Five items you don’t need to pack

Posted on Tue October 7, 2014.

You’ve probably spent a lot of time reading up on what you should pack for your trip, but have you considered what you shouldn’t put into your bag? Too many travellers overdo it. They think they need all this stuff jammed into their backpack when in reality, they only need the essentials. To help ensure you get it right here’s a list of items that you don’t need to bother with.

You’ve probably spent a lot of time reading up on what you should pack for your trip, but have you considered what you shouldn’t put into your bag?

Too many travellers overdo it. They think they need all this stuff jammed into their backpack when in reality, they only need the essentials.

To help ensure you get it right here’s a list of items that you don’t need to bother with.

Too many clothes

Here’s one everyone falls for. Sure, you need to make sure you have enough, but five different pairs of shorts is excessive. Many recommend packing half the clothes, double the money – which is wise advice. Lay all your clothes out before you pack and think realistically about how many of them you’re actually going to wear.

Oh, and remember – you can wear an outfit more than once. You’re travelling, not walking the catwalk.

Expensive jewellery

You probably want to take all of your fancy jewellery with you. You look great in it, right?

Don’t bother.

Even watches can attract unwanted attention. A traveller wearing lots of flashy jewellery is asking to be robbed. You’re a walking advertisement!

A hair dryer

Too many people pack hair dryers away into their suitcase only to never use them. It’s not that they aren’t bothering to dry their hair, but the hotel, hostel, or cruise ship have provided them. They always do. It’s taking up precious room in your backpack.

Your laptop

You’re going to want to keep everyone back home updated about your travels, but don’t take your laptop. A, it’s too big. It’ll take up far too much room. B, it’s one other thing that a thief can steal, and we doubt you’ll want your laptop stolen. And C, there are so many internet cafes available to send emails to your loved ones you won’t be short of opportunities to talk to them.

Body wash and shampoo

Unless you’re going to be spending a lot of time camping, leave the lotions and shampoos at home. The hotel or hostel should provide them. And if not, you can purchase some while you’re there. You wouldn’t want the bottle of shampoo to burst all over your clothes would you?