12 Things Experienced Travelers No Longer Pack (Minimalist Packing Tips)
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- čas přidán 15. 05. 2024
- DON’T Pack These 12 Travel "Essentials". These are 12 pieces of Travel Gear you probably DON'T NEED when packing for travel.
In this video, we give minimalist packing tips and help you focus on only the travel essentials by eliminating bulky and unnecessary gear so you know exactly what to skip when packing for travel.
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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 12 Things Experienced Travelers Don't Pack
0:49 #1: Neck Pillows
1:27 #2: Physical Travel Guidebooks
1:57 #3: Travel Hair Dryer
2:43 #4: How Much Cash Should You Travel With?
4:02 #5: Expensive International Data Plans
4:21 Holafly Esim Review
5:21 #6: Travel Towel
6:30 #7: Luggage Scale
7:09 #8: Rugged Gear (unless you need it)
8:13 #9: Full Sized Toiletries
9:02 #10: Cheap Socks
10:02 #11: Different Outfit Every Day
11:02 #12: What Ifs
As a female, I disagree about the travel towel. The standard hotel sized towel is pretty small. I bring a nice microfiber body towel and use the small hotel towel for my hair. The microfiber towel can do double and triple duty. You can use it as an airplane blanket or lap blanket. You can also use it as a neck roll, beach towel, almost anything!
A friend buys her travel clothes BEFORE she leaves at a thrift store and donates them to her country of travel. Leaves room in her suitcase for souvenirs etc.
I do the same thing when I go to a place that I may need a special item. I go to a local thrift at the destination, buy what I need and donate it when I leave.
AWESOME!
Donate = leave the trash for someone else to clean up
Recycling- good idea!
People may appreciate and enjoy!
😉
Great idea!
In Bangkok airport the lady at the phone counter took my iPhone, took out my home country SIMcard and and inserted the Thailand SIM card for unlimited data and calls for the equivalent of $12 for 20 days and handed me back my phone, thai SIM packet with my India SIM neatly cello taped on it. It was so fast and efficient that I am mighty impressed by the Thailand tourism juggernaut
I prefer to tape the sim to the inside of my phone case...or in the good old days, the inside of the battery cover. Harder to lose.
Fell for this once in BKK. 😜 I have a dual SIM phone, but the lady just replaced my home SIM instead of adding the new one. Found out when I returned to Europe and had no connection in Frankfurt.
Cancelled my SIM before transfer using the free airport wi-fi, got a new one from the phone company on my way home from the airport, unpacked and found... my old SIM neatly cello taped on my dtac tourist SIM packet.
It only happened once on the 7th of my dozen or so visits, but I still find it funny. And actually... you should get the Thai SIM in town, not at the airport. For a 30-day internet only SIM the price difference was just under 150% this January.
In the goo old days their wasn't any phones
I removed the foam from my neck pillow and stuff it with extra clothing 😊
Genius!
Brilliant!❤
Some airlines are now checking that and will charge you extra.
@@rM-xk9ob i doubt it, once you go through security the airline is not going to check
@@shelleylarose
They can and do make luggage checks at the gate while boarding
I pack solid shampoo and conditioner. Very lightweight and no worries about spilling.
I travel a lot. The one thing I pack that I wish I felt comfortable NOT packing is my little ‘pharmacy’. I learned the hard way that meds in foreign countries aren’t the same and may not work for you. And sometimes you need stuff on the plane before you get to your destination. So I pack a kit. Unfortunately it takes up more room than I like even if I use travel size containers. But after experiencing what it’s like not to have it, I will live with the inconvenience.
I do the same *and* keep the most important medicine in the designated travel medicine bag when I'm home. That way I don't need to keep duplicates and the OTC pain relief (for example) is very easy to find. Same with cosmetics and I check occasionally for expired items
I travel worldwide and I also pack my mini first aid kit. But I manage to stuff those things in a sandwich size zip bag.
Always in my first aid kit: Anti-diarrhea meds are usually needed at a time it’s not convenient to find a store or pharmacy. Moleskin for blisters. Pesto Bismol or similar. A few bandaids. A sink stopper and a couple laundry detergent sheets. Benadryl, for the odd allergic reaction. Musinex cold medicine. Sting-ease, aloe or similar. Fits in a ziploc sandwich bag and used more often than Not.
Hello from Finland. Good shoes are very important, as well as a windproof jacket, and a beanie and scarf if you are traveling in northern Europe or windy areas. Summer temperature can be about +10 C or colder, nights colder. Example, if is +6 C morning and wind, it almost feel +0 C. Use clothes with weather, not thinking June is summer.
Leather gloves if it doesn't rain and waterproof gloves for rain are also important, if only 1 pair so warm water repellent. When the feet, hands and head are warm and you get warm food, then 95% of the day is "saved".
That's a great phrase at the end!
