Experienced Travelers' No-Pack List | Don't Waste Your Money!

[@NoraDunn]

👉🏻 PRODUCTS I SHOWED OR MENTIONED (that are good 😆 ) Pacsafe Daysafe Anti-Theft Crossbody Tech Bag (that I use all the time, but especially on travel days for my passport and other valuables) - bit.ly/3QBrKKv RFID-Blocking Sleeves - amzn.to/3ELDO6v Kindle Paperwhite e-Reader - amzn.to/3ZxqmwQ Travel Towel - amzn.to/3RqEs0Z Turkish Towel - amzn.to/3RxzKOS

[@rochellecoleman4113]

@@NoraDunn thanks so much. Heading to Thailand the end of January. Any tips?

[@NoraDunn]

@@rochellecoleman4113 #1 tip: have fun! And don't overpack. You might be inspired to take a few things home with you. Also, eat at food markets; it's cheap and cheerful, and is how many locals eat their meals. Look for vendors with lineups to know what's good/fresh.

[@Michelle-gf4xg]

I recently saw a jewelry hack on a video: lay them out on Glad Press and Seal, then fold another piece over the top and press down. Thin, light, and keeps things from tangling.

[@NoraDunn]

I love it! I'm going to try it on my next trip.

[@pamalalearn9348]

I tried that a couple times. For the most part it worked but on the last time the seal was too tight and I couldn't get the chain out of it. Not sure why it happened that one time but I never tried it again after that. I'd suggest placing a paper towel or tissue on one side to make sure you can get it out without damage to the item.

[@NoraDunn]

@@pamalalearn9348 Ooh interesting! Thanks for the tip, Pamala.

[@traceyrusthoven2097]

I just the press and seal and find it works great.

[@ToriE1073]

Yes!! Plastic wrap works well too. I have been using the same piece of plastic wrap for my necklaces for years. 😂😂

[@elkeyes]

I think Amazon lockers have helped me with my "just in case" paranoia for overpacking. Now it's easy enough to order something online and pick it up very quickly nearby, especially things like cables that are small and definitely fit into the locker space. I was also able to use this when we went to Japan to order some special printings of books that I couldn't find in store, and have them delivered to a convenience store near my hotel.

[@KolendoTV]

This is such a good tip!

[@NoraDunn]

Great suggestion! Fabulous that you were able to do this in Japan.

[@WiseFamin]

Good tip! Never thought to use one while traveling abroad!

[@leslie-annepepin8927]

We are 68 and absolutely love our Kindles! Mom is 98 and has Macular Degeneration so reading a book is not an option. Got her a kindle so she can size the text so she can read. Now she is reading every day!!!

[@NoraDunn]

Ooh - there's another win for Kindle! The ability to change text size (plus adjust the backlighting) is huge.

[@susie9893]

Also audiobooks

[@NoraDunn]

@@susie9893 Yes!

[@susiefisch]

As far as jewelry goes, I pack three or four pendants or stones that fit on the same necklace. I wear the necklace with one of the pendants on travel days, so only need a small case for the other stones or pendants. No need to worry about necklaces getting tangled.

[@NoraDunn]

Super clever with the one chain and interchangeable pendants! Love this.

[@Asphodel27one]

Exactly what I do! And buying new pendants on a trip makes for great easy-carry souvenirs.

[@pamelaaffleck6127]

I still bring a book with me. Almost everywhere I go there are books to swap at my accommodation or I come across a little book swap box on my neighbourhood walks. Yes, it seriously limits my selection, but I've ended up reading some amazing books that I would never have come across otherwise. I like that it forces me to step out of my reading comfort zone!

[@NoraDunn]

There is certainly something to be said for the book swap process! And yes, I've discovered some really interesting books & authors this way too!

[@andrewlaurence8274]

I once forgot a backpack full of library books at the airport in Rome. Going back to Rome was not in my plans, so I let it go and had to replace all those books. Now I travel with a Kindle.

[@NoraDunn]

@@andrewlaurence8274 Yikes! That's a shame. Kindle for the win!

[@chr12PH1lL1P2]

If you lose or break a charging cord, it never hurts to ask the front desk of the hotel. Often they have a drawer of them from people forgetting them in their rooms.

[@NoraDunn]

Fantastic suggestion!

[@deborahchadwick210]

True. I work at a motel desk 2 days a week..most left things are charging cords and reading glasses.

[@NoraDunn]

@@deborahchadwick210 Oh yes - reading glasses! I've left a couple of pairs of those behind along the way.

[@susie9893]

My greatest fail with 'just in case' measures is medications. I am getting better at culling this back but the thing is, carrying your own emergency stash could save you a trip to a doctor or ER (and then you'll probably have to go find a pharmacy) which will significantly eat into your holiday time. At present, I just can't talk myself out of these measures; even over the counter medications - you still have to find a pharmacy then hope they'll have what you're looking for, especially if there's a language barrier (this could waste half a day or more). I'd rather live without an umbrella than my medication stash

[@NoraDunn]

Ha - a good priority to have! I carry a minimal emergency stash of meds myself.

[@pamalalearn9348]

Agree and as the "mom" of the group, A found having the just in case meds saved time, money and the emergency need for a dr on one occasion. That being said, I purchased little pill zip lock bags. I put the pills in them with a label. They fold up very small. For larger pills, I purchased travel pouches with screw tops. They also hold a lot and squish down.

[@NoraDunn]

@@pamalalearn9348 Good call with the little pill baggies!

[@WiseFamin]

Same here! My added reason is that if I'm feeling sick, I'm not going to have the energy to even leave my hotel room, so having some emergency meds with me in rolled up ziploc bags is worth it for that reason alone. Plus, if I have to buy medications abroad, I might be stuck with a huge bottle of something that I'll then have to find space for in my luggage. Or I might end up with a thermometer that only gives temperatures in Celsius (which happened to me the last time I went to Canada)!

[@NoraDunn]

@@WiseFamin Excellent rationale!

[@trisharnott7846]

One thing I travel with now is a wristwatch after travelling in Europe and having to grab my phone whenever I needed to check the time. I found that such a pain.

[@NoraDunn]

Indeed, it's nice to have a way to tell time that doesn't require pulling out a phone, which in some places is a security risk.

