People with only carry-on luggage never pack these 7 items

I think the point of "specialty gadgets" is that there are a plethora of "travel items" that you haul while traveling, but never would need at home. It is of course personal preference, and I travel with a couple items others may think crazy, but it is easy for many to get carried away with "ooh, that neat and looks like it might be handy" and never gets pulled out of the suitcase, or is for only very limited use.

Things I looked at, maybe even traveled with, but have decided to leave home?

-Neck Pillow and Over Ear Headphones, bulky and are mainly only for the flight over, then you lug them for the trip.

-Lots of things for laundry (clothesline, detergent, washing bag, etc.) My compromise anymore is a few detergent sheets, but the sink, a little liquid soap, and any available object to dry a few things works. And that is really only for a few pair of underwear or to deal with a stain, otherwise, I strategically get an apartment with a washer or hit up a laundry.

-Any "Boomer tech" things I used to do or haul, that my phone, e-reader, or laptop can now do. So no guidebooks, books, maps, paper printouts, camera, video camera, translator books or menu decoders, the list really could go on.

-The "Day Bag Load", some people wandering the streets look like they are on safari, hauling a bulging day pack. Usually filled with the Boomer Tech items, but food for a few days; a couple gallons of water; umbrella, parka, and options for every variation of weather; maybe a tent in case you get stranded near the Trevi Fountain. I only jest a little bit, but one really does not need all that in an urban environment. I found out water and drinks are readily available, if I feel the need for a snack, I visit a bakery, or a store and find something different and interesting. The weather? I take my chances, I'm drip-dry, or can wait out a shower having a beer. Now when I go out for the day, I have my passport, my phone, and an ultra thin wallet with just a credit card and a little cash. It is absolutely liberating.

What do I haul that may seem unnecessary? I have my vices, I haul a flat sheet, I get hot at night, and duvets are the bane of my existence. My wife has grown partial to a small USB powered fan, she sleeps better with some air moving and white noise. I also pack an outdoors "Drybag" probably several liters in size. It is good for packing wet/dirty clothes, just as a pack sack, and can double as an ice bag for drinks or food, or to take to the beach. I also purchased a multiport, high wattage, USB charger with the Euro type C plug, so no adapter needed for most travel.

I understand the "too hot for a duvet", so I take the duvet out of the cover and use just the cover. I instruct housekeeping to please take the duvet out of the room for our stay and just leave the cover. It's even easier in an apartment--I just stash it.

The "Day Bag Load", some people wandering the streets look like they are on safari, hauling a bulging day pack.

It's not my thing. At home and when I travel I do always have a bag with me. The thing is its always nearly empty with the only things in it is a pair of glasses, my several pairs of earbuds, a pen, a couple cables and rain jacket. It's to carry the things I acquire through the day so I am not always going back home or hotel room.

Been travelling carryon only for 11 years, including trips to Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America, in addition to Europe. Things I bring/don't bring?

1. Multiple pairs of shoes
Always at LEAST 2 pair. This is a must for me, as switching shoes can be helpful if my feet get sore. If I'm travelling someplace where I might be swimming, then I also bring water shoes.

2. Full-sized toiletries
Nope. Didn't do this before I started travelling carryon, either. What for?

3. Bulky jackets and sweaters
Depends on the time of year., but I wouldn't consider most of my jackets bulky, anyway. If I need to bring jackets or sweaters, I'll wear the bulkiest on the plane.

4. Heavy books
I have an iPad and can carry 100 books on it, if I so wish.

5. Extra “just in case” outfits
This was the hardest thing for me to give up, and I still sometimes bring things I don't end up wearing, but, as VAP mentioned, layering is key. I always bring a couple of silk or thermal camisoles, and these can give me extra warmth, if needed.

6. Expensive jewelry and accessories
"Never mind travel, that is just not even an at home thing." Same.

7. Specialty gadgets
I travel with my phone, tablet, and bluetooth earphones, as well as a portable charger. On some trips, I've travelled with a LARQ water bottle, which my kids gave me. (If I don't bring the LARQ, I still bring a stainless-steel, insulated bottle.)

Things I've sometimes also brought, depending on the trip: full-face snorkel mask, hiking boots, a bridge-camera with a 30 or 40x zoom, an underwater camera, and a neck pillow and/or neck pillowcase (with a couple of sweaters stuffed in, in November).

I too have given up the daybag. I carry a small crossbody or wear a waist bag. Besides my ID and a coin purse, the only thing I need is a very small tube of sunblock (I am very fair) even if I wear a hat. I carry one set of wireless earbuds, my husband and I each use one, it works fine.
If it is raining when we go out, we wear our rain jackets. If it is just a threat of rain, we take our chances.
We got tired of the bag weight on our backs or shoulders and having to check it at many museums.
Also, because we travel mostly off season, we wear jackets with zippered pockets for the odd item we might need, like a portable charger.
I take pictures of certain pages in guidebooks of restaurants I want to try. I don’t have a good memory for names.