Disagree with your towel position. I always travel with some sort of a towel, whether it be a Turkish, microfiber , or one of those golf ones. Immensely useful. I’ll leave you with one of the best travel advice of all times:
“A towel, [The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy] says, is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have. Partly it has great practical value. You can wrap it around you for warmth as you bound across the cold moons of Jaglan Beta; you can lie on it on the brilliant marble-sanded beaches of Santraginus V, inhaling the heady sea vapors; you can sleep under it beneath the stars which shine so redly on the desert world of Kakrafoon; use it to sail a miniraft down the slow heavy River Moth; wet it for use in hand-to-hand-combat; wrap it round your head to ward off noxious fumes or avoid the gaze of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal (such a mind-boggingly stupid animal, it assumes that if you can't see it, it can't see you); you can wave your towel in emergencies as a distress signal, and of course dry yourself off with it if it still seems to be clean enough.” ~Douglas Adam, Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.
Yes I agree completely - my main use is to refresh me when I sweat or want to feel fresh (especially in long rides or fligths). : I put a small towel in a plastic bag, half wet for refreshing, the rest for drying myself with. Plus sometimes private houses don't provide towels. In Antigua I had to buy ones for a week, the pension attached to a spanish schoo l didn't provide them. And in network like bewelcome, our Host specifies what to bring.
on a more down to earth less Douglas Adams spin I'll at least take a hand towel sized microfibre towel (right type you can actually dry your whole body) and a regular sized one can become an impromptu picnic blanket in a park in Salzburg or a make shift sunshade in Okinawa just to name a few uses I've put them to
I travel with a long, narrow microfiber towel for when I wash my hair. Packs small, even has a case. My husband brings a washcloth. When we were in India, most places didn't provide one. I had brought a thin one for my face and he ended up using it the whole trip.
It's only second to my request for a pangalactic gargle blaster
You are obviously one hoopy frood! 😀
As a woman, I use a Turkish towel which has multiple uses including a sarong type skirt.
1. Neck pillows
2. Guide books
3. travel hair dryer
4. excess cash
5. expensive international phone plans
6. towel
7. luggage scale
8. rugged gear (shoes clothing) unless needed for trip
9. full sized toiletries
10. cheap socks
11. too many clothes
12. what-ifs
Disagree on the towel. Depends on the destination, but in Italy a microfiber beach towel was invaluable when we went to a hot spring and I expect the same when we visit Spain in a few months and want to spend some time on the beach. Compact and lies flat in my rollaboard taking little room.
I do have to say one of the meh videos out there. Glad you made this, tnx
A hitchhiker is never without his towel. I’ll take a small towel
I also take a bathing suit. Takes a very little space and what if?
In the discount stores in the US they start at $60.
Turkish towel for the win! It's usually bigger than the microfiber 'quick dry' ones and is made of cotton instead of plastic but it doesn't take up much space. Great for the beach or poolside as well.
@@calliopemuse6724 sure, but cotton can take forever to dry. Dragging a damp rag around doesn't sound appealing to me.
I use a stuffable travel pillow to avoid paying for extra baggage as I stuff it full of clothes. It’s been a game changer,
Especially in discount airlines with carry on weight limits, since travel pillows are allowed as additional items for free. And if I don’t need it, it packs flat.
Where can we get one??
@@rasmitagubhaju9432Amazon. I use Cosy Collection
That's a clever idea! I travel on Spirit where you can only bring 1 personal item for free. I either wear a belt bag or a backsack under my jacket & it counts as clothing. You remove them to go through TSA & put them back on after.
@@rasmitagubhaju9432amazon
That is genius, I'm gonna look into buying one and just stuff it with my underwear/socks and just travel with a backpack. Already done the backpack traveling and I am hooked after just one time. Merino wool shirts are a must for me now. One shirt can go for 3 days of warm/hot climate or longer before I need to wash it briefly.
I always pack my microfiber towel. It works as a towel, yoga mat, blanket, and scarf
And its lite, absorbent and small.
as someone who travels internationally every other month, all of these tips were 100% spot on. you got a like and a subscription
Welcome! Thanks for watching!
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy states very firmly that you should always bring your towel!
I never bring a towel, but I do bring a large thin scarf. I use it for a lot of things. As a scarf, as a blanket for warmth or to sit on, to cover myself when I go into a mosque, as a bikini cover up, I used it ones as a sling or to create some shadow and sometimes I use it as a towel.
Me too. A sarong is super useful.
I always now travel with one too. I can lay on it, wrap up in it, use it as a makeshift towel, and so much more. And it takes up almost no room or weight.
-I highly recommend a black and white wardrobe (or blue and tan), no need to worry about coordination.
-Aim for carry on only, unless you’re getting a lot souvenirs, if you need anything while abroad (like a towel) you can buy it and leave it behind for a lot less than the cost of your baggage fees.
Great advise re the e-SIM, I wish I knew about that sooner!
Happy travels, everyone!
totally!
Yep, buy and leave behind. How ecologically friendly we are pushed to be ....
yes, the people working in hotels for minimum wage are always very appreciative @@dmitripogosian5084
@@dmitripogosian5084 you can donate it to a local thrift store. No one said you have to throw the stuff away.
My spouse got spoiled by Tokyo. You're always 5 steps from a 7-11 and cheap umbrellas are everywhere!
I used to cut out pages from lonely planet books back in the day.
