On our travels we’ve met many backpackers carrying all sorts of crazy and unnecessary things! Trust us, we’ve been there too when we were rookie travelers. When you first start out, you’re much more likely to buy everything every packing list online tells you.Here are some things you should definitely leave at home.
1. Guidebook
With the rise of travel blogs and apps in recent years, traditional guidebooks are quickly becoming obsolete. Pretty much everything you’ll find in your typical Lonely Planet can be found online—and for free. Plus, it’s usually more up to date.
Why haul around a heavy book when you can get better tips and information online?
Some great places to ask questions or look up info include Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree forum, TripAdvisor forums, Facebook groups, or your favorite travel blogs.
But truly, the best information comes from locals or other travelers you meet on the road. So ditch the guidebook and go with the flow.
2. Money Belt
Money belts are not only uncomfortable, but they’re also not a guarantee against theft. Most thieves know about them anyway.
Instead, split your cash into multiple pockets and your wallet. If you do get robbed, chances are the thief will be satisfied with what’s in your wallet and move on.Just follow normal precautions: be aware of your surroundings but don’t get paranoid.
3. Umbrella
Forget carrying an umbrella—bring a high-quality rain jacket instead. You’ll never have to worry about it breaking or blowing away, and it’s a one-time investment. With the money you save, treat yourself to a beer or two!
4. Large First Aid Kit
Do you take a huge medical kit when you go to the supermarket or a party in your hometown? Probably not! It shouldn’t be any different when traveling.
Let’s be honest—most of that stuff never gets used. And the good news is, pharmacies exist everywhere, even in developing countries, selling everything from bandages to prescription antibiotics, often at half the price you’d pay back home.
So why drag around a bulky kit when you can walk into a pharmacy and get what you need on the spot? If something serious happens, there’s always a hospital—even in developing countries!
5. Bulky Towels
You know those big towels you’ve been using at home or those oversized beach towels? Sure, they’re great, but it’s time to let them go. They’re way too bulky for your backpack.
Most hostels and hotels provide towels for free or for a small fee. Travel towels are super compact and nearly weightless—an essential addition to any travel packing list.
6. Hiking Boots
If hiking isn’t the main reason for your trip and you only plan on doing the occasional trail, leave those heavy boots at home. You can always rent or buy a pair at your destination if you really need them. For most hikes, standard sneakers will do just fine.
7. Books
There’s really no need to lug physical books around anymore, even if you’re working through all the best travel books. With a Kindle, you can carry a whole library of ebooks without any extra weight, and buy new titles wherever you are.
The days of searching used bookstores abroad or swapping worn novels at hostels are over. Audiobooks are an even lighter option.
8. Sleeping Bag
Unless you’re camping in the wild, there’s really no need for a sleeping bag if you’re staying in hostels. In fact, more hostels are banning them due to bed bugs and hygiene reasons.
If you’re really that concerned about clean sheets, maybe it’s time to increase your budget for a nicer hostel or hotel.
9. Mosquito Net
Places that require mosquito nets almost always provide them, or at least they’ll give you a fan. If they don’t, it might be time to look for a better place to stay. Or just use a reliable mosquito repellent before bed.
10. Jewelry
Wearing flashy jewelry, especially in developing countries, makes you a target. Best to leave your shiny stuff at home.
11. Expectations and Rigid Plans
If we’ve learned one thing over years of travel, it’s to leave expectations and strict plans at home. Things change, and they almost never go the way you expect—so go with the flow.
12. Pillow, Coffee Machine, Surfboard…
It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised at what people bring on their trips. We get that you might have strong attachments to some things or want certain comforts—but try to leave the excess behind.
