1. Photos
You won’t forget what your boyfriend, mum, dog looks like so no need for photos. You might feel a bit silly when you’re sticking these pictures up in every hostel every other night. Leave them at home, your dog will never know.
2. Heels & Shoes
Heels for women and shoes for men are an avoid item when backpacking. They’re heavy, bulky and unnecessary. Many girls and guys don’t wear them travelling, so save the room for more useful items.
3. Laptop
Most decent hostels around the world have free computers and WIFI, therefore your laptop is not necessary. It’s heavy, it’s expensive and your insurance may not cover all of the cost. If you’re desperate you can use a smartphone, as its surprising the amount of free WIFI which is available around the world these days. Avoid any items that target you for potential theft, it will make your trip much more hassle-free.
4. Hair-Dryer
Another bulky item. Yet again this item can be found in many hostels for free. Also, his item is less than desirable when travelling in a hot, humid country.
5. The Whole of the Pharmacy
Take your basics, pain killers, plasters and malaria tablets (if in a malaria zone). You can buy emergency medication when travelling, even if can’t understand the packaging it is better than trying to find your malaria tablets if you’re rummaging round a first aid kit with every tablet under the sun.
6. Another Memory Card
Don’t take another memory card, if yours gets full then take a memory stick, or even better put your memory card into a hostel computer and email all the photos to yourself, that way they will never be lost.
7. One Too Many Books
Two words, book exchange. Books are heavy and space consuming. Take a few cheap paperbacks and then swop them with a box exchange that is usually available in most hostels. Or even better, swop a book with another traveller.
8. Shower Gel
Just use shampoo. Backpacks can already be pretty full with different bottles and products. To cut down use your shampoo as shower gel, or buy a 3 in 1 conditioner/shampoo/shower gel. Or even better, just the free shower gel in the hostel.
9. Food
Half the fun of travelling is to try the different food around the world. Keep any ‘home’ foods at home, snacks aren’t going to be tough to find abroad.
10. Guidebooks
Yet again, more books which are heavy and bulky. Use the incredible invention of the internet and find any travel advice for free. Also, if you’re travelling to a popular destination, then no doubt your hostel will provide plenty of information for you, or even better a tourist information centre.
By Becky Wood
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