I find these lists entertaining as well. Most often I just shake my head. We do carryon only about 90% of the time, and only check bags when it is not possible to do carryon only.

1. Multiple pairs of shoes

Most of the time I only take one pair. I just got back this weekend from a trip and wore a pair of sandals and had a pair of heels in my bag. The heels never got worn. When we go to Iceland, I almost always just have my hiking boots.

1. Full-sized toiletries

I have never done this as they are just way too much.

1. Bulky jackets and sweaters

We do layer, but have had to bring some heavier things. For Greenland, we took our bulky wool sweaters from Iceland. They are not heavy, so I just put them in a compression bag to save space. Same with my puffer.

1. Heavy books

I rarely take a book, but my trip last week I did. It fits in my purse so that is easy.

1. Extra “just in case” outfits

Most of the time no, but last week I was indecisive so did bring much more than I needed. We were going to a celebration of life though, so I wasn't sure what I would wear depending on the weather. Hence the heels I mentioned above.

1. Expensive jewelry and accessories

I wear the same thing day in and day out. Minimal jewelry, nothing extra packed.

1. Specialty gadgets

I did take a sound machine as we use a fan at home, and I found one that is about 2"x2" and it works like a charm without taking up hardly any space. I almost always take my travel pillow, but it is very compact and I can cram it into most anything and it is very lightweight (designed for backpacking).

The only time we check bags is if we are headed to the bush and need our hip waders, or if I want my hiking poles, or like our trip to Greenland where the carryon weight limit was 13# (we were at 18#).

Barbara--I make an album on my phone and have all my trip planning stuff on there. I take photos of guidebook pages, things I read here and on Trip Advisor, etc and then have a specific album for each trips planning. That way it is very easy to have it all in one spot.

mikliz97
Good idea about the album. I’m doing it now.

Brian Regan comedy routine - bring a mattress, lamp & a yak, instead! LOL!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NV_V3aDERrE

1. I wear my Keen Rose sandal 95% of the time, but I bring a pair of lightweight black flats for concerts & nicer dinners.
2. I have stopped trying to bring multiple travel size toothpastes. I bring one & plan an excuse to go into a store to buy a tube while I’m in the country.
3. Nope
4. No, but I stood in front of the Puglia coffee table book in Lecce last year trying to figure out how I could bring it home. Completely impractical because I still had many cities left on the itinerary.
   
5. Never
6. I bring some accessories but nothing of monetary or sentimental value.
7. Not even tempted in this category. Basic travel & processes.

I don’t bring a day bag. My crossbody purse has my phone, reading glasses, pen, TP, a couple of mints & Purell singles & something with the hotel name on it. Sometimes also.a paper of a reservation activity. I don’t carry water - just stop when I’m tired or thirsty for an outdoor cafe break. I stop back at my nearby hotel when I would like to recharge my phone or my legs. ; )

Bravo, Paul!
I often wonder why, when travelers are at home they go out with no special packs, but when they go to Europe, there is the sudden emergence and absolute necessity of day packs, cross body bags and fanny packs. Nothing says “tourist” louder!

I've wondered the same thing.

Well, I always have three pairs of shoes. And no, I am not a fashionista. I have foot problems and I have to change shoes and I can’t go barefooted even inside. Last trip took hiking shoes (went to Dolomites), white sneakers, and sandals. I take the sandals to wear around a hotel room even if it is too cold to wear them outside.

I still do carry on.

Phillip, having worked/volunteered for many years in a museum here in Bend that sees international as well as domestic travelers I can say that carrying backbacks, fannypacks, etc., is not specific to travelers in Europe but travelers or “tourists” in general.

I often wonder why, when travelers are at home they go out with no special packs, but when they go to Europe, there is the sudden emergence and absolute necessity of day packs, cross body bags and fanny packs.

When we're in the US, whether home or traveling, we usually have our vehicle nearby with what we would put in a daypack in Europe. In Europe we tend to be out and about all day so we use a daypack for outerwear, snacks., and our water bottles.

when travelers are at home they go out with no special packs

When I go "into the city" for the day, I absolutely bring a day pack, perhaps with a rainjacket or umbrella, phone charger, water bottle and maybe a snack. Where I live, I never know when I might need it.

I think the article has good information for novice travelers and good reminders for seasoned travelers. I’ve gotten better about not overpacking the day bag to take around, but I will still need to carry something. I like to have water on me and a small snack, plus room for small souvenirs. For laundry tasks, I just bring a couple of laundry sheets and a few foldable plastic hangers.

