Packing for a long-term trip can be a daunting task, especially if you’re trying to keep your load light. Based on years of travel experience, here are 14 items that many travelers overpack and should reconsider.
Item 1 - Water Bottles
It's a common sight to see travelers with personalized water bottles adorned with stickers, and while they are environmentally friendly at home, many destinations have questionable tap water quality, leading you to buy bottled water anyway. Instead of packing a bulky water bottle, consider this approach:
- Buy a bottle of water at the start of your journey. Opt for glass if possible, as it's easier to recycle and will help reduce microplastics.
- Purchase a large jug of water at your destination.
- Refill your initial bottle throughout your trip.
This method reduces the number of items you need to pack and carry, and you won't feel guilty if you lose the bottle.
For those who insist on bringing a water bottle, consider a collapsible or foldable one to save space. Buyer's note: Foldable bottles take up less space, but are prone to tip, while collapsible bottles offer more stability in a bigger footprint.
Item 2 - Portable Chargers and Power Banks
Portable chargers can be a lifesaver, but they are often heavy, bulky, and prone to getting wet. Plus, they add another item to manage and charge. With the availability of power outlets on most long-haul transports and fast wall chargers, you can usually keep your phone charged without needing a power bank. It's one less thing to worry about and carry.
If you can't imagine leaving home without a portable charger, opt for an ultrathin magnetic charger like this ultrathin 8.6mm portable charger.
Item 3 - Tablets and eReaders
While physical books are a definite no-go for minimalist packing, even tablets and eReaders might be overkill. They add to your charging burden and are one more thing to manage. Most entertainment needs can be met with a smartphone, and airplanes often have in-flight entertainment systems. Consider switching to audiobooks or podcasts for a lighter, more streamlined travel experience.
Item 4 - Portable Bluetooth Speakers
Bluetooth speakers might seem like a good idea for beach days or park outings, but most places you'll visit already play music. Whether it’s a rooftop pool, a park, or a beach, you’ll likely find someone else providing the soundtrack. Your phone can suffice in a pinch, making Bluetooth speakers an easy item to leave behind.
Item 5 - Beach and Bathroom Towels
Towels are undoubtedly useful, but they’re also typically available wherever you stay, whether it’s a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb. Since towels are bulky and take up valuable space, it’s often easier to rely on the facilities provided at your local accommodations.
Item 6 - Big Expensive Headphones
You know those huge Beats by Dre headphones? Yeah, those, leave them!
I'm all for pristine sound and noise-cancelling headphones, but if you're looking to minimize your pack, this is an easy place to save. Inexpensive, in-ear Bluetooth headphones can be found at almost any convenience, anywhere in the world, so you won't be without your tunes, and you probably won't notice much difference; plus you probably won't care if you lose a pair of cheap headphones, and you definitely will care if you lose your Beats by Dre.
Save yourself a small headache and drop the beats...
Item 7 - Neck Pillows and Head Bob Stoppers
People love their travel pillows and neck braces and face slings and jaw holders, and I love that they love them, because I get to laugh at how silly they look with their mouths agape and drool dripping every so slowly onto their gently tucked in, baby blue airline blanket.
These are all great things, but here's the catch, neck pillows, face braces, and forehead holders are only usually useful on that first long flight overseas, and that second long flight home; outside of that, they're just taking up space. There are better uses for that space, like coconut bras and dinosaur crocs.
Plus, pillows are provided on international flights; they're not perfect, but then again, neither are you.
Item 8 - Thick Comfy Hoodies
Hoodies are great, hoodies are cool, pack a hoodie for travel and feel like a fool.
I don't know if that's true, but I do know that thick hoodies are about the worst thing you can pack (right next to towels) if you're trying to save space.
Few things in this world are as nice as a big comfy hoodie - I don't envy your decision - but thick hoodies are right up there with neck pillows and chin twisters; they're great for long flights and chilly evenings, but that's about it; there are better ways to stay warm... like traveling to a warm climates, or having a drink.
Leave the thick hoodie at home and pack a lightweight version instead, you'll get most of the benefits and all of the space.
Items 9/10 - Umbrellas and (Maybe) Rain Jackets
Umbrellas are great, but how often do you use them?
Especially if you're traveling long-term, but even if you're not, umbrellas have a very low space-to-value ratio, you're better off leaving it at home and either buying one on the road if you need it, or buying a cheap poncho, or avoiding the rain completely.
Rain jackets could go either way, on one hand, there are super packable options that are great for travel, on the other hand, why spend the money when you could just buy a cheap poncho, or stay out of the rain completely?
Unless you know you'll be hiking in wet conditions or you're traveling to a wet climate and spending a significant amount of time outdoors, you probably don't need a rain jacket.
When in doubt, leave it behind.
Item 11 - Watches and Jewelry
Watches, jewelry, necklaces, rings, and earrings - I probably don't need to mention these, but just in case you were wondering, leave them all behind; they're easy to lose, often expensive, and can draw unnecessary attention; if you're looking to accessorize, buy some while traveling, but don't pack anything you'd be afraid to lose, it's not worth it.
Item 12 - Smart Watches
Smart Watches are like eReaders, tablets, and any other extra electronics that are nice to have, but not necessary; it's just one more thing to worry about, only you won't know you're worried, because you won't have your heart rate tracker, well... that's a conundrum.
Item 13 - Specialized Sporting Equipment
This one is a bit trickier; if your trip revolves around some specific activity, like rock climbing, snowboarding, scuba diving, etc., it may make sense to bring your equipment, but if you're reading this blog, I'm going to assume you're looking for ways to minimize for long-term, non-specialized travel; in that case, it's good to remember that any tour-guide or instructor-led activities you sign up for will already have all the equipment you need, often-times it's required that you use the onsite outfitter; so you probably don't need to worry about packing extra equipment - outside of generic hiking gear.
If you do end up doing your thing, like camping, kayaking, canyoning, or croqueting, there's a 99% chance you can find equipment rental in every major city; if you're worried about it, do some research before you leave and ignore everything I've said so far.
Items 14+ - Honorable Mentions
Extra Shoes - While these are a big ticket item, I'm putting them in the... footnotes :P, because it would take a whole article to explain, and I've already written it: <insert link>
Playing Cards - I was told long ago to always pack a deck of cards, so I did, and I never needed them; most hostels have a host of games on hand, including cards, or you can buy a pack at any convenience store, so these comfortably fall into the "buy them if you need them" category.
Flashlights - There's something about travel that makes me think I need a flashlight, I don't know why, and I've never needed one, it just... seems like you should have one, just in case.. and maybe you're in the same boat; but alas, after years of travel, it's time to admit it, flashlights are rarely necessary and can safely be left behind... unless it's a keychain flashlight, those are always a good idea.
Summary
There you have it, 14+ things people frequently travel with, but often don't need.
Obviously these are all debatable, but when it comes to packing for long-term travel, less is always more.
If you're aware of any other often-overpacked items or ways to minimize, let me know in the comments and I'll add them to the list!
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As always, happy travels!