If you’re an avid traveler, then you know that every day there is a new product or service
available that seems to be the next essential item for your trip.
Though we’re often faced with the dilemma of packing light and avoiding unnecessary
items that add to the clutter.
In fact, I would argue that many of the items that are marketed as essential might not be
as important as you think.
Hey, how’s it going everyone?
It’s Ernest from Trip Astute.
In this video, I want to share twelve items that I see a lot of travelers carry that I
think is unnecessary.
I’ll also cover what you should pack instead.
I have to admit that I’m often guilty of overpacking.
This has only gotten worse since I started this channel, especially when it comes to
my video gear.
At times, I’ve carried two digital cameras, accessories, and even a drone!
My situation might be a bit unique, but I also notice a lot of folks when traveling
that are carrying unnecessary or cumbersome items.
So today, I want to run through my list of unnecessary travel items or habits, and also
share what I think you should carry or do instead.
But before we get started, if you’re new here, welcome to our channel.
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and more enjoyable.
Traveling can be stressful and expensive, so we’re looking for ways to help you maximize
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So, let’s jump straight into my list of things you don’t need when traveling.
A lot of what I will recommend in this video has been covered by other videos as well,
so I’ll include links to them in the video description.
1.
Power converters: I get a lot of questions from folks asking whether they should invest
in a power converter for their trip.
The short answer is no.
For most people, a power converter is completely unnecessary and bulky.
Since most devices, like electronics, accept a wide range of voltage or frequencies, all
you need is a cheap adapter since your device should be able to accept the local power.
Now there are some cases where you might need a power converter, especially if you’re
packing a personal care appliance like a hairdryer or iron.
The best way is to check your chargers to see what they are able to accept.
You’ll usually find it in the fine print on the chargers.
And if your device doesn’t accept a wide range of power, it might make more sense to
find that device at your destination rather than investing in a heavy and clunky power
converter.
For more information, check out our video on the topic.
The video is from 2017, and it’s one of my earlier videos, so the editing is a bit
rough.
Though the content is still relevant.
I just can’t bring myself to watch my older videos since they look so unpolished.
2.
Multiple chargers: Carrying a separate charger for your phone, tablet, earphones, and whatever
else you’re carrying can be cumbersome!
Sometimes it’s unavoidable too, especially if you have a laptop with its own proprietary
charger.
However, I’m a fan of consolidating as much as possible, especially with chargers that
have multiple USB ports.
There are a ton of brands out there.
If you’re looking for a brand recommendation, I’ve had some great experiences with Anker.
These devices not only allow you to save space but can often charge your devices faster than
the traditional USB chargers.
3.
Laundry lines: When I traveled through Europe on my own about eight years ago, I was determined
to do my own laundry along the way.
I got the idea from other backpacker blogs that I read at the time.
I brought detergent packets and a laundry line thinking I would end the day washing
my clothes in the sink or bathtub, then hanging them in my room.
While it’s doable, I don’t think it’s a good use of time or energy especially when
you’re on vacation.
I feel like it’s much better to ask your hotel if they offer laundry service, or even
finding a laundry place in the area that you’re visiting.
In some places, like in Southeast Asia or Central America, it only costs a few dollars
per load and can save you so much time.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about packing wet clothes that didn’t dry up in time.
4.
Heavy coat: If you’re traveling to a place with cold weather, then you’ve likely found
that a heavy coat takes up a significant amount of space in your luggage.
You definitely want to stay warm and comfortable, so I recommend getting a compressible jacket
made with real or synthetic down material.
For example, this jacket from REI is perhaps the warmest jacket that I own and also the
lightest.
It can also be compressed, making it easy to fit in my luggage.
The other option is to wear your heavy coat on the plane.
Since I live in LA, this is usually not a good option for me.
And I dislike carrying loose items on the plane since I tend to forget about them when
I’m deboarding the plane.
5.
Passport covers: I see a lot of people using passport covers when traveling.
While I think they look cool, I think a more useful item is a passport organizer or wallet.
These types of organizers, like this one from Zero Grid, allows me to pack some back-up
credit cards, currency, and even plane tickets.
It also has a pen which is so useful for filling out customs and immigration forms.
6.
Travel books: This one might be a bit controversial.
I love travel books, but I think they are often a bit cumbersome to carry, especially
if you’re traveling to several places and are carrying multiple books.
I recommend seeing if you can carry the ebook version when traveling.
We did a whole video on how to get free ebooks and audiobooks from your public library using
the Libby app.
For more information on the topic, check out that video.
7.
RFID wallet: For the past ten years, I’ve been seeing a lot of travel and wallet companies
add RFID protection to their products.
RFID protection is meant to stop thieves from stealing information from IDs that include
the RFID radio chip, which includes things like contactless credit cards and passports.
Though to be honest, I don’t think that the threat of RFID is really a widespread
problem.
When I researched the issue several years ago and even recently, I couldn’t find any
documented cases of people who had their information stolen through an RFID reader.