[@stevenfoster6595]

Great tips! I do guidebooks the Rick Steves' way- I use current guide books, but I rip them up so I am just taking the pages on the specific information I want to have with me. Lots of guide books are also available as apps or downloadable podcasts. The best thing I take with me is my old fashioned wire/jack earbuds. Nothing to charge and all the historic sights audio guides seem to have the 3.5mm jack. And I don't take back up electronic cords. I use a similar quick-dry towel, and have the matching washcloth. I think washcloths are a uniquely American thing!

[@NoraDunn]

Yay for old-fashioned corded earbuds! They definitely still have their place.

[@themorn2112]

I have been traveling internationally for over 25 years now (not including my stint in the US Military), the entire time traveling with carry-on only. One thing I have never used from the start is "hard shelled" luggage mostly because of the light weight and flexibility (give) the bag offers during storage. From the very beginning, even in the Military, I always used a Duffle bag and/or a travel back pack, almost all of my travel bags have/had locking compartments. Only once had I have to check in my bag (overweight) and fortunately my bag arrived intact. Having locking compartments was/is a godsend. One a side note, thank you so much for your tip regarding the ATM conversion option. It never dawned on me (I should have known better) that the ATM conversion option was a scam. I'm pretty sure I fell victim to this on more than one occasion.

[@NoraDunn]

THanks for sharing! As for the ATM thing, I think we've all fallen prey to it - I know I have!

[@MsMorganGirls]

I used compression packing cubes, but I found that NOT using the compression zipper made the bags easier to push into smaller spaces.

[@NoraDunn]

Interesting! You're the second person to say something similar.

[@stephanier9820]

I've discord the same, more squishy in situations you need to make it work by squishing things into spaces. All zipped its very firm and heavy

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

I have a couple of multi cable but they’re very short. Saves space and weight. One of them can also charge two devices at once. I’m also a fan of a small backup battery to carry in my sling bag because we use our phones so much these days. 1000% agreed on a Kindle! The only guidebook to carry these days is the one that says “Don’t Panic!” on the cover in large, friendly letters :) Towels: you must always know where your towel is, but I carry a micro fibre towel and a Cambodian krama (scarf). Big fan of pre-paid cads though. I only put a small amount of cash on them at a time though.

[@NoraDunn]

Good call on the pre-paid travel cards. I don't like the fees, and I prefer to earn frequent flyer miles on the money I spend by charging it to my credit cards (which are usually no f/x so there are no additional fees). But, prepaid travel cards are great for budgeting and are (arguably) more secure.

[@JoennaHolmes-bk9io]

If you pack a cotton sarong it can also double as a towel as well! I have a batik one that ive been traveling with for a decade and its my beach vacation necessity. Coverup (its a long one so i can tie it several ways), towel, something to sit on - I'll never leave it behind.

[@missmayflower]

I take mine on all trips now, not just to the beach. It has also been a blanket/sheet, pillow cover, curtain, lampshade, shawl, nightgown, and you can use Japanese folding to make it into a shopping bag.

[@JoennaHolmes-bk9io]

I'm going to have to look up the shopping bag fold! Thanks!

[@shinnam]

Yes, always male or female pack a sarong. Lonely Planet's best piece of advice from 25 years ago, pack a sarong.

[@wiffley]

I bought one to use as a curtain in a room that didn't have any...but, it has so many other uses at home. I'm wearing it right now.

[@trisharnott7846]

@@missmayflower Same. I won't travel without a batik cotton sarong and, in Europe, a light down jacket.

[@leapintothewild_original]

Cut a silicone straw to length so that you can thread half of a necklace through it and close the clasp (so half is inside, half runs along the outside)- keeps it from tangling! One necklace per straw. Then just slip the prepped necklaces in a tubular makeup brush holder, ziploc, or whatever to keep them protected and contained.

[@NoraDunn]

I love this strategy! Although it doesn't work for all necklaces, depending on the clasp size / chain size / necklace design.

[@leapintothewild_original]

@@NoraDunn I’ve never tried it myself, hate necklaces - and scarves. Think I must’ve been strangled in a former life… 😂

[@NoraDunn]

@@leapintothewild_original Eek! 😆

[@barbaracurry9447]

You can also put the prepped necklaces in a toothbrush holder

[@NoraDunn]

@@barbaracurry9447 Very creative!

[@timhammond691]

Two suggestions regarding charging cords 1) Try to make sure all devices use the same charging cable type, if possible. 2) There are some small adapters that will allow you to use one type of cable and adapt it to the other ports on your devices. With the adapters you have a lot more choices for cables if you lose or damage the one you brought.

[@NoraDunn]

Great tips!

[@andreslucero81]

Agreed 100%. At home I've standardized on USB-C chargers and cables, with tiny adapters for any device that still has a USB-A/Mini/Micro or Lightning port. For travel, I use an Anker Nano 3 charger and InCharge X cable, which has the adapters built-in.

[@NoraDunn]

@@andreslucero81 You've inspired me to order the InCharge X cable, which I've had my eye on for a long time!

[@lillianbarker4292]

I love the light in the ebook. No need for a book light.

[@NoraDunn]

Exactly!

[@ChristopherChin141]

Good one Nora! ... Also ... passport covers are not just inconvienient, ... but could be a bad thing. If the counter person or whoever just tries to pull your passport out ... and rips it, ... your passport is no longer valid. 'seen it 3-4 times travelling. Gate agent asks for passport, pax gives it to them in a cover, agent pulls the passport out and rips it in the process. Most places will not accept a passport that is damaged, ripped, missing pages or has the cover damaged.

[@NoraDunn]

Yikes! I hadn't considered that...

[@pattieodonnell723]

I have learned the hard way: No hook earrings, even with the little stoppers on the end. Especially on travel days. So many times I end up at my hotel with one earring. Putting bag straps over my shoulder knocks them off. Posts are only a little better. If I want to wear earrings, I have a few lever-backs that have never been knocked off, so i wear those.

[@NoraDunn]

Totally true on the hook earrings! These days I'm a fan of small hoops that close/lock at the back (which I think is what you're calling lever-backs).

[@Christine-zk6hk]

Interesting video, with good suggestions. However, I do keep my passport in a passport cover along with my Global Entry card and Covid vaccine card. I take it out of the cover when I'm actually traveling, but when I put it away during the trip, it makes it much easier for me to find. And at home, everything is in one place.

