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Luggage space is precious. So is your money.
With carry-on allowances shrinking and checked bag fees soaring, it’s more important than ever to pack prudently.
As a former digital nomad, I’ve gotten plenty of practice trying to squeeze months worth of belongings into a backpack. I learned quickly that packing is a balancing act. There are some items worth splurging space on (say, your cutest pair of cowboy boots) and some things where you can compromise (like, maybe bring a Kindle and leave your copy of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” at home.) But there are certain items that are almost never worth your luggage space (or hard-earned money, for that matter).
Here are 5 travel products that are probably not worth packing — and what I’d recommend bringing instead:
Don’t Pack: A Traditional U-Shaped Neck Pillow
Truthfully, I have no major beef with the traditional U-shaped travel pillow. I will take it over an airplane headrest or tray table any day.
However, the classic plane pillow — first patented in 1929 — is not without problems: The toilet-seat cover-esque pillow is bulky, taking up valuable carryon space while providing limited neck support. In some cases, the pillow can even force your neck into unnatural positions.
Pack This Instead: Trtl Travel Pillow
Image: AmazonThe good news? In the decades since the U-shaped travel pillow was invented, tons of superior options have been designed. My personal favorite is the Trtl, a cleverly designed scarf-like pillow with an internal support brace. In addition to being the most compact option on the market (it’s about the size of a thin, soft-cover book), the Trtl holds your neck in a comfortable, ergonomic position.
Price: $64.99 on Amazon
Don’t Pack: A Luggage Lock
In 2014, the Washington Post notoriously made the mistake of publishing a photo of the TSA’s master keys (the photos were since removed from the article). Shortly after, 3D printing plans for the keys were posted online.
But even before the WaPo made the fatal error, TSA-approved locks weren’t stopping any motivated luggage thieves. As WonderHowTo explained, a robber only has to use a pen to separate the zipper teeth and open and close your bag without a trace.
Pack This Instead: Pacsafe Carry-On EXP45
Image: REIWhile traveling abroad, I’ve lost a total of three phones and one passport to pickpockets. As such, I’m a big advocate for making every effort to keep your belongings safe while traveling.
Instead of relying on the flawed and flimsy luggage lock, I recommend investing in the Pacsafe EXP45. The carry-on-size bag features cut-resistant fabric and puncture-resistant zippers with lockable pulls. The lockable zippers make opening and closing the backpack enough of a hassle to discourage a hasty thief.
Price: $289.95 at REI
Don’t Pack: A Passport Holder
Sure, a cute passport holder can be stylish. However, many immigration officers will demand you remove your passport from its holder to check its validity. This is not only annoying — it holds up the line.
Pack This Instead: Peak Gear Travel Money Belt
Image: AmazonWhile passport stylishness is an unnecessary luxury, passport theft is a real problem. To avoid losing your passport, your safest option is to leave your passport in your hotel or Airbnb (ideally in a safe) and always pack several photocopies.
If you must carry your passport on your person, a money belt is your best bet. I appreciate the fact that this one from Peak Gear is slim, inconspicuous and comfortable. As a cherry on top, the money belt comes with $250 worth of theft protection.
Price: $23.99 at Amazon
Don’t Pack: Mini Iron
I get the appeal of bringing an iron. No matter how carefully you pack, your clothing is going to wrinkle — which can be a significant problem if you’re traveling for work or a special occasion. However, even the tiniest mini travel iron can cost you a lot of luggage space. Happily, it’s not your only option for tackling wrinkles.
Pack This Instead: Nori Press Travel Steam Iron
Image: AmazonYour easiest option is to stay in a hotel or Airbnb with an in-room iron. However, if that’s not on the table, consider this tiny travel steamer. Unlike traditional irons, travel steamers offer quick and easy wrinkle removal without an ironing board. Clocking in at a mere 1.4 pounds, the Nori combines the benefits of iron and a steamer, allowing for quick wrinkle removal on both sides of clothing simultaneously.
Price: $95.20 (orig. $119) on Amazon
Don’t Pack: The Wrong Toiletry Bag
Toiletry bags aren’t one size fits all. Some travelers prefer to travel light with just a toothbrush. Others — like myself — have a complex, time-tested makeup regime that basically requires a tackle box.
Put another way: The “wrong” toiletry bag makes your life more complicated and doesn’t fit into your luggage. The “right” toiletry bag is one that makes your life simpler and slides into your space.
Pack This Instead: BAGSMART Toiletry Bag
Image: AmazonUltimately, the best toiletry bag is one that fits your preferences. But if you’re looking for a recommendation, the BAGSMART Toiletry Bag is a good one. The toiletry pouch is small enough to be squeezed into a carry-on by a strategic packer. One of my favorite features of the BAGSMART is its hangability. Hanging your toiletry bag makes it way easier to find what you need, particularly when you’re applying makeup.
Price: $17.99 (orig. price $22.99) at Amazon
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The post 5 Travel Products Not Worth Your Luggage Space — And What to Pack Instead appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
