13 Travel Items I Don't Fly With in 2025
A Practical Guide to Smarter Travel Packing
Introduction
This guide covers 13 travel items that are commonly packed but should be retired from your travel routine, along with better alternatives and practical travel tips.
1. Anti-Chafing Lubrication Tubes
❌ Why I Don't Pack This:
- Liquid restrictions for carry-on
- Can leak in luggage
- Takes up space
✅ Pack Instead:
Slip Shorts/Cullottes
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Carry-on luggage friendly
- Second-skin feel, non-clinging
- Sizing tip: Size up (example: size 8-10 → extra large)
- Recommend shorter version
- High quality for midlife travel style
2. Passport Booklet Holders
❌ Why I Don't Pack This:
- TSA requires you to remove passport from holder anyway
- Adds unnecessary bulk
- Doesn't actually prevent loss
✅ Do This Instead:
For Airport Security:
- Keep passport in easily accessible pocket
- Quick removal for TSA line
During Flight:
- Store in inside zipped pocket of personal item bag
At Hotel:
- Always use hotel safe
Digital Backup Strategy:
- Take iPhone photos of passport inside cover
- Photograph inside back cover barcode
- Lock photos in iPhone notes (freebie download available)
- Optional: Print copies for suitcase backup
3. Regular Daily Wallet
❌ Why I Don't Pack This:
- Bulky and takes up space
- Credit cards contain more personal information than passport
- Security risk if lost/stolen
✅ Pack Instead:
Minimalist RFID-Blocking Wallet
- Just a few card slots
- RFID protection against electronic skimming
- Much more compact
Security Tip:
- Attach wallet to slash-resistant purse clip
- Use the little hoop on RFID wallet
- Prevents dropping when reaching into purse
4. Old Power Banks
❌ Why I Don't Pack This:
- Older models are more combustible
- Not allowed in checked luggage
- Safety concerns with older battery technology
✅ Pack Instead:
Newer Power Bank Models with Heat Monitoring
- Built-in heat monitoring systems
- Battery temperature regulation
- Safer technology
Two Recommended Types:
- Power bank with phone prop (requires cord)
- Standard newer model with heat monitoring
Brand Recommendation:
- Use reputable brands (Anker recommended)
- Get recall notifications
- Note: Anker had recall in June (video info in pinned comments)
5. Duffel Bags
❌ Why I Don't Pack This:
- Causes neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Long airport terminals require extensive carrying
- Cross-body duffel bags are uncomfortable
- Difficult to navigate through airports
✅ Pack Instead:
Rolling Options:
- Rolling duffel bag (as carry-on for overhead bins)
- Rolling backpack (as carry-on)
- Keep regular personal item bag for under seat
Benefits:
- No physical strain
- Easy airport navigation
- Standard airline compliance
6. Two-Wheeled Carry-On Luggage
❌ Why I Don't Pack This:
- Difficult to maneuver in tight spaces
- Awkward in airplane lavatories
- Hard to navigate airplane aisles
✅ Pack Instead:
Four-Wheeled Spinner Hardshell Suitcase
- Easy to "whip around" in airplane lavatories
- Smooth aisle navigation
- Less stressful airport experience
- Can be soft-sided or hardshell (preference dependent)
Future Innovation Needed:
- Hotel luggage rack for easy packing/unpacking
7. Bulky One-and-Done Makeup Travel Cases
❌ Why I Don't Pack This:
- Takes up almost half of suitcase space
- Encourages overpacking unnecessary items
- Extremely bulky and heavy
✅ Pack Instead:
Option 1: Practical Large Toiletry Kit
- Comes in three pieces
- Includes separate liquids bag
- Efficient space usage
Option 2: Multiple Toiletry Pouches
- Divide items into smaller pouches
- Fit in personal item bag
- Fit in carry-on suitcase as needed
Packing Philosophy (Women 50+):
- Focus on essential skincare only
- Skin won't deteriorate in 2 weeks of vacation
- Key tip: Figure out what NOT to pack
8. Bulky Shoes for Every Situation
❌ Why I Don't Pack This:
- Takes up excessive suitcase space
- Often unnecessary for actual activities
- Weight and bulk issues
✅ Do This Instead:
Strategy:
- Wear bulkiest shoes on airplane
- Check weather before packing
- Research planned excursions
For Wet Weather Activities:
- Pack one pair of waterproof tennis shoes
- Only pack if high chance of rain