[@NoraDunn]

Good point, Christine!

[@lindathomas8080]

I've never had to take my passport out of its cover when I travel

[@NoraDunn]

@@lindathomas8080 Wow! Good to know.

[@stevechrisman3185]

that's hard to believe !@@lindathomas8080

[@wandaesch7314]

Just started using a kindle. Was headed on a cruise, I read about 6 books on that trip. So glad I had the kindle.

[@NoraDunn]

Nice one!

[@nitabryant1743]

I enjoyed your video. Great information and I like your cadence of speech and presentation.

[@NoraDunn]

Awesome - thank you!

[@cs4849]

Wow - hadn’t thought about traveler’s checks in a while. That took me back. I have an iPad mini that I travel with. It has books, music, and a more convenient way to get online than on my phone’s small screen. My iPad, my phone, and the tiny white noise maker I found all use a USB-C cable. So I plan to bring two cords and one plug with two USB slots. That way, I can always charge two things at a time. I also keep a lightweight pasmina type wrap in my personal item, and frequently use it as a blanket or pillow on flights. For me, I’m often astounded at recommendations for toiletries and hair care products. I am very much a minimalist and don’t bother with make up other than a small mascara and lip balm, and just take a comb for my hair. Fitting my liquids into the regulation sized clear bag is never an issue.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha - some people are lower maintenance than others! I consider myself to be pretty low maintenance, but I still wear makeup, have a skin care routine, and my hair requires some work too!

[@cs4849]

@@NoraDunn To be clear, I’m definitely not criticizing people who happen to have more elaborate routines than me. Everyone should definitely take the things they use. The toiletries you pack in your videos, though, are much less than many other videos I’ve watched.

[@cijmo]

I'm less mobile than I used to be so my 'adventure trips' are in my past and I just prefer to go back to the UK to visit family (I moved to Canada as a kid). So I'm never far from laundry/replacing things like cables and such. I went for two weeks to Scotland and England with just a carry on suitcase LOL. This year, I took a friend who had never traveled abroad before and the things I had to talk her out of taking - travel guides, two spare water bottles and thank God she couldn't get traveller's cheques because I know she would have brought them.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha ha! I don't know how many friends/family members I've tried to advise re: packing only for them to make the mistakes themselves. Some people can only learn through experience 🤷‍♀️😆

[@lokicooper4690]

I adore my e-reader. As you said, having your entire library with you is amazing. Never will I bring books again. My 87 year old mother lives by hers. She has arthritis and can no longer hold physical books comfortably. She reads every single day. The guide books were useful when the internet was in its infancy, and phones only existed as giant bricks you kept in your car. We loved them, but being able to look something up on your phone, tablet, or laptop is so much easier. I have two of those multi-charging cables in two different lengths. I take both. One can be a backup if the other fails, but, more often than not, both are used to charge different things (phone and tablet). I also have a short one (0.5m) that is kept in my purse along with a power-bank to charge my phone when I’m out and about. I use this at home as well as when travelling. Using one of the two multi cables takes up too much space in my purse as they are too long (6 ft & 10 ft).

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for sharing! Indeed, technology has changed extraordinarily in the past few decades. Even since I started traveling full-time in 2007, my life and the way I get around using tech is totally different.

[@trisharnott7846]

For me, the bonus is I don't have to worry about whether or not my room has a bedside lamp.

[@NoraDunn]

@@trisharnott7846 Great point!

[@Mzzfitzy]

I have always traveled with a curling iron and a flat iron. I finally found a 2 in one. Works great and eliminates one more item. Yay!

[@NoraDunn]

Nice! Can it also work across different voltages?

[@Mzzfitzy]

I use my EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter to plug into different voltages

[@NoraDunn]

@@Mzzfitzy Nice!

[@Travelbug6543]

Hello Nora. Great tips as usual! I don’t travel with a neck pillow anymore. I found it to be cumbersome to carry and took up too much space if I tried to store it in my backpack.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks! Agreed on the neck pillow!

[@DillyDahlia]

I saw something on another travel KZbin channel…it’s a fabric tube that you stuff full of clothes and becomes your neck pillow. Can’t vouch for it but it sounds intriguing because you obviously don’t have a bulky neck pillow to haul around all the time, only while you’re on the plane.

[@NoraDunn]

@@DillyDahlia Sounds really interesting! I'll have to check it out.

[@crrizello5157]

Agree. I lost my neck pillow once on a trip and haven’t replaced it. The wings on the seats work just as good.

[@NoraDunn]

@@crrizello5157 For me, it's all about window seats and leaning against the wall.

[@dennisspackman7147]

For jewelry use a weekly pill case or something similar. The individual pockets keep each necklace separate and therefore tangle free as each item is seperate

[@NoraDunn]

Those work really well!

[@susie9893]

I just keep my jewellery game really tight when I travel - usually just a couple of pairs of earrings; with the assumption that I will buy a piece or 2 on the road. I have a tiny little padded purse I keep them in and that's it. People say that there's nothing like a piece of jewellery to elevate an outfit, but personally I never notice when someone is wearing a fine necklace or bracelet (and who has room to carry a clunky 1?) but I always notice earrings

[@NoraDunn]

@@susie9893 I like your strategy for getting a piece or two along the way. Usable, highly-packable souvenirs!

[@BSWVI]

Gah, you're so right about "just in case"! Re Turkish towel 11:22 I also pack a kilt pin to keep it from falling off , even if just for going to the bar and back at the pool. 🏖️🍹

[@NoraDunn]

Kilt pin - briliant!

[@susie9893]

I'm not a fan of the Turkish towel - thought it sounded like a great idea but found it really wasn't very absorbent. Big fail for me. Now I carry a Pashmina and a microfibre cloth OR a microfibre beach towel (that doubles a a sarong cos it's kinda boho) if beach vacation

[@marymurphy2164]

I used to pack an outfit for each day. Then a guy at work told me that no one is paying attention to your daily outfits!!!! Earth shattering to a lady. I have definitely paired down my toiletries. Then I use those motel bars of soap to wash clothes on the road.

[@NoraDunn]

"Earth shattering to a lady" - Ha ha!

