No matter how well-seasoned a traveler we may be, we are still likely to make one of many common packing mistakes when preparing for our next trip.
With so many small details and logistics to remember, it can be easy to let something simple slip our minds.
With a couple of trips on the horizon, I hope to avoid some of these common packing mistakes.
1. Overpacking
You’ve probably heard the rule to “lay out everything you want to bring and then only pack half of the amount“. One 20-something gal on my Outback tour should have taken that to heart. Her large backpack was so full and heavy that even our tour guide had a difficult time helping her with it.
Resist the urge to pack an item “just in case” – you’ll save money on paying for an overweight bag at the airport, save your back the aches and pains, and save room to bring back a souvenir or two.
>> See 20 reasons why packing light rocks.
2. Leaky toiletries
When I first started traveling many years ago, I didn’t think about large bottles of shampoo exploding in my suitcase until I arrived at my destination and discovered a “goo” throughout the suitcase.
Since then, I have opened any bottle I plan to pack and squeezed out a bit of air before resealing the cap. Then, I place bottles in Ziploc bags for extra protection. Brooke recommends also placing a piece of tape across the top of bottles before putting them in bags.
- HPL Tip: Avoid leaks altogether by switching to solid toiletries instead!
3. Not adhering to the 3oz/100ml rule for liquids
I once advised my dad not to bring the regular-size toothpaste tube in his carry on, but he insisted that since it had only an ounce or two of product inside that it would be no problem. You know what happened at security… goodbye toothpaste!
On one of my trips to London, I bought a unique flavor of jam and packed it in my carry on in the event that my checked bag went missing. I forgot that jams are considered a liquid, and into the bin went the delicious jar of jam.
4. Packing valuables in your checked bag
For safety and security, never pack expensive, rare, or items of value in your checked bag, as passengers have been known to lose items to theft or missing bags.
If you must pack a breakable item in your checked bag (e.g., a bottle of wine), wrap it carefully and place it strategically in your case. Then make sure to choose a proper bag lock to keep out opportunistic thieves.
5. Not packing extra clothes in your carry on
An airline once lost my bag and I did not receive it until well after my trip had ended. Thankfully I had packed one pair of underwear in my carry-on, but I had to immediately go shopping for new clothing (which wouldn’t have been so bad except for the currency conversion rate).
Since then, I have always packed at least one outfit in my carry-on bag – or try to go carry-on only altogether!
- HPL Tip: Need help packing carry-on-only? Join the Carry-On-Only Crash Course.
6. Forgetting to pack an item (or two or three)
I have forgotten to pack a hairbrush, deodorant, a toothbrush, and more. Even when I make a list, one lone item always gets left at home.
Thankfully I’m not alone in forgetting an important item at home. At least I can buy new items on the road!
>> Read what to do if you forget to pack something.
7. Not packing appropriately for your destination
On my first trip to Australia, I knew I was arriving in winter, but I still packed capris, short-sleeved shirts, and one jacket. As soon as my sister and I landed, we sought out scarves for the colder days.
Fast forward four years, and I arrived in Australia again in the winter, but this time staying for 12-months instead of 3 weeks. You’d think I had learned my lesson, but I still didn’t pack warmly enough for the southern coast.
Disregard your assumptions and read about the weather before you go!
Which of these packing mistakes have you made on your travels or seen someone else make? From the funny to the annoying to the major inconvenience, share your story.
I used to overpack. I’d start taking items “just in case,” like I’d pack black high heel shoes even though I don’t wear high heels when I’m at home. Now I double check everything I pack and make sure it’s something I’ll need and use.
oh yeah, it’s that “just in case” voice that gets us!
Over packing is defintiely my biggest problem. I always pack way too much! I’m very tempted to take a teeny backpack on my next trip to make sure I can’t pack all those ‘just incase’ items.
I think you have to remember that you can buy most things you would need in virtually every country in the world. I packed about 3 months supply of shampoo just incase I couldn’t find it elsewhere. What was I thinking?
Haha, wow 3 month supply of shampoo? That’s one I haven’t heard yet 😉 Less is more… although I will say that it all depends on what you’re overpacking and where you’ll be traveling in the world.
Usually I am super anal about liquids (just don’t bring them, buy when I arrive) but for some reason I brought a regular size tooth paste to San Francisco last month. But unlike your dad, I got it through security both times! Guess it just depends whose checking your bag. (A good or scarey thing?)
Ugh, yeah I know what you mean. If so many little things are making it through — what’s the point of security?!
Exactly! I once made it through airport “security” with a 6″ dive knife in my carry-on (accidentally; I’d used the same backpack a couple days before on a scuba trip and forgot to unpack the knife). Didn’t even get stopped.
I ALWAYS overpack. There’s always something I think I’ll need for whatever silly reason and I can’t stop myself from shoving it into my suitcase. 😛 I also almost always forget something necessary, like socks or earphones or, one time, my ID!
Your ID?! Ah!
I thought I was so smart. I packed a relatively small backpack for a two month trip through South East Asia and I was bragging to my buddy who was driving me to the airport. I got almost all the way to the airport when I realized I had no money, passport,credit cards or bank card with me. How is that for smart?
That’s a nightmare! What did you do? Were you able to go back?
Yes I was. Luckily I like to get to the airport way ahead of time, and it was the middle of the day, so the traffic wasn’t too bad.
Lucky you! Glad it all worked out 🙂
Isn’t it an old saying that says ” Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it”? I’m horrible with over packing. My daughter and I were going on a train trip and I told her we were going to stop at the store and pick up ” just a few snacks” for the ride
(even though all our meals were included). I had heard rumors of trains running out of food, and didn’t want to be stranded for 2 1/2 days with a hungry child. Needless to say, $38 and two grocery bags later…we had to leave it mostly at home. I’m thinking now- it would have been smarter just to pay the $2 for a bag of chips on-board.
Ugh, Dena, that’s unfortunate — why did you leave it at home? Because you had no room in your bags?
When I lived in Italy for three months, I traveled to Greece for about 10 days, and finalllllly found an H&M and they had pantene shampoo. I’d been using cheap-o Italian shampoo for over a month, and I was so excited. Sadly, when I took my next trip (a flight from London to Ireland) I was dumb enough to pack it in my carry on. Sad, sad day. Definitely pay attention to the liquids.
How about packing enough clothes for 3 days even though you will only be gone 2, and still running out of underwear?! Then this last time I packed enough underwear, but not enough tops!
On my first trip to Chile I brougt EVERYTHING. including my tattoo machine, Ink,needles, clipcord, and of course out of stupidity i forgot the powerplugs were different and didn’t use it -.- lots of unesesary weight the PRO is I sold it and made $$$ when I ran out of money, I definatley learned to pack ESSENTIALS ONLY