indulge in those pricey gift shops. I have been known to use this excuse a time or two when coming home empty-handed after a business trip!

If you are unable to reduce your luggage to be carry-on compliant, try paying for your baggage online first. Just by paying for your checked bags online, you can sometimes save you a few dollars each way!

In the end, the lighter the load, the smaller the expense and the easier your life will be when getting through those security checks!

What are some of your tips for packing smarter and lighter when traveling?