Hardcover books, formal wear, and family heirlooms—and everything else you forgot you should never pack again.
Overlap with your travel partner
Hardcover books
While you'll definitely need a beach read, the latest hardcover bestseller will take up valuable space and weight in your luggage. Download the Kindle version of the book or opt for a lightweight paperback. These are the best vacation books you'll ever read.
Your own hairdryer
Check with the hotel to see if they have one in every room. If they do, consider leaving yours behind. The hotel's version might not be the one you're most comfortable with, but it will save an outfit's worth of space in your bag. Try these tricks to keep your hairstyle looking fresh.
Items you’ve never found useful
Those just-in-case items you pack on every trip but never use (think: special travel wallets, overdone first-aid kits, and odd technology)? Leave them behind this time, especially if they're the type of thing you can buy at your destination.
Liquids in faulty packaging
Make sure the lid on every liquid is closed tightly and package each one in a Ziploc bag. The TSA allows one quart-sized clear plastic bag per passenger. While you're at it: Don't make these suitcase packing mistakes.
Too much workout gear
Be honest: Do you really need five pairs of sweat socks so you can go on a 5 a.m. jog each morning? While it's admirable, if you've never worked out on a vacation before, don't go overboard. Bring along enough athletic outfits for a hike or other adventure, and leave the rest of your gear at home.
Anything that’s not on your packing list
Make a packing list and stick to it. Your list should take into consideration the weather, your itinerary, and any possibly overlap with your travel buddies. And bring that list with you on the trip—it can act as a packing checklist on the morning of your flight home.
A sun hat you don't have space to pack properly
Don't risk breaking your sun hat. To pack it safely, try this: Fold a shirt and push it into the crown of your hat. Next, pack your heavy clothing, including denim and shoes, into the bottom of your suitcase. Lay your hat on top of these items and pack your folded lighter items around it. When your finished, all you should see of your hat is the very top.