On a early December trip to Pairs, I packed 3 pairs of Merino wool socks for 9 days, best thing I ever did. Also, I only packed great walking Sneakers with galoshes. I only needed the galoshes for 4 of the 9 days but my feet and shoes were dry all 9 days. The other people on the trip had wet or damp shoes. Galoshes are great, they take up very little room and give great benefits. If you know, you are going where it is going to rain and be puddles, galoshes are the thing.
What do u mean by galoshes? Rubber overshoes? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galoshes
As I was an astronaut I have always believed in capsule wardrobes.
Microfiber towels are great for wrapping hand washed items and bathing suits and using as head scarfs and neck pillows.
I always pack a travel laundry line and use that alot when washing underwear and lightweight tops. I also pack a small washcloth because some places we stayed at only provided towels.
Marks & Spenser's used to sell amazing light wool-mix knit thermals for women. They took virtually no space in luggage, weighed next to nothing, and could easily fit under regular clothes. I even used them in Hawaii when we went up to the volcano and temps were 🥶. Wish I could find something like them again!
In trips to warm climates my beach cover-up is multi-purposed. I stopped packing a swimsuit on my trips to Europe as never once did I use it; likewise with the travel iron was never used after my second trip.
I bring three credit cards. One for my wallet, one stays in my money belt under my clothes along with a little spare cash and a copy of my ID info. I don't bring my regular debit card instead I use a third credit card that I preload with money before travel, and is not connected to any of my bank accounts.
I have a (slightly excessive?) utility kit. For trips over a week I include a few leaves of laundry soap, a 5L thin wall drysack, and a 30’ length of 1000# Kevlar kite string (
I always take a very comfortable hoodie as my travel pillow. Roll it lengthwise and use the arms to tie it comfortably. So nice!
Great!
Good idea!!!
Like the tying aspect!
my tip for avoiding over packing is i try to bring as many old clothes as i can and just donate or leave them. that way you have light luggage for your return home when you are more worn out or you have room for souvenirs.
I’ve had for years an inflatable travel pillow with a velour cover that folds down to practically nothing, it’s very comfy and I can inflate it to whatever comfort level I need and when done packs easily in its little pouch, love it!
Yes. Got one of those. Cannot sleep sitting up so with the inflatable I am leaning forward over the top. Get a good sleep with it.
I pack 3… one to sit on, one for my lower back & one for any fragile items I may purchase. I’m from Australia & vertically challenged so every trip is at least 8 hours long. Having the two pillows makes flying more comfortable
I use an ultralight inflatable hiking pillow, and a neck buff. I can put the semi-inflated pillow under the buff to support my neck in various locations. And I can fully inflate the pillow to use on the tray table or as a lumbar pillow, or as a regular bed pillow should the need arise. In the last case I use the buff as a pillow case. I do sometimes carry the cloth cover from a neck pillow which I stuff with clothing to increase my cabin baggage.
What packing cube brand do you suggest?
Me too. Also take my neck pillow without the pillow. Once in the hotel I stuff the neck pillow case with a towel...boom. I have my neck pillow without the pillow.
I use the microfiber towels to do laundry. I roll up the washed items and stomp on them, then hang. The clothes and towels are always dry the next morning. Your hotel towels stay ready to use. Also, I always bring one or two microfiber wash cloths. European hotels don’t always have them.
Okay with the "what if" that can be easy to obtain or replace but I always travel with a second pair of glasses ... Bifocal very specific for me - I had to wait a few days with a prescription in my country (Belgium).
Good thinking! I don't blame you
Agree, as I have a tendency to lose my glasses and it’s definitely a disaster when that happens
This is something important!
Not the second extra pair of underwear. Clothes can be washed 👍
For ladies get tops that can double as a dress or bathing suit cover. Multi functional pieces mean less to pack.
Whenever I see a "What Not to Pack" video, neck pillow is almost always #1. If I think I'll need one, I bring an extra sweatshirt on the plane and use that as a neck pillow.
I disagree with the presenter about the neck pillow. When I fly to India which is flying 3 hours+ 10 hours + 10 hours the neck pillow was a lifesaver.
Great video: here is what I always travel with: Laundry soap pods (6 +/-); Apple Air Tags; (2) multi prong (or universal) charging cables for electronics; small LED night light; USB battery pack; plastic bags to keep wet dirty clothes separated from clean; plastic shopping bags for (good quality walking) shoes so that they do not soil clothes; styptic pencil (for small cuts, etc.); wireless and minimum 3 types of wired earphones with 3.5 mm, USB-C, and lightening plugs for plane, phone, ipad, etc.; windbreaker that also doubles as a rain jacket; small sewing kit; I wear glasses so I also pack a small emergency eyeglass repair kit along with a spare pair of glasses. I use sunglass clip ons (Walmart $14) during day so no need for separate sunglasses. Convert money while in US before going overseas if you can.
Thanks!!!
Great tips!!!
