5 Things Not To Pack In Your Backpack!

What things can you manage without when you're travelling? Here are the top 5

It's guaranteed that at some point you'll find yourself on the night before you're due to leave standing looking at a backpack that just won't close. But choosing what to take and what to leave behind can be difficult.

Some things that seem to be essentials end up getting taken because we're in a state of pre-trip anxiety which tricks us into thinking that we need everything but the kitchen sink. Experienced backpackers already know that travelling light is best, but if you're a first time backpacker, you'll find these tips useful.

Here are 5 things not to put in your backpack, but if you also want to know what you should never forget to take, you can read this article.

JEWELLERY

It's always best to leave valuable rings and bracelets at home, not so much because of the extra weight but because travellers are always at a higher risk of theft. Backpackers know that the true value of their trip isn't in how they look, it's what they experience.

ELEGANT SHOES

Moving on from the previous point, elegant shoes definitely fit in the "accessories" catergory. In short, you don't need them. They might be nice to have, but they're not an essential.

In the case of shoes, space is also an issue because they take up a lot of room and frankly, you never know how you're going to fit them in.

PILLOW

Rest assured, hostels have pillows and they even have sheets too! Ok, in northern Europe sheets may not be automatically provided but you can hire them on site. They may not be free, but they are certainly available!

However there are always pillows, so bringing an extra one is a bit pointless! If you really, really want to take one, bring an inflatable pillow so it doesn't take up too much space in your backpack.

Photo: Bucur's Shelter Hostel, Bucarest - Romania

TOO MANY CLOTHES

Obviously it depends on your destination, but nothing justifies taking five pairs of trousers. 2 will do just fine as most hostels these days have free laundry facilities, so washing your clothes won't even eat into your budget.

THINGS YOU CAN BUY ON THE SPOT

There are some things that you can buy anywhere. These days, supermarkets have ever-expanding ranges, so leave behind shampoo, toothpaste and everything of this nature as unless you've decided to spend two weeks at a Tuareg training camp or walking in the Amazon rainforest, buying them on the spot shouldn't be a problem.

Hopefully we've given you some ideas of what not to put in your backpack to save space.

If there's anything else you can think of to leave out of your backpack, add it in the comments section!