12 Things Experienced Travelers No Longer Pack (Minimalist Packing Tips)

Summary

In this insightful video, experienced traveler Nick shares 12 items he avoids packing to streamline his journey. Highlighting inefficiencies like bulky neck pillows and unnecessary full-sized toiletries, Nick advocates for smarter, space-saving alternatives such as digital guidebooks and multifunctional clothing. From opting out of expensive international phone plans to choosing quality over quantity in clothing, Nick's tips are designed to enhance travel experiences by minimizing baggage without sacrificing comfort or necessity. By focusing on what truly matters and utilizing modern solutions, travelers can enjoy their adventures with less weight to carry, both physically and metaphorically.

Takeaways

• 👍 Neck pillows are not recommended for packing due to their bulk and limited use; consider a rolled-up scarf or inflatable neck pillow instead.
• 📱 Guide books are bulky; use digital guides or apps on your phone for up-to-date travel information.
• 🚨 Avoid packing a hairdryer as most accommodations provide them, saving space and weight in your luggage.
• 💵 Carrying excessive cash is risky; opt for bank withdrawals in the destination's currency and use credit cards with no international fees.
• 📲 Skip expensive international phone plans; use eSIMs like Olaf for affordable data and roaming in over 180 destinations.
• 🛍 Towels are often provided by accommodations, making it unnecessary to pack your own unless for specific purposes like beach visits.
• 📦 Luggage scales are largely unnecessary; weigh your luggage at home to avoid overweight fees.
• 👟 Choose versatile clothing over specialized, technical gear unless specific outdoor activities are planned.
• 🚫 Full-sized toiletries take up unnecessary space; opt for travel-sized or solid alternatives to meet liquid restrictions.
• 📢 Invest in quality, moisture-wicking socks like those made from merino wool for comfort and odor resistance during travel.
• 👕 Limit the number of clothes by packing a versatile, mix-and-match wardrobe to simplify travel and save space.
• 🛍 Avoid packing 'what ifs' to minimize luggage size and weight, focusing instead on essentials and knowing you can purchase most things at your destination if needed.

Q & A

Why does Nick suggest not packing a neck pillow for travel?

Nick suggests not packing a neck pillow because they take up too much space in luggage, are only used during flights or train rides, and remain unused for the majority of the trip. He recommends opting for a more versatile item like a rolled-up scarf or jacket instead.

How does Nick recommend accessing travel guides without carrying physical books?

Nick recommends downloading the Kindle version of travel guides and using the Kindle app on your phone, allowing you to carry guides digitally without adding physical bulk or weight to your luggage.

What is Nick's advice on packing a hairdryer?

Nick advises considering not packing a hairdryer due to their bulkiness and weight, noting that most accommodations provide them. For travelers concerned about space, relying on provided hairdryers can save significant luggage space.

Why does Nick recommend against carrying a lot of cash while traveling?

Nick recommends against carrying a lot of cash due to the risk of pickpockets. He suggests withdrawing a few hundred from a bank upon arrival at the destination and using credit cards without international fees for additional security and convenience.

What are the benefits of using eSIMs according to Nick?

Nick praises eSIMs for allowing travelers to use their devices in over 180 destinations with unlimited data and no roaming fees, eliminating the need for expensive international phone plans and avoiding the hassle of physically swapping SIM cards.

Why does Nick say you usually don't need to pack a towel?

Nick mentions that most accommodations provide towels, making it unnecessary for travelers to pack their own. He notes that packable microfiber towels could be useful for specific situations like beach trips or visits to thermal baths, but for most travel, they're not needed.

What is Nick's stance on packing full-sized toiletries?

Nick advises against packing full-sized toiletries due to their significant size and weight. He recommends travel-sized toiletries to save space and comply with airport security liquid restrictions, or using sealable silicone containers for items not available in travel sizes.

What types of socks does Nick recommend for travel and why?

Nick recommends investing in good quality, merino wool socks because they're odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating, which makes them comfortable for long days of walking and suitable for a range of climates.

Why does Nick advise against packing too many clothes?

Nick advises against packing too many clothes to minimize luggage size and weight. He recommends a capsule wardrobe of versatile items that mix and match well, allowing for a more compact and manageable collection of clothing.

What is Nick's perspective on 'packing your fears'?

Nick suggests that overpacking is often done out of fear and advises against packing 'what if' items that go unused. He encourages packing only essentials and reminds travelers that most forgotten items can be easily acquired at the destination.