I used to pack like I was heading into the unknown: three pairs of jeans, a curling iron I never used, and enough toiletries to last a month. Sound familiar? After dozens of trips and more than a few packing regrets I’ve finally figured out what not to bring.
This isn’t just another checklist. These are items I’ve personally packed, regretted, and left behind for good. If you’re trying to travel lighter, avoid spills, and skip the “why did I bring this?” moments, here’s my honest list of things I don’t pack anymore plus what I use instead.
Brand-New Shoes You Haven’t Worn Yet
I cannot stress this enough never pack brand-new shoes for a trip. I made this mistake in Lisbon once. I had just bought a pair of trendy white sneakers and thought they’d be perfect for exploring. They looked great, sure, but by lunchtime, I had blisters on both heels, my toes were rubbing raw, and I ended up limping through cobblestone streets for the rest of the day.
When you’re traveling, comfort should win over style every single time. Your feet are going to be your main mode of transportation, and the last thing you want is to ruin your trip because of shoes you didn’t break in first.
What I pack instead:
Shoes I know I can walk in for hours without thinking about them. Usually, that’s a pair of already-broken-in sneakers (my go-to are some trail runners or Allbirds), plus something lightweight like foldable sandals or flip-flops for hanging out at the hotel or heading to the beach. If I need to look nice, I bring simple flats that can dress up an outfit but still feel like slippers.
If you must bring new shoes, at least wear them around the house for a week before your trip and bring Band-Aids. Lots of them.
Full-Size Toiletries
Full-size anything is a packing trap. I’ve had sunscreen explode all over my clothes, face wash leak into my shoes, and an entire bottle of lotion get confiscated at TSA. It’s just not worth it.
The thing is, you probably won’t need that much product anyway. Most trips are just a few days to a week and even longer trips are easier when you can pick up basics locally. You’ll also save weight, space, and stress.
What I bring instead:
I use a few refillable 2 oz containers and squeeze just enough product for the trip. Shampoo bars have become a favorite they don’t count toward liquid limits, and they last forever. I also throw in some face wipes, a tiny toothpaste, and a roll-on deodorant. It all fits in one clear ziplock bag that lives in my suitcase, ready for the next trip.
Keep a pre-packed toiletry kit ready to grab so you’re never scrambling the night before your flight.
Hair Tools I Know I Won’t Use
I used to be that person who packed a flat iron, curling wand, and a full-size hairbrush. Honestly, I was kidding myself. Between walking all day, humidity, or just being tired at night, I never ended up using them. Not once.
And let’s be real most destinations don’t call for salon-level hair. Especially if you’re traveling somewhere with heat or wind, your hair’s going to do its own thing anyway. Embrace it.
What I bring now:
I stick to the essentials. A small detangling brush, a couple of scrunchies, dry shampoo, and maybe a few bobby pins. If I’m staying somewhere fancy, I’ll call ahead to make sure they have a hair dryer most hotels and Airbnbs do.
Braids, buns, or hats are your best friend when you don’t want to deal with your hair but still want to feel put-together.
A Laptop (If I’m Not Working)
There was a time when I felt like I had to bring my laptop on every trip. You know, just in case I needed to write, or edit photos, or do some “light work.” Truth is, I barely ever opened it and when I did, it took me out of the vacation mindset.
It also added weight, required its own charger, and was one more thing I worried about losing or breaking.
What I do instead:
Unless it’s a work trip or I need to edit videos on the go, I leave it behind. I load my phone with entertainment downloaded Netflix shows, Spotify playlists, podcasts, Kindle books, and Google Maps offline. If I really need to type something out, I’ll bring a mini Bluetooth keyboard that works with my phone.
Leaving your laptop at home can actually help you enjoy the trip more. You’re not constantly checking emails or feeling guilty for not being productive.
Fancy “Just in Case” Outfits
I used to pack “just in case” outfits all the time. You know the sequin top for a potential night out, the high heels for a romantic dinner, the dress I might wear if we end up at a cocktail bar. Spoiler alert: I never wore any of them. Not once.
They just sat at the bottom of my suitcase while I rotated between the same 3 comfortable outfits every day.
What I bring now:
One outfit that can work for both daytime and a nice dinner. Usually a wrinkle-resistant dress or a cute blouse that pairs well with my everyday pants. I also pack a scarf or light cardigan to elevate the look if needed. Comfortable sandals or flat espadrilles double as my “dressy” shoes.
