12 Things Experienced Travelers Don't Pack (And Why)

TLDRExperienced travelers know what to leave behind. Learn about the 12 items you don't need to pack, including neck pillows, guide books, hairdryers, excessive cash, expensive phone plans, towels, luggage scales, rugged shoes, full-sized toiletries, cheap socks, too many clothes, and unnecessary 'what if' items.

Key insights

👍Neck pillows take up space and are only used during flights or train rides. Opt for a rolled-up scarf or jacket instead.

📚Guide books are bulky. Use digital guides and apps on your phone instead.

💸Carrying excessive cash is risky. Use ATMs or currency exchange at banks, and carry a couple of credit cards.

🌍Expensive international phone plans are unnecessary. Use Olaphim or local SIM cards for better deals and unlimited data.

🧦Cheap socks are uncomfortable and prone to odor. Invest in good quality, moisture-wicking merino wool socks.

Q&A

Why shouldn't I pack a neck pillow?

—Neck pillows take up space and are only used during flights or train rides. Opt for a rolled-up scarf or jacket instead.

Why should I skip guide books?

—Guide books are bulky. Use digital guides and apps on your phone instead.

Is it safe to carry excessive cash?

—Carrying excessive cash is risky. Use ATMs or currency exchange at banks, and carry a couple of credit cards.

What should I do about phone plans while traveling internationally?

—Expensive international phone plans are unnecessary. Use Olaphim or local SIM cards for better deals and unlimited data.

Why should I invest in good quality socks?

—Cheap socks are uncomfortable and prone to odor. Invest in good quality, moisture-wicking merino wool socks.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Experienced travelers know what to leave behind.

01:28Neck pillows take up space. Use a scarf or jacket instead.

02:59Guide books are bulky. Use digital guides on your phone.

04:38Carrying excessive cash is risky. Use ATMs and credit cards.

05:36Expensive international phone plans are unnecessary. Use Olaphim or local SIM cards.

07:22Invest in good quality socks for comfort and durability.

10:02Pack versatile clothes and avoid overpacking.

11:29Avoid packing unnecessary 'what if' items.

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