20 Things You Should Never Pack On Long Trips

Traveling for an extended period can be overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out what to pack. The goal is to avoid overpacking, underpacking, or carrying unnecessary items that will just weigh you down. We’ve all done it—packing “just in case” and later regretting every extra item we dragged halfway across the world. 

Ready to find out which 20 items you should skip? This guide will save you from packing regrets, and turn your suitcase into a lean, mean, travel machine. Keep reading—your back (and your sanity) will thank you later.

1. Too Many Shoes

We’ve all been there—you’re about to leave for a long trip, staring at your shoe collection like it’s a life-or-death decision. You might pack that extra pair of shoes because you think you might need them. But honestly, shoes take up so much space. You only need the ones that are comfy and versatile. Think of one pair for sightseeing, one for the beach or a night out, and maybe flip-flops for lounging around. Anything else is just extra weight.

Instead of filling your bag with unnecessary shoes, go for practicality. The fewer shoes, the better. They take up valuable space and weight in your luggage, which could be better utilized for things you’ll actually use.

2. Clothes You’ll Never Wear

You might be planning on wearing that cute dress or those fancy shoes, but if you haven’t worn them in the last month, leave them behind. Stick to the basics that you know you’ll actually use. Packing your wardrobe is about being strategic, not about packing for every “what if” scenario.

Packing clothes that you rarely wear not only wastes space but also adds unnecessary bulk to your suitcase. Go with items that are comfortable, versatile, and can be layered easily for different temperatures.

3. Heavy Accessories

So you’re going on a long trip and want to look stylish, right? But that chunky necklace or extra pair of sunglasses isn’t going to do you any favors. Accessories can get tangled in your bag or just add unnecessary weight. Keep it simple with a couple of lightweight, versatile pieces that work with multiple outfits. Your back will thank you.

For accessories, choose items that complement your outfits without overwhelming your bag. Less really is more when it comes to jewelry, bags, and belts.

4. Full-Size Toiletries

How many times have you packed a bottle of shampoo, body wash, and conditioner that ended up taking up half your bag? Here’s the deal: opt for travel-sized products. You can always pick up toiletries once you get to your destination. There’s no need to haul around full-size bottles of stuff you can find anywhere.

Toiletries can be bulky, and when you’re traveling long-term, every inch of space in your luggage is valuable. Get travel-sized containers for the essentials: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and any skincare you need. This saves space and weight, plus you won’t risk having your full-size bottles explode in your bag.