- Multi-purpose functionality
For Regular Activities:
- Pack regular sneakers (not tennis shoes)
- Add arch insert insoles
- Hard plastic bottom doesn't flatten
- Buy multiple pairs for different shoes
- No need to transfer between shoes
Reality Check:
- Don't overpack for weather that might not happen
- Example: Packed waterproof shoes for Wisconsin (high rain chance) - only rained one night
9. Ponchos/Flowy Outer Capes (Don't Wear on Plane)
❌ Why I Don't Wear This on Plane:
Note: Can pack in suitcase, just don't wear during flight
Reasons:
- Tangling issues: Gets caught with suitcase and luggage
- Space intrusion: Flows into other passengers' seats over armrests
- Navigation problems: Gets caught when getting out of tight airplane seats
- Overnight flight issues: Difficult when climbing over sleeping passengers
✅ Wear Instead:
Fitted Cashmere Sweater
- Keeps you warm
- Fitted to body
- No tangling issues
- Easy to manage in tight spaces
10. Non-Compressing Neck Pillows
❌ Why I Don't Pack This:
- Bulky and takes up space
- Often ineffective for sleep
- Don't provide proper support
✅ Pack Instead:
For Long Necks:
- Neck brace-style pillow
- Two strong velcro straps
- Loops over airplane headrest
- Prevents head falling forward when sleeping
For Side Sleepers:
- "Turtle" neck pillow
- Neck brace design with cradling
- Comfortable for leaning head to sleep
- Doesn't attach to seat
Avoid:
- Inflatable pillows (lose pressure during long flights)
11. Voltage Converters (International Travel)
❌ Why I Don't Pack This:
- Extremely bulky
- Must plug into adapter first, then into wall outlet
- Two-step process is cumbersome
✅ When You Actually Need a Converter:
Only for American appliances that can't handle international voltage:
- Curling irons
- Hair dryers
- Other high-wattage American devices
✅ Do This Instead:
Buy Dual Voltage Appliances
- Example: Dual voltage curling iron
- Works with international voltage
- Only needs simple adapter (not converter)
- Much more compact solution
Travel Philosophy:
- Don't waste vacation time shopping for appliances
- Buy dual voltage version of essential items before trip
- Simple adapter plugs directly into country's wall outlet
12. Regular Headphones
❌ Why I Don't Pack This:
- Need protective hard shell case
- Case takes up space in personal item bag
- More cumbersome than alternatives
✅ Pack Instead:
AirPods (Available on Amazon)
- Compact and protective case included
- No additional protection needed
Essential Accessory:
- Tangle-free cord for AirPods
- Prevents loss if you fall asleep during flight
- Essential for dark airplane cabins
- Easy to locate dropped AirPods
13. Hidden Money Belts
❌ Why I Don't Pack This:
Major Security Flaw:
- Accessing items requires taking eyes off surroundings
- Too much time searching for specific credit card
- Vulnerable while fumbling with belt in pickpocket areas
- Looking down to find slots to replace items
- Dangerous in tourist areas with crime risk
✅ Do This Instead:
Passport Security:
- Lanyard-type passport holder (passport only)
- Never reach for it in public areas
- Keep completely hidden and untouched
Credit Card Strategy - Option 1:
- One card in hidden lanyard necklace
- One card in regular wallet (in slash-resistant crossbody bag)
Credit Card Strategy - Option 2:
- One card in hidden money belt (if you insist on using one)
- One card in accessible wallet
Advanced Security Tip: Wallet Tracker
- Looks like credit card
- Track stolen wallet/purse with phone
- Criminal won't recognize it as tracker
- Provides location if theft occurs
Key Takeaways
General Packing Philosophy:
- Prioritize functionality over tradition
- Choose items that serve multiple purposes
- Focus on what NOT to pack
- Consider actual vs. imagined needs
- Invest in quality, dual-purpose items
Security Best Practices:
- Layer your security approach
- Never put all cards in one location
- Stay aware of surroundings when accessing valuables
- Use technology to your advantage (digital backups, trackers)
Comfort and Convenience:
- Choose rolling over carrying whenever possible
- Size up on fitted items (slip shorts)
- Invest in items with built-in safety features
- Plan for airplane-specific challenges