In recent times airlines have become very stringent and strict about their baggage rules. Heavy baggage means that you have to pay extra for your luggage. Besides the extra cost, too much luggage means that you face lots of inconvenience because of your heavy load. Packing is an art. It not only means picking the right things. You also have to decide what has to be left behind so that you reduce your cost and make your trip easier. So, let us list the things which we do NOT need to pack when leaving for a vacation.
Heavy books and Magazines - Everyone needs books while traveling. Let us be honest. Books are heavy. It would be a good idea to carry a Kindle or e-reader which can carry all your reading material and travel guides. If you like reading books, go for lighter versions and don't stuff your bag with books. You can always buy the next when you have finished the one you are reading. Or better still, exchange with fellow travelers.
Hair Dryer - Most hotels now days are equipped with hair dryers. In case your hotel doesn't have one, you can always towel-dry your hair or leave it to dry on their own. Hairdryers occupy a lot of space and it is better to leave it at home. Don't carry other hair-styling tools. In case your room is not equipped with an iron, you can always ask the housekeeping for one. They are usually accommodating. You should try to carry wrinkle-free clothes as they are easy to maintain. The other option is to hang your clothes as soon as you reach your room, so the creases are minimized.
Iron - In case your room is not equipped with an iron, you can always ask the housekeeping for one. They are usually accommodating. You should try to carry wrinkle-free clothes as they are easy to maintain. The other option is to hang your clothes as soon as you reach your room, so the creases are minimized.
Extra Shoes - Shoes really take the most spaces in our bags. Try to minimize them according to your destination. One good all-purpose sports shoes, one pair of traveling shoes, and one dressy pair are enough for every trip. You may need hiking/sandals/ snow boots depending on your destination, but try to substitute them rather than adding. For example, you are going to Croatia, you need beach sandals.
Extra Clothes - Especially for women. We do get excited when going on a trip and tend to overpack. It is not necessary to carry your entire new wardrobe with you. Try to carry basic clothes which can be mixed and matched. You can always accessorize them to get different looks for your Instagram posts. Don't carry excessive denim. They are low maintenance and can easily be worn many times. So why waste so much space for the heavy clothing.
Excessive Food - I know that carrying food saves lots of money and is convenient, but don't overdo it. You don't need to carry staples like tea/coffee/sugar/butter/cereals. They are readily available everywhere.
Expensive products - Jewelry, expensive watches, excessive cash, and other valuable products should be avoided because of the high-risk factor.
Beauty products - Shampoo and soap are available in all accommodations. If you are very particular, try to carry small bottles so that they do not occupy much space. This goes for other toiletries. You don't need to carry your entire beauty routine.
Extra Basics - You need extra underwear and socks, but don't overdo it. They also occupy space. Try washing them in the bathroom sink or look for a launderette to get your dirty clothes washed.
Too many electronics - We all are addicted to our gadgets, but we don't need to carry all of them on a vacation. You don't need to carry a laptop/tablet/kindle/phones on your trips. Try to limit yourself to two. Besides the weight, these gadgets are really cumbersome during security.
These are items that can be easily avoided when you start packing for your next trip.