[@danajacques2324]

Luckily, I’ve been able to compress this into a small pack, but as a medical professional, I have learned to take a blood pressure cuff with stethoscope/quick scan thermometer /pulse oximeter with me when I travel, particularly on airlines because invariably, there is a medical emergency of some sort, and it just makes my life easier to have some equipment that I have on hand to get some basic vital signs. I also make sure I have my national provider identification number stored for quick access on my phone.

[@NoraDunn]

Wow - interesting!

[@Marciarasmussen-t3i]

Thank you!!

[@lynnleipold2617]

Years ago I sewed a travel jewelry case out of Ultrasuede fabric. It is so lightweight and practical, I still take it everywhere with me on every trip. I only pack costume jewelry. Thanks for all your tips and hacks!

[@NoraDunn]

How clever!

[@Reed-2big]

Love my cover. It makes it easy to take in and out of my purse at an airport. I just put the passport inside without putting back completely that way it’s still shielded but easy to take in and out.

[@NoraDunn]

That's a great hack!

[@BethanyMeredith]

genius and thank youuuuu

[@Reed-2big]

@@BethanyMeredith I used to have a walker so both hands were tied up. I had a neck pouch before the passport cover. My cover has room to put my boarding pass in it and still stick out. I find I’m not using that feature as much. But when you need a passport at the gate then it’s nice.

[@kellydooling]

great video, nora! i used to pack a full-sized suitcase and way too many just in case items. since 2012 (after experiencing a travel epiphany), i pack carryon only. i use my black pashmina for a blanket and for going out. i only bring 2 pairs of shoes unless i need flip flops too (which i usually don’t). i hate when youtubers recommend unnecessary and bulky jewelry cases, glasses holders, blankets, and a myriad of other things that just take up valuable space and weight 99% of the time. i do have a very slim passport holder just to keep the cover from getting ratty and i carry it and other essentials in a pacsafe crossbody bag.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for weighing in, Kelly! Yay for carry-on!

[@cltinturkey]

Great list. I've jettisoned most of these and used my last travel guide this spring. 2023 version was woefully incorrect. I second your idea to leave jewelry behind. I travel with only two pairs of earrings. A pair (or three) from the road become my souvenir. I also make a slide show backed with music from that country. Makes for a great no-weight souvenir that takes me back to my excellent adventure.

[@grimsqueaker5333]

I also love getting earings as souvenirs. I remember the trip when I put them on. I have a little slim foam lined pouch that I slip into my grooming kit. I have an everyday wear long silver plated necklace that I can easily replace. I feel more put together when I wear it.

[@NoraDunn]

I like the slide show with local music idea!

[@NoraDunn]

I'm with you on the earrings!

[@bethkolle1]

I bring a silk kimono-style duster-length jacket that I use for a jacket (obviously), robe, swim cover, lap blanket or even a neck pillow when rolled. If I’m cold in a hotel room bed, it goes over me under the top sheet and blanket. I’ve used it over my lightweight down jacket for extra warmth.

[@NoraDunn]

I love this! Comfy, classy, and practical.

[@jeanwhite2705]

Good Morning from 🇨🇦Nora, We are senior occasional travellers who have just returned from 3 weeks in France. We travelled with a multicharge device and our voltage adapter but we also took along the just in case multiple charging blocks and extra cables. And they were “just in case” and not needed but certainly added to a bulky electronics pkg. We would definitely opt out of the extra cables and blocks on a future trip as our charger worked wonderfully. We also found the places we stayed all had charging ports that were definitely voltage regulated and we probably didn’t even need the voltage adapter we took along as we only used it for electronics charging.

[@NoraDunn]

Hi Jean, I have never traveled with a voltage converter, since like you, I only travel with electronics that can handle both voltages. However if I had to travel with an appliance of some sort that required a voltage converter, the good news is that they're relatively small these days. When I started traveling with them, they were HUGE!

[@harrydeanbrown6166]

Remember the masterful advice of the classic "Europe on Five Dollars A Day": "Pack the absolute minimum you dare. Then take out half of it." Works every time.

[@NoraDunn]

Daring! And clever. :-)

[@barbarahallowell2613]

Great video! I won't travel without a Turkish towel. So many uses, so snuggly as a blanket or pillow as well. ❤

[@NoraDunn]

Absolutely! Thanks for weighing in, Barbara.

[@susie_feero]

Recommend you apply the "just in case" advice to the backup cables. Of course it depends on your travel destinations but cables are now available in a lot of different locations. On a different topic, the Super Bagel was a game changer for me. It is compact, multiple devices plug directly into it, and it has charging ports for USB C and USB A.

[@C__D]

Yea backup cables I don't really bother with. There is always going to be someone around who can lend you a charging cable/brick for a bit while you charge your stuff and that should give you enough time to get one if needed. A charging block with multiple usb a and c is essential though. I won't leave home without one. I've never seen the 3 headed cable before so I am going to look into that. It might be a block replacer.

[@nnyl3013]

It really depends on where you are traveling. I'm going to the Serengeti. Once I leave Arusha, I need to have everything I might need, including a spare charger for camera batteries and my phone, file hub, and portable hard drives. I travel with 2 camera bodies, because on an NZ trip decades ago the computer went out on my camera and it stopped advancing film past a few frames. The small towns didn't have replacements other than disposable cameras so I had to wait until I got to Auckland to get a replacement. I'll also need pack OTC medications I wouldn't normally take on a trip in a city, because there won't be a drugstore where I'll be.

[@NoraDunn]

I saw the "Super Bagel" (MOGICS) on a friend's KZbin channel, and I totally plan to get one the next time I'm in the US! (I couldn't find one in Canada). It looks fantastic!

[@NoraDunn]

Now that's interesting - I've never traveled with a charging block. However I think I'll get one, after yours and a few other comments here.

[@chevelleflorida]

I utilize a block with 4 usb a slots and carry 4, now 5, cords. No duplicate cords. I'd prefer that than a cord that has multiple heads because if the cord malfunctions, that's likely 3 devices that I'll have a problem charging. Cords malfunction more often than blocks.

[@annw-fitz4412]

I’ve only just learned about the three and one charging cable. I have a trip planned in 10 days and I’m definitely going to get one of those! Lol everything else I’m with you on. Thank you!

[@NoraDunn]

I love the 3-in-1 cables! My new fav charging accessories!

[@annw-fitz4412]

@@NoraDunn I just received one but it’s a four and one cable! Actually, there were two in the pack it’s already come in handy. Thanks for the heads up. Every little thing that you don’t have to pack all together, they will make a difference you can tell..

