Packing a travel wardrobe for that anticipated summer getaway or international trip can be exciting yet challenging at once. For one, luggage restrictions can force you to limit your wardrobe down to just the essentials. This can be difficult as clothing variety is important in traveling, unless you want to shuffle through the same few outfits throughout your trip.
Versatile clothing such as comfortable women’s or mens lounge pants or situational ones such as swimwear should also be taken into consideration. After all, you’d want to enjoy your trip to the fullest, and part of that includes having the right clothes to wear.
To prevent packing issues that can ruin your trip, it is then important to be deliberate on what you’ll be taking with you. Thus, here are several wardrobe items that you should not pack in your luggage to help you focus on essentials while also traveling light.
1. Bulky Coats Or Heavy Jackets
Heavy coats take up too much space in your luggage and may only be useful for a short period of your trip. They can also contribute to your bag exceeding weight limits, making them a terrible addition to your luggage.
Instead, opt for a lightweight jacket or devise a layering system. For instance, you may instead pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece or sweater for insulation, then a lightweight waterproof jacket. These items can be much lighter than a heavy coat even when combined. Moreover, layering allows you to adjust to different temperatures without carrying a single bulky item.
2. New Shoes
Shoes that haven’t been broken in can cause blisters, pain, and discomfort, making walking long distances difficult. This can ruin your travel experience, especially if you have a lot of sightseeing planned. Therefore, when choosing shoes to bring, opt for a pair of comfortable, well-broken-in shoes that you’re positive can withstand long walks. If you’re in need of extra footwear, consider bringing lightweight sandals or flats instead of another pair of shoes so they don’t take up too much space.
3. Excessive Denim
Denim clothing, especially jeans, is heavy and takes up a lot of space in your bag. It can also take forever to dry if they get wet, making it impractical to pack if you’re planning to wash clothes during the trip. Rather than going for denims, pack lightweight, quick-drying pants instead, preferably ones made of breathable materials like cotton blends, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics. That being said, if you do feel the need to bring jeans, just bring one versatile pair that can be worn multiple times.
4. Excessive Accessories Or Jewelry
Avoid bringing expensive or flashy jewelry as they take up unnecessary space in your bag, not to mention can also make you a target for theft. Leave the jewelry box at home and instead bring a few simple, versatile accessories such as a scarf or a pair of stud earrings that can be mixed and matched with different outfits.
5. Single-Use Outfits
Packing an outfit that only works for one occasion wastes space. Rather, what you want are pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple looks. This allows you to wear a variety of outfits without having to pack too many clothes.
Take loungewear, for example. Modern loungewear tends to blend comfort and style, no longer confining it for just sleeping purposes. So, not only can your loungewear be worn while you’re resting in your hotel room, you can also wear it as a casual outfit for a quick supply run or when going on a food crawl with travel buddies. This versatility—on top of the added relaxation its soft fabric can provide–makes it a much more valuable addition to your travel wardrobe than other single-use outfits.
6. Bulky Towels
Regular bath towels take up a lot of room in your bag and also take a long time to dry, making them impractical for travel. Besides, most hotels and accommodations already provide towels, so there’s usually no need to bring one. If you do feel compelled to bring one, then a microfiber towel can be a good alternative as it’s lightweight, compact, and dries much faster than a regular towel.
7. Too Many Workout Clothes
Unless you’re planning an intensive fitness routine, there’s probably no need to bring multiple sets of workout clothes on your travels. Bringing one or two moisture-wicking, quick-dry outfits should be enough. You can simply wash and reuse them, which frees up more space in your bag to be used for other clothes instead.
When packing for travels, always remember to pack smart and light. Therefore, if you’ve included any of the items above, consider removing them from your luggage to ensure that they’re packed as efficiently as possible. Instead, aim for versatile, comfortable, and lightweight clothing that can be layered and mixed easily. By avoiding common packing mistakes, you can travel lighter and more comfortably while making the most of your wardrobe.
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Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
