Packing for a holiday can be one of the more stressful aspects of the overall experience. Of course, you’ll want to pack for every eventuality while remaining within the parameters of your airline’s baggage restrictions. While you may be confident that your packing strategy is watertight, the stress and excitement of an upcoming trip can cause anybody to make mistakes. Here are some commonly forgotten items holidaymakers often overlook when packing for a trip, so you can confidently check them off your list.
If you’re travelling somewhere warm and sunny, sunscreen will be essential. Not only is it estimated that over 90% of premature skin ageing is caused by sun exposure, but according to a YouGov survey commissioned by Cancer Research UK showed that over 35% of UK adults admit to not taking the proper precautions regarding sun protection. Make sure you pack enough sunscreen to last you for the duration of your trip, and always check the expiration date before use.
Unfortunately, the weather is one of the only things you cannot control about your holiday. While you can almost guarantee clear skies and soaring temperatures with some destinations, others don’t offer such consistent conditions. Regardless of the weather forecast, it may be worth packing an umbrella and a waterproof jacket or cagoule into your checked luggage to account for any spontaneous downpours.
If you’re travelling abroad, you will need a good-quality international travel plug adapter, considered a must-have gadget for travellers and holidaymakers. Across the world, you can find no less than 15 different styles of plugs and wall outlets, and while adopting one global standard would be decidedly more convenient, we will have to make do for now. International plug adapters can be shockingly expensive when purchased from airport convenience stores, so order one online in advance and don’t forget to pack it.
Even during the height of summer, temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night. You may be excited to pack your bags full of shorts, t-shirts, sandals and swimwear, but keep in mind that you may need a few extra layers once the sun goes down. Furthermore, hotel rooms can be chilly due to air conditioning units, and flight cabins are notoriously chilly due to low humidity levels, so it is always wise to layer up for your journey.
Packing for young children is an enormous task in its own right. Toddlers and babies require all manner of essentials to keep them safe, healthy and happy, from feeding bottles to comfort blankets. Make a separate checklist for your children’s bits and pieces to ensure your little ones have everything they need during the long journey. Furthermore, don’t forget items that will come in handy on the beach, such as toys for making sandcastles and a high-quality reusable swimming nappy.
Nothing is more frustrating than arriving safely at your destination, only to find you’ve left your phone charger at home or in your car, which is now parked securely in the car park at Manchester airport. Of course, you could purchase a replacement, but there is no guarantee you’ll be able to find the correct cable for your particular brand of smartphone or tablet. To be safe, pack several charging cables in case you misplace one during your stay.
If you take regular medication, you will need to pack it into your hand luggage, clearly labelled in its original container, along with a copy of your prescription. While realising you’ve forgotten to pack vital medication can be alarming, stay calm and contact your pharmacy and explain your situation - they should be able to transfer an emergency prescription to a local pharmacy. Travel insurance may also be worth purchasing, as some policies will help you replace lost or forgotten medication.
Over the course of your holiday, you’ll accumulate a lot of laundry. By packing a lightweight laundry bag, you can avoid getting your clean clothes mixed up with your dirty items. Once your holiday comes to an end, you can slip your full laundry bag back into your suitcase to save the hassle of separating everything once you get home. Your accommodation may even feature a washing machine so that you can keep a steady supply of fresh laundry throughout your stay.