If you bought too many souvenirs...

We all do it. We go on vacation and feel the need to buy souvenirs for everyone from the person watering your plants on up to your family. Your luggage is now overloaded, overweight or just won't carry anything else. What do you do?

Here are some suggestions that came from an article from the Independent Traveler.

Packing Problem: Too Many Souvenirs
You could always just pack less and leave room in the bag for some extra souvenirs. But who really wants to do that? After all, in the current context of expensive baggage fees, empty space in your suitcase is valuable real estate. And if you only brought a carry-on bag, some souvenirs you might purchase, like liquid-filled snow globes, may be prohibited past the airport security checkpoint. So with no room in your bag for anything larger than a postcard of Tuscany and only a carry-on in which to cart two weeks' worth of clothing, how do you get those bottles of pricey Italian merlot back to the States?

Many travelers ship souvenirs back home -- especially large or fragile things like handmade Moroccan rugs or Waterford crystal. A reputable shop that caters largely to tourists (and sells big and expensive items like furniture) will likely ship your goods back home right from the store. However, without shipping insurance or a tracking number, you have little control over the fate of your purchase.

A second option is to mail the item yourself. We recommend using major international shipping companies like UPS and FedEx as opposed to a local post office because overseas postal services (especially in developing areas) may be unreliable. Check out the major international shipping companies' Web sites before you leave to see if there's a location near where you will be traveling; if so, write down the address and phone number and stick it in your wallet. Also look up restrictions, shipping costs and shipping times. And make sure to get your shipment insured and write down a tracking number!

Your third, probably cheapest option is to pack a squashy, foldable bag that takes up little room in your suitcase. A soft duffel or zippered tote bag will work. If you end up with a mass of bulky souvenirs, you can unfold the extra bag and check it at the airport. Although you may end up paying a checked-bag fee for an extra piece of luggage, this might be a more economical way to cart your souvenirs home than paying for international shipping, which is not cheap. Wrap some T-shirts or sweaters around any breakable items.

I'm going to add another option: Take disposable clothes with you on vacation and throw them out after wearing them. By taking clothes that you have no intention of bringing home, you'll have more room in your suitcase for souvenirs. I've done it with underwear, shoes and more. Rather than packing your best, pack stuff that you are ready to get rid of anyway. Wear them and toss them. It will leave space and weight left in the suitcase for all of the new stuff you are going to buy :)