[@DpGreen-u9z]

I have purchased from Amazon retractable chargers. My favorites are ones with three plugs (Type C, Lightning, Micro USB) to USB-C or USB-A. Being retractable they save on space and on mess. With the three plugs I'm always set for different connections. In the years I have owned a number of them, not one has ever broken or failed.

[@NoraDunn]

I love the retractable function. I don't have one but I've seen them and they look fantastic.

[@bevabadji4157]

You can get guid books on your kindle

[@NoraDunn]

Good point.

[@melanies.6139]

I went to London last month, first international trip. Boy, did I learn some packing lessons! I’m definitely a “just in case” packer. I brought and did not use a neck pillow so had to drag that around. I brought and did use a cashmere pashmina as a wrap on the plane. I’m solely an ebook or audiobook user so between my phone and iPad mini, I was covered. One little thing that was amazing to have was a wrist lanyard for my phone. It kept my phone secure from anyone trying to grab it as well as in between taking photos.

[@cltinturkey]

Welcome to the world! It's such fun to travel, so I'm glad you took your maiden voyage. You'll live and learn as you go. I've left "useful" items behind, like your neck pillow, for others or donated them while traveling. She who travels light travels fastest and happiest!!! If you forget something, the replacement you buy on the road becomes a useful and fun souvenir--like a sweater or jacket.

[@NoraDunn]

Good call on the wrist lanyard, Melanie!

[@NoraDunn]

Yesssss!

[@juliekirby382]

I went to London earlier this year to visit my daughter who lives there. My daughter advised me not to get a lanyard for the phone because many thieves on motorbikes grab phones and she was worried I’d get hurt by being pulled over That said one has to be careful with the phone when out and about

[@NoraDunn]

@@juliekirby382 Interesting about the lanyards! Indeed "slash n go" robberies do happen (though I haven't had it happen to me), and in a few different countries.

[@BruceM8]

Thanks again, Nora, for another great video. I realize that I appreciate it (and this is true for many of your videos) not so much for the specific recommendations as for the fact that it helps train my mind in how to approach packing (or whatever the topic). I travel mostly with tour groups these days, and I am almost always the most lightly packed member of the group. But there is always room for improvement. As I have mentioned in the past, I choose always to check a bag, and when I do, one of the fun things is to see how heavy my suitcase is on the airport scale. I'm generally at about 25 pounds (11.3 kg.), but I long for the day when the scale at the check-in counter records less than 20 pounds (9 kg.). I'll get there eventually!

[@NoraDunn]

That's a great goal, Bruce! Thanks for watching, and for your regular support. I appreciate it!

[@laurahamilton6528]

Travel blankets: nothing beats the Gravel Travel Blanket. Light as a feather, packs down to nothing and keeps you toasty warm in the way a pashmina, serape or any other scarf can’t. It’s also waterproof, machine washable and dries fast.

[@NoraDunn]

Ooh I just went down a rabbit hole looking at the Gravel travel blanket! Looks really cool!

[@Mr.DJones]

Thank you for your time and posting. IMHO, take a back-up cable. They can be stuffed in a super small space. I have the Oasis, I like it because the screen flips.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for sharing!

[@eddiemaxwell6949]

Hello Nora. Aer Lingus used to offer Turkish Hammam towels as part of their inflight sales. I bought one out of curiosity and ended up buying a second as I was so pleased with the first!

[@NoraDunn]

Interesting! I love Turkish towels.

[@justynmacfarland9322]

Great informative video, especially about unnecessary packing gadgets and tools.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks!

[@gwynaethbranwynn]

The book thing! OMG! The first time I went on a 21-day trip with my friend was right before e-readers and smartphones. We carried cameras, a video camera, mp3 players, and so so so many books! We took to leaving books we finished in our hotel rooms. Travel is so much easier now!❤ I have all of those things on my smartphone now. I've also learned the joys of talking with locals at a laundromat. By the 3rd day of my trip, I wanted to give my rolling suitcase to the next stranger I met and living out of my backpack! Also, you are so right about "just-in-case" items. Therer never came a time I needed them. I did wish I'd brought my neosporen when I was in England since they count it as an antibiotic, and you couldn't get it over the counter😮

[@hume6900]

Britain has a wonderful product called Germaline (I think that is the correct spelling). I believe it is available without a prescription as my dad would bring it back occasionally when he was over there on business. It is like neosporen or polysporen.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for weighing in, Gwyn!

[@NoraDunn]

Ooh - good to know about Germaline! I tend to carry antibiotic cream in my mini-medical kit.

[@sommerblume11]

Love your list. Thank you! I personally dont use a e-reader anymore. I read my books on my smartphone with the significant app like in my case kindle. Or if the feeling of reading on the phone seams too stressful because of the small size, I use my tablet witch I also carry with me while on the road. But I understand when someone wants to disconnect with the internet and don’t like the distraction a phone or tablet brings with to use a e-reader.

[@NoraDunn]

If I had a tablet, then like you I wouldn't need an e-reader, for sure. But since I travel with a laptop and phone, I don't really need the laptop (hence, the e-reader).

[@susie9893]

I've pretty much converted to audiobooks for this reason, but my new phone has a pretty big screen that I'm comfortable with IF I have the opportunity to actually read while on the road (between noise and motion sickness)

[@vanolla]

Very good suggestions. I especially agree about most packing gear being unnecessary. It just adds weight to the luggage which contradicts my efforts to pack light.

[@NoraDunn]

I think there's a balance.

[@mrlogboy]

For passport covers, you can now get passport covers that have a slot for an AirTag, which can be very useful but as well, you can get passport type wallets for a family and as well, they have an AirTag. So they can be useful with an AirTag.

[@NoraDunn]

I've seen this in new passport covers! Clever.

[@sdophoto1405]

I have reduced the number of cables significantly. It also helps that so many things are now USBC so I have two of those. But I don't bring a back up of others. I have a small multi cable.

[@NoraDunn]

It helps to have multiple things that use the same type of charge cord!

[@tarenrome3740]

When it comes to cords I do my best to keep to one or two charging standards. Most recently I just traveled with Usb-c cables and a 3+1 wireless charger for my AirPods Apple watch and iPhone.

