17 Things People Always Bring on Vacation But Never Use

1. Travel iron

You might think a travel iron is a must to keep your clothes wrinkle-free, but let’s be real, it’s often a forgotten item in your suitcase. Many hotels already offer irons, or you can simply hang your garments in the bathroom while taking a hot shower to smooth out those pesky creases!

2. Snorkeling gear

When planning a sunny beach getaway, you might be tempted to pack your own snorkeling gear, picturing days exploring underwater marvels. However, many travelers find that snorkel, mask, and fins often remain untouched in their suitcase.

Resorts and tour operators frequently provide this equipment, and lugging your own set can become more of a hassle than a help. Instead of allocating precious luggage space to snorkeling gear, consider renting onsite—leaving more room for souvenirs and beachwear.

3. Language phrasebook

Packing a language phrasebook seems like a smart move when you’re off to foreign lands. But let’s be honest, how often do you use it? Between sign language and translation apps, that book often ends up forgotten at the bottom of your suitcase.

4. Extra set of fancy clothes

Many folks toss an extra set of fancy clothes into their suitcase “just in case.” You might picture a special dinner or an unexpected up-scale event. In reality, vacation days often fill up with casual fun and simple outfits go a long way. Next time you pack, think twice before adding that elegant dress or sharp suit.

5. Guidebooks for every activity

Packing a library of guidebooks for every potential excursion might seem like a smart move. But let’s face it, those hefty tomes often end up untouched at the bottom of your suitcase.

With today’s technology, you have a wealth of information right at your fingertips. A quick search on your phone can provide you with up-to-date details on local activities, often with more recent reviews and tips.

6. Sewing kit

Have you ever packed a sewing kit, convinced you’d need it for those unexpected rips or missing buttons? Most folks tuck one in their suitcase, but let’s be honest, it usually comes back untouched. Your vacation is more about exploring and relaxing, not threading needles. If you do encounter a minor clothing mishap, hotels often have small kits ready for a quick fix.

7. Board games

Packing board games for vacation seems like a splendid idea, full of promises for fun evenings. Yet, they often end up untouched, taking up precious suitcase space. You might envision a rousing game of Monopoly or Scrabble, but sightseeing excursions and local attractions typically fill your days.

8. Portable fan

You might think a portable fan is a must-have for your vacation, especially when heading to warm places. But let’s be real, how often do you use it? These gadgets often end up buried in luggage. Sure, the idea of a cool breeze on a sweltering day is tempting, but hotel rooms and rental cars usually have air conditioning.

9. Multiple power banks

When you’re packing for vacation, it can be tempting to bring along several power banks. However, you might find that lugging more than one power bank isn’t as useful as you think. Your phone or tablet typically only needs one good charge a day, and most accommodations have power outlets.

10. Neck pillow

It’s tempting to grab that cozy neck pillow, thinking it’ll be just the thing for a long flight or car ride. But let’s be real, how often do you actually use it? It spends more time squished in your carry-on than behind your head.

Sure, they promise comfort, but when crunch time comes, that bulky pillow often ends up being more of a hassle than a help. Travel light and skip the neck pillow—you’ll have less to carry and one less thing to forget at the hotel or on the plane.

11. Multiple pairs of shoes

Packing a lot of shoes for a trip seems like a solid plan, but how many do you actually wear? It’s tempting to pack options for every possible occasion, but often, you end up wearing the same comfy pair all vacation. Stick to essentials: a pair for walking, a casual option, and something for fancier events.

12. Excessive toiletries

Oh, the all-too-familiar trap of overpacking toiletries! You might feel the need to bring those jumbo bottles of shampoo, but most times, hotels have got you covered. For your next trip, consider paring down to just the essentials. Little travel-sized goodies do the trick without hogging precious suitcase space.

13. Travel hair dryer

Packing a travel hair dryer seems like a no-brainer. You imagine having salon-perfect hair for all those vacation photos. But here’s the twist: many hotels already have them waiting in the room! Sure, your own dryer might have all the fancy settings, but they often just end up taking precious space in your suitcase.

14. Extra sunscreen bottles

Packing for a sunny vacation? You might toss in a few extra sunscreen bottles, just in case. But how often do they come back home with you, unopened? You’re excited to soak up the sun responsibly, and one large bottle of high SPF should do the trick for a week-long trip.

15. Bluetooth speaker

When packing for a sunny beach holiday or a relaxing mountain retreat, you might toss a Bluetooth speaker into your bag. It seems like a great idea to have your favorite tunes playing while you unwind. Between the local ambiance and activity hustle, that speaker often stays silent in your suitcase.

16. Formal shoes

Packing your dressy shoes might seem like a smart move. You imagine evenings out, dining fancy, but those high heels and shiny oxfords often end up just taking a free trip. Those sleek, but oh-so-uncomfy, pairs usually stay tucked in your suitcase while you opt for comfort on your feet.

Next time, think twice before letting those formal shoes hog valuable luggage space – your cozy travel sneakers are the real MVPs for exploring and enjoying your vacation.

17. Workout gear

Packing your workout gear might seem like a smart move—you’re all set for morning jogs and gym sessions. Yet, more often than not, those snazzy sneakers and stretchy pants end up just taking a free trip. Whether it’s the relaxing vacation vibes or a schedule packed with fun, your fitness attire usually stays tucked in your suitcase.