The craziest packing I have ever done was for a trip to Germany where it was still winter, followed by Morocco where summer has already started!!!

Have to admit that packing is to me the most difficult part of any trip, it’s a real pain to look fashionable, be practical, yet stay within the baggage allowed weight.

Here are 9 lessons that I learned, which helped me better do my packing, and know exactly what to leave behind;

A Not Tried-On Outfit

I know how difficult it is for us ladies to not move with our entire wardrobe, even harder if trying on an outfit after we pack it, only to feel like “Oh my God, I look ugly in this outfit, seriously what was I thinking when I bought it!”.

Practical Solution: try on every single outfit before packing it -there is no way you will feel ugly wearing it shortly after packing-, which will make you more confident about what you packed, and would save you from carrying unnecessary stuff.

Which brings us to the next point.

A Different Outfit For Each Day

Who doesn’t want to look good and fresh every single day of their memorable trip? It becomes a bit stressful -in a nice way- yet challenging to always be dressed beautifully, particularly if travelling someplace where the locals are usually nicely dressed, you also want to look nice in photos and videos, don’t you?

Practical Solution:  always pack light, knowing that it’s always possible to find a laundromat or hand wash when necessary, learn the art of “mix & match”, pack a couple of colourful scarfs, & light-weighted accessories -necklaces & earrings- to add glamour to the same outfits, and give them a brand new look.

The Wrong Overweight Winter Clothes

It becomes even more challenging to pack light when our plans fall in winter time, we overpack layers & layers, whilst what counts is the material those layers are made of, and how warm they are, not their quantity.

Practical Solution: the first layer that touches your body should never be made of cotton; as cotton absorbs sweat like a sponge and ceases to insulate, while layers such as synthetic, wool, and thermals trap your body’s heat to keep your body warm.

Uncomfortable Or New Shoes

Sore feet, painful shoulders, neck, and a burning back; we all had to learn the lesson the hard way, haven’t we? Travelling involves walking, lots of moving, and getting around, so leave behind this pair of new shoes you are not sure how comfy they are, those wedges that would go perfectly with your night dress, pack instead a pair of genuinely comfortable shoes.

Practical Solution: Travel in your bulkiest pair of shoes -I usually travel in my versatile hiking boots- so it wouldn’t take too much space, and pack another pair of “fits-to-all” shoes/sandals.

Books & Magazines

A holiday is “the” perfect time to bring to life those buried in dust books, but hey who doesn’t own a tablet, a kindle or at least a smartphone? Leave your heavy books & magazines behind, time to get the best use out of advanced technology.

Practical Solution: I can never leave without my guidebook, but when it’s too bulky such as “Europe on a shoestring”, I photocopy all pages that I need.

Toiletries & Hair Blower

Unless couch-surfing or staying in a hostel there is absolutely no need to carry toiletries or a hair blower with you.

Practical Solution: one can always call the hotel beforehand to double-check if they do/ not provide both, in some hotels they can even provide you with a hair straightener -I would never borrow a used hair iron in fact.

Food

It’s okay to pack some snacks to be consumed during your flight, or upon arrival -you never know how easy it is to find a good restaurant that is open-, but it’s not okay to have enough food covering your entire stay; because eating street food and local cuisine is an essential part of your travel experience.

Practical Solution: want to save lots of money? to start with you, don’t have to eat three hefty meals a day, two would be enough with some snacks, but if you insist, mix and match your meals; one at a fancy restaurant, another from food stalls, one bought from a grocery shop, and another home-made.

Sheets & Towels

Seriously stop being a hygiene freak!! But if you are not staying in a hotel or carrying them for some other reason; they are usually available for rent.

Practical Solution:  If it’s a hygiene thing, get yourself an antibacterial spray for fabrics instead of a whole set of sheets and towels.

A Set Of “What If” Stuff

What if it rained? I will take a rain coat

What if it snowed? I will pack my snow boots.

What if I decided to hike? I will wrap my hiking poles.

Practical Solution: check the weather forecast, read about your destination to understand what kind of activities to expect, write down a decent packing list, and be ready to eliminate your “what if” set of useless stuff list.

What else have you learned to never pack on your travels? Share with us in the comments below.

About the Author

Passainte Assem

A former lawyer, travel junkie and adventurer from head to toe. Whether broke or out of vacation time, always on the lookout for the next destination. Keen to share her travel stories, planning tips and photographs to give you a real sense of place.