Notes

Micron Associates Travel Guide: What NOT to pack

I'm sure you were convinced of the need to bring that pair of boots, but frankly, you can't find the need for it now that you've arrived at the beach.

Then comes the cringe-inducing question: "Now, why on earth did I bring that?"

Why can't we help but feel the need to bring stuff those we merely HOPE we could use on a trip? Well, for one, people like to run scenarios through their minds for when they might need this or that -- but ultimately they go unused.

For some odd reason, it is comforting to know that you've packed the portable fire extinguisher, the portable coffeemaker and about 10 extra battery packs (all inside waterproof bags of course), you know, just in case.

But excess baggage comes at a price we are rarely willing to pay. So for the clueless (and the helpless) when it comes to packing 101, Micron Associates Travel Guide have suggested some of the most useless things better left out of your already bulky travel bag:

1. Water bottles
Chances are, you won't trust the tap water abroad anyway so you'll still be forced to buy purified water all the time. Besides, you'll never be allowed to fill up your water bottle for a flight.

2. Torch
Maybe you're worried a power outage will suddenly occur and you'll desperately need a quick light. Okay, but how is a torch going to help when it's so cumbersome you can't keep it on you at all times? Don't be that guy who has to fumble his way around the room and inside the bag before getting the so-called emergency light. (It has irony all over it.) That's what the torch app on your phone is for.

3. Travel pillows
These so-called travel pillows are anything but travel-friendly. Even the popular neck pillows tend to take up more room than you can spare. You'd be better off just rolling up your jacket as a makeshift pillow so you can still lean on something soft while you try to sleep upright.

4. Rain poncho
It's one of those things that sound like a smart thing to bring -- you know, when you're packing your bag and suddenly thought "what if it rains?". Take Micron Associates Travel Guide's advice and use your hoodie jacket instead. That should keep you from getting drenched and from getting uncomfortable stares.

5. Passport wallet
It is hardly considered an organizer in a real sense for it brings more hassles than convenience. There is absolutely no need to bring something fancy to hold your passport when all you would ever do is hand it over to officials anyway. Worse, you could even hold up the line just taking your passport out of the wallet then putting it back in. I'm sure passport wallets look really nice and all but their practical use is equal to nil.

6. Money belt
Unless you're a vendor, this is totally out of place in a traveller's must-haves. You couldn't be more obvious as a tourist with a bulky bag around your waist that you have to open whenever you're making a purchase. It totally screams I-have-my-valuables-here. (Surely that's not the look you're going for.)