Can you guess the single most unnecessary item travelers recklessly cram into their bags, threatening the quality of their adventures? The International Drivers Association team thought you might be intrigued by our newly compiled list:

“Travel accessories should enhance your trip, not detract from it,” says Julianna Marshall, a travel expert at the International Drivers Association. “Sadly, many accessories do just that, weighing you down and wasting money without any real benefit.”

With travelers seeking more seamless and enjoyable experiences, identifying the worst offenders in the travel accessory world is key. Here’s what seasoned travelers advice skipping in 2024:

1. Bulky Neck Pillows: Travel neck pillows, despite their popularity, often cause more discomfort than relief. The Spinery advises against using them, as they lack support, alignment, and comfort for travel purposes. Instead, consider lightweight, inflatable pillows or even a rolled-up sweater for better support and ease of packing.
2. Oversized Toiletry Bags: While organization is vital, giant toiletry bags take up precious luggage space. Streamline your essentials with travel-sized versions of your favorite products and multi-use items. Instead of bulky bags, consider silicone, resealable containers for liquids.
3. Wrinkle-Prone Garment Bags: These bags promise wrinkle-free clothing but often fall short. Modern fabrics are increasingly wrinkle-resistant. Master packing techniques like rolling your clothes to minimize creasing and save space, rendering garment bags unnecessary.
4. Money Belts: Wearing these items can be uncomfortable and make you vulnerable to pickpocketing. With over 400,000 pickpocketing incidents happening worldwide every day, it’s crucial to opt for clothing with discreet pockets or use a slim crossbody bag that stays close to your body.
5. Too Many Gadgets: Power banks are a must-have, but resist the urge to pack every travel gadget imaginable. Many functions are now readily available on your smartphone. Remember, outlets can differ internationally, so a universal adapter is more useful than multiple specialized gadgets.
6. Single-Use Travel Products: Specialty travel versions of common items can be wasteful both financially and environmentally. Think creatively about multi-purpose items that you already own instead of falling for marketing gimmicks.
7. Collapsible Water Bottles: These bottles often leak, and the water inside doesn’t stay cool for long. A simple, sturdy water bottle is a far better choice.
8. Portable Phone Chargers: While seemingly useful, these can be bulky and often incompatible with newer phone models. Prioritize a high-capacity power bank instead, as it offers more versatility for charging multiple devices.
9. Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent: Small packets are costly and contribute to single-use plastic waste. Instead, pack a small bar of multi-purpose soap for handwashing essential items if needed.
10. Jewelry and Valuables: Although certain pieces of jewelry may hold sentimental value, wearing excessive or expensive jewelry can attract unwanted attention as a tourist and increase the risk of theft. Statistics show that 20% of travelers report losing or having fine jewelry stolen during their trips.

The Bottom Line

Traveling light and smart is the true mark of a seasoned traveler. Julianna Marshall aptly conveys, “The best accessories are those that cater to basic needs, are easy to carry, disseminate minimum fuss, and deliver maximum value.”

Next time you embark on a journey, remember that less is often more. Avoid cluttering your bag space with accessories that might seem appealing at first glance but have little to offer in terms of true value.

Is there a trendy, hyped-up travel accessory you can’t seem to part with? Reconsider its actual worth before it turns into another bumpy thorn in your otherwise smooth adventure.