Things You Don't Need on Your Packing List

Traveling is a learning experience, and so is packing. We always want to be covered with all the items we think we need, but as we get more experienced with travel and packing, we start noticing we are actually hauling more than what we really need. Most articles online only focus on what you SHOULD bring. Only few will give advice on what we SHOULDN’T bring when you travel. Here is a list of thing you should consider not packing on your future trips.

1. Jewelry And Valuables

These are unnecessary items to be carrying and which you’ll probably use once or twice on your trip. Not only is it unnecessary but you also carry the risk of losing them. If you can’t imagine yourself without your expensive diamond ring/earrings/necklace or your expensive watch, it’s better you leave them.

2. Too Many Camera Zoom Lens

Zoom lenses are big and heavy. Unless you are a professional photographer, most of the time you will shoot with your good regular lens camera, or even with your phones since cell phones are nowadays equipped with supper good lens on it.

3. Extra Toiletries

Pack just the bare essentials and buy when you arrive the destination. But it’s wise just to carry a “sampler” or travel size of the primary toiletries and medicines, for the beginning of your trip. 

4. Too Many Cotton Clothes

Fluffy stuff takes more space, plus they take longer to dry when wet. Try to have a variation with a higher percentage of Polyester or other synthetic. They take slightly less space plus they dry quicker than cotton.

5. Too Many Jeans

Jeans take a lot of space, are heavy, and they take forever to dry.  But one pair of jeans is almost necessary.  They can last days without washing, are warm enough, durable, fashionable.

6. Bulky Towels

Fluffy towels are very convenient, but just at home.  Carrying a full towel just doesn’t make much sense since it really takes a lot of space in your backpack. Instead, use a small swimmers towel (they are super absorbent) or a microfiber towel. These don’t take much space and work as well as the regular ones.

7. Guidebooks

Books are heavy. Period. Why carry a full guidebook when you only need a single chapter or just a few pages.  The easiest way is to simply store them on your iPhone, Kindle or smart device and access them on the road.

8. Pillow

Even though it’s not heavy, it takes too much space. All hotels, guesthouses and even trains in China provide pillows for travelers. If that’s not the case, your jacket and/or some other clothes can make a good pillow.

9. Things Used for “What If”

If you’re packing something using the words “what if”, it’s probably that it is absolutely not necessary, you will never use it, and will end up carrying it all the way.  If you say “just for this one occasion”, it will probably not be worth it to carry it just for one use.  At best, try to buy those things at your destination (and possibly cheaper). Plus, by buying things after you arrive, you’ll be less likely to waste money on junk that seemed like a good idea before your trip.

10. Things You Can Buy There

Unless you are going to an extremely remote place, it’s pretty sure you’re going to find shaving soap, reusable water bottle, extra toiletries, and pretty much everything or a reasonable facsimile. Even antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin) can be bought without prescription and way cheaper than back at home.  Plus, buying things at your destination is a fun way to know the area.

11. Hairdryer

Hairdryer is bulky, cumbersome, and – depending on where you’re traveling – often completely useless. Most hotels, guesthouses, and even Airbnbs have ones you can use or borrow.

12. High Heels

Even if you have plans to dress up and go out for a nice dinner and/or drinks on your trip, I would still recommend leaving your high heels at home. Not only are high heels hard to walk in and uncomfortable but they also take up valuable space in your luggage unless it’s definitely necessary. There are many compact shoe options to look stylish and fashionable without resorting to heels. If you are planning to wear a dress or skirt, pair your outfit with cute flat sandals. Ballet flats are also a great choice since they can be worn with both pants and skirts.

High heels

13. Bathrobes

Many hotels offer bathrobes for guest use during their stay, so packing one is often unnecessary. But even if your hotel doesn’t offer this perk, a bathrobe will take up half your suitcase; it’s not worth it. Pack some comfy PJs instead.

14. Giant Headphones

Giant headphones are fashion accessories at present, but they make little sense as a travel accessory. Some travelers swear by noise-canceling headphones, but these are often slimline enough, whereas large fashion headphones are not. Most super-efficient travelers stick with earbuds, which are low-weight and low-profile, and less likely to mark you as a rich tourist.

Giant Headphone Bluetooth Earphone

Want to know Things Not to Bring Home from Your Trip.