[@NoraDunn]

Good tip, keeping to one/two charging standards.

[@susie9893]

Unfortunately my devices are all usb-c now but my powerbank is still micro-usb (and still going strong), so adapters it is

[@FoCoBuzz]

I like the Just In Case test. I will plan on keeping that in mind. I do make good use of compression bags. I have a spreadsheet template for trip planning and I put everything for a city stop in a compression bag. The compression helps everything fit in my luggage. With everything I plan to wear for a city in one bag, I pull that bag out on arrival and I don’t have to dig through all the clothes I brought for what I need for that stop. Plus, as a plastic bag, it’s great way to seal off dirties and keep it from stinking up my clean stuff. I did have a similar and extensive charging strategy on my trip to France this past summer. I didn’t use my ability to charge everything at once so I might be able to scale that back, but a few cables isn’t my biggest concern. You are dead on about ereaders - so much easier than carrying several heavy books. It’s especially useful for me since I have multiple books going at one time. Finally, on the travel guides. I’m a big user of Rick Steves guides and get a lot of value from those, so I do bring them. But with international wireless data easy to access these days, electronic tools are a huge benefit to get around over paper maps or ways to find places to eat. Two thumbs up on electronic tools…to supplement my Rick Steves book! 🤣

[@NoraDunn]

Ha! We all have our vices. And there are worse vices than Rick Steves ;-)

[@lillianbarker4292]

I was happy to learn you can download Rick Steves books onto a kindle. They even come in sections to fit your itinerary. He also offers digital walking tours you can download. I had trouble seeing his hand drawn maps on the kindle but I could see them on my iPad with the kindle app. I just prefer my old kindle to taking the more valuable iPad on trips.

[@lynnbitter494]

Thanks so much for sharing these tips. Love watching your videos! For guidebook, I try to check digital version out of my library so it’s on my phone during the trip. I remember my first intl trip to study abroad. I had so many unnecessary TEXTBOOKS in my suitcase just in case!! 😂

[@NoraDunn]

Great guidebook tip!

[@BethanyMeredith]

Omg I thought I was the only one who brought a textbook on their study abroad 🤣 for a different subject, even...

[@paulabroadway1697]

We certainly don't use traveler's checks any more, but the little plastic slip covers they were issued in are still going strong (as an organizer tool) almost 30 years later! Thanks for the travel tips. :-)

[@NoraDunn]

Ooh - great tip Paula!

[@victoriadell614]

Great video . . . I'm not much for necklaces, but I think I've seen someone use a plastic straw to keep them from getting tangled. Also, I still take my guidebooks, the good ones, but . . . I work in print and we have a giant scary paper cutter. So I cut the backs off the book, take out just the pages I need and rebind the book into something the fraction of the size. Not everyone has this kind of access, but i bet Kinkos could probably cut the backs off for your listeners and they could just use a clip to hold the remains together.

[@NoraDunn]

Great book hack!

[@comboga]

I've been traveling international since I was 6 years old. I'm 36 now and have 30 years experience. Packing light is a plus. I could be a KZbinr. But I don't like Being on camera. But I'm always happy to give advice to help people.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha! I'm sure you have much wisdom to share. There's a lot that goes into being a KZbinr beyond expertise in a subject, but it's a start. Thanks for your advice so far!

[@comboga]

@@NoraDunn I won't be a KZbinr. But I'm willing to help people with advice.

[@lillianbarker4292]

I brought a light poncho on my last trip. It served as a blanket on the plane and gave me warmth and modesty at the destination.

[@NoraDunn]

Nice buy!

[@jacquelyns9709]

I was able to get the RFID card slees in a multicolor set on Amazon.

[@NoraDunn]

Great!

[@colleenmarin8907]

I will always use packing cubes for my clothing, and thin, lightweight pouches for electronics accessories and toiletries - these are things I'd like to keep contained if the zipper fails on my carryon or backpack

[@NoraDunn]

Great for organization! And I hadn't thought about the zipper failing on a carry-on but that's a great point.

[@elfriedeschmidt4033]

I completely agree with not taking any jewelry of value or sentiment on a trip. That said, I use straws to thread the necklace through before closing the clasp. No tangling and each necklace is easily accessed, taking up no space. Love your videos…fellow Canadian and avid traveller here. 🇨🇦

[@NoraDunn]

Thank you! I have tried the straw trick, but I find that not all clasps fit through the straw, and for necklaces with fixed pendants it doesn't work at all.

[@HabaneroTi]

When I set out on my first major trip alone years ago I took WAAAAAY more stuff than I needed. I think I had 2 full size suitcases, a carry-on, and a backpack, and it was such a pain to lug from place to place. And this wasn't a destination trip but a tour of Europe spanning some 10 cities and places in-between with just a few days at most in each location, all on trains. It wasn't just that I took more of the usual things one takes on trips with me, like clothes, shoes, toiletries and so on, but a ton of photography and video equipment back when that stuff was full-size, not just a 35mm camera and decent size video camera but extra lenses, batteries, chargers, film, tape, flash, mike, cables, the works. I THINK I left my tripod at home but I can't be sure. And books, OMG so many books, travel guides for each place I visited, travelogues, fiction. Like I actually had the time and energy to read most of them. Thankfully though I did pack the Thomas Cook European Rail Guide, which was the rail bible of its day. Saved me more than once. But it was just NUTS. I almost missed a few trains because of it. And did I mention that none of my luggage had wheels let alone spinners? Back then wheels were a lot less common and I was too cheap to splurge for a new set and just went with whatever I could find. The biggest lesson I learned from that trip was don't, just don't. I had a blast otherwise and saw so much and met some great people (especially in Prague, magical city), but damn, that part was not fun at all and I made sure to never again do something so stupid. I've MOSTLY succeeded. 😆

[@NoraDunn]

Every trip is a learning experience!

[@sharone9751]

Have used RFID sleeves for credit cards and passports for years! Concerning cables, I had to go look but I only carry 2 (for iphone and ipad mini, which I use as my reader) and one with multiple different "heads" similar to your red one for a slim charger and my mini keyboard. I've never had a cable go bad so I had not even thought about needing to get a replacement. Lastly, I use a soft "jewelry cube" for my (costume) rings, earrings and necklaces, as it keeps everything separate and is squishable and easy to pack.

