I recently got back from New York City, where I did a small social media experiment: I deleted Instagram and Facebook from my phone during my trip.

At first, it felt strange. In those small moments—waiting for coffee or standing in line—I caught myself reaching for my phone out of habit. With no social apps installed, I had to find other ways to pass the time.

Instead of scrolling, I started paying more attention to the city around me. This simple change helped me feel more present and less stuck in the endless cycle of social media.

Even though I felt more peaceful overall, I did notice that my experiences seemed a little less exciting without being able to share them instantly.

Was this a sign of social media withdrawal? Maybe.

The experiment taught me some valuable lessons about balance. While disconnecting felt refreshing, I understand how important social media is for travelers who want to stay in touch with friends and family. These platforms really do help us stay connected, even from far away.

I’ll admit, I do miss creating travel content, even though it takes time and effort.

I often see travelers packing too much stuff. While I understand wanting to be comfortable during your trip, did you know that overpacking actually creates more stress?

Let me explain: The more you pack, the less enjoyable your trip becomes because you have to lug around heavy luggage. This is especially true when you're visiting multiple cities.

I'm not here to convince you to pack less - I've written about that before. Instead, I want to share some practical packing advice:

First, I'll list items you can leave at home. Then, I'll share some essential items people often forget that can make your trip better. Finally, I'll suggest some space-saving tricks for those who still want to pack more.

What to Leave Behind:

• Extra Shoes - For trips under a week, you only need two pairs: comfortable walking shoes and something nice for dining out. Flip-flops don't count since they take up minimal space. Pro tip: Choose walking shoes that can double as workout shoes.
• Laptop - Unless you're a content creator or absolutely need to work, skip the laptop for week-long trips. Most email tasks can be handled on your phone. So leaving your laptop at home saves space and eliminates worry about it getting lost or stolen.
   

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• Umbrella - Unless you're certain it will rain, don't pack one. You can buy an umbrella at your destination if needed. Yes, it might cost a few extra dollars, but that space in your luggage is valuable.
• Large Water Bottles - Those trendy big water bottles aren't worth the hassle. They're easy to lose, often go unused, and frequently become a nuisance. Instead, buy a small disposable bottle at your destination and reuse it.
• Physical Books - Switch to e-books on your phone. The Kindle app lets you carry an entire library without the bulk. You can read anywhere, anytime.
• Professional Camera - Unless photography is your passion, modern smartphones take amazing photos. No need to carry bulky camera equipment.
• Beach Towels - Most hotels and Airbnbs provide towels, even at beach destinations. Save the space in your luggage.

Essential Items to Pack:

• Medicine - Pack basic medications like motion sickness pills and pain relievers. When you're abroad, finding familiar medicines can be challenging, especially with language barriers.
• Charging Cables - Pack extra cables. They take up minimal space, and you'll be grateful to have backups when sharing with travel companions or if one gets lost.
• Spare Phone - Always bring a backup phone. Being stranded without a way to communicate is no fun. Important: Keep it with you, not in checked luggage. I had a German friend whose phone "disappeared" from his checked bag.

Space-Saving Tips for Heavy Packers:

• Travel Pillow Hack - Some travel pillows have removable stuffing. Take it out and use the space for socks and underwear.
• Smart Jacket Strategy - Wear a multi-pocket jacket (like a fisherman's vest) on the plane. You can store electronics and other items in the pockets, freeing up luggage space. Just remember where you put everything!

Try these tips and let me know how they work for you!

Keep traveling, 

Andrew

What’s one item you always pack but never end up using? Be honest. 😅