Agree with everything you do EXCEPT exchanging currency before you leave. I used to do that too but the exchange rate is terrible. The best way to get foreign currency is to get it from a bank ATM at the airport and cities that you are visiting. Get a free bank account at Schwab and they waive all of the ATM withdrawal fees. I travel extensively and never exchange currency anymore, I just withdraw it from the local bank ATMs.
DarnTough socks are way better than smartwool. They are merino with Teflon and they are lifetime warrantied. Send ‘em back when they wear out for a new pair! And they are beautiful socks. Made in Vermont.
Thanks! I agree - it seems smart wool socks do not last at all, at least for me. I'm trying the other brand!
Yes! Smartwool socks only seem to last me a year. Darn Tough are better.
I have both, and I greatly prefer Darn Tough over smartwool.
Darn Tough 💯💯💯
Another good thing about Darn Tough-they come in sizes. No longer do too long socks bunch up under my foot arch
I agreed with basically everything on the list. Mix and match is key. And for shoes don't ever bring brand new, not yet broken in shoes. While packing for an upcoming trip, I very nearly committed that rookie mistake.
Yup. Good advice. 👍💙
Get the shoes a month ahead, or go to styles and brands that don’t need breaking in.
I’ve gone “barefoot shoes” and find they don’t need breaking in as they are a sole that attaches to my foot (some have boot like uppers, some are sandals). In the supportive shoe world, Chacos and Keens both do well day 2 and forward. Birkenstocks need a couple days of less walking (sub 20km), or gasp, socks.
Your list is sound. I also consider my destination and consider what might be available there that I don't have to pack and bring. For example I only packed one outfit for Hawaii and made one of my first stops Hilo Hattie's Factory. I lived in the mumus, skirts and shirts I got there and had great summerwear for when I got home. Basically when in doubt don't pack it, and if you need to buy it there, you get a story to tell too.
Excellent points in this video & info. in comments. Experience is a great teacher too. During & after every trip is a great opportunity to review what you packed & your status, go over lessons learned. I used to overpack terribly, not so much now. I’m a motorcycle traveler, travel internationally, I have heard pack your things, discard half, then discard half again. Be versatile. If you need something, usually can go shopping where you travel. Travel safely, watch out for pickpockets & scams.
One thing I ALWAYS travel with is a compact but comprehensive sewing kit. I’ve lost count of the number of times it’s been my saviour!
Split seam? No problem. Lost button? Fixed. Foot blister? Sterilise a pin, and have at it. Last clean sock worn through? Darn it! Shoes need insoles, or you buy something in a welded plastic blister pack? Scissors to the rescue for trimming and cutting into. Best thing is, the kit is compact, lightweight and inexpensive. Just make sure it has decent mercerised thread, not horrible cheap crap.
Never had one, and never needed one in any of my trips
Absolutely! Takes up almost no space and can come in super handy. I’ve made my own tiny kit with a few different buttons, needles and black, gray and white threads. Stays in my toiletry bag all the time. Also in my bag is a pair of little kids “1st” scissors. Used those upteen times for a variety of things. And last, but not least… a small eyeglass repair kit especially if you wear prescription lenses.
never needed one, not gonna bother carrying it around
We went camping in the Berkshires (Mass. US) one summer and it got really cold so we went to a thrift store and purchased winter jackets. Great advice!
I never travel with more than two dress swords. More would be ridiculous.
*Travel Hack:* Pack a Turkish towel into a fillable neck pillow case, and VOILÀ! you get a 'non-stranger used towel' + a pillow packed neatly together, outside of a suitcase ... that doesn't count against the space or weight limit. 🧳
I just got back from a trip where I realized when I landed that the cold weather clothing I had would not work with the -40 below temperatures I was dealing with. Easiest thing to do was to rent from a local business all the heavy boots, parkas, layers, mittens, that I needed and then turned them back in. My next stop was tropical, so I packed up the snow clothes that I took but didn't use and mailed them to myself. Donating items you are unlikely to use for years is also a good option.
did you use regular local post officer to send the clothes back home?
Yes to the Mailing stuff back home to yourself! In Italy 🇮🇹 the boxes were $60 for a large box 📦 their yellow 😮 lightened suitcase home was a luxury!
i like the idea of posting the surplusback home to yourself! I've been thinking about posting boxed medical supplies 'in advance' but might be better just to check them in as 'hold' baggage.
Yes ! 👍🧡🌱
Definitely when visiting Italy ended up packing and shipping a big container of fragile ceramics. So much easier.
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy says that the most important item is indeed a towel. How else could you flag down a space ship when you want to get off that weired planet?
I had a trip in 2019 to Norway and Vietnam (it's a long story why it was those two countries). I did a great job packing. I had swim trunks, 2 shorts, 2 pants (1 that I wore on the plane). 5 dri-fit shirts, 2 of them had collars I was able wash the shirts in the sink overnight, and they were dry by morning.
I realised the same thing that when I go to South East Asia that I need drifit t-shirts that don't stay wet all day when you are sweaty, and I don't need more than 3 days of clothes when staying in a hostel because it's too smelly to have so much dirty clothes all the time even if it's stored in a plastic bag. I need better bag options probably? I had 10 days worth of clothes last time, it was too much.
