10 Worst "Essential Items" to Pack on a Trip

#10 Too Many Hair Styling Tools

If you are thinking about bringing a hair dryer, hair straightener, a curling wand and a standard curling iron on your next trip, I suggest you consider just how much space these are actually going to take up in your suitcase (Williams). As someone who curls their hair most days, I understand the need to bring specific styling tools. For those of you who do use multiple tools each day consider calling the places you are going to stay at. Often hotels have hair dryers in the bathroom for guests to use. Also, it might be wise to invest in mini versions of your hot tools.

#9 Too Many Clothes

When packing, it can be so easy to overestimate the amount of clothing you will need on a trip. By packing too many pairs of jeans and too many hoodies, your bags are not only not going to close, but chances are you are likely going to stick with your favorites anyway (Williams). Think about the clothes you actually wear when you are doing life at home; those are the clothes you should pack (Williams).

#8 Sleeping Bag

If you are planning to stay at a hotel, you are not going to need a sleeping bag. When traveling internationally, the hotel you stay at is going to have a bed and sheets available for you (Shao). A sleeping bag is going to eliminate most of the space in your bag (Shao). Instead, it would be better to save room for souvenirs.

#7 Unnecessary Shoes

Multiple pairs of shoes quickly take up space in any duffle bag or suitcase. Pack the shoes you feel cute in but that you can also walk long distances in. Don't bring shoes you have not broken in yet (Williams). This will likely only cause you misery and pain.  

#6 Workout Clothes

If working out while you are at home is something you don't normally do, bringing your workout clothes on a trip is not going to be beneficial (Williams).

#5 Bath Towels

Just like a sleeping bag, your hotel is going to have towels available (Shao). Although bringing a towel might make you feel better about your level of preparedness, in the end it is something that you probably don't need to worry about fitting in your suitcase.

#4 A Tripod

If being a photographer is more of an aspiration, then a current hobby packing a large tripod is probably not worth the inconvenience (Williams). Tripods can often be large and bulky. If you need the tripod for a group photo, chances are there will be other tourists at your destination who will be willing to take the picture for you. Also, if you decide that bringing a tripod is necessary, it might be helpful to buy a mini travel size.

#3 Precious Jewlery

Although you may want to look nice at your destination, bringing your favorite expensive jewelry puts you at risk of theft (Williams). When traveling as a tourist, it is wise to wear less showy jewelry which will draw less attention from pic-pockets.

#2 Too Much Cash

Just like jewelry, bringing too much cash can easily put you at risk of losing it through misplacement or theft (Williams). Additionally, by bringing cash you will have to think about the currency conversions unless there are ATMs available. It would be wise to research the currency and banking facilities in your destination and decide if bringing a debit or credit card would be easier and safer.

#1 Neck Pillows

Even though flights can be uncomfortable, bringing extra neck pillows around an airport might cause more stress than comfort. When moving in-between hotels and through airports, having a limited number of things to carry and remember can lessen the stress of reaching terminals and taxis on time.

Conclusion

We all can relate on the stress of packing. When it comes to planning for trips and deciding what to pack, sometimes we just need an outside voice to let us know what isn't going to be beneficial. I hope this post made you laugh and helped you think about the unnecessary "essentials" that might be taking up space in your suitcase.

What is the most impractical item you have ever packed on a trip? Leave a comment below!