More than two in five Brits who travel (44%) are guilty of overpacking for a trip abroad – but this handy online tool will help you figure out what really are the essentials when it comes to packing.
With over a third of adults (35%) having had luggage go missing before, one in five are keen to avoid this – resulting in 44% trying to only travel with hand luggage when they go abroad.
But a fifth (21%), of the 2,000 adults polled, admitted that they have had to check their hand luggage into the hold due to overpacking, while the same number have had to pay an extra cost at the airport.
The new packing assistant tool will ensure you can fit everything you need into aeroplane-friendly hand-luggage, avoiding any missing suitcase fears or waiting times