Don’t Pack These Items! | 12 Things You DON’T Need When Traveling & What You Should Bring Instead

We’re often faced with the dilemma of packing light and avoiding unnecessary travel items that add to the clutter. In this video, we review common travel items and habits that you might want to avoid. We'll also share what you should bring instead!
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#traveltips #travel #packing

[TripAstute]

What things have you found to be unnecessary when traveling? Are there things you would add to the list? 😊

[seenzee]

Great suggestions! The #1 mistake is packing too much clothes, esp. if going to Asia. I just came back from Thailand and Taiwan. The hotel I stayed at in Taiwan (Amba Hotel) has washing machines and dryers for guests to use for free. In Thailand, I washed my clothes at a local laundromat for about $10 usd.

One certainly doesn't need to get the local currency at home. Just need one of the debit cards that reimburse ATM fees (Charles Schwab, Fidelity, First Republic Bank, Chase private or sapphire checking account, Citigold) and some $100 bills, in case the ATM machines are old and don't accept the debit card. This happened to me in Taipei. I had to use different ATM machine.

[sandy_]

I always carry a small flashlight in my tech bag. It's about the width of a pen and shorter. Carrying cash depends on the country. I took cash to Italy this fall and I'm glad I did. Kept me from overspending on my credit card. I do use a money belt. Guess I'm old school, but if you carry cash it's essential. They are a bit awkward but it's been useful for me.

[JuanWayTrips]

When it comes to the power plug adapters/converters, get one that has US, UK, EU, and Australia plugs all in one. They cost like $20, but it's worth it if you're doing multiple trips! Last year went to Australia and the EU, and later this year going to the UK. It's nice having to only buy one and using it for all your trips. Mine also came with USB charging points so I could charge multiple things at once while only needing one adapter.

[Bangpaulxu]

Absolutely love your channel, catching up on all the videos!

[thefailingstudent]

just came back from a trip to abu dhabi. Honestly i felt like i only needed my phone. used it for everything camera and paying for stuff like food. A helpful tip is check if the place you are going to are camera friendly. Abu Dhabi was not big camera friendly in some places i went.

[kevinManhattan]

Awesome video Ernest. 👍 No one overpacks more than me but i really need to cut it down.

[Evan-lxlw]

Costs a ton to get laundry done in (some places of) Europe. Bring a SMALL (thin) laundry line - REI sells on that is tiny and OK.


I assume it's your wife in the photo with the AA battery powered Maglite - one of those fits in my dop kit and takes little space.

[tomburke]

Good video, as usual. I'll just respond on one or two points. First, laundry. I do still take a line and some washing detergent, but mainly only for underwear and light gear that I know will dry quickly. I've found this especially useful in some high-cost places in SE Asia, e.g. Singapore, where there aren't many public launderettes and where hotel laundry is expensive! Secondly, camera. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't, but when I do I go all-in - in fact on my last big trip I even took my tripod, and used it; and I came home with images that my phone wouldn't have given me. But - last year I downsized all my photo gear, from full frame to APS-C, so I saved weight and bulk in that way.

[worldcitizeng]

I bought a pack of RDF credit cards protection envelope, which doesn't take up any space, I keep it inside my passport pouch, tucked it inside my shirts. I never bring my wallet when I travel overseas. I keep foreign currency inside ziplock bags.
Anyone has a better suggestion on how to keep foreign coins during travel?

[violeta]

Great tips, but how do you carry your passport? The organizer you showed seems way too bulky for something to carry every day of the trip.

[CJ-imuu]

Wear light weight layers. RFID slip covers

[crxracer]

Are you keeping your Chase Sapphire Reserve? A lot of people are upset about the new changes.

[elusiveillusion]

When I watch videos where and they pack all these unnecessary items I sit there with my mouth hanging open 😳😧like WHY?

[masoompatel]

Too much food. I carry some snacks, but my family is known to carry the same amount of food as clothes at times. I understand if you have little kids, dietary restrictions or are trying to save money, but keeping extra “just in case” is a bit too much. Better to enjoy the local cuisine if you get hungry if you ask me.