Pack with purpose: Unless you have a reservation at a fancy place or a wedding on the itinerary, skip the “just in case” fashion. Most places are more casual than you think.
Multiple Pairs of Jeans
Jeans are great, they go with everything, they’re durable, and they feel like home when you’re far from it. But… you really don’t need three pairs. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.
I used to pack multiple washes black, light, ripped, dark but I always ended up wearing just one. Why? Because jeans are heavy, bulky, and let’s be honest if you’re walking around all day or hopping on trains, leggings or flowy pants are just more comfortable.
What I do now:
I bring one reliable pair of jeans that I know I love usually a stretchy, mid-rise pair that works for day or night. Then I throw in one pair of leggings (perfect for flights, hikes, or lounging) and sometimes a loose pair of linen or jogger-style pants if I’m going somewhere hot.
Jeans take forever to dry, so avoid washing them during short trips. Stick to one pair that goes with everything.
7. Jewelry I’d Hate to Lose
I’ll never forget the time I lost a small gold ring during a trip to Santorini. It wasn’t super expensive, but it had sentimental value and I still think about it when I open my jewelry box. After that, I completely changed how I pack jewelry.
Here’s the thing: Travel isn’t the time to bring your fancy heirlooms or expensive pieces. Between airport security, hotel rooms, beaches, and hiking trails, it’s easy for small items to get lost, broken, or even stolen.
What I bring instead:
A few lightweight, low-stress accessories like a pair of gold hoops, one necklace, and a couple of rings I won’t cry over if they disappear. I keep them in a pill organizer or a soft pouch so they don’t tangle or scratch.
Peace of mind tip: If you’d be heartbroken to lose it, don’t pack it.
Bulky Travel Pillow I Never Use
Okay, I get the hype around travel pillows but they’re not for everyone. I brought a giant U-shaped memory foam one on a 12-hour flight and… didn’t use it. It hung off my backpack the entire trip, constantly got in the way, and I ended up using my hoodie as a pillow anyway.
Unless you know you use them, skip it. They take up way too much space in your carry-on or hang awkwardly off your bag like a giant squishy donut.
What I do instead:
If I think I’ll need something, I bring a small inflatable pillow (they’re cheap and deflate to almost nothing). But honestly, I usually just ball up a scarf, use my jacket, or lean against the window with my travel blanket.
A soft hoodie makes a great backup pillow and keeps you warm on freezing flights.
Books I Think I’ll Read
I used to be overly ambitious with my travel reading goals, packing two novels, a guidebook, and sometimes even a journal I never touched. But the reality is, I’m usually too tired, too busy, or too distracted to finish even one.
Books are heavy. They take up a weird amount of space. And most of the time, they stay buried at the bottom of my bag.
What I do now:
I use the Kindle app on my phone or bring my Kindle Paperwhite if I’m on a longer trip. I also love downloading audiobooks (especially memoirs) for train rides or while walking around a city. They don’t take up space, and I actually use them.
Save that book space for snacks or souvenirs; instead you’ll thank yourself later.
Every “Just in Case” Item
This is where I used to go overboard. Extra tops. A backup swimsuit. Three charging cables. Band-Aids and a first-aid kit. A portable steamer. I packed like I was heading into the wilderness for a month instead of going to, say, Rome for four days.
But most of the time, those “just in case” items never even left my bag. And the few times I did need something? I found it easily at a local store.
Now I ask myself:
“Will I definitely use this at least once?” If the answer is no, it stays home.
What I pack instead:
Multipurpose things. A scarf that’s also a plane blanket. A charger with multiple ports. A neutral top I can wear twice. I’ve never missed the random backup outfits, and my back thanks me every time I carry a lighter bag.
You don’t have to plan for every scenario. That’s what local stores and travel hacks are for.
Final Thoughts
Packing smart isn’t just about saving space it’s about traveling with ease. When you leave behind the items you don’t need, you make room for what really matters: memories, souvenirs, and maybe even a little peace of mind.
If you’ve made any of these packing mistakes too, trust me you’re not alone. Hopefully, this list helps you avoid the regret and travel lighter on your next adventure.
What I Pack Instead (Quick List)
- Broken-in walking shoes
- Lightweight travel-friendly outfits
- Mini toiletry kit with solids
- Kindle app or audiobooks
- Simple jewelry in a small case
- One tech device (usually just my phone)
