The way we travel has changed dramatically over the years, and with each shift comes new technology, trends, and ways to streamline our journeys. Gone are the days of overstuffed suitcases filled with “just-in-case” items we never use. As we head into 2025, it’s time to take a hard look at the travel gear we’ve been dragging along for years and ask ourselves, “Do I really need this?” Spoiler alert—many items on this list have served their time and are no longer worth the space or hassle.
Here’s the ultimate list of travel gear to ditch in 2025, and what to pack (or not pack) instead.
1. Bulky Travel Pillows
Ah, the trusty neck pillow—once a champion of long haul flights. But honestly, when was the last time your U-shaped pillow actually made you feel comfortable at 35,000 feet? Not to mention, these oversized cushions are awkward to carry and take up precious bag space.
The Alternative:
Switch to inflatable or convertible travel pillows. They flatten down to barely anything and work just as well (if not better) than their bulky predecessors. Or, simply fold up a light scarf or jacket, which doubles as a pillow and a blanket.
2. Paper Maps and Printed Itineraries
Yes, there was a time when packing every page of your travel itinerary, plus a foldout map of the city, felt essential. But in 2025, this is not only unnecessary—it’s borderline impractical. Why lug around fragile maps that tear or paper copies that can get lost when your smartphone does it all?
The Alternative:
Make the most of offline maps through apps like Google Maps or Maps.me. You can pre-download routes so you’ll be covered even without Wi-Fi. For detailed itineraries, a simple travel-planning app will keep everything organized and within easy reach.
3. Overloaded First Aid Kits
Overpacking “just in case” items might feel responsible, but heavy first aid kits with everything from gauze to tongue depressors are overkill for most travelers. Unless you’re summiting Everest or trekking deep into uncharted territory, your kit probably contains half the items you’ll never touch.
The Alternative:
Streamline your first aid kit to the essentials—think adhesive bandages, pain relievers, antihistamines, and a small tube of antibiotic cream. Pharmacies exist in most cities, and you can pick up anything specific if needed.
4. Dedicated Phone Chargers and Tangled Cables
Still packing a different charger for every gadget you bring? That’s a rookie mistake in 2025. With the rise of universal charging ports and multi-device chargers, there’s no excuse for getting tangled in cords.
The Alternative:
Invest in a compact USB-C or multi-device charging hub. These charge multiple gadgets simultaneously and take up a fraction of the space. Wireless chargers, especially power banks, are also game-changers if you’re on the move all day without a power outlet in sight.
5. Hardcover Travel Books
Wandering around Rome with a nearly 1,000-page guidebook in your backpack might feel like you’re channeling an "Eat, Pray, Love" vibe, but in reality, it’s dead weight. Traditional guidebooks are less relevant when travel info is constantly changing, and apps and blogs can keep you up to date.
The Alternative:
Download your travel books or guides onto a light e-reader or your phone. Even better, curate your itinerary based on reliable travel blogs, local guides, or social media tips specific to your destination. Bonus points for sustainability—no paper waste!
6. Cheap Travel Locks
Travel locks that come with keys or weak codes sound like they’ll offer peace of mind, but in 2025, they’re more hassle than they’re worth. Keys get lost, and most cheap locks can be bypassed with ease. Plus, they’re not doing much to stop determined thieves.
The Alternative:
If you're worried about luggage safety, upgrade to TSA-approved combination locks with stronger mechanisms. Alternatively, avoid checking expensive possessions by keeping them in your carry-on or packing light to avoid checked luggage entirely.
7. Uncomfortable "Travel Shoes"
For years, clunky, unattractive "travel shoes" promised comfort during long walks or sightseeing tours. Unfortunately, most of them delivered neither. They’re heavy, unflattering, and often take up way too much space in your suitcase.
The Alternative:
Choose lightweight, all-purpose sneakers or breathable, travel-friendly loafers. Brands now offer stylish options that balance comfort and functionality, so you no longer have to sacrifice aesthetics for practicality.
8. Travel-Specific Toiletry Bottles
Remember when travel-sized plastic bottles seemed revolutionary? By now, they’ve become a plastic-waste problem rather than a solution. Plus, constantly refilling them is messy, and they tend to leak.
The Alternative:
Switch to solid toiletries like shampoo bars, conditioner sticks, and solid deodorants. These are eco-friendly, mess-free, and last much longer than their liquid counterparts. Packing just got a whole lot simpler.
9. Single-Use Cameras
Sure, disposable cameras are nostalgic, but they’re hardly practical in 2025. Images take forever to process, the photo quality is often disappointing, and these cameras leave behind unnecessary waste. Plus, if you’re already carrying a smart device, you’re duplicating efforts.
The Alternative:
Stick to your phone. With advanced camera technology and countless editing apps, your smartphone will fill in that photography gap. If you’re nostalgic for the film vibe, apps like Huji and VSCO allow you to add retro filters to digital shots.
10. Overpacked Wardrobes
How many times have you returned from a trip with half your packed clothing untouched? Overpacking is the bane of most travelers, turning suitcases into unmanageable beasts. Traveling with a heavy bag not only slows you down but can cost extra with airline baggage fees.
The Alternative:
Adopt a capsule wardrobe—a handful of multi-functional, mix-and-match outfits that suit various settings. Neutral colors, weather-appropriate fabrics, and wrinkle-free materials make packing light easy. Many travelers swear by packing cubes to keep everything organized and compact.
11. Travel-Only Currency Wallets
Those money belts or travel wallets with secret compartments for “extra protection”? They might have felt crucial in the past, but they’re now a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist. Plus, juggling multiple wallets is just inconvenient.
The Alternative:
Use discreet wallet alternatives like slim, RFID-blocking cardholders that fit easily in your pocket or bag. Many banks now offer fee-free international debit cards, so you can skip carrying large amounts of cash altogether.
12. Portable DVD Players
If you’re traveling with a DVD player in 2025, it’s time to re-evaluate your packing priorities. Streaming platforms and downloadable content have made physical media creators extinct at this point. Plus, who wants to carry around discs and a clunky machine?
The Alternative:
Stick to your tablet, laptop, or smartphone. Pre-download movies and shows before your departure so you’re never stuck without entertainment, even on long flights.
13. Excessive Packing Gadgets
Think twice before throwing every space-saving gadget Amazon recommends into your shopping cart. That collapsible water bottle, shoe bag, and travel steamer may sound useful, but collectively, they become redundant clutter.
The Alternative:
Lean into multi-functional items. For example, prioritize a water bottle with a built-in purifying system or a compact scarf that doubles as a blanket, picnic mat, or shawl.
14. Old-School Power Adapters
Those bulky adapters that only convert voltage are taking up unnecessary space. Update your gear to reflect modern needs since many new electronics now work in multiple voltages.
The Alternative:
Invest in a slim, all-in-one universal adapter with USB ports. Some even come with surge protection to shield your devices wherever you plug in.
15. “For-the-Gram” Props
Finally, it’s time to leave behind props like miniature chalkboards, perfectly curated journals, or overly themed outfits you’ll only wear for one Instagram post. Sure, it might be fun for a second, but the extra work and weight aren’t worth it.
The Alternative:
Keep your travel memories authentic. A trusted camera phone, a scavenger hunt for local mementos, or memorable shared experiences with friends will create moments worth remembering without the unnecessary baggage.
2025 is all about intentional travel—focusing on what truly enhances your journeys and leaving everything else at home. By ditching outdated or bulky gear, you make room for smarter, more efficient solutions. It’s not just about packing lighter; it’s about traveling smarter. After all, less clutter means more focus on what really matters—your adventure. Happy travels!