[@NoraDunn]

Nice one on the jewelry cube! I just got a jewelry case for travel that I'm eager to test out.

[@loriputz8563]

We each carry two retractable 3 way cords. Plenty for needs and back up.

[@NoraDunn]

Great strategy!

[@rhondillon5056]

That Pacsafe Daysafe has been my essential bag for last few years too Nora. It is perfection ❤️

[@NoraDunn]

Right?? It's so good. Glad you also like it!

[@mmmarion56]

thread necklaces through individual straws and refasten to avoid tangles!😁

[@NoraDunn]

Great tip! Though it doesn't work for all necklaces.

[@rochellecoleman4113]

Suggestion for wireless earbuds and how to connect them on the plane.

[@NoraDunn]

You can buy an adaptor that plugs into the plane's headset outlet which connects to your bluetooth buds!

[@BethanyMeredith]

Way #436 to use a Turkish towel: wrap it around a 3" x 12" foam roller (see Amazon) and cram it back in its bag for neck support with just-enough padding without being such an inconvenient shape, and you can stretch out your back when you get there too! (I'm exaggerating, but it kinda feels like it was the one thing I did right on my last trip...)

[@NoraDunn]

Super clever!

[@chrisrobinson3980]

About e-readers vs paper books: I had to laugh when you mentioned holding your finger over a word in a real book (out of habit, to get the dictionary to pop up). I went for a long time, only reading e-books. Then a friend recommended a particular graphic novel, and I checked it out at the library. Sat down to read it, found myself really annoyed that the paper version wasn't backlit!

[@NoraDunn]

Right??! Ha ha

[@Csquared1685]

I read ebooks more now. We I read a hard back I tap the side of the book expecting the page to change. It didn’t until I flipped the page manually. 😊

[@NoraDunn]

@@Csquared1685 😂 So it's not just me lol

[@MiaHessMusic]

Yes, I bring backup cables.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for weighing in, Mia!

[@kyleethekelt]

Nora, as a former radio broadcaster, I am with you on the redundancy issue. For personal use, I would argue that you could rush out and buy what you need. However, for mission critical work, redundancy isn't desirable, it's essential to the timely and successful completion of your work.

[@NoraDunn]

Great point!

[@mjordan812]

Motorcycle traveler here - so my needs are a bit different. Especially if I'm flying across a large body of water to rent a bike. I pack my passports and IDP in a ziplock bag - because, you know, rain happens. Cash goes into snack-sized ziplocks - one currency per bag - and all of this goes into a zipper pouch that lives in my riding jacket pocket. I do pack extra charging/data cables, but pack short ones. I'm usually in small towns, so supplies may not be available. I'll also pack a small power strip, as most Euro hotels have limited outlets - and they're never in a convenient location. And I travel with a LOT of tech (I had 2 Polizei walk up to me in Frankfurt one day after my carry-on went through the x-ray. one inspected my bag and the other stood just out of reach. I can only imagine what that bag looked like on x-ray. 😮)

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for sharing your strategy! Well thought out.

[@NataliesWaldseevideo]

Thank you for mentioning cash. I have met many, many Americans who brought US dollar bills to Germany, expecting to be able to exchange them to EUR cash here in Germany. They only place you can do that nowadays is at airports for a HUGE fee. Withdrawing Euros from an ATM with your credit card is much, much cheaper. My tip, bring an extra credit card in case yours doesn't work. And try it out at the airport as soon as you arrive.

[@NoraDunn]

The only possible suggestion I would make is if possible, to wait to use the ATM to withdraw cash until you arrive to the town center, where the ATMS are less likely to have extra commissions, and/or skimmers.

[@BethanyMeredith]

Well, maybe not /credit/ card. Those case advances will GET ya. But yes, ATM over exchange, for sure.

[@lorenadugan6355]

Gary Bembridge did one of these two weeks ago. ✌️

[@NoraDunn]

What? He did one of these videos?

[@vcutler4735]

For jewelry and small accessories there is a small zipping pocket in my personal item bag so it goes in there. But it all boils down to a dedicated zipping pocket on the interior of whatever bag you are using. Zipping and attached so you dont lose it, interior so its harder to be stolen from. I also bring this flat leather thing that snaps at the corners to make a dish of sorts and jewelry sits in there once I have arrived. Its also where I put anything important like a room key or short term meds or my glasses when sleeping. Basically if its important it goes in there so I know where to look.

[@NoraDunn]

Super clever hacks - thank you!

[@alisonarthurs4317]

I take one simple silver necklace and one gold and that’s all I wear. And I also usually buy a piece of jewelry as one of my souvenirs!

[@NoraDunn]

I love buying jewelry as souvenirs!

[@donnasmith3798]

True, i had a cold while in England. I went to the pharmacy to find an equivalent to Robitussin DM. It was fruitless. I usually travel with the Robitussin capsules, but forgot them!

[@NoraDunn]

Too bad you couldn't find a good alternative!

[@TheoryofSimple]

Great video, Nora! ❤

[@NoraDunn]

Glad you liked it, Eunice!

[@janetteguthrie-brown7637]

I travel with two 3 combo charging cables. I keep one in my "in flight bag" and one in my checked bag (yes I check a bag it's free for me and I'm older". Many times I need to charge something that takes the same charging type so I use both at once. They have a niffy cord that has a cord coil that I use for my In flight bag. It can be a short cable or a long cable just in case I need to borrow the charging box next to me. Has for those just in case...first aid kit is something always carry but I have scaled it down a lot.

[@NoraDunn]

Great strategy! Thanks for sharing Janette :-)

[@pamisntcraiganymore]

About cords… On a recent cruise my sister’s iPad cable stopped working almost on day 1. We had to share the charging of iPads on my cord. We managed and did not die from having to wait a few minutes to charge.

[@NoraDunn]

Great to know you did not die! lol

[@terrigodmother]

I used to always travel with a laptop and books. Now I have a Kindle Fire which doubles as a basic computer and e reader. The only charging cables I need then are for it and my phone and they can both use the same cable so I only take one back up cable. The phone can charge at night while the Kindle charges during the day.

[@NoraDunn]

That's fantastic!

[@mozambique5521]

I use tiny adapters on two USB C cables. One 3ft on 6ft. This works great for travel.

[@NoraDunn]

That's a great idea!

