We all loving going on holiday but very few of us enjoy the process of packing our bags. What to take but, more importantly, what not to take?! How many times have you taken a pair of shoes that you didn't even take out of your case throughout your whole stay? Exceeding the weight limits can be very costly too and it wouldn't be a great start to your holidays if you're dipping into your holiday budget even before you've left the airport!  So, let's check out what not to take on holiday and take some stress out of the equation.

So, you've done all the preparation: you've found the cheapest flight, the ideal hotel and you've managed to get time off work. Now the final goal is simple - to arrive at your much desired destination with ease and in comfort. In other words, not being weighed down with a suitcase in which you are carrying all your worldly possessions for a fortnight in the sun!

Sound familiar? If the answer to this question is yes, then read on and find out what not to take on holiday.

1. Lotions & Potions

So let's be honest here. Your skin and hair products that promise perfect skin, silky hair and even weight loss that you've used only once or, at most, twice to date are not essential for your holiday. What is it that suddenly makes you believe that they are indispensible for your week away? Believe it or not, shampoo, conditioner and a pot of moisturizing cream is all you need when the emphasis is on travelling light.

Opt for an all in one shampoo and conditioner and a moisturizer with a high SPF.

If you're travelling with a friend, it's a good idea to share products. Just take one tube of toothpaste, one shampoo, one shower gel and so on.

2. Mix & Match

So, in order for your case not to be over the limit, choose just a few items of clothing that are easy to wear making sure you have enough changes of clothes and underwear.

Choose clothes in neutral shades so that you can mix and match easily. Opt for more tops than bottoms. Just by changing your top, you will look like you are wearing a completely different outfit. Choose shoes that are versatile enough to go with all of your outfits.

Check the weather forecast for the days that you'll be at your destination and choose your clothes accordingly.

3. Bling it on!

Accidents happen, cases get lost and there's always the danger of theft wherever you may be - tourists can often be easy pickings. It's simple. If there is something which is extremely valuable to you either sentimentally or financially, don't put it in your case to take on a few days holiday!

If, for some reason, you must have jewellery with you, make sure you put it in the hotel safe - a prerequisite in this situation for booking the room, and wear it only on special occasions. Make sure you pack any valuables in your hand luggage as it is less likely to be lost.

4. Left to your own devices

Okay so hairdryer, tablet, smartphone, camera, e-reader……the list goes on.
What you consider to be a necessary device is very much a personal decision.
Just think very carefully which gadget you are really going to need. A hairdryer, for instance, may be provided by the hotel. And, with the versatility of devices these days, you can probably rely on your smartphone to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to entertainment, photos and connectivity. Just remember that electronic devices are both valuable and take up valuable space in your luggage so erring on the side of less rather than more is the sensible way to go.

5. Buy it there

Undoubtedly some items are more expensive at some destinations abroad. However, you have to weigh up the cost of paying for luggage that's over the limit and the extra cost of buying some items when you arrive. It may work out cheaper to buy them there.

Remember that it may be the case that whatever you decide to buy abroad you are going to have to find the room in your luggage to bring back.

Buy reading material such as papers and magazines at the airport having gone through passport control. That way they won't be included in your luggage weight and they won't take up room in your case.

6. Travel Guide

Smartphones and tablets are the ideal tourist guides. However, many people are not willing to give up the joy of the guide book and the exciting anticipation of circling the must-visit gems hidden within. If you must - one is enough! Any more is just extra weight that you can well do without.

If you really can't manage with just the one guide book, do some preparation beforehand. Photocopy the pages of interest from the other guides and add them to the guide book you are taking for a more complete overview.

Happy Holidays!!