The one thing you should always pack? Sunscreen. But everything else is up for debate. We’ve all been guilty of stuffing our bags to the brim with things we don’t need. And some of us never seem to learn our lesson.
So to help you out, here’s a quick guide on what to leave out of your bag. And, seriously, trust us on the sunscreen.
1. The top you bought on sale three years ago that still has the tags on it. Maybe one day this trip you’ll finally wear it?
No, you won’t.
2. Your hairdryer. Because what if hotels suddenly decided to not include them in every room?
3. Four books you’ll never read. Save some suitcase space and get a Kindle to ignore instead.
4. Your own towels. The hotel will have some. Trust me. If you’re worried that where you’re going won’t have any, save on space and avoid a large cotton towel. Opt for a space-saving microfibre one instead.
5. Too many pairs of shoes. High heels. Boots. Sneakers. Sandals. And that’s just for a one-night stay.
6. Your laptop to finally get on top of your life admin. You won’t (and why would you want to? You’re on holiday!). Save the space for clothes.
7. All the makeup you buy and never use. Or that moustache wax that’s been sitting in your bathroom cabinet for years. No, this trip won’t be the time you finally nail winged eyeliner or perfect your curled mo.
8. The diarrhoea tablets that expired six years ago. They’re still good, right? (Answer: No, they’re not. Bin ‘em.)
9. Three hats. Because what if you get invited to a party on a yacht and you don’t have your ‘good’ hat?
10. Two pairs of sneakers – your go-to pair and your old ones. Sure, they might get a little muddy or sandy, but we promise your regular sneakers will survive whatever your holiday throws at them. That’s what they’re made for.
11. A spare battery pack. Because the city you’re visiting might not have phone chargers.
12. A travel iron. Just… no.
13. Your chunky old travel guide book. Your 1997 travel guide is likely to be a tad outdated, and we have this cool new thing called the internet.
14. A military-grade first-aid kit when you’re staying in the CBD.
15. Six red lipsticks in slightly varying shades. Wait… what’s that in the airport shop? Make that seven red lipsticks.
16. New shoes. Now is not the time to wear them in.
17. A camera tripod. Unless you’re a professional photographer, forget it.
18. Generic hair and body products – you can buy Head and Shoulders anywhere. Unless you’re going camping, leave the soap and shampoo at home. Product-free holiday!
19. A fresh diary or journal to get in touch with yourself. Deep down, you know it’s going to come home unopened. And if the mood does strike, you can use the Notes function on your phone instead.
20. Your favourite chocolate bar or snack because it “just doesn’t taste the same” where you’re going. Trying new things (including snacks) is one of the best things about travelling. Live a little – try all the strange new junk food!
What’s the packing mistake you never learn from?
PLAN YOUR NEXT GETAWAY
