What NOT To Pack: 10 Things You Think You Need But Don’t

Are You A Chronic Overpacker? Here Are Ten Items That You Do Not Need To Bring With You On Your Next Trip!

So what not to pack on my next trip?

When it comes to packing for a trip, it’s easy to get carried away “just in case.”

But overpacking can quickly turn your exciting adventure into a stressful, back-breaking experience—literally.

If you’ve ever lugged a heavy suitcase up a flight of stairs or tried to zip a bursting carry-on, you know the struggle is real.

The truth is, most of us pack way more than we actually need (I used to as well).

In this post, I’m sharing the top 10 things travelers think they need but really don’t—so you can skip the excess, lighten your load, and travel smarter.

1. Too Many Clothes

This is one of the most common packing mistakes: bringing way more clothes than you actually need.

The fear of running out of clean outfits or not having the “right” thing to wear can lead to a suitcase bursting at the seams with options you’ll never touch.

The truth is, most travelers end up re-wearing their favorite comfortable pieces and ignoring half of what they packed.

Instead of planning for a completely different outfit each day, think in terms of versatility and layering.

Choose neutral colors that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits with fewer pieces.

A few well-chosen tops, bottoms, and layers can go a long way, especially if you pack lightweight, quick-dry materials that are easy to wash and re-wear.

Also, consider the climate and your actual itinerary.

Are you really going to wear three pairs of jeans in a tropical destination?

Or that fancy dress when your days are packed with sightseeing? Probably not.

Focus on practicality and comfort over variety, and your shoulders will surely thank you.

2. Multiple Pairs Of Shoes

Shoes are some of the bulkiest and heaviest items you can pack. They take up precious space in your luggage.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting a different pair for every occasion—hiking shoes, casual sneakers, sandals, heels, boots.

However, unless you’re traveling for a very specific purpose (like a formal event or a hiking trip), you don’t need that many.

For most trips, two pairs of shoes are more than enough:

• One comfortable pair for walking (like sneakers or supportive sandals)
• One more stylish or weather-specific pair (like flats, dressy sandals, or waterproof boots, depending on your destination)

The key is choosing versatile footwear that can serve multiple functions.

A good pair of sneakers, for example, can work for sightseeing, casual dinners, and even light hikes.

Pack shoes that you’ve already broken in—nothing ruins a trip faster than painful blisters.

If you’re tight on space, wear the bulkier pair on travel days and pack the lighter one.

And remember: you’re traveling, not walking a runway.

Comfort and practicality should always come first when it comes to footwear.

3. Full-Size Toiletries

Packing full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion is not only unnecessary, it’s a huge waste of space and weight.

Most airlines have strict limits on liquids in carry-on luggage, and even if you’re checking a bag, do you really need 500 ml of shampoo for a one-week trip?

The smarter option is to pack travel-sized versions of your essentials.

These are lighter, TSA-approved, and more than enough for short to medium-length trips.

Better yet, solid alternatives, like shampoo bars, solid deodorants, or bar soap, are leak-proof and last longer.

Also, remember that many accommodations (especially hotels and Airbnbs) already provide basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, & soap.

Unless you’re staying somewhere remote or have specific product needs (like for sensitive skin), you can skip packing the entire bathroom cabinet.

To stay organized and avoid spills, use a small toiletry bag or a ziploc bag with leak-proof containers.

And if you run out while traveling? No problem—you can usually buy what you need locally.

Packing lighter doesn’t mean going without; it just means being more intentional about what you bring.

4. Jewelry And Valuables

While it’s tempting to bring your favorite jewelry or expensive accessories on a trip, it’s usually not worth the risk.

Items like diamond rings, gold necklaces, designer watches, or sentimental heirlooms can easily get lost, stolen, or damaged while traveling.

And dealing with that kind of loss, especially in a foreign country, can quickly turn your dream trip into a nightmare.

Wearing flashy or expensive-looking items can also make you stand out as a tourist and potentially attract unwanted attention.

Especially in crowded areas or destinations known for petty theft.

It’s better to blend in and travel low-key, especially when you’re exploring unfamiliar places.

Instead of packing your full jewelry box, stick to a few simple, inexpensive accessories that go with everything.

If you’re attending a special event and want to dress things up, choose one statement piece that won’t break your heart (or your wallet) if something happens to it.

As for other valuables, like laptops, luxury bags, or large amounts of cash, only bring them if absolutely necessary.

And if you must travel with something valuable, keep it in your carry-on. Also, never leave it unattended in a hotel room unless there’s a secure safe.

When in doubt, ask yourself: Would I be okay losing this? If the answer is no, it’s best to leave it at home.

5. Bulky Hair Accessories

Unless you’re staying somewhere very remote, chances are your hotel, Airbnb, or guesthouse already provides a hair dryer.

Hair dryers take up a huge amount of space in your suitcase, and when you’re trying to travel light, it’s just not worth the hassle.

The same goes for hair straighteners and curling irons.

While it’s nice to want perfect hair for travel photos, these tools are often unnecessary for day-to-day exploring.

Especially if you’re spending time outdoors, on the beach, or in humid destinations where styled hair won’t hold up anyway.

Another issue? Voltage differences.

If you’re traveling internationally, your tools may not work properly, even with a plug adapter. You risk blowing a fuse, frying your device, or damaging your hair.

Instead, consider embracing low-maintenance hairstyles while traveling.

A travel-sized bottle of dry shampoo, a few hair ties, or a simple clip are sufficient.

