No one carries travellers cheques anymore – that's a given. Most people probably don't lug around paper maps either, or spare rolls of film.
But even still, there are plenty of items that travellers do carry these days that are similarly pointless. From elastic washing lines to "hidden" money belts, these are the things that are best left at home.
Camera
If you're a proper photography enthusiast, I can see the appeal of travelling with a clunky SLR camera, or even one of the smaller "prosumer" jobs. For everyone else, however, there's really no need for a camera. Most smartphones take great photos, and you're far more likely to capture those magic moments on something you can fit in your pocket and carry with you everywhere.
Unless you're a professional, it's unnecessary to bring cameras on the road. Photo: iStock
Travel SIM card
I don't get travel SIM cards. Sure, they offer you slightly reduced calling and texting rates in foreign countries, but what most of us need on the road is data roaming, and the savings on that are next to nothing. You're better off just accessing free wifi in your hostel or hotel.
See also: Are travel SIM cards worthwhile?
Travel-specific clothing
You look pretty silly trekking around Paris in your Kathmandu pants and North Face jacket. This isn't a mountaineering expedition – you're going out for dinner. Better to just wear the clothes you normally would at home.
Do not wear these pants in Paris, period. Photo: iStock
Plastic poncho
This is great, you think – this poncho will keep me dry, and it packs down into a tiny little square. And sure, it starts off like that. But the minute you pull that thing out of its packaging it will balloon out into an enormous scrunchy sack that you'll never be able to fold up – or bother wearing – again.
Money belt
Everyone knows about "hidden" money belts. Every dodgy person in your hostel knows about them. Every thief in town knows about them. Not least because they bulge around your waistline like you're trying to smuggle a few schnitzels home. There are better ways to store your valuables.
Money belts: Nope. Photo: iStock
Guidebook
There's still a place in travel for the humble guidebook, whether you prefer Lonely Planet or Rough Guide or any of the other brands. What's not necessary is a brick-like hard copy. Download an electronic version and you're good to go.
Sure - bring a guidebook - just not a hard copy. Photo: iStock
Elastic washing line
I've carried an elastic washing line around for probably 10 years now, and I think I've used it a grand total of twice. The rest of the time I either haven't been bothered to wash my clothes, or have been able to pay someone else to do it for next to nothing.
More than one "smart" gadget
I'm a huge fan of smartphones for travelling – they're your guidebook, your map, and about a million other handy things, as well as your means of communication. However, there's no need to also carry an iPad, and a Kindle, and a laptop, and any other gadget really. Keep it simple.
Hiking boots
You could really make use of hiking boots if you were actually going hiking. However, if, like the vast majority of travellers, you're only planning to trek along the pavements of large cities, hiking boots will be completely unnecessary, not to mention heavy.
More than 10 days worth of clothes
It's tempting to try to stuff everything you own into your bag. Several pairs of jeans, a few jackets, six pairs of shoes, every pair of underwear you own… However, all you really need are clothes to last you 10 days. Tops. After that you can do some laundry. You'll appreciate the lighter bag.
Don't pack more than ten days of clothes or you'll end up doing this every time you change hotels. Photo: iStock
A lot of toiletries
People seem to forget that other countries have shops, too. Shops that sell things like soap, and shampoo, and moisturiser. You don't have to pack several litres of all this stuff for fear of being caught short.
Backpack
The people who really need hiking boots are probably the same people who really require a bag that can be carried comfortably on their backs. For everyone else, a soft bag with wheels will get your through most situations with ease.
Do not take this haul on a trip to Europe. Photo: iStock
See also: 10 essential tips for packing light
Torch
I carried a small handheld torch for years until I made the connection between the little torch icon on my phone, and what that could actually be used for. Oops.
Alarm clock
Some people like to have a real alarm clock by the side of their bed, something that they can glance at during the night, and I get that. But there are apps that allow you to do just that with your smartphone. No need for the travel clock as well.
Alarm clocks: Just use your smartphone. Photo: iStock
Passport wallet
What's the first thing you usually have to do with a passport wallet every time you fly? Take your passport out of it. Customs and immigration people don't like passport wallets. And anyway, they're not necessary: passports are built to travel. They're not going to disintegrate if you go without a special case for them.
What do you think are the most pointless travel items that people still carry around?
Instagram: instagram.com/bengroundwater
See also: The 10 things travellers get wrong
Beauty and the Backpacker: Episode 1
Who wins in the battle between adventure and luxury? Ben Groundwater goes head to head with luxury lover Emma Markezic in New Zealand to find out. Watch below.