I'll also not take a laptop, just my phone and noise cancelling headphones that double as earplugs when people snore. I could use a Samsung tablet with Bluetooth keyboard which has amazing battery life and is essentially like a more capable Chromebook (a browser laptop with amazing battery life) if you don't need anything more than a browser and mobile apps.
Well done! As an international business and leisure traveller I fully agree. My one suggestion is about the no-towel recommendation. I have a Turkish ‘peshtamal’ towel in an interesting pattern. This is a flat towel (not a bulky terry one). The interesting pattern lets it work as a shawl, coverup, rolled as a neck support - and its absorbency and fast drying properties let it work as a towel if needed.
We decided to travel through Italy for 2 weeks with only 1 carry on bag each. Worked great! We moved around quickly and easily. We rented a smart car for Two that didn’t fit anything bigger.
Great list! Personally, I do have a travel towel with me at all times since I've been backpacking South America for the last year and I stay mostly at hostels, and they rarely provide towels. Other than that, I mostly agree. Cool video 😎
I've chosen to travel with a neck pillow on my Alaska to Rio trip (via Ushuaia) because I've had to take alot of night buses. I agree it wouldn't be worth it just for your flight but for night buses, it definitely helps.
Exactly right. I have made each one if these mistakes. 😂 Only pack things that you cannot get in your destination country. I have 2 ATM cards from different banks. This has saved me multiple times. Also ANYTHING that has a BATTERY in it should ALWAYS be packed in your CARRY ON. Good stuff.
I agree with your list - For long term travel - I bought a phone with SIM card while I lived in India. No plan - just pay for SIM card reloads. I made the mistake of bringing heavy duty hiking shoes for some Himalaya mountain hiking. But that was only a small portion of the entire trip. They are so heavy and took up a lot of space - and they were too good for me to leave them there. Socks - Smart wool is one of my favorite brands of socks. On one trip that included Paris and painting instruction in Loire valley - I planned on buying things and leaving some clothing items there. (I only had a carry on and a backpack.) Great video
I trekked in the Himalayas on 4 trips, and finding good shoes in Nepal 20 years ago was impossible. Agree on Smart Wool.
Great video. Agree with all but I do bring a “J pillow” which personally I treasure - great for planes, trains, and bus rides. Also, it has saved me multiple times over the years when I got to a lodging and turned out that I really didn’t like the bed pillows - I can always shape the J pillow into something comfortable in a pinch so I sleep better and for sure have a much better travel experience when I do sleep well.
It may not help since you are at the airport already, but most of the idle check-in counters at airports still have the scale on the baggage belt activated, and you can weigh your bag before the airline does, allowing you time to re-arrange items to meet individual bag limits at your leisure and without providing street entertainment for the check-in queue. 😄
I love different options that's why when I travel I try looking for reversible clothing one piece two different outfits 😂
Get your towel. Can find a lightweight one. For hygiene and dermatological reasons. You don’t need an itchy rash during your trip. Some hotels use harsh chemicals or don’t wash all the towels every time
The cell phone company we use was great for both Europe trips...inexpensive voice calls, cell data (though at lower speeds), unlimited messaging while overseas, used free wifi where we stayed.
Agree with quality socks and comfortable street shoes good for walking... but this is true at home, not just while traveling. Agree also with fitting what you need in a single carry-on...it's amazing how little you really need for a vacation.
Name of company please
@@maril1379 Tmobile...we went in and arranged the overseas (pre covid) use before leaving and had to use messaging once just before leaving the country...worked out great...check what their rules are now.
The other thing he didn’t really cover properly is that yeah it’s $10 a day but it’s only for X number of days and then the rest of the month is covered. It’s not like it’s $300 a month.
I was stuck at an Airbnb in London with no towel and had to walk a half hour to a Tesco where I bought a small one. Many things may not seem necessary until you need it. I’ll always pack a mid sized towel now. Always have flip flops and swim wear too.
What kind of Airbnb doesn't provide towels?! :o
In the UK, they often provide towels but not a washcloth/facecloth. I have a collection of washcloths I had to buy at Boots. Now I try to remember to pack one.
@@katzablot599can’t a towel be used as a temporary facecloth?
nahh, not gonna lug all kinds of things around just because one time I had to buy something
@@katzablot599Washcloths aren't generally a thing in Europe, unfortunately.
Great video. I would wear trail running shoes. They’re very versatile. You can wear them for walking, hiking, jogging or running. I wore a pair of all-black ASICS trail runners in seven European countries in 2021. It was a good investment.
Literally watching this video in my closet as I pack my little roll aboard suitcase for my trip overseas for five months. Great inspiration!😊
Excellent and helpful hints. Thank you. Sending best wishes from South Africa 🇿🇦
Re neck pillows: it is now a thing to add a zip to the neck pillow, remove the stuffing, and fill it with t shirts, socks, undies, etc, so you don't have to stuff them into your tiny carry on. It's easy to carry, and easy to strap to the outside of your carry on, when you're not using/wearing it.
