You’ve probably read plenty of articles
about what to pack before you take a trip but less often do professional
travelers tell you what NOT to pack in your suitcase. Ready to pack smarter?
Here are 10 things you don’t need to pack
and should leave at home to make your suitcase lighter and more manageable.
1.
Expensive jewellery
Even if you’re going on a five-star cruise, leave your expensive jewellery,
including watches, at home because travellers are just asking for it when they
wear their flashy stuff. In fact, it is recommended that women turn their
engagement rings around, when traveling through local markets and train
stations, so that stones of the ring are facing their palm.
If you do insist on bringing expensive jewellery
for a special occasion like a fancy wedding, then carry it on the plane with
you; don’t check it! And don’t wear it out on the town every day. Leave your
valuables in a safety deposit box at the front desk of a hotel or cruise ship
or in a safe.
2.
Travel iron
No one likes wrinkled clothes but chances are that wherever you’re going,
they’ll have an iron. And if they don’t, like on a cruise ship, where irons are
considered a fire hazard, there are other ways to get wrinkles out of your
clothing. The best trick: Hang your clothes in the bathroom when you’re
taking a hot shower. The heat will usually steam the wrinkles right out! Or,
I’m also a fan of packing wrinkle-free clothing so I don’t even need to worry
about ironing
3.
All of your tech gadgets
These days, most people have a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, an e-reader…but
do you really need all of them when you travel? Try to pare your tech
collection down to the essentials and leave the others at home. For instance,
if you can download the Kindle app on your iPad, you can leave your Kindle at
home and just read your books on your iPad. That way, you can also leave their
respective chargers at home, too.
4.
Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion
We all like the products we like but when you travel, why take up all that
space with your shampoo, conditioner and lotions? Unless you are going camping
or staying in a hostel, wherever you go will have it all. If you don’t think
you will like the hotel’s brand of amenities, then you can always go to a local
pharmacy or grocery store and buy some. If you must have your favorite shampoo,
then be sure it’s in the proper size container if you are doing carry-on only.
5.
Hair dryer
Don’t even think about it. I’m always surprised when I hear women bringing
their own hair dryer. Really? Do you not think the hotel, cruise ship or rental
house will have it? Packing a hair dryer is just taking up valuable room in
your suitcase unnecessarily and adds weight to your bags.
6.
Paper guidebooks
Gone are the days when travellers have to stock their suitcases or carry-on
bags with thick and heavy guidebooks. Don’t get me wrong – I love guidebooks
but this is the 21st century and you can find all the information you need
online or download it on to your smartphone or tablet.
7.
Too many clothes
There’s an old saying: Pack half the clothes and twice the money. Those are
words to live by. As you’re preparing for a trip, lay out all the clothes and
money you plan to bring. Then only pack half the clothes and double the amount
of money you had planned on. Like so many people, I used to over pack and then
I got wise. And don’t use the excuse that you’re a girl who needs more stuff –
the most girly —can travel with a suitcase the size of trunk, but once you see
the light, you’ll start using a suitcase that’s smaller.
8.
Designer luggage
Speaking of luggage, don’t bring expensive designer luggage as it only draws
the attention of thieves. If you’re a thief, who are you going to rob: someone that
has a designer bag or someone that’s got some generic suitcase? Case closed.
9.
Shoes
When you travel, bring one comfortable pair of walking/running shoes and one
pair of dressy shoes. Since women tend to have smaller feet, they can usually
fit a few options.
10. Over-the-counter
drugs
It is illegal to bring some over-the-counter medicines commonly used into some
foreign countries, like Japan. These drugs include inhalers and some allergy
and sinus medications. Specifically, products that contain stimulants or
codeine are prohibited.
As you can see, most of the things I’ve
listed will save you space in your suitcase but some can also save you jail
time!
What things do YOU leave at home?
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You’re Paris-bound, but dragging your giant
suitcase to baggage check is basically breaking your body. Here, seven things
to cut from your packing list before you depart for vacation. Trust
us, these items will never (ever) be worth it.
That pair of wedges that always cause you
to roll your ankle? Those sneakers that rub uncomfortably against your
skin? Leave 'em behind 100 percent of the time. We promise you’ll thank us when
you’re schlepping through the Marais.
If you’re feeling unsure in front of your
bathroom mirror, there’s no way in hell you’re going to love that two-piece
once you’re actually on the beach. Leave the skimpy, side-fat inducing
number at home and
pick out one that feels more figure-flattering.
