Whether you’re planning to take that dream vacation you’ve always wanted to go to or heading for a short business trip, what you pack is very important. After all, many of us feel that it’s always better to be prepared when traveling.

But what about those things that you should NOT ideally pack?

 

*My posts may occasionally contain affiliate links

We all have a basic list of what we need to pack when we go on a vacation. But there is also a long list of what you should NOT or need NOT pack while going on a vacation.

Here are a few of the top things that are you need not pack on your vacation –

1. Unnecessary Toiletries

Many of us are used to specific brands of body and hair products. But if you really want to save space and if you’re okay switching brands for a brief period, consider using the products that your hotel provides. 

And if you just cannot do without a particular product, you can even consider buying the product at your destination instead of carrying it with you. Helps save space and the tension of liquids spilling in your bag.

2. Too many Electronics

Let’s face it – we can’t live without our electronics – phones, tablets, laptops – you name it! But it doesn’t mean that you absolutely have to carry everything that you are otherwise reliable on. My husband and I have our own laptops, but while traveling, most of the time we carry just one laptop and share it.

Also, if possible, you can even consider not taking your laptop on your vacation at all – after all, you’re going on a vacation for relaxing, right? 

3. Iron

These days, every hotel – whether big or small provides you with an iron in your room. Even if you are renting a room or are using affordable options like Airbnb, they most likely provide you with an iron. And if you’re not sure, it doesn’t hurt to ask them beforehand.

Get $35 off your first Airbnb Trip

4. Hairdryer

The same goes with a hairdryer as well. Almost all of the hotels these days provide you with a hairdryer. And if you’re not sure, always ask them before packing it in.

5. Books

For many people, a book is a best friend while traveling. After all, they are an excellent way of keeping boredom away. But instead of carrying heavy books, consider investing in a Kindle if you haven’t already.

Similarly, instead of carrying travel guide books, download Free Travel apps like the GPS my City App that offers in-depth city guided tours on your smartphones.

Related | How To Travel Like a Pro with GPSmyCity App

6. Excessive makeup

This one is specifically for the ladies. I know it’s very tempting to stuff your makeup bag with a zillion types of brushes and blushes, but really, just avoid packing your entire vanity in your make-up bag.

 

 

7. Shoes for each and every outfit

This is again relevant to women more than men. We, women, are guilty of packing shoes for every outfit. Sure, shoes don’t weigh a lot but if you keep adding shoes and try to match them with every outfit before you know it, you will take up precious luggage space.

The smarter and the most obvious choice would be to wear comfortable shoes while traveling and pack at the most 2 shoes in your luggage. 

If you are someone who is absolutely worried about having shoes that match your outfit, try packing a pair of shoes that go with any outfit – like maybe a pair of nude pumps or wedges or those black sandals that go on almost everything.

8. Towels

Unless the hotel or the place that you’re staying in is not going to provide you with fresh and clean towels, there is no need to carry those bulky towels that take up precious luggage space.

9. Too many clothes (that you don’t need)

Okay, this is something that I have to work on myself. Whenever I pack my clothes to go anywhere, I almost always pack 3-4 extra outfits for those ‘but what if I feel like wearing this’ moments. And by the end of my trip, I have a few unused clothes in my bag.

Taking one or two extra clothes is okay. But make sure you don’t overpack your clothes. Anything that makes you think – ‘but what if I need this’ – just don’t take it! You’ll be fine.

10. Full bottles of Supplements/ Medication

I know it’s easy to just throw the entire bottle of your daily supplements or emergency pain relief pills in your suitcase. But do you really need all those pills for just a few days? Instead, put it in smaller travel-sized bottles to save space.

11. More than one Jacket

I generally like carrying a light jacket with me just to be safe (especially on plane rides since airplanes always get so cold!) But unless the place you’re heading to is really cold and you need to wear layers to stay warm, stick to just one basic jacket for your trip.

Also, instead of putting those puffy jackets in your bag and wasting space, tie them to your carry-on.

Related | 10 Tried & Tested Travel Tips I Swear by!

12. Too much Cash & other Valuables

While I’ve said in the past that it’s a good choice to carry some cash with you when you’re traveling, especially when you are traveling internationally, I like carrying only a small amount of cash. So even if it gets lost, I don’t suffer from a significant loss. 

Similarly, I also avoid carrying valuables like expensive watches or jewelry as I really don’t like to be bothered with the risk of misplacing them.

So there you go! These are some of the things that you can keep in mind the next time you pack for your vacation.

What are some of the things that you absolutely struggle with while packing for your vacation?

Pin for Later –

If you liked this post, please share it – pin it, tweet it, stumble it, or maybe share it on your Facebook!

You can also follow me on –

• Twitter @smilingnote
• Facebook Smiling Notes
• Pinterest smilingnotes
• Instagram smiling_notes

XOXO