What You Don't Need to Bring When Traveling
We’ve all fallen victim to the curse of overpacking for a trip. Sometimes we just have to bring that extra bikini set to have options for beach days, or the same tank top in five different colors in case one does not match the rest of the outfit. It’s easy to know a few essentials to bring on a trip, but it can be hard to draw the line on that extra pair of shoes, toiletries or books. We’ve compiled a list of extra items to avoid packing on your next trip:
1. Guidebooks
Back in the day, a guidebook was essential to any sort of travels. From directions, maps, restaurant suggestions, transportation services and more, guidebooks were necessary to navigate a new city. Nowadays, the internet serves not only as your very own portable guidebook, but also as a translator and so much more. Save the space and money, and stick to a Google search to answer your burning travel questions!
2. More than one book
It’s always good to have a book to read to kill time whether you are on a plane, train or sitting on a beach. However, most travelers tend to overestimate the time they plan to spend reading. Unless you are an avid reader, you will probably not need more than one book. You can finish the rest of your favorite trilogy when you arrive back home!
Photo by Leah Kelley from Pexels
3. Extra Electronics
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest gadgets. For example, high tech cameras, tripods, etc. Obviously if you are anything like us, you will be snapping a million pictures during your travels. However, that iPhone camera very much suffices for some quality Instagram pictures for your feed. You do not need to use up packing space on a large camera. Plus, it will become heavy to carry around after a while...
4. More than One Pair of Jeans
Don’t get us wrong, we all love classic denim looks. The only issue - the amount of space pairs of jeans take up in a suitcase. You truly do not need more than one pair of jeans (maybe two at the most). Rather, focus on bringing tops and layers to style multiple outfits around one pair of your favorite jeans. No one will really notice if you wore a pair of jeans twice or even three times!
Photo by Bankole Ade-Oni from Pexels
5. Your whole makeup bag
Chances are you attempt to fit your entire collection of makeup into one bag. Yes, even that one Too Faced eye shadow palette from four years ago. In reality, you know you won’t use products like this, even for a night out on the town. So, ditch the makeup bag and select a few of your go-to products and zip them in a smaller travel bag to maximize space in your suitcase.
6. A Hair Dryer
Soaking wet hair? We know what you are thinking on this one, but hear us out. Hair dryers are bulky and take up a decent amount of space in your suitcase, so they are not ideal. Typically hotels, if not provided in your bathroom, will have hair dryers at the front desk. You just have to simply call and ask! If you do this in advance, you can potentially avoid packing one, thus saving you space for more clothes or your favorite pair of shoes!
Take any aesthetic packing pictures for your trip? Make sure to tag @thedgemag in all your travel related photos!