I purchased a hollow one for $9 on Amazon, works great
Mix 'n'' match clothes is a must. For longer holidays ('vacations') I've started taking less pants 'n' socks but making sure the apartment has a washing machine.
*Don't Forget Your Charger* and associated cables. Also, my rucksack has a solar charge usb battery/speaker built in- handy for on the go charging better sound in more basic accommodation (no TV etc).
Excellent point about the e-reader. they're thin and light and have all your books. Something I found handy was a smartphone with e-Ink or use your e-reader with google maps - so you can view your maps on the beach or in bright sunlight.
Agree 100% with credit cards. I always bring 2. And bring 2 atm’s. I’ve had credit card fraud while I’ve been away, and had to cancel 1. Also have had ATM card eaten at a machine.
Great tips. Iceland is cold, and windy. But incredible.
Unless you're super particular about things like face creams, even travel size toiletries can be a waste of space for most destinations. Basically don't pack anything that can just come from a grocery store or convenience store. I *LOVE* going to grocery stores when I travel. It's fun, and you can pick up regional products like jams, chocolates, etc. for significantly less than you can in a lot of touristy markets. The selection is frequently better too.
Used to never use the pillow but it’s a game changer at hotels and airports and with kids on buses and cars. Worth it to me to have the comfort of that for my body. Also I take a thin microfiber small towel - majority of international travel experiences I’ve needed it!
I will never not take a neck pillow on a plane. If I am driving I will take my full size cooling contoured pillow. My foam neck pillow is a compromise to not lug my full size pillow onto the plane😅 also, it snaps onto my luggage so it's not "taking up room"? I don't understand what he even means by that. 🤔
But I DO NOT trust hotel pillows. They're lumpy or don't support my neck or half the time have feathers (which I am allergic to and do not need it that close to my face). I have learned how to use my neck pillow at the hotel and had much better sleep with it than the pillows they provide.
Seasoned traveler here. Great list and advice. And I don’t mind the product recommendations. Very helpful. Well-presented too.
I buy new merino socks while travelling, this year in Queenstown, New Zealand, last year in Vilnius, Lithuania. Wool socks are usually the only souvenir I buy.
Great video! I’m a life long over-packer and guilty of clothes not even worn or items used. This will help on my next trip to Europe this month. There are two things I’ll always bring. Two pairs of shoes, one for walking and one for dinner. Dinner is special and I’d like to wear better clothes. I mainly travel all over Italy and 99% of the time the wash cloths in the hotels are paper thin. I bring a wash cloth or exfoliating bath sponge so I feel clean….especially in the summer. I will try my best knowing it’s not quite warm yet.
Disagree regarding the luggage scales.
I like buying many items on my travels (bottles of wine or local spirits, food, souvenirs, decoration items like vases, dishes, table towels). The luggage scale is small and help me balancing the weight our luggages before going to the airport. It also tells me if I can buy another bottle of that local beverage without going over my luggage weight limit.
Only one item on that list have I EVER packed. Guidebooks. But I rip out the sections I need and reassemble it when I get home or discard them as we go. I still prefer to be able to flip back and forth through physical pages than on a phone.
My wife and I just returned from a 24 day trip through Europe. Thank you for all the great advice. Although we did over pack everything you covered in your videos were on point from the owala bottle to the Holafly eSIM. Thanks😀🇵🇷
I liked the story of how you searched for scarves in thrift stores!😊 In Iceland!
We ended up in Mexico and I hadn’t checked my husband’s deodorant before we left. I keep the toiletry bag packed even at home. My good smelling one was going down fast because his ran out. He’d been using mine but not saying anything. A quick trip to the store and we both had new ones.
I’ve always said, “We aren’t going to Outer Mongolia. We can buy it if we forget it.”
They have drugstores in Siberia, so I figure in Mongolia too 😂.
I take my swim chamois on my trips. Works better than hotel towels and is very compact.
When traveling, I have opted for long sleeved polo style shirts. They're light and don't need ironing. Throw a sports jacket in with a white polo and you're ready for a dressier look. Long sleeves can be rolled up, but a short sleeve can't be rolled down. A pull over sweater will complete your look and cut your weight. You're on vacation and will never see these people ever again so who cares what you look like, wear what's comfortable.
Best advice you will never see these people again
Love your videos and your style. Lots of great tips ,even for experienced travelers!
I always pack my pillow case, towel, face cloth, Wander neck pillow. And Clorox wipes!
Me again Just checked out the webpage and they have excellent advice. I would not think of packing the things Nick mentions except a travel pillow - inflatable of course. I like to have a print book in case the kindle fails.
Keep the backup card in another bag or another location such as a vest or ankle wallet. Use a small wallet or cover with your metro card so you aren't getting your wallet out all the time. Carry a decoy wallet with a 10 dollar bill or local equivalent. You can show the money to the robber and give them this wallet while keeping your wallet with your cards and ID.
I've learned a couple of these the hard way: I was very guilty of the "what ifs". It's been hard to unlearn the Girl Scout way of being prepared. One of my favorite movie lines is by Vincent Vega (John Travolta) from Pulp Fiction talking about traveling in Europe: "They have the same 'stuff' there that they have here, it's just a little different". (That's summarizing due to language.) The point is that you can find some version of what you want if you're willing to adapt, and that's what travel is about, experiencing the differences. Like Nik says, it's an adventure in itself to go looking.
