Things You Forget to Pack

One travel-related activity that is quite stressful and tedious is packing. You may read about packing hacks, make a list, start packing well ahead of time, and recheck your bag multiple times, yet you still end up missing one essential item for your pleasure/ business trips.

In our excitement and rush to go on vacation, we forget to pack some of the most obvious and basic items. Nothing can be more frustrating than arriving in a foreign land and realizing you have left your charger or medication at home. Packing essentials depend on the destination, weather, duration, planned activities, and specific needs. Additionally, we should not pack non-essential items and keep our luggage light to avoid incurring any extra baggage charges. However, there are some essentials you need every time you travel. I have compiled a checklist of things you are likely to forget for a trip.

 Chargers – One of the most crucial items often forgotten is the chargers, especially the phone charger. In an attempt to charge our devices until the last moment, we often leave them plugged in. The phone chargers are frequently left in hotel rooms and keep charging our devices until it is time to leave. Stowing an extra charger in your luggage beforehand would be a good idea, as this is one item without which you cannot survive anywhere today.

First Aid Kit – It is prudent to carry a small First Aid kit with you for emergencies. Unfortunately, the little box is often overlooked unless needed. Minor accidents, blisters, upset stomachs, pain, and the common cold can occur anytime & anywhere, and one should be adequately equipped to address them. Moreover, we sometimes forget to pack our daily medications, which can prove to be a disaster. It is not always feasible to run to a pharmacy to get the necessary medication, especially without a prescription. So, pack the medical kit in an easily accessible location in your bags.

Toothpaste/Brush – Next on the list is the humble toothpaste and toothbrush. They are also overlooked in our rush to finish packing, even though they are right there in our washrooms. If you plan to stay at a hotel, you can find a complimentary replacement. If you are roughing it or particular about your dental regimen, you may need to run to a nearby shop.

Swimsuit – Once you reach the hotel and see the amazing pool, you realize that you haven’t packed your swimsuit. Even if it is freezing outside, a swimsuit is useful for a dip in a heated pool or an open jacuzzi. Given the minimal space it takes, you should always remember to pack a swimsuit for your trips.

Sunscreen – If you do not use sunscreen daily (you should), there is a high chance that you will forget to pack it with your toiletries. It may be a beach vacation, a trekking trip, or a luxury holiday, but you must carry and use sunscreen whenever you step out during the daytime. You don’t want to get sunburnt and then start scouting for suitable sunscreen.

Travel Adaptors – Another item that is often forgotten is the Travel Adaptor. Don’t expect the hotel to provide you with one, as they may not have a spare one to share. All your devices will be dead soon without this gadget. Check the outlet and voltage requirements of the destination country and pack the required adaptor. Invest in a sturdy multi-travel adaptor that should always be in your laptop bag/handbag during your international sojourns.

Books – Most of us like to read a book during holidays, but unfortunately, we only remember them when we are sitting on a flight. Even if they are heavy, books are your best companions during long flights and inevitable waiting times. If you intend to catch up on your reading while you are on vacation, pack your books before you forget.

Umbrella – It may not look like an essential item, but you will realize its value when you are caught in a downpour or thunderstorm without any shelter. Even in deserts, umbrellas, hats/scarves are essential for protecting you from the scorching sun, especially in places like Egypt. So, pack an umbrella. If you are visiting a destination amid a rainy season, add a raincoat to your list.

Sweatshirt/Light Jacket – Your holiday destination might be a warm, tropical getaway – you still need to carry a light jacket for those chilly flights/cold airports/early morning activities. Most of us forget to include them in our travel apparel. Don’t make that mistake.

Hand Sanitizer – I don’t need to emphasize how important hand sanitizers have been in recent times. It was one of the most forgotten items until now, but I hope no one will be foolish enough to leave home without a hand sanitizer now. Add masks and disposable gloves to the holiday essentials.

Cash and Credit Cards – It is 2020, but you still need some cash with you for emergencies, tipping, taxis, or ‘cash only’ transactions. Do not forget to get some currency converted before you leave home. Check whether the credit/debit cards you are carrying are valid for international transactions. It may prove to be an expensive omission.

Emergency snacks – Even if you are looking forward to a culinary adventure during your vacation, don’t forget to pack some non-perishable snacks with you. They may come in handy if you miss breakfast/dinner, find the airport food inedible (isn’t it always so?), or are craving some familiar food. If you are a vegetarian, they may prove very handy.

Important Documents – Nowadays, we keep all our documents, hotel confirmations, tickets, passports, credit cards, etc., on our smartphones. But don’t forget to print and carry physical copies. If you lose your phone or if the phone is dead, you can land yourself in big trouble. Always pack paper copies of your travel documents.

Always carry copies of the invoices for any expensive items you are taking with you. Items such as jewelry, handbags, watches, and laptops may incur significant customs duties upon return. If the customs officer suspects that they were bought during the trip, you can present an invoice as proof. Valuables should always be carried in cabin luggage, as checked-in bags may get misplaced.

Identification Proof – You cannot leave home without your passport or ID proof. You can get away with everything, but you cannot forget the IDs, or it may put the entire plan in jeopardy. A copy of any sort is not going to suffice. Please recheck them once again just before you are ready to depart.

I know most of these things are quite basic and obvious, but we still overlook them. Next time you start packing, go through this list to avoid missing something crucial that may spoil your holiday plans.

What is that one item that you keep forgetting to pack? Reply in the comment section below.