[@scottgreenwood5275]

I bring less clothes and use a 'Scrubba' bag and do my laundry in small loads with it. Saved me space (less clothes), less messy and gross than doing laundry in the sink, and you can use your towel to roll your clothes in and squish out extra water, so they dry faster. I just hung them up in the washroom or outside where possible overnight and was ready to go the next day. Saved me money too, no laundromats.

[@NoraDunn]

Awesome! I have a Scrubba bag designed especially for delicates, but truth be told I usually just wash in the sink. If I'm traveling ultralight the bag does take up some valuable space/weight.

[@truneilson]

Cables are my issue too. I have one in my on airplane bag, I have 2 for the car I rent because I don't know if it will be USB-A, USB-C and I need the power plug incase the car needs that. Then I have my brick and cables for by the bed. It's so many.... and I also bring a portable battery or 2 and a cable with them.

[@NoraDunn]

Yep - that's a lotta cables!

[@narwhaldc]

While I agree on the passport COVER I do think you miss one crucial point for me on some passport holding thing. A really bright color that makes them super easy to find in whatever else you put them in. Not black. Not dark brown. Etc. I use a bright sky blue one

[@NoraDunn]

Great call on the bright colour!

[@bearisland55]

I like having a bright colored passport cover as well to hold immunization cards and any loose visas.

[@NoraDunn]

@@bearisland55 Fair enough!

[@marymurphy2164]

I like my brightly passport cover to store the passport plus travel documents like itinerary and drivers license plus pen holder. But, I just got a passport cover with a special spot for the apple AirTag. No more misplaced passports!!!

[@NoraDunn]

@@marymurphy2164 Ooh good call on the air tag!

[@mankle30]

I actually had my charging cable for my battery pack snap while in Amsterdam. And my phone was down to under 20%and I wouldn't be back to where I was staying for several hours. I walked literally around the corner and found the exact type of cable. Easy peasy.

[@NoraDunn]

Lucky!

[@petgranny194]

Another great video, thanks Nora.

[@NoraDunn]

You're welcome!

[@Sonny0276]

Great Video. Thank you for posting .

[@NoraDunn]

You're welcome!

[@thegeneral123]

The Jewelry advice I completely agree on. There was a time when I'd bring my pretty expensive Omega watch on trips. I justified it as if the worst came to the worst, I can always sell it for a plane ticket home. It's just attracting the wrong attention, most thieves can spot an expensive watch an a wrist from across a room. So now I just wear a $80 Chinese made GMT watch. It's practical and if anyone wants it, they can have it. Not going to put up a fight over a cheap watch.

[@C__D]

If you are American you don't need to sell anything for a flight home. The embassy will get you a ticket. You have to pay it back and they will dock it out of your tax return (or maybe wages?) to get it.

[@thegeneral123]

@@C__D British, I'll look into seeing out of interest if the UK govt runs anything similar.

[@C__D]

@@thegeneral123 I found this. Apparently they do. They want you to exhaust other means (family, friends, etc) first. It is way down the page. www.gov.uk/guidance/your-finances-when-travelling-abroad

[@lynnleipold2617]

I wear a $14.00 Timex watch I bought on Amazon on my international trips.

[@АннаА-т9и]

I don't understand microfiber. So I opt into baby blankets. Super thin, but adsorbent, pretty warm and feel better on the skin. I use thicker ones and gauze as well.

[@NoraDunn]

Ooh, interesting!

[@debbest8546]

Not a bad video. USB chargers/cables are compact to begin with. I always take dupes. And put the contents of my luggage on a diet....... Appreciate the "just in case-delete" concept. I am using it!! LOL....

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for sharing Deb!

[@kittykathy9532]

I only bring my phone for technology… nothing else, so I only bring ONE phone cord. For reading, I only bring a pocket size word search book. Easy. 😊Thanks for your video 🎉😊

[@NoraDunn]

Wow - very minimalistic! Good on you. :-)

[@laurendavis507]

If you do that, make sure that you have all of your travel information in written form somewhere. I just left for Hawaii and left my phone in the car when dropped off at the airport. Luckily, I had texted a bunch of it to my mom who was with me so we were able to re-print our boarding passes. And I was also lucky that I had made a notebook with most of the information in it.

[@NoraDunn]

@@laurendavis507 Good call!

[@kittykathy9532]

@@laurendavis507 luckily, I’ve never left my phone anywhere , and I always have a print out of my hotel and any place I’m going ….in a very easy to find and grab location.👍

[@susie9893]

I think it depends how long you're going to be travelling for. If my trip is under 3weeks I'd just take a phone too. But I think the longer you're away the more devices you're likely to need

[@smj_]

For cables and chargers, go full USB-C. I only carry a few USB-C cables with a couple small wall adapters (with multiple USB-C ports on each). I have a small container of adapters (USB-C to: A, lightning, a specialty for Shokz headphones, and micro though that's going away because I've been migrating all devices to C) for the heads if I need any other type for output. Also, one extension cable with the USB-C ports as well.

[@NoraDunn]

USB-C is the way to go, for sure!

[@aminor7476]

I like my compression bags! 😊

[@NoraDunn]

I'm sure you use them wisely! :-)

[@redlock4004]

You have lots of great ideas. thanks for sharing them with us. As far as jewelry and valuables go, I never travel with anything that I will be sorry to lose. I.E. a $10.00 watch from a Chinese mail order site can look great and keep time just as well as a $1000 Army type.

[@NoraDunn]

Great strategy to never travel with anything you'll be sorry to lose.

[@glennaa11]

I like my passport cover. I spend lots of time in tropical countries and it helps keep my passport from getting all bent up. Taking the passport out of the cover at the airport isn't a hardship. As far as the cables go, you might want to get a Gallium Nitride (GaN) charger with several USB ports. The one I have has 4 ports (2 USB-C and 2 USB-A) and can power or charge any number of things including my laptop, phone, watch. There are a number of different configurations out there. The device itself is about 3" x 3" x 1" and has a folding North America-style plug but can accept plug adapters easily. I just carry that plus a couple of USB-C to USB-C cables. Saves a lot of space and weight.

[@NoraDunn]

Great tip about the charger! I actually don't tend to carry charging blocks, but yours sounds interesting.

[@diannechapman5856]

My backup cbarging cords are my husband's, as he travels with me.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha! Good strategy. ;-)