Royale with Cheese!
One medium thickness towel is useful to string up with dental floss to block excess neon and street light in the sleeping quarters.
Merino is not the best choice just for socks...underwear, base layers/T-shirts, and polo shirts are also a growing part of my travel wardrobe. In addition to the temperature aspect they are easy to wash dry quickly. Not inexpensive, but really reduces the amount of clothes that you need to pack. For a 17-day trip to Italy this easily fit in my rollaboard with plenty of room to spare.
Nailed it!
I've tried that but no matter how soft they are, I find them scratchy. Lightweight bamboo is now my go-to base layer for wicking/ease of washing
Is there a good hypoallergenic, non-itchy alternative? My skin does NOT react well when covered by wool of any kind. A little wool at the edges is usually OK (scarves, overcoats, etc.), but even the thought of wearing unlined wool shirts makes my skin crawl.
@@jeburr24 have you tried merino? It is unlike any other wool and several people I know with sensitive skin have not had an issue with this.
@@jeburr24 I'm the same. I travel a great deal and my go-to next to skin layer is bamboo. Some of the thicker ones can take a while to dry, but there's many that are very easy for hand washing and overnight drying. (I never use laundries when travelling as I can't trust what products they're using)
Sound advice! Agree about good socks and capsule wardrobe. I never take a hairdryer, if I take a towel it’s a microfibre one. Have been decanting toiletries for years (miss the 35 mm film containers which were perfect for this!) and using solid ones where possible and chuck out leftovers - hotels often have toiletries. Take medication out of boxes and if you don’t need 28 days cut the blister packs down, but take your NHS prescription list with you in case you forget anything or you’re questioned at customs/security, which has happened! Take things that can double up - sun cream is face moisturiser; use face wipes for cleansing hands and butt as well. The only issue is my mobile provider doesn’t provide data for some countries so I rely on WiFi and need to take a printed travel guidebook (I always check the weight before buying) The one thing I don’t cut out, unless it’s a short or city trip, is a camera. I have several to suit different kinds of tours
good points. in UK my provider still has EU 'roaming' so I can still use my inclusive data, but for travel to non-member countries (Egypt, Israel Jordan for example) then 'local' eSIM or dual SIM handsets is the way to go. eSIM ideal now for going UK/EU to USA/Canada
I agree to most of those, as an experienced business/holiday traveler. But… I always travel with a towel (recently switched to a pestemal/hamam towel, no experience yet), as I‘m always ready to jump into any water available 😅 I also used it as a blanket or to cover dirty pillows. I also recommend some waterproof hiking shoes, if you‘re going to explore the countryside (maybe not in tropical countries, where you can wear sandals or your sneakers dry quickly). They also come in handy on days with a lot of rain, so my feet will stay dry. I also wear cheap h&m cotton socks all the time without any problems. I walk and hike a lot during my holidays (as a Swiss, I‘m used to walk everywhere). In my opinion, the right shoes make a bigger difference than socks.
travel guides? I watch Nik on CZcams before I go out the next day at my destination, thanks for the Toledo video!
I recently bought a microfiber beach towel. I love it for travel and use it every trip. I also have an inflatable neck pillow b/c i sleep with one every night at home and don't want the bulk while packing.
We buy some of toiletries at the destination. Sunscreen is a good example. Just get it there. You should run out of a bottle with 2-3 people using it for a week.
And thank you for reminding people that most of what you need you can get at your destination.
Sunscreen in some countries is extremely expensive so be sure if the price. My sunscreen costs $8 but overseas a bottle of any brand was $20! So I took it from home and left the bottle at end of my trip.
@@happycook6737 is 12 dollars difference really relevant relative to the cost of the trip? i wouldnt want to be constantly calculating whats cheaper
You’re lucky. I have skin allergies to so many things that I have to bring with me anything that will touch my skin. I can’t be sure I can find what I need locally, and I don’t want to waste time looking. Even at home, I usually have to order my soap, deodorant, shampoo etc. on line.
@@ezb6798 that’s a great reason to bring from home. You may want to watch some videos on sunscreen formulations around the world, too. The US is known for using chemicals that are harsh for highly sensitive folks. Australia and Korea have much gentler formulations with more efficacy.
For the travel cushion, I take one that folds down to a small pillow shape then I use it at the hotel at night for when I want extra padding when sitting up or want to elevate my leg as I sleep for any reason (good tip if you’ve minor back issues like me)
Great advice, Nick! I never take any shampoo or soap - it's fun to go shopping in a new destiantion. And your point about the hairdryer is true for a washing machine too. I'd think three tops for 10 days - and do a wash!
While I’m in general agreement on the adventure of finding things in new places, if it’s going on my skin (lotions, soaps, shampoo) I’m not experimenting on a trip, but maybe my skin is more sensitive than yours. Same with a bit of laundry soap, just a few packets, rashes are the last thing I want.
