Ditch the Weight: 10 Things You Need to Stop Packing Right Now

We’ve all been there. You’re standing at the bottom of a steep, narrow staircase in a European train station, staring up at the platform. The elevator is broken (it’s always broken), and you are gripping the handle of a 50-pound suitcase that feels like it contains bricks. At that moment, as you heave your luggage up step by agonizing step, you swear to yourself: Never again.

Overpacking is the most common mistake travelers make, and it’s an expensive habit. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. airlines collected over $7 billion in baggage fees in 2023 alone. But the cost isn’t just financial; it’s physical and mental. heavy luggage limits your mobility, makes you a target for theft, and adds unnecessary stress to travel days.

The culprit is usually the “Just in Case” syndrome—the anxiety that makes us pack for scenarios that will likely never happen. But true travel freedom comes from carrying less, not more. If you want to master the art of the carry-on and avoid the checked-bag fees, you need to change your strategy. We’ve already covered some smart organization techniques in our guide to Travel Packing Hacks Every Traveler Should Know, but today we are focusing specifically on elimination.

Here are the 10 items you need to remove from your packing list immediately to travel lighter, faster, and cheaper.

Full-Sized Toiletries

The first thing to go should be the giant bottles of shampoo and lotion. Not only do they take up massive amounts of space, but they are also the primary reason bags get flagged by security. The TSA’s 3-1-1 Liquids Rule is strict for carry-ons, and dragging full-sized bottles in a checked bag is a recipe for a shampoo explosion.

Instead, embrace the minimalist approach. If you are staying in hotels, rely on the provided amenities. For those who prefer their own products, consider swapping liquids for solids. Shampoo bars and solid colognes are game-changers—check out our list of 10 Eco-Friendly Travel Essentials You Need in Your Bag for some great solid toiletry recommendations that will breeze through security.

The “Fantasy” Outfit

We all do it. We pack for the person we want to be on vacation, not who we actually are. You might imagine a scenario where you are invited to a gala in Paris or a high-end club in Ibiza, so you pack stilettos or a formal suit. In reality, you’ll likely spend your evenings walking to a casual bistro or tired from a day of sightseeing.

If you don’t wear it at home, you won’t wear it abroad. High heels on cobblestones are a recipe for a twisted ankle, and formal wear is bulky and wrinkles easily. Stick to versatile clothing that can be dressed up or down. A nice pair of clean sneakers or leather sandals can work for almost any occasion.

Hair Dryers and Styling Tools

Unless you are traveling for a wedding or a professional photo shoot, leave the hair dryer, curling iron, and straightener at home. They are heavy, take up valuable space, and are notoriously difficult to use internationally due to voltage differences.

Even with a converter, high-wattage heat tools often short-circuit or melt when plugged into foreign outlets. According to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), voltage standards vary significantly across the globe. Most hotels and even many Airbnb rentals provide hair dryers now. Embrace the natural look, use a travel-sized straightener if you absolutely must, or just wear a hat.

Physical Books (More than One)

There is nothing quite like holding a real book, but paper is incredibly heavy. Packing three hardcover novels for a two-week trip adds several pounds to your luggage.

If you are an avid reader, it is time to switch to an e-reader or download audiobooks to your phone. If you simply cannot part with paper, pack one paperback and use the “read and swap” method found in many hostels and cafes: leave your finished book behind for someone else and pick up a used one from the shelf.

Jeans (More than One Pair)

Denim is the traveler’s frenemy. While durable, jeans are heavy, bulky, and stiff. Worst of all, if they get wet, they take days to air dry. There is nothing more miserable than hauling around damp, heavy denim in your backpack.

Wear your one favorite pair of jeans on the plane to save weight in your bag. For the rest of your wardrobe, pack lightweight, quick-drying fabrics like merino wool or synthetic blends.

“Just in Case” Medical Supplies

It is smart to be prepared, but you do not need to pack a trauma center in your carry-on. Many travelers pack giant first-aid kits for “what if” scenarios that rarely happen. Remember, people live where you are going, and they have pharmacies, too.

Stick to the CDC’s Pack Smart guide: bring your prescription meds, a small blister kit, some painkillers, and perhaps an antihistamine. If you catch a cold in London or Tokyo, you can easily buy medicine there (and it’s often an interesting cultural experience to visit a local pharmacy!).

Towels

Standard cotton bath towels are huge space-wasters. They take up half a carry-on and inevitably end up smelling musty because they don’t dry fast enough in a hotel room.

If you are staying in hotels, you don’t need one at all. If you are staying in hostels or camping, invest in a microfiber travel towel. They pack down to the size of a fist and dry in minutes.

Excessive Gadgets & Cables

Do you really need a laptop, a tablet, a Kindle, a smartphone, a DSLR camera, and a drone? Tech gear is heavy and fragile, and the charging cables alone can turn your bag into a bird’s nest.

Try to consolidate. Can your phone double as your camera and your e-reader? Also, consider your power needs. Instead of bringing a different wall plug for every device, bring one high-quality power bank and a multi-port wall charger. Check out our guide to the Best Power Banks for International Travel to find one that can charge multiple devices simultaneously without weighing you down.

Valuables and Irreplaceable Jewelry

Travel is not the time to flash your great-grandmother’s diamond necklace or your expensive watch. Not only does this make you a target for pickpockets, but the risk of losing small, expensive items in transit is high.

The U.S. Department of State recommends leaving expensive jewelry and unnecessary credit cards at home to minimize loss if you are robbed. If you want to wear jewelry, pack cheap costume pieces that you wouldn’t be heartbroken to lose. For more tips on keeping your belongings (and yourself) secure, read our article on Solo Travel Safety Tips for Women, which covers blending in and avoiding unwanted attention.

More Than 3 Pairs of Shoes

Shoes are the number one cause of heavy luggage. They are rigid, heavy, and awkward to pack.

Follow the Rule of Three:

1. One pair for walking/hiking: Wear these on the plane (usually your heaviest pair).

2. One casual/dressy pair: A clean sneaker or loafer for city dinners.

3. One beach/shower pair: Flip-flops or sandals that pack flat.

If you can’t walk 5 miles in them, they shouldn’t be in your bag.

Conclusion: The Lighter Way to Travel

Shedding these 10 items from your packing list isn’t just about saving money on baggage fees—though that is a nice bonus. It is about mobility and freedom. When you aren’t weighed down by 50 pounds of “just in case” gear, you can navigate subway turnstiles with ease, catch that earlier train, and walk to your hotel without needing a taxi.

Traveling light forces you to prioritize what matters: the experience. You realize very quickly that you don’t need a different outfit for every day of the week to enjoy a sunset in Santorini or a street food tour in Bangkok.

If you are ready to take your new minimalist mindset to the next level, check out our guide on How to Travel the World on a Budget, where we dive deeper into saving money on flights, accommodation, and gear. And remember, if you do end up needing something you left behind, chances are you can find it at a local shop. According to Rick Steves’ Packing Smart guidelines, one of the biggest travel pros, “You can buy anything you need in Europe.” The same holds true for almost anywhere else in the world.

So zip up that carry-on, skip the check-in desk, and enjoy the journey unburdened.

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