Travel light: 10 Seemingly Useless Items That Are Actually Worth It

I travel light, but even I can’t really do without a few “useless” items that, although they seem to take up space, are personally worth it. Plus, let’s be honest, comfort and practicality are pretty important, especially if you’re used to living out of your backpack for months at a time.

And truth be told, some of these items aren’t that bulky, so even if you only have a carry-on, you can simply sacrifice those three really useless t-shirts or dresses and make room for these 10 accessories.

Save it for later!

1. Reusable water bottle

It’s the kind of useless item (for some) that can take a lot of space, especially if you don’t have those side pockets on your backpack or if you’re traveling with a suitcase. But here’s the thing: I’ve never regretted bringing mine with me, whereas I’ve dearly missed it every time I’ve decided to leave it at home.

Not only will it save you money when you’re waiting at the airport, because you won’t have to spend a ridiculous amount for a small water bottle when you often have access to free water fountains, but the same goes if you’re lucky enough to stay in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse, or any other type of accommodation that provides you with a free, refillable water fountain.

Plus, it keeps your drinks hot or cold and is much more practical than having to stop at a convenience store or cafe if you suddenly get thirsty.

But please, remember to wash your reusable water bottle every day, unlesss you’re not afraid of bacteria!

2. Action camera

Okay, so some travelers choose to carry heavy cameras with big lenses, but I opted for a small action camera that I can take with me and attach pretty much anywhere to follow me on my travels and easily film vlogs (althought that’s a work in progress).

For me, an action camera is particularly important as I love all kinds of water adventures, and thanks to it, I don’t have to worry about not being able to capture my snorkeling, diving, kayaking… memories or my phone falling into the water and losing all my whole life at the same time.

Convenient, waterproof and durable: probably one of my best purchases so far.

3. Sandals or flip flops

Here’s something I always struggle with when I pack my bag: which pair of shoes to take and which to left behind! And it’s not because I own hundreds of pair of shoes and want to take one for every occasion, but because I always try to prioritize comfort and practicality.

But there’s one pair of shoes I never forget to pack: sandals or flip flops. Why? Simple! If you’re a tiny bit of a clean freak like me and have ever stayed in places where the bathrooms weren’t always spotless, then you’ll understand why.

Whether you wear them in the bathroom, in your room if you don’t have slippers, or to the beach, here’s another seemingly useless item that you’ll soon find you won’t be able to live without!

4. Daypack

Traveling light and adding a daypack to your lugagge (between 10-20l) are not necessarily incompatible. You can carry it as plus one to your carry-on or slip it inside your baggage.

And even though it may seem like extra weight, a daypack is the ideal accessory if you plan to go hiking, on day trips, or grocery shopping once you arrive at your destination.

5. Extra comfy clothes to put in your daypack

It can be stretchy, loose-fitting tops or jogging pants, sweatshirts, leggings…, basically, any type of clothing that you feel really comfortable in.

And if you’re wondering why you should pack extra clothes and put them in your daypack, imagine traveling all day, going from one airport to another: you might spill something on your clothes or have a little accident, for example.

But the real reason is even more straightforward: if you have to check in your bag and the airline loses it, you’ll be more than happy to have that extra set of clothes (don’t forget that extra pair of underwear, too).

Just a little tip from someone who didn’t pack those extra clothes and found themselves in a tricky situation for a couple of days after an already long trip.

6. Tote bag

This is THE item you think you can just throw in a corner and not bother to bring with you. And even if it looks a little useless at first, especially if you already have that daypack, the tote bag is the ultimate versatile accessory.

Don’t have a laundry bag? Use the tote bag! Want to go to the beach or have a little picnic? Tote bag again! Can’t find a trash can? Use your tote bag as a temporary trash bag!

Foldable, compact and multipurpose: a reliable and lightweight friend!

7. Sewing kit

A useless or outdated item? No, not at all, my friend! It’s probably the most overlooked travel article, which people forget or don’t bother to take with them.

I’m already a budget traveler, but I also don’t like throwing away clothes just because they have a small flaw.

So why pack a sewing kit? Well, if you’re a foodie or clumsy like me, chances are you”ll probably lose a button after eating that extra slice of pizza or slightly tear your jacket.

Bring that sewing kit and don’t tell me you can’t because you want to travel light, as this one can easily fit in your jacket pocket! But I should warn you, you’d better be a better seamstress than I am!

8. First-aid kit

Let’s talk about another kit, one that you should never leave behind: the first-aid kit! Even if you think you’re just bringing another useless item, it can help you quickly treat simple injuries or ailments such as sprains, blisters, headaches…

Here’s what I always put in mine: tweezers, dressing, compression bandage, disinfectant (less than 100 ml), most commonly used medicines and a survival blanket (you never know, especially if you’re a hiker).

9. Pack liner

First, let’s talk about the famous pack cover that you often see backpackers wearing on their bags to protect them from rain, and why I’ve ever hardly used mine, but have instead chosen an alternative.

Here are the two main reasons:

• because I’m too lazy to take it out, unfold it, put it on my bag, and then have to let it dry before folding it and pack it again
• it doesn’t cover the whole bag; like the waist belt, back and shoulder straps, so the rain can easily seep in between the two parts

That’s why I use what’s called a pack liner, which will keep your clothes dry while being much cheaper than a pack cover. You can even just get those big plastic vacuum bags if you want, they work the same way and are even cheaper.

10. Lightweight rain jacket

While we’re on the topic of rain, here’s another seemingly useless item that I’ve made up my mind to always bring with me after several rainy trips around Asia.

Compact, ultralight and aslo great as a simple windbreaker, a lightweight rain jacket is the ideal accessory to always be prepared for unforeseen weather changes.

And if you’ve already planned to pack another jacket and want to save space, leave it behind and opt for the lightweight rain jacket with a cardigan or blazer instead. One jacket is enough, especially if you’re not traveling in winter.

That concludes my list of 10 seemingly unnecessary items that are actually perfect even if you’re traveling light, and whose benefits far outweigh the space they might take up.

To see my list of travel safety items for women traveling solo, come this way!