5 Items Travelers Often Forget to Pack

We’ve all been there. You arrive at your much-anticipated vacation destination, ready to relax and have fun, only to realize… you’ve forgotten something crucial. It’s a travel rite of passage, almost! But wouldn’t it be great to minimize those “oops!” moments? Here are the top 5 things travelers most commonly leave behind, along with our best tips to help you pack like a pro!

1. The Mighty Phone Charger

Let’s be honest, in today’s world, our phones are our lifelines. They’re our cameras, our maps, our communication hub, and our entertainment center. So, realizing you’ve left your phone charger at home can feel like a mini-crisis!

Pro Tip: As soon as you start thinking about packing, put your phone charger in your suitcase or carry-on. If you have multiple chargers, designate one specifically for travel and keep it in your travel bag. Alternatively, put a sticky note on your front door the day before you leave that says “PHONE CHARGER!” You won’t be able to miss it.

2. Essential Toiletries

It’s easy to get caught up in packing clothes and shoes, and then completely blank on your everyday toiletries. Imagine arriving at your hotel only to realize you forgot your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, or even your contact lens solution!

Pro Tip: Keep a travel-sized toiletry bag packed and ready to go. Refill it after each trip. If you prefer to use your regular-sized products, place them all together in your bathroom counter a few days before your trip. This visual reminder will make it harder to forget them.

3. Important Medications and Prescriptions

Forgetting necessary medications can be more than just an inconvenience; it can impact your health and your entire trip.

Pro Tip: Make a list of all your medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, well in advance of your departure date. Double-check that you have enough for your entire trip. Keep them in your carry-on bag, along with a copy of your prescriptions, just in case.

4. Versatile Layers of Clothing

Weather can be unpredictable, and even if you’re heading to a warm destination, evenings can sometimes get chilly. Forgetting layers can leave you uncomfortable and potentially limit your activities.

Pro Tip: When packing, think in layers. Include a light jacket, a sweater or fleece, and maybe even a scarf that can be easily added or removed as the temperature fluctuates. Lay out all your clothing options on your bed before packing to ensure you have a good mix of items for different weather conditions.

5. Entertainment for Downtime

Whether it’s a long flight, a delayed train, or simply some downtime in your hotel room, having something to keep you entertained can make a big difference. Forgetting books, e-readers, downloaded movies, or travel games can lead to boredom.

Pro Tip: Decide what kind of entertainment you’d like to have on hand and gather those items a day or two before your trip. If it’s a physical item like a book, place it right by your suitcase. For digital entertainment, ensure your devices are charged and your content is downloaded before you leave.

The Ultimate Tip: Make a Packing List!

The single best way to avoid forgetting essential items is to create a packing list. Start a few days before your trip and add items as you think of them. Go through your daily routine in your mind and jot down everything you use. Before you zip up your suitcase, review your list one last time.

Happy travels! With a little planning and these helpful tips, you can focus on making amazing memories on your vacation, not on what you left behind.