13 Overrated Travel Items That Just Clutter Your Suitcase

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“The only way to travel is travel light.” — Rick Steves.

Travel is great, but spending on things you don’t need is more than just extra baggage, literally and metaphorically. Imagine You’re at the airport, and your suitcase is overweight – you must desperately choose which items you’re leaving behind.

Expedia has determined that 66% of travelers admit to overpacking and, more often than not, never use half the items they bring. Overpacking isn’t just inconvenient; it’s costly. Checked luggage fees add up, and you leave essential things due to overpacking. Here are 13 items you don’t need and shouldn’t pack if you plan to travel light, efficiently, sustainably—or all three.

Travel-sized Iron

Overrated Travel Items That Just Clutter Your Suitcase — Image credits:Pixabay

Avoiding wrinkles on your outfits is not a bad idea, but most accommodations now have an iron and ironing board.

This amenity is offered at no extra cost in hotels, Airbnb rentals, and some hostels. Carrying this bulky item is a no-go. Pack wrinkle-resistant fabrics, or better yet, purchase a lightweight wrinkle-release spray.

Specialized Travel Pillows

While neck pillows for airplanes may seem appealing, you’ll usually carry around dead weight. According to Consumer Reports, 83 percent of infrequent and frequent flyers alike are shown not to find them comfortable enough to justify the space they occupy.

When you are ready, choose a more versatile option, such as a scarf or shawl, which can serve as a source of neck support or a blanket.

Money Belts

Twenty years ago, money belts may have been necessary, but now they are easy to spot, and you can be sure you’re a target for a thief. Instead, use jeans with zippered pockets or a slim RFID-blocking wallet.

Pickpocketing has gone down in many of the travel hot spot cities thanks to smarter traveler habits and getting used to carrying themselves and their bags in more secure fashions, says Statista.

Excessive Toiletries

Lugging around extra shampoo bottles, conditioner, and body wash takes up space and adds unnecessary weight to your luggage.

TravelAdvisor research shows that about 90% of hotels provide these basics. Carry refillable silicone bottles. They are eco-friendly and lightweight alternatives for long trips.

Clothing for Every “What-If” Scenario

We’ve all thought, “What if I need a formal dress or three extra pairs of shoes?” Usually, however, you don’t. According to a study by Booking.com, 62 percent of travelers only wear 70 percent of what they take with them. Instead, opt for clothing that can be paired with other items and re-worn, but you still have to layer things.

Stackable Travel Gadgets

For example, collapsible kettles, portable coffee makers, and pop-out wine glasses may be fun novelty travel items, but they take up money and suitcase space. Most hotels or accommodation facilities will provide these essentials.

Bulky Travel Guides

With a plethora of information, you don’t need to lug a hefty guidebook around when you can find it all digitally, including maps and restaurant recommendations.

Consider downloading apps like Google Maps or Visit A City and saving guides offline before you travel so you aren’t gulping data. A 2023 Skift report shows that 78 percent of travelers now rely solely on their smartphones for destination research.

Formal Wear for Regular Trips

There’s no reason to pack tuxedos or ball gowns unless you have a black-tie event and your entire itinerary revolves around it.

You don’t need a whole department store in your suitcase; a versatile blazer and a pair of classy shoes will sufficiently dress up any outfit.

Single-Purpose Shoes

That fashionable pair of boots you’re bringing “just in case” you need them might sit in your suitcase the entire time.

When packing shoes, think about packing more versatile shoes. A pair of comfortable sneakers and neutral flats will do fine for casual sightseeing and formal dinners.

Travel Only Luggage Organizers

While we appreciate packing cubes as good compression tools, shoe bags, and organization items will suck up more space. Choose multi-use zip-closed bags or recycle standard grocery bags to separate your things.

Expensive Jewelry

Overpacking luxury items increases the risk of loss or theft. Worry not; you can complete that look with a stylish pair of versatile earrings or a plain wristwatch—that’s the extent of your accessories.

Redundant Tech Gadgets

If you bring a tablet, laptop, phone, camera, and Kindle on the same trip, loading yourself down is natural. Pick one or two devices that match your needs.

A 2023 study by Deloitte shows that 54 percent of travelers rely entirely on smartphones for navigation, entertainment, and booking control.

Beach Towels

Towels are usually supplied at hotels and resorts, so you don’t need to pack any of your own. Why not take a compact microfiber travel towel with you? They dry faster, are smaller to pack, and will work for the beach and general travel use.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.