I’ve Been a Travel Editor for 10+ Years, and These 12 Overrated Products Are Wasting Space in Your Suitcase

You could fill an entire checked suitcase with overly hyped-up travel products. But after spending more than 10 years as a travel writer, I’ve found even the most popular gear can sometimes fall short. So, how do you tell an overrated travel product from a truly useful one? The best travel essentials maximize space and solve multiple packing problems. When in doubt, remember: less is more.

A few of these picks might ruffle some feathers. Good packing is subjective, and what’s worth it to you might not be for another traveler. Maybe you absolutely need that travel pillow to be able to sleep on a long-haul flight. But if it’s space you want (hello, carry-on-only travelers!), this travel pro has you covered. Here are 12 overrated travel products you should drop—and what to pack instead.

Overrated: Over-ear headphones

Pack instead: Apple AirPods Pro 2

Sure, over-ear headphones look cool. But they’re bulky, take up valuable space, and aren’t great for side sleepers trying to nap on planes. The AirPods Pro 2 deliver excellent noise cancellation in a compact, palm-sized package that fits easily in your carry-on or pocket. They pair seamlessly via Bluetooth.

Overrated: Packing cubes

Pack instead: Compression packing cubes

Packing cubes are all the rage for organizing clothes, but they often add volume and weight without saving space. I pack about the same with standard cubes as without. Instead, invest in compression packing cubes like Bagail’s, which actually reduce bulk by flattening clothes, making it easier to fit more in your suitcase, especially paired with a roomy, well-designed bag.

Overrated: Travel pillows

Pack instead: The Tube

Unless you need serious neck support, skip the bulky travel pillow. They take up a lot of room, and you only really use them twice per trip. Airlines often provide basic pillows anyway. I prefer wearing a cozy sweater on the plane and folding it for support. But if you simply must have a pillow, try The Tube. The stuffable pouch can hold up to three days’ worth of clothes and packs down small when not in use.

Overrated: Duffel bags

Pack instead: Weekender with a shoe compartment

Duffels are cumbersome and offer little organization. A structured weekender like the Béis Weekender Bag stands upright, has multiple compartments including a shoe section, and keeps gear tidy and accessible. The Etronik Weekender offers similar features, along with a USB charger at a fraction of the cost. Organization helps maximize packing efficiency and saves time searching for items on the go. 

Overrated: Travel-size plastic toiletry bottles

Pack instead: Cadence Capsules

Travel bottles often claim to be leak-proof but rarely deliver. I learned this the hard way when my last bag flooded. Cadence Capsules changed the way I travel with more ease and less stress. They’re sturdy, truly leak-proof, and magnetic for neat stacking while keeping your bag organized. The modular design helps you customize the size for everything from shampoo to sunscreen, making packing a satisfying game of Tetris.

Overrated: Travel backpacks

Pack instead: Baggallini Anti-theft Sling Bag

Backpacks are roomy but can make maneuvering in crowded spaces awkward while making you an easy target for pickpockets. After friends had their backpacks robbed twice while traveling, I switched to a smaller crossbody. The Baggalini Anti-theft Sling Bag is slash-resistant, RFID-blocking, and has locking zippers. Swing it to your front to keep an eye on your valuables.

Overrated: Inflatable footrests and foot hammocks

Pack instead: Tempur-Pedic Lumbar Support

Inflatable footrests look fun but are bulky and tricky to inflate mid-flight, and are banned by some airlines. Instead, consider a compact lumbar support pillow like Tempur-Pedic’s. It fits in your carry-on, supports your back, and takes up far less space.

Overrated: Trendy sandals

Pack instead: Comfy white sneakers

I love Birkenstocks, but if space is tight, I opt for versatile white sneakers like Adidas Sambas or Veja V-12s. They go with sundresses, athleisure, and casual looks, while protecting your feet during city walks. Add foldable ballet flats for dressier occasions. They pack small and polish off any outfit.

Overrated: A statement dress

Pack instead: A neutral matching set

Bright statement dresses are often one-note, hard to style multiple ways, and take up precious packing space. Neutral matching sets like this Sampeel duo can be mixed and matched with separates for several looks with less bulk. Simply dress the pieces up by pairing the top with a skirt, or the bottoms with a flowy blouse and fun jewelry.

Overrated: Trendy stainless steel water bottles

Pack instead: Larq Water Bottle

Water bottles are a travel must-have, but many popular stainless steel ones are heavy and awkwardly sized. The Larq water bottle is lightweight, insulated, and self-cleaning with a built-in UV-C light—no more musty smells or bacteria buildup. It fits well in cup holders and has a handy clip, making hydration effortless on the go.

Overrated: Travel hair dryers

Pack instead: Overnight heatless curlers

Travel hair dryers—even foldable ones—take up space and often perform worse than your at-home model. Voltage differences abroad can also fry them. Most hotels provide dryers anyway. Instead, save time and space while protecting your hair from heat damage with heatless curlers like Kitsch’s Satin Curlers. Simply put them in overnight and wake up to blowout-esque waves.

Overrated: Bulky beach towels

Pack instead: A microfiber camping towel

Towels are bulky and are usually provided at hotels and pools anyway. If you’re camping or hitting the beach, opt for a quick-dry microfiber towel like Rainleaf’s. It’s super compact, soft, and fast-drying. Many travelers also love Turkish towels, too. They roll up small and double as stylish wraps or scarves.

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