Save Money, Pack Lighter on Your Next Ski Vacation

Getting ready to take that winter break ski or snowboard vacation?  Just in time for your holiday reading, here is a handy list of packing tips to help you get your big and little athletes, and all their gear, on that planned flight.

Thanks to Cheapflights.com’s "How To Pack for a Ski Vacation" guide for these practical, money-saving tips:

· Pack with purpose: Tuck small items, such as ski socks and gloves, inside your ski boots to maximize space. Wrap your goggles inside a ski hat and make sure they're well cushioned in case of bumps. If you are bringing your skis or snowboard, pack clothes around them in the ski bag - provided that’s not expressly forbidden by your carrier. Cram as much as you can into your hand luggage.

· Consider renting equipment: Do you really need to haul your skies on the flight or can you rent your skis there? Some airlines will throw in free ski carriage but other carriers will charge extra. If your prospective airline charges, weigh up the costs of carrying skis compared to renting. As a guide, Cheapflights.com has created an easy table outlining the Costs of Carrying Skis on Flights for various airlines.

· Consider renting clothes: If you are really trying to keep baggage costs down you could rent some clothes for your stay at the resort. A growing number of resorts provide this service.

· Wear as much on the flight as you can: Some hard-core bargain flyers suggest wearing your ski boots too. Wearing a helmet in the cabin might be pushing the bounds of acceptability but it’s an item that many slope-bound travelers will pack in their hand luggage.

· Don't forget your paperwork: Pack your printouts for booked lift tickets, rentals, lessons, and, most importantly, your travel insurance policy.

The complete How-to Guide with additional tips is available at http://news.cheapflights.com/2010/12/how-to-pack-for-a-ski-vacation/.