Weighty matters—what to pack, so you don't overpack

Daily Grommet visitor Jeannette K. introduced us to one of the smartest travel accessories we've seen lately: the Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale. As you probably know, airlines haven't just cut back on the peanuts and in-flight blankets—they're now charging for, well, LUGGAGE. As if the $15 fee for your checked bag wasn't bad enough, the penalties skyrocket if your bag is deemed too heavy (usually 50 lbs or more). These "special handling charges" can run you upwards of $300, and that's not even counting the cost of your mid-flight snack.

The Balanzza Digital Luggage Scale is an ingenious device that lets you easily check the weight of your bags before you even leave home. It's compact and strong enough to weigh up to 100 pounds of suitcase, so you can redistribute those too-heavy items ahead of time—much better than frantically digging through your stuff in front of a line of grumpy travelers.

If your next trip is right around the corner, pick up a Balanzza scale now!

Here are a few other Grommets if you're road-tripping:

• CARES air travel safety restraint will keep your little tyke safe next time you fly.
• Bring a Flip Video Digital Camcorder with you on your next vacation to be sure you l capture all those precious moments.
• Keep your electronic valuables safe with an Otterbox protective case.