Packing for a trip can sometimes feel like a game of Tetris, as you want to pack the essentials but also feel like you need to take a bunch of items just in case there are any emergencies or things you think your destination won’t have.
The truth is that overpacking takes away precious suitcase space and often leaves you lugging around stuff you’ll never even look at. Here are 16 items you’ll always regret packing.
Travel Pillows with Too Many Features
Of course, you’ve seen the neck pillows with memory foam, cooling gels, and enough features to launch them into space. While they might sound fancy, they’re often awkward to use and a nightmare to pack.
A lightweight, simple pillow does the job without hogging precious carry-on space or making you regret your life choices halfway through the flight.
Heavy DSLR Cameras
One thing for sure is that unless you’re an award-winning photographer about to go on a work trip, you can ditch the bulky DSLR camera. Modern smartphones and compact digital cameras take stunning photos—and without breaking your back. Also, lugging around expensive gear makes you a walking target for theft in some destinations, so keep it light and let your phone capture all your memories instead.
Full-Size Toiletries
Yes, packing full-size shampoo bottles or your favorite body wash might seem like a no-brainer, but let’s face it: they eat up space and add unnecessary weight. Most places you visit will have essentials for sale, and travel-sized containers are a genius alternative. Trust us, your suitcase will thank you for leaving those jumbo bottles at home.
Multi-Purpose Travel Jackets
Do you really need a jacket that’s also a neck pillow, a portable charger, and a Swiss Army knife? While it may sound cool in theory, in reality, these all-in-one jackets are clunky, heavy, and rarely live up to the hype. Stick with a lightweight, weather-appropriate jacket, and you’ll save yourself the hassle of lugging around a glorified gadget holder that won’t benefit you in any way.
Portable Safes
Don’t believe everything you’ve been told, as portable safes might seem like a good idea for securing your valuables, but they can draw more attention than they deter. They’re also small and not exactly practical to carry around, so instead, stash your important items in a hotel safe or use a discreet money belt to keep things secure without the bulk.
Bulky Power Converters
Big, clunky power converters with multiple plugs and settings might look like they’ll cover all your charging needs, but most modern devices are already designed to handle varying voltages.
A lightweight plug adapter is usually all you need, and it’ll save space for things you’ll actually need, like souvenirs or snacks.
Single-Use Kitchen Gadgets
Things that really do take up too much room are portable blenders, travel espresso makers, and tiny sandwich presses. They might sound like a dream for foodies, but let’s be honest, you’re probably not going to use them at all.
These gadgets are heavy, take up way too much space, and are completely unnecessary when most destinations have amazing local food options or kitchen appliances where you’re staying.
Fancy Packing Cubes
There’s no denying that packing cubes are great for organization, but the fancy ones with extra zippers and compartments can quickly become overcomplicated. They take up valuable space in your bag and can limit how much you actually fit in. If packing cubes are a must, then stick to basic ones as they’re simple and effective and don’t make packing feel like solving a Rubik’s cube.
Shoes for Every Occasion
We can all agree that shoes are one of the easiest items to overpack because, let’s face it, you don’t want to be caught without the perfect pair. But packing multiple pairs “just in case” is a rookie mistake. Stick with versatile options like comfortable sneakers or slip-ons, which can take you from day to night and still look smart.
Books and Magazines
For those of us who are avid readers, bringing your favorite novel or a stack of magazines might seem like a good idea at first, but physical books are heavy, and you’ll probably only read a few pages.
E-readers or apps on your phone let you carry a whole library without the extra weight, which your shoulders will really thank you for as you’re walking to your airport gate.
Portable Washing Machines
Dirty laundry is something we can all fret about before we go away and the idea of a portable washing machine might sound genius, especially for longer trips, but in reality, they’re impractical. They’re hard to pack and tricky to use, and honestly, handwashing in a sink or using a local laundry service is way easier. Also, if you’re staying in an apartment, then it might even have its own washing machine.
Travel-Sized Irons
No one wants to head out with creased clothes, and while travel irons might seem like a good idea for wrinkle-free outfits, they’re rarely worth the hassle. Most hotels or rentals provide irons, and sometimes, just a quick spritz of wrinkle-release spray does the trick. Another trick is to roll your clothes instead of folding them, as this can prevent wrinkles from forming in the first place.
Overly Specific Clothing
Let’s be honest: packing for every possible scenario, such as formal evening wear, hiking boots, or a parka for a sunny destination, is exactly how you overpack.
Unless your plans demand it, versatile clothing that works for multiple occasions is the way to go, allowing you to save space for all those souvenirs you’re going to find on your trip.
Hard-to-Fold Maps
In a way, paper maps might feel charmingly retro, but they’re annoying to fold and totally unnecessary in the age of smartphones. Digital maps and guidebook apps are way more practical, and they don’t take up space. You don’t need to be packing paper maps when you have access to everything you need on your smartphone.
Excessive First Aid Supplies
You might think you’re planning ahead by packing a basic first aid kit, but overpacking it with bandages, gauze, and enough medicine to open a pharmacy is overkill. Most destinations have pharmacies nearby, so just pack the essentials like pain relievers, plasters, and any personal medication.
This way, you’ll save space and still be covered for any minor emergencies.
Neck Wallets
Even though neck wallets are often marketed as a secure way to carry your valuables, they can be uncomfortable to wear and downright obvious. Wearing one screams that you’re a tourist, and constantly pulling it out to grab cash or ID is a hassle. Something easier to use is a discreet money belt or a slim, secure crossbody, which will do the job without making you feel like you’re wearing a lanyard at a convention.