Posted in Travel Tips
October 27, 2017
These Are The Top 9 Things You Definitely DON’T Need To Pack
With baggage fees creeping up all the time, space in your suitcase is at a premium. Don’t fill it up with things you don’t really need. Learn to pack smart and you’ll have more room for souvenirs and will have a bit less trouble hauling that bulging suitcase up to your hotel room. Here are the top things that you should definitely leave behind while packing for your next vacation.
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Honestly, no one is going to know if you swap out your real diamond studs for a cheap pair from the mall. Losing your jewelry or having it stolen is a real danger when you’re traveling and the peace of mind you’ll gain by knowing your valuables are safe at home is priceless. Consider swapping out your wedding rings for a cheap cubic zirconia set that will do the job while you explore.
Get a good pair of denim jeans. Put them in your suitcase. Zip it up. You really don’t need more than one pair unless you’re going to be traveling for over a month. And even then, you can probably get away with the one pair.
Don’t even think about packing your full-size shampoo bottle or hairspray canister. Transfer just as much as you’ll need for the trip into small, reusable travel bottles or buy travel size versions at your local pharmacy.
If you’re staying in an even moderately nice hotel, they’ll have a hairdryer for you to borrow. On the off-chance that there isn’t one in your hotel room, you can probably have one sent up from the front desk.
That phone you’re reading this article on? It can fit all the guidebooks and phrasebooks you’ll ever need. Download a translating app or buy a digital version of your favorite guidebook if you don’t think your own internet research will cut it. Just don’t waste space packing heavy paper books.
You need a pair for walking and a pair for dressier occasions. That’s really it.
Unless you’re bringing a tablet or E-reader, it doesn’t make sense to haul more than one book with you on almost any length trip. Plan to pick up another book at your destination if you truly think you’ll get through an entire book and still need more reading material, and perhaps consider leaving your original book with your host or hotel. Your new book will be a unique souvenir and the old tome will go on to entertain other travelers without weighing down your luggage.
Sure, if you’re headed to a summery clime you’ll want to pack your warm weather gear. But don’t bring a heavy jacket to Los Angeles in August "just in case."
Packing smart can save you from the stress (and aching back) of dragging too much stuff with you on your travels. For what to do when you get to your destination, check out this guide to how to spend the first few minutes in your hotel room.
