I have a tendency to pack my suitcase either the night before I leave, or at least a month before. There are always huge variations in my packing tendencies (though I am getting better!). One trip I am lugging around the biggest suitcase I can find, and the next, I only fill half of my carry on. Packing less is definitely a more comfortable option, especially when your hotel room is on the sixth floor. . . and there's no elevator. (I credit my tiny biceps to that experience.) To help you avoid over-packing, I made a list of things you will likely not need -- and are better off leaving at home.
1. Every fancy camera you own.
"Do I bring my Polaroid, my digital camera, a video camera. . . ?"
I always wonder on a trip which cameras to bring. But truthfully, you should bring just one small camera that easily fits on your person and your cell phone. Most of the time, your phone is an instant go-to and it allows you to instantly share your photographs with everyone at home, so there is no need for any other camera.
2. An umbrella, rain jacket, rain boots, etc.
Unless you are going to a place where it rains incredibly often, bringing all of your rain gear is a complete waste of space. If you are caught in the rain, chances are that there will be a shop nearby to supply you with the most touristy umbrella and rain poncho on the planet. But hey, it's worth it to not pack things you don't need.
3. Hair products.
When you are on vacation, it is not time to bring three different curling irons, a straightener, and a blow dryer. Bring either a straightener or a curling iron, and make sure your hair styling can be done in under 20 minutes. The last thing you are going to want to do is primp when there are places to be explored just outside.
4. Lots of makeup.
Bring as much makeup as it takes for your everyday makeup look. It's fun to pack every eyeshadow palette you own, but it's not necessary. Stick to a small toiletry bag containing just the basics to help you feel fresh and comfortable, but not waste your time on getting ready.
5. Multiple things to do.
Dreading the flight causes a lot of people to overpack things to do on it. Before you know it, you have your iPod, a portable DVD player, two books, a laptop, your phone, and some crossword puzzles you borrowed from your grandma that you know you're not going to do. . . but pack anyway. I try to use the number four as my guideline for bringing things to do, especially on a flight that I want to sleep on. On my last international flight, I brought a book, my phone, and my iPad and I was never bored.
6. Extra outfits.
"What if I spill on myself? Or it's way colder than it's supposed to be? Or I start hating all of my clothes when I get there?" Constant worrying like this leads you to bring clothes for twelve days on a weeklong trip, which wastes space you could have used for souvenirs. Try to pick items of clothing that can go with several different outfits, and pack clothes for a few days less than the length of your trip.
7. Work.
If at all possible, do not bring work with you on vacation. Any additional baggage (pun intended) and work-related stress will make it harder for you to have fun on vacation. So, write your essay, do your paperwork, and forget those emails before you leave home. And if the only reason you are bringing your laptop is because you might be inspired to do work, don't bring it. We all know you won't.
8. Large purses/backpacks.
When you are traveling, try to bring small bags to carry your things in throughout the day. Having large bags makes walking around more exhausting, and it gives you an excuse to carry around more than you need. The less you have to be responsible for during the day, the better. Carrying your electronics, valuables, etc. while walking around causes you stress, and backpacks mark you as a tourist to pickpockets.