Shoes - I wear my walking shoes on the plane and pack flats for dinner and flip flops for the room.
I’ve never traveled with full-sized toiletries, even for road trips. I do like to bring my own products in 1 or 2 ounce silicone containers because many hotel products have an unappealing smell to me.

I used to always carry on my suitcase, but have switched to checking it in the last few years because of shoulder issues. I will always pack light in a small suitcase, though. It’s so much easier to manage on trains, small elevators, stairs, etc.

OK, now one thing I do wonder about now, how are we defining a day bag? And what would then be the difference between a day bag, sling bag, cross body bag or a purse? I carry my Osprey bag every single day and would not be bothered to consider it my purse.

Bravo, Paul!
I often wonder why, when travelers are at home they go out with no special packs, but when they go to Europe, there is the sudden emergence and absolute necessity of day packs, cross body bags and fanny packs. Nothing says “tourist” louder!

Like I said, every single day. At home I cannot bike anymore, but I walk everywhere or use our local transit authority. I do not go about my daily activities running back out to the car to drop things off. Going to work I may have parts and pieces of projects going with me, lunch and rain jacket. Or I know I need to bring something home. On my days off I throw my tablet in my bag and go to get breakfast at a local cafe, I may go to the library to check out materials, occasionally stop at the city admin building to take care of something, or then groceries. Having a bag makes errands easier to manage at home and when traveling I treat my bag just the same.

It's not the bag that says tourists. If anything it's the accoutrements or paraphernalia stuffed hanging and dangling from the bag.

I never leave home without my full-frame mirrorless and three zooms. I am a boomer, and as long as my bones allow, you'll have to 'pry them from my...' you know how the rest goes. 'Boomer Tech' indeed!

I never leave home without my full-frame mirrorless and three zooms.

Like I said, much comes down to personal preference. If photography is important to you, and an activity you enjoy while traveling, great.

You know what you are getting into, even if it would require extra baggage, it is important to you. Me? My phone does fine, and to be honest, my last four week trip to Spain, I took maybe a dozen pictures, not counting Google translate or lens images.

I guess I went through a phase where I took every item out of my bag, held it, asked:
-Do I really, really need it?
-Do I get by without it at home?
-How often will I use it?
-What real value does it provide? (Life/death necessity, great pleasure, high comfort)
-If I forgot it, what would I do?
-Worst case, can I get it there without breaking the bank?

These kind of articles make me shake my head.

Packing is individual. What you take is up to you. It doesn't have to be what someone else tells you. Your necessity may make some shake their head in disbelief and vice-versa.

I remember one "packing expert" telling everyone "you don't need this, you don't need that." Yet she took a full size pillow with her.

I don't need that.

When I'm asked how I travel light, I tell them I start with a packing list, put everything down I might possibly need or want, then slowly go through each item to decide if I will take it or purchase it if needed.

I find that I am constantly updating my packing list after each trip. Sometimes I need to add, sometimes I need to remove, and sometimes I replace with newer and better.

These kind of articles make me shake my head. Packing is individual. What you take is up to you. It doesn't have to be what someone else tells you...

Sure but you and most everyone on this board have the luxury of being old hat at this so that you don't have to think about it, and forgotten what it was like to be new and inexperienced. You or I are not the intended readers for articles such as this.

I agree with most of these, with a few exceptions.

1. Multiple pairs of shoes - I take 2-3 pair, depending on the trip. If I'm doing hiking and in-town walking, I'll take my hiking shoes and my Skechers Go-Walk tennis shoes (which I'll wear on the plane), plus a pair of cheap, thin flip-flops for the hotel. If I know we're going somewhere a little nicer, I may swap the flip flops for a pair of lightweight flats.

2. Full-sized toiletries - Nope, I've always used travel-size. If I run out, it's an excuse to go to a local store for a little retail therapy! I have curly hair, so my one "large" concession is a packable collapsible diffuser that fits most blowdryers.

3. Bulky jackets and sweaters - Nope. Layering is key. I live in Colorado, and that's how I dress at home. I love my 32 Degrees tops and bottoms, I wear thin merino wool sweaters, moisture wicking tee shirts, and I have a packable down jacket and a waterproof shell, depending on the weather.

4. Heavy books - Nope. I use the Kindle app on my phone. I also use my phone as my TV, music, camera, map, translator...boy, times have changed!

5. Extra “just in case” outfits - Ouch...I do have to fight the urge to overpack, because darn it, I want to look cute in every situation!

6. Expensive jewelry and accessories - I wear silver hoop earrings that I can sleep in, a silver chain with a charm from the Isle of Skye, and my wedding ring. I don't have to take any of them off, even to shower, so no risk of losing them.

