We all love the idea of being fully prepared for every adventure, but some travel gear ends up collecting dust. From bulky gadgets to unnecessary accessories, certain items just don’t live up to their promise. They might seem useful at first, but often end up adding weight without offering much value. Here are the travel items you’ll likely never really use.
Travel Iron
A travel iron might seem like a good idea, but it’s bulky and unnecessary. Most hotels offer irons, and you can easily avoid wrinkles by rolling your clothes. Instead, opt for wrinkle-release spray or hang your clothes in the bathroom while taking a shower to let the steam do the work. If you already have a travel iron, consider leaving it at home or donating it. You’ll save space and lighten your luggage.
Neck Pillow
Neck pillows are often uncomfortable and take up valuable space in your carry-on. They rarely offer the comfort you expect and are awkward to carry around. Instead, try an inflatable pillow that packs flat and can be adjusted to your comfort level. If you’ve bought a neck pillow already, repurpose it for home use on long couch sessions. You’ll appreciate the extra room in your bag without it.
Money Belt
Money belts sound secure, but they’re cumbersome and impractical. Digging under your clothes to grab cash in public can be a hassle. Instead, use a slim wallet or RFID-blocking wallet that keeps things simple and accessible. If you own a money belt, it might serve better as a keepsake from outdated travel trends. You’ll enjoy more comfort and convenience with a small, well-organized wallet.
Portable Luggage Scale
While it’s tempting to avoid surprise fees with a portable luggage scale, it’s rarely necessary. Most airports have scales available, and you can easily guess your luggage weight by packing light. Instead, pack efficiently with compression bags or consider using airline apps to check weight restrictions before heading to the airport. If you have a scale, keep it at home for weighing luggage pre-trip. This saves you the hassle of lugging around an extra device.
Travel-Sized Board Games
Travel-sized board games sound fun, but they often go unused. You’re unlikely to gather people for a game night during your travels, especially with so many digital alternatives. Download multiplayer games on your phone or tablet instead for entertainment on the go. If you’ve already bought some travel board games, donate them to local schools or family shelters. You’ll thank yourself for leaving more space in your bag for essentials.
Mini First-Aid Kit
While safety is important, a full mini first-aid kit often contains things you won’t need. Most destinations have pharmacies nearby where you can buy exactly what you need. Instead, carry a few basic items like band-aids and pain relievers in a small ziplock bag. If you already own a mini first-aid kit, consider keeping it in your car for emergencies. You’ll save space in your luggage without sacrificing safety.
Disposable Cameras
With smartphones offering excellent photo quality, disposable cameras are outdated. You’ll be better off using your phone or a compact digital camera for clearer, instant photos. If you have some disposable cameras lying around, consider giving them to kids or using them for fun, retro-themed photo projects. Ditching the cameras will leave you more space for travel gear you’ll actually use. It’s a win-win for convenience and quality.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes seem like an organizer’s dream, but they often just add weight and bulk to your suitcase. You can keep your clothes organized by rolling them tightly or using compression bags, which are lighter and more space-efficient. If you’ve already invested in packing cubes, repurpose them as drawer organizers at home. You’ll be glad you chose a lighter, more flexible packing method.
Handheld Fan
Handheld fans might seem like a lifesaver in hot weather, but they rarely make a significant difference. They run out of battery quickly and take up space. Instead, invest in a cooling towel or hat with built-in sun protection. If you already have a fan, consider using it for backyard lounging or donating it to someone who might find it more useful. You’ll stay cool without the extra baggage.
Zip-Off Pants
Zip-off pants try to offer both shorts and full-length pants in one, but they’re rarely stylish or practical. The zippers can be uncomfortable, and it’s easier to pack lightweight pants and shorts separately. Opt for versatile clothing made from breathable fabrics instead. If you’ve already bought zip-off pants, they might work for camping or yard work. Your travel wardrobe will thank you for the upgrade.
Bulky Camera Equipment
Unless you’re a professional photographer, lugging around heavy camera equipment is more trouble than it’s worth. Your smartphone or a compact point-and-shoot camera will do the job for most casual travelers. Instead, focus on capturing moments, not perfect shots, and you’ll enjoy the trip more. If you’ve already bought the gear, consider using it for local photography projects. Your back and shoulders will appreciate the lighter load.
Portable Water Purifier
Unless you’re hiking deep into the wilderness, a portable water purifier is usually overkill. Most places have safe drinking water, and bottled water is easily available in areas where tap water isn’t safe. A simple reusable water bottle with a filter is a better option. If you already have a purifier, save it for more adventurous trips like backpacking or camping. For most destinations, it’s one less thing to pack.
Shoe Bags
Shoe bags promise to keep your shoes separate from your clothes, but they take up unnecessary space. Instead, wrap your shoes in a plastic grocery bag or use a reusable shopping bag. If you’ve purchased shoe bags, you can still use them for storage at home. You’ll appreciate the extra space in your suitcase when you ditch these clunky accessories.
Travel Clothesline
A travel clothesline seems handy for drying clothes, but it’s rarely needed. Most hotels and accommodations provide laundry services or have space for drying clothes naturally. If you need to dry a few things, a towel rack works just fine. If you already have a travel clothesline, consider using it at home for small items like socks. You’ll free up space in your luggage and simplify your laundry routine on the road.
Portable Safe
A portable safe might give you peace of mind, but it’s heavy and awkward to use. Instead, lock your valuables in your hotel room safe or keep them on you in a secure, hidden pocket. If you already own a portable safe, repurpose it for storing small valuables at home. Your travels will be lighter and less stressful without this extra burden.
Portable DVD Player
Portable DVD players are outdated, bulky, and unnecessary with modern streaming services. Your smartphone or tablet can store and stream movies more easily and compactly. If you already own a portable DVD player, consider using it for road trips or at home with kids. You’ll appreciate the convenience of having everything in one compact device, without the need for DVDs.
Specialty Travel Towels
Specialty travel towels are often thin, uncomfortable, and take a while to dry. Most hotels provide towels, and for day trips, a small microfiber towel does the trick. If you’ve already purchased specialty towels, keep them for camping or gym use. You’ll enjoy more space and a better drying experience by using standard towels when you can.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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