More than a quarter of Brits admit to packing their own teabags when travelling abroad, with the humble kitchen staple ranking higher than hairdryers in a list of essential suitcase items, a new poll reveals.
Survey reveals top suitcase staples
The survey of 2,000 adults by Tesco insurance found that books are the most essential item, cited by 53% of respondents. Battery packs came second at 28%, while teabags secured third place with 27%. Hairdryers or straighteners and favourite snacks from home rounded out the top five.
According to the poll, millions still forget crucial holiday items. 28% of people have gone away without a toothbrush, 27% have forgotten a phone charger, and more than one in ten have left behind necessary medication.
Last-minute packing habits
The data shows that a third of Brits (32%) do not start packing until the day before travel. Alex Cross, chief customer officer at Tesco insurance, commented: “It’s no surprise that so many of us leave packing until the last minute, but a little forward planning can go a long way in avoiding an extra dash to the shops for a forgotten toothbrush or phone charger.”
Cross advised making a travel checklist of essentials such as medication, travel money, and passports, as these can cause serious problems if left behind. He also noted that even well-prepared packers can face mishaps like lost luggage, and recommended knowing what travel insurance covers in advance.
Tips for organised packing
To stay organised, the survey suggests rolling clothes instead of folding them, using the space inside shoes to pack smaller items, and planning outfits in advance. Cross added: “Giving yourself enough time to pack, keeping key documents and essentials together and taking out travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip can help set you up for a smooth start to your holiday.”