7. Specialty gadgets - I've recently switched from my over-the-ear noise cancelling headphones to a set of noise cancelling earbuds, so that cuts down on space and weight. I DO, however, take my portable cordless massager. I mainly use it on my feet after a long day of walking, but it's great for shoulders and lower back as well, and it's worth its weight! Depending on the trip, I may also take my DSLR camera with a good zoom lens (for scenery/wildlife), but if it's a city trip, I just use my phone.

I use a daypack as my personal item on the flight, so if we do go hiking, I use it for my jacket, water bottle, snacks, and my DSLR if I take it. For walking around, I carry my Travelon crossbody bag, which holds my phone, lip balm, cash/cards, portable charger, and an ultralight packable rain jacket (weather depending). I don't usually bother with water or snacks, because I'd rather just stop and enjoy a drink and some local goodies!

Laurie, those “just in case” outfits are my downfall. I hate it when I see all my cute clothes and want to wear them all!

Go bikepacking after an intercontinental journey to get to the bikepacking location and you quickly learn how to pack light.

I agree with the comment above about how when people are in their home area they don't bring anything extra, but when they're far away from home they seem to be wanting something for every contingency. It must be reflexive behavior in unfamiliar territory.

But I digress...

When I bikepacked around Europe in 2023 it was tough to carry anything beyond the basics - even when I was mostly staying in hotels/B&Bs. Everything had to fit into a finite amount of space. My carry-on for the plane was amazingly spartan because I couldn't take anything unnecessary. It taught me a lot about only bringing what you absolutely need and nothing that was extraneous.

I've kept up with this ever since, even when not bikepacking. It works amazingly well.

My specialty gadget is a film camera, lenses and about 30-40 rolls of black & white film. Crazy, I know, but that's my thing. I have a camera backpack that works as my daybag, not too large, and I'm still able to travel carry-on only. I've learned to reduce size/weight in other areas. One pair of shoes. Over the ear headphones have been replaced with noise-canceling earbuds. Books are now on the Kindle app on my iPad. Although I do carry the Rick Steves snapshot guides for individual cities.

@charliethor - Glad to hear that you are carrying on the good fight. I, on the other hand, went over to the digital darkside several years ago! What is the weight that you lug around? My kit is about 8 lb. On the other hand, my carry-on contains the minimal amount of clothing (I make sure my Airbnbs have laundry machine access), toiletries, meds, etc. I have reduced my electrical and electronic items to the bare bones as well. I buy things like toothpaste and soap locally. Even though I take enough meds for trips, I am not averse to buying locally as well. No books, but a basic MS Surface pad that is, infuriatingly slow for Photoshop and Lightroom, but lightweight.

My specialty gadget is a film camera, lenses and about 30-40 rolls of
black & white film. Crazy, I know, but that's my thing.

Black & white "analog" photos have a special quality. I can understand why you enjoy taking them.

@alomaker - I’m getting ready for a trip to Northern Europe in a couple weeks and I just weighed my camera backpack. 12.5 lbs. Inside is a Nikon N90s, 20mm, 28-70mm f2.8, 80-200mm f2.8, spare AA’s and 32 rolls of film. I know it’s heavy but it’s the gear that gives me the results I like. The backpack is an old Tamrac adventure 7 that’s still quite comfortable to carry all day.

@BB Thank you! I have a darkroom at home and I still love the process. I’ll keep at it as long as they keep making film.

@charliethor: Nice! I still have my Minolta X-370 bodies and assorted lenses, but these days it's a Sony A7 IV and a 12-24, a 24-70, and a 70-200, all 2.8. Interestingly, I find myself turning my color RAWs into grey tones more and more. Something about B&W that I can't get over. Enjoy your trip, and wish you good light!

I use to carry books in the 1970s and '80s, not any more.

Now if it's only carry-on or f not, then I carry none of items listed above, it is one pair of shoes, no sweaters or bulky jackets.

Gee, I guess I was not actually carrying on my last several flights to Europe because I packed several of these things. I mean, if you never pack these things when you carry on then, obviously I wasn’t really carrying on was I. LOL

@Frank II
I have seen that video and my reaction was if I don't take my pillow can I take an extra pair of shoes.

I only travel carry-on only, or at least carry-on size that I sometimes check, not always by choice.

1. Multiple pairs of shoes
Almost always bring at least two pairs: pack one, wear one. My feet are very small so the extra shoes don't take up much space and I put socks inside them in luggage.

2. Full-sized toiletries
Never

3. Bulky jackets and sweaters
I wear them on the plane

4. Heavy books
Never bring a book. I use the Kindle app on my phone or iPad

5. Extra “just in case” outfits
Nope. I bring essentially the same thing on every trip, adjusting slightly for the weather (more shorts in Spain the summer, all long pants in Sweden in December)

6. Expensive jewelry and accessories
Don't even own any of this.

7. Specialty gadgets
The only speciality gadget I bring is a Theragun Mini.