Excellent advice. Thank you.
Very interest9h and good advice. I took note of Holafly just in case. Our phones only work in the contiguous USA or Puerto Rica so we use WiFi to check internet and for WhatsApp. If you are retired, you do not need to be making calls all the time If I go home to Uk I have a UK phone. Same for Hong Kong. Easy for us old folks who travelled before mobile phones or Internet. In 1996 we were on Tibet! Have courage, switch off and enjoy getting away from it all.
Good points, except luggage scale, as airlines are SO strict. We have a small, ultra lite scale. Has saved huge headaches. As for travel guide books, l dont find digital versions that practical. I will photo copy important bits and discard as we go along.
That's what I started doing years ago before digital. It still is my preference. I segregate the photocopies according to where we are going chronologically, use highlighter on the really important parts, and discard a portion once we move on to the next area. I don't like relying completely on devices.
For sure! Digital stuff is tempting but not reliable and hard to use when trying to flip back and forth. Toss as you go rules. :--)
I definitely needed my towel in Iceland! 😊
A SARONG•pareo - I can use it for around my shoulders on a bus/plane with A/C, to lay on at the beach or use as a towel, as a top sheet in a hot place & more
I ONLY use BLOW UP neck pillows & I use them also for pillows where I'm staying if they're too big/firm.
Note that CPAP machines should always be carry on. They are exempt from weight limits, as they are medical equipment. Make sure to take the adapter(s) you need. You will not need a voltage converter for CPAPs, mobile phones, and laptops (but you will need adapters).
Just come across your channel! Loved the video. Only thing I would say, is regarding towels, if you do a lot of staying in hostels. Take your own towel as they are often not provided and you have to pay at each hostel to use one
When i go to hostels in mexico beaches, i always bring my large microfiber towel and 4 heavy-duty clips to use as a curtain at night, beach towel by day! Easy to wash and quick to dry... Don't leave home without it!
Darn Tough socks. Life changing.
Unbeatable socks! Perfect for every day and travel.
Great tips and video!
I got lucky with my cellular service as it provides free coverage overseas.
I am spoiled with the towel as it is almost never on packing list since I do know that hotels have them. The problem with this is that I tend to forget it also when I should be bringing one. I will be following the tip on the microfiber towel.
As for over packing, I intentionally over pack socks, underwear, and basic T-shirts since I minimize my stay out of the country that I don’t want to waste it doing laundry. Merino wool socks is a must for me unless I am going to a tropical place. The cheap socks I get are made from polyester & elastane (sometimes on sale for $3 a pack). They hold up to daily use.
The last five trips I have taken to Thailand and Vietnam I took 1 pair of light slacks (wearing), one pair of shorts (packed), three boxer briefs (wearing one, packing two), two pairs of socks (wearing one, packing one), two t-shirts (wearing one, packing one), 2 "nice" shirts (both packed), a pair of Teva sandals (wearing), and an old sweater for the flight which I pitch on arrival. Also a small toiletries kit, my phone, and a small Kindle. I wear about a third of the cloths I take and the rest fits easily in a small backpack with room to spare. I just put it under the seat. The clothes are wrinkle-free fabric, and I launder about three items each night in my room's sink and hang-dry. If I need anything else while traveling, I buy it rather than take it. I hate airports and lugging around roller bags or duffels with a week's worth of clothing is very painful. I can't imagine ever checking on a bag.
Excellent video. A useful reminder, although I have already learned most of those over the years.
1- Rick Steve's guide books are made to rip out sections of the book you need. 2- I get cash before I leave for what I need for the trip and put them in different places and avoid getting scammed at ATMs. 3- I bring from home whatever I need for the trip rather than trying to buy them at the destination which would be a waste of time trying to find and going to those stores, and before you know it the morning is gone.
Great video! I like reading digital guides from my Kindle, it's a little easier on my eyes!
I’ve traveled to many countries. My T-mobile phone plan works everywhere I’ve been.
T-Mobile has a great international plan!
Agree. I spend half my year abroad traveling for work across the Middle East, India and SE Asia. T mobile is the best for international plans. I also use local esims as a hotspot for local apps that need local numbers for OTPs, such as food delivery.
T-Mobile international plan sucks. I had sprint- great travel plan $25/week unlimited data, text, calling on 4G/5G network . T-Mobile acquired sprint (splitting hairs I know) and they only sold 5gb plans for high speed data and when it ran out, I couldn’t get a good enough 2G connection to buy another 5G. This was in Portugal. Going back to using local sim or eSIM and ditching t-mobile.
As an aside, I lived in Germany and had DT cell - service and cost was superior to T-Mobile in US.
I traveled all thru Portugal last fall on T-Mobile not once was there a problem with service I travel extensively throughout the US and parts of Europe and T Mobile has been solid
I was just going to say that Verizon is a rip off but TMobile has the best international support in England and Europe. No top ups, but you can buy the extra plans. I don't. Never needed anything more than my home plan, I have never have received a crazy bill when i got home either
GREAT VIDEOS ! SOMETHING PEOPLE FORGET IS TRAVEL PACK OF TISSUES !