Everyone has searched for travel accessories for their trips. Whether you’re going away for a weekend or an extended period, it seems logical to be prepared in every way possible.
You might get a suitcase or a carry-on with multiple compartments to fit in as much as possible. Some things are absolute necessities, while others are packed just in case, which may lead you to pack almost the entirety of your closet.
There are unique travel accessories that can make packing more fun, such as color-coordinated travel toiletries or the latest cool travel gadgets. However, some items aren’t always necessary to pack and can take up too much room in your luggage. After many trips, you’ll notice that half of your luggage and the things you bring aren’t used. When you know exactly what you need for a trip, it reduces the stress of packing. The best part about leaving unnecessary items at home is that you don’t need to worry about weight limits, and it allows you to only travel with a carry-on, so you can avoid the risk of losing your luggage and its precious contents.
If this sounds good and you want to retire from overpacking, here are some travel accessories you can leave home.
Before That, Look at These Quick Tips
Not-so-common travel accessories may be useful depending on the circumstances. For instance, you may pack some ski boots on a ski trip, but it wouldn’t be helpful if you have no intentions of skiing while there. If you’re unsure whether you’ll use it, try to see if you can rent it at your destination or if you’ll ever consider using it before you pack.
Research your destination
Pay attention to the area you’re going to and the weather. Weather apps may not always be accurate, but they’re great at knowing what to expect around different seasons. This way, you know exactly what shoes and clothes you’ll need.
The number of days you’re traveling matters
You don’t need 30 outfits for a weekend trip. To avoid overpacking, it is best to have an itinerary so you know exactly the activities you’ll be packing for.
When in doubt, you don’t need it
If you need to ask yourself whether you’ll use it or if it’ll ever come in need, leave it at home. You will not experience doubts if they are must-have travel accessories.
Make a list when you come back from trips
After getting back from your trip, write down items you brought but barely or never used while on your trip. That way, you’ll remember not to pack them next time.
Leave These Travel Accessories at Home
Packing and repacking is a problem you’ll run into when you overpack. You can avoid this tedious process by leaving these travel accessories at home.
#1 Portable Clothes Steamers
Most people consider this option if they travel for an extended time and must do laundry often. In other instances, if they pack too much and want to release wrinkles from their clothes upon arrival, they may also bring a steamer.
Instead of bringing a steamer, look for dry-cleaning services in the places you’re visiting. If these services aren’t available to you, there are other ways to remove wrinkles from your clothes, such as bringing along a small-size wrinkle releaser, hanging your clothes to dry after washing, hanging the clothes in the bathroom to allow the steam from your shower to do the work, or placing wrapping paper in-between clothing when you pack to avoid wrinkles.
#2 Hair Dryer
This will take up a lot of space in your luggage, even the foldable travel ones. Before you pack this, check where you’ll be staying. Most hotels have hair dryers available in rooms; you won’t need to bring your own. Whether you’ll be staying at an Airbnb or a hotel, call ahead to see if they are offered before your trip to avoid packing it. Also, depending on the warmth of your destination, letting your hair airdry can be something you can consider.
#3 Air Freshener/Fabric freshener
Sure, you want to keep your room and clothes as fresh as possible when traveling, but air and fabric fresheners aren’t necessary.
To keep your clothes odor-free while you travel, consider handwashing and air-drying your sweaty clothes before placing them in your luggage. If you can’t wash them for any reason, wrap them separately away from clean clothing. Keep your place as moisture-free as possible, and crack a window to let some fresh air in.
#4 Portable Safe
You may consider this item if you want to keep your important documents and extra cash safe. Most portable safes are small but not attached to a solid surface, so they can bring unwanted attention while you travel.
While you’re trying to protect your valuables from theft, small safes can be quickly swiped away. To avoid adding this to your packing list, check in with your lodging, as some hotels have safes for your belongings. Additionally, you can consider saving important documents digitally and checking to see if you can use your card to avoid bringing excessive cash.
#5 Umbrella
Weather is unpredictable, and bringing an umbrella seems reasonable. However, this is something that may or may not be needed. Consider a light raincoat if you must bring something for lousy weather. Unlike umbrellas, they can withstand strong winds and heavy rain and are lighter to pack.
#6 Extension Cords
They are convenient but don’t always need to be packed when you travel. The placement of outlets at your lodging might make charging and using some electronics simultaneously tricky, so you might consider packing an extension cord. However, in these cases, it is not a necessity. You can save space with useful travel accessories, like a portable charger.
#7 Camera
Taking pictures on your trips is a great idea. You can capture different sceneries and moments you can bring back. Nowadays, many phones give you the same quality as a professional camera. Since, you’re most likely already traveling with your phone, bringing a camera may be unnecessary.
#8 Foot Hammock
Footrest is a fantastic idea when you’re flying for long hours. It helps improve circulation, increase comfort, and provide support. These benefits are great on a long flight; however, not everyone may benefit from a foot hammock. This may not offer the same support during a flight if you’re over a certain height since most planes don’t have a great distance between seats.
Summary
Planning is a huge part of knowing what you need vs. what you might want. When your plans are clear and concise, it makes packing much simpler. You know precisely what you need on your trip, and you avoid the unnecessary weight of your luggage (which, by the way, not only hurts your wallet with the fees you’ll need to pay at the airport but also puts a strain on your body.)
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