21 Jun What Not to Pack in Your Carry-On {5 Unnecessary Items that Take Up Space}

Yesterday was the official start of summer so travel season is in full swing. And I’m definitely in travel mode, as I’m trying to plan a birthday trip next month. Even though I haven’t booked anything yet, I’m already thinking about what to pack. Yeah, I’m that person! And I do this because it saves a ton of time and even money {I don’t believe in checking bags}.

But, I’ve noticed most people pack unnecessary items that just take up space and weigh their bag down. So here’s what not to pack for your next vacation.

You already know to maximize the space in your carry on bag.

But this post is all about the items you can leave at home so you don’t have to worry about checking a bag, having an overweight bag and have more space in your luggage for souvenirs.

Beach Towels
Towels take up so much space, so if you can, ditch them. I know you probably have your favorite towel, but seriously, don’t bring this along if you’re about that carry-on life. Instead, see if you hotel provides beach towels, which many resorts do. During my last trip to Belize, the hostel I was staying in didn’t provide them {there was a $20 charge if they had to clean your soaking wet, sandy towels!}, so I just brought an oversized scarf. Yup, a scarf! It’s really long and thick enough without being too bulky. It got the job done and didn’t take up too much space in my bag. Also, it doubled as a sarong!

Gym Clothes
Sigh, I know we’re all trying to get healthy, but let’s be real for a moment. Are you really going to work out while on vacation? No really, are you going to do it? Just because your hotel has a gym, it doesn’t mean you’ll use it! Don’t get me wrong, if you know you’re going to work out and need to, do it, so bring your workout gear. But if you haven’t worked out in months, it’s pretty unrealistic that you’ll do it on vacation. I used to do this when I went to hotels with really nice gyms. My mindset was: hmm, the gym looks so pretty in pictures. I’ll work out. Reality: that didn’t happen.

That “Extra” Pair of Heels
Depending on where you’re traveling, you might not need heels at all. But, if you absolutely must have a dressier pair, stick with a strappy nude heel and/or basic black pumps. Yup, two pairs. Two maximum. Shoes are another major space guzzler, so really think long and hard. It’s always that “extra” pair of heels you bring along, thinking you’ll need them. Nine times out of ten, you don’t need them.

Swapping out one metallic for another!

A photo posted by Patrice J. Williams (@patricejwill) on May 26, 2016 at 4:43pm PDT

Your Entire Makeup Bag
Sometimes you think you’re done packing your bag, but then you remember the toiletries. Eek! “Keep it simple” is the rule of the game. Full size products are just a no-no. Transfer them into 3 oz. containers or just buy travel size items. But also, think of everything you use on a regular basis. If you alternate between two or three cleansers, can you just live with one for your vacation? Do you really need to bring shaving cream? Probably not, since hotels offer conditioner and this is a great substitute for shaving cream. And when it comes to makeup, a bit of concealer, lip balm, lip pencil and oversized sunglasses can work wonders.

[bctt tweet=”The urge to overpack is real! But here’s what you can leave at home to save space in your carry-on “]

Wallet and Keys
Now, I’m not saying to leave your wallet at home. But do you really need everything that’s currently in it? That means taking out your work ID, gift cards, photos, etc. Basically the stuff you have no use for when you’re away from home. And some people carry a ton of keys, but again, ditch the ones you don’t need. Obviously keep the actual keys to get into your home, but if you also have keys to your parents house, work or even those discount cards to your favorite stores, just take them off your ring. This simple change can really save space, as you’ll have a slimmer wallet and lighter key chain.

Overpacking is tempting, but these tips will really keep your bag in check and free up space for souvenirs!

How do you prevent yourself from overpacking? What items have you learned to leave at home because you never use them on vacation?