We’ve all done it! Packed way too much when we travel.
I know many of you are travelling with kids and trying to pack for many scenarios but there are just some things we could leave at home.
Scroll down to find out why you should not pack these items when you travel.
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My top 4 items not to pack when you travel and why
1. The Hair-dryer
Most accommodations now include a hair-dryer (just double-check with your accommodation’s website before you leave home) and if you are travelling overseas then the power sockets will be different anyway.
If you are staying more budget orientated without any extras why not let your hair dry naturally or if you really need to style your hair then just pack the curling iron
2. More Than One Coat
Coats and jumpers/sweaters are so bulky taking up way too much room and weight in your luggage. So find one that does the job of looking good whilst keeping you warm and dry.
Then think layers. Add some colourful scarves or pashminas to give yourself another look and some light weight cardigans for when you are indoors.
3. Too Many Dressy Outfits
When you are travelling the only person who is seeing you night after night is your travel companion and obviously though you well enough that they wanted to travel with you. So ease up on trying to impress.
If you are on a tour or cruise where you are likely to see the same people consider a skirt/pants with a few different dressy top to mix and match.
4. Lots of Shoes
Again you need to think about how much room you have in your bags and your weight allowance. It’s not just flights that have these restrictions it’s tour buses, cruises and if you’re road tripping then there is only so much room in the boot (no pun intended 🙂 )
You don’t need a different pair of shoes for each outfit. Think mix and match when planning your travel wardrobe.
Choose 1 pair of thongs/flip-flops for the beach or pool, 1 pair of walking shoes (according to the weather) and 1 pair of dress shoes (consider colours like black or pewter that will go with everything.)
If you would like more details about what you should pack click on all my packing lists for family travel – there’s a list for anyone and everyone.
So what have you packed that you wish you’d left at home?
Please tell me about it in the comments.
Linking Up With:
- With Some Grace #FYBF
- Families Go #WkendTravelInspiration
- My Travel Monkey #MondayEscapes
Great tips Sally. I’m prone to overpacking. I just can’t help myself. I’m off to check out your other packing lists for family travel – I need an intervention!
Haha Kirsty, love to know what you thought of my packing lists – I hope they were helpful.
I’m with you on these Sally. Layering is always a good idea when travelling, and more than two pairs of shoes is usually unnecessary. We ended up posting a bag of items home from Italy, which was quite expensive, but allowed us space in our bags for more purchases 😉
Ah good point Lyndall, I should have added you will want room in your luggage for purchases.
I packed my hair dryer on two trips before. It was cumbersome and took up space in the suitcase, really, I should have known. But now I just let my hair dry naturally especially when I’m staying at budget accommodation and they don’t have a hair dryer. Yeah, my hair would have looked better but nowadays, I don’t really care hahahah 🙂
That’s the attitude Kat – your on holiday 🙂
I love this post, because I always come back with more ideas of what not to pack versus what to pack.
What do you wish you’d left behind from your last trip Corinne?
Great post. As a frequent traveller I tend to forget that not everyone knows things like, nearly all hotels have hairdryers. When we first started travelling we even packed a travel iron. I couldn’t imagine doing that now.
Oh the travelling iron, I have forgotten about those Lyn – they were all the rage at one point.
I always overpack medicines. extras just in case like my kids’ asthma inhalers. But it makes me feel safer … haven’t needed them yet but it makes me feel better.
I think when it comes to your kids Shobha it is better to be safe than sorry.
A common problem even us seasoned travellers sometimes struggle with! Great points on what to leave at home. I haven’t packed a hairdryer in years!
Kimberly
#MondayEscape
Yes I still pack too much as well Kimberley
I couldn’t agree more with you Sally!! We’ve all done it!
Nowadays I don’t pack them.. especially hairdryer and 2 coats. I try to pack neutral clothes so I can combine among them, like jeans, white and grey t-shirts and sneakers 😀
Happy to have you on #MondayEscapes
That’s is Allane, mix and match.