If you absolutely must bring styling tools, look for dual-voltage, compact versions designed specifically for travel.

6. Workout Gear (That You Won’t Use)

We’ve all been there—packing running shoes, leggings, resistance bands, and even a yoga mat with the best of intentions.

Only to return home without having touched any of it.

Unless you’re someone who consistently sticks to a fitness routine while traveling, chances are your workout gear will just take up space in your bag and add unnecessary weight.

It’s easy to fall into the “I’ll be good on this trip” mindset, but vacations often throw off our routines—and that’s okay.

Between sightseeing, walking, early mornings, and late-night dinners, you may not have the time or energy for a full workout session.

And realistically, walking 10,000+ steps a day while exploring a new city often gives you plenty of exercise anyway.

If you’re staying at a hotel with a gym or really do plan to work out, pick one multipurpose activewear outfit and your most lightweight sneakers.

Otherwise, skip the bulky gear, especially the items that are tricky to pack, like yoga mats or heavy shoes.

Instead, focus on travel-friendly ways to stay active. Such as going for hikes, swimming, or doing short, bodyweight workouts in your room if the mood strikes.

7. Books (Multiple Or Thick Ones)

Bringing along that novel you’ve been meaning to finish or a stack of guidebooks might seem like a cozy idea.

However, books are heavy, take up a lot of space, and are one of the first things that weigh down your bag.

Packing multiple paperbacks or that 700-page hardcover “just in case” usually ends up being more of a burden than a benefit.

Let’s be honest, between busy travel days, new experiences, and the occasional travel fatigue, you may not read nearly as much as you expect to.

And when you do find downtime, you’ll probably reach for your phone to scroll, stream, or snooze rather than crack open that novel.

A better option? Go digital.

Load your favorite reads onto an e-reader like a Kindle or Kobo, or even your phone or tablet using apps like Kindle, Libby, or Audible.

That way, you can carry an entire library without sacrificing any space. Audiobooks are especially great for road trips, train rides, or winding down at night.

If you still prefer the feel of a real book, limit yourself to one lightweight paperback, preferably one you can swap or leave behind once finished.

8. Extra Tech Gadgets

In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to pack every gadget you own.

Items like a tablet, Kindle, Bluetooth speaker, portable fan, GoPro, tripod, external hard drive, and maybe even a drone.

But unless you’re a content creator or working remotely, bringing all that tech usually adds up to a lot of extra weight, tangled cords, and stress about losing or damaging expensive equipment.

The truth is, your smartphone can do almost everything: navigate, take great photos, store boarding passes, stream movies, play music, and even function as a reading device.

Unless you have a clear reason for needing each gadget, leave the extras behind.

Ask yourself:

• Will I really use my tablet if I already have my phone?
• Do I need a Bluetooth speaker, or will earbuds do?
• Is bringing a GoPro worth the hassle if I don’t plan to film extreme adventures?

Extra tech also means extra accessories—chargers, batteries, adapters, cases—and they take up more space than you think.

If you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget the voltage converters or plug adapters, which add even more to your packing list.

Instead, prioritize multi-use devices and pack only what you’ll use regularly.

Stick to one or two essential gadgets, and you’ll travel lighter, worry less, and still stay connected.

9. Towels

Unless you’re camping, staying in budget hostels, or heading somewhere super remote, you can safely leave the bulky towel at home.

Most hotels, vacation rentals, and even mid-range hostels provide clean towels for free.

Packing your own only takes up precious suitcase space, especially when it’s thick, heavy, and slow to dry.

Traditional bath towels are one of the worst space-wasters in your luggage.

They’re large, take forever to dry (which can lead to musty smells or mildew if packed damp), and are rarely necessary.

Even beach destinations typically offer towels at your accommodation or rental property.

If you do need to bring one, for example, if you’re staying in hostels that don’t provide them or you’ll be swimming frequently, opt for a compact, quick-dry travel towel instead.

These microfiber towels are lightweight, fast-drying, and fold down to a fraction of the size of a standard towel, making them a smart, space-saving choice.

But for most travelers, especially those staying in hotels or Airbnbs, a towel is already waiting for you.

10. “Just In Case” Items

Ah, the infamous “just in case” items—the things we pack not because we know we’ll need them, but because maybe we might.

Think: that extra sweater for a tropical trip, three backup chargers, and a rain poncho for the desert.

These items seem harmless, but when you pack too many of them, they start to take up valuable space and add weight to your luggage for no real reason.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of packing for every possible scenario, but the reality is you can’t predict every travel twist, and you don’t need to.

If something unexpected does come up, chances are you can buy what you need at your destination.

Unless you’re going somewhere extremely remote or off the grid, you’ll have access to shops, pharmacies, and essentials if necessary.

Think about your itinerary, the weather forecast, and your actual daily plans.

One versatile outfit for cooler weather? Smart. Three “just in case it gets cold” jackets? Not so much.

Focus on multi-purpose items that work in various situations, and leave the rest behind.

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Conclusion: What NOT To Pack: 10 Things You Think You Need But Don’t

Packing light isn’t just about saving space, it’s about freeing yourself from the weight of “what if” and focusing on the experience, not your luggage.

Most of us tend to overpack out of habit or fear of being unprepared, but the truth is: you need a lot less than you think.

By leaving these unnecessary items behind, you’ll save room, reduce stress, and make moving from place to place so much easier.

So before you zip up that suitcase, take one last look and ask yourself: Will I really use this?

If the answer isn’t a confident yes, it’s probably safe to leave it behind.