In fact, I did a whole video on the topic several years ago.
Again, it’s one of my earlier videos, so judge me if the editing and presentation is
a bit rough.
Also, If you happen to have a wallet, organizer, or bag with RFID protection, don’t worry
about it.
it doesn’t hurt to have it.
Though if you are presented with the option when purchasing a new item, then you can probably
skip the RFID protection.
In my opinion, it’s a solution to a problem that doesn’t quite exist, or at least not
to the degree that seems to be implied.
8.
Travel backpacks: This one is also a bit controversial.
I think large travel backpacks are great for those traveling to places where you might
encounter unpaved or uneven roads.
That’s because trying to roll a bag in these places is usually an awful experience, and
will likely end up destroying a suitcase’s wheels.
On the other hand, I sometimes see people using a large backpack when I business travel
in the US.
While I appreciate the rugged spirit of it all, I think for most non-adventure travel,
it’s probably better to use a rolling suitcase.
You’ll not only have a more optimized space for your belongings, but you’ll save your
back in the process.
I pulled my back a few years ago while lifting a heavy backpack off the ground, and it was
not a fun trip.
Again, if you think you will encounter situations where you’ll be traveling with your suitcase
over uneven surfaces, then a backpack is a no-brainer.
But I think for most trips that I’ve taken in the last five years, I’ve only used my
large backpack on three trips.
Every other trip was with a rolling suitcase since it’s just more convenient.
9.
Camera: I feel like a bit of a hypocrite with this one, especially since I’m usually carrying
a bunch of video gear.
But that’s because I need to collect b-roll for our videos.
However, I feel like I meet a lot of people who purchase a DSLR or mirrorless camera right
before a big trip.
While I love new gear, I think for most people, the added weight and hassle of a large camera
is not worth the effort, especially when you have a very capable photo and video camera
on your smartphone.
This is another topic where we did an entire video to explore the issue.
And if you’re someone who is an enthusiast who wants more control over their photos and
videos, it makes complete sense to bring a large camera.
I know that my smartphone is still not the best way to capture footage, especially in
low-light conditions.
But for everyone else, I would encourage you to save the money and use the camera that
you have and are accustomed to using.
You’ll not only save money, but you’ll have less to carry and worry about when traveling.
10.
Flashlight: When I went on a group tour to Cambodia and Vietnam, we were told to bring
a flashlight, especially since we were visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City.
However, a flashlight can take up room and add weight to your pack.
For most people, you can probably get away with using the flashlight function on your
smartphone.
And if you’re actually planning to explore caves or tunnels, then I recommend carrying
a headlight instead.
It’s not only smaller and lighter but is so much more useful since it frees up your
hands.
11.
Money belt: I’m not a fan of money belts.
I know some people swear by them, but I find them to be awkward to use.
I just think there are better options out there that are more comfortable and effective.
That being said, I think most people can get away with a wallet in your front pocket.
You’re still susceptible to pickpockets, so it doesn’t mean that you don’t need
to remain vigilant.
But for me, I carry my front pocket wallet every day, so I’m more accustomed to using
it and also noticing when it’s not there.
And for women, I would recommend carrying a purse with zippers rather than just a flap.
On that note, 12.
Cash: Getting cash for your destination before your trip is something I see and hear about
all the time.
Though, it can be difficult to do, especially when you’re going to less-traveled locations
that have a unique currency.
And you definitely want to avoid the currency exchange booths at the airport since the rates
and fees are usually unfavorable to travelers.
A better option is to get a debit card that reimburses you for ATM withdrawals.
I have a Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking account that doesn’t charge any
fees and offers a debit card that reimburses for ATM transaction fees, even when traveling
abroad.
I’ll transfer some money from my primary checking account into the Charles Schwab checking
account, then use that debit card to get money from the ATM.
If the card is stolen or the account is compromised, the risk is mostly confined to that account
rather than my primary checking account.
That way too, if the bank needs to do an investigation, I don’t have to worry about my account getting
locked or frozen.
I also like this approach since I can use the ATM card more often to retrieve smaller
amounts of money, rather than just using the ATM once and getting a large sum of cash.
I’ve had cash stolen twice while traveling, so I just prefer to carry less of it whenever
possible.
Charles Schwab isn’t the only bank account out there that offers this benefit.
However, I’ve had an account with them for years and it’s worked flawlessly.
If you’re interested, I did a video on the account a while back.
I go through more details on the account and also how you can earn $100 when opening an
account by using a referral code.
I’ll include a link in the video description.
Also, just a reminder to avoid using your debit card for purchases when traveling.
There are many reasons why a credit card is much better for this purpose.
If you want to learn more, check out our video on the topic.
What do you think my list of unnecessary travel items?
What other things have you found to be not useful in your travels?
Let me know in the comment section below.
I’ve included links to some of the items mentioned in the video.
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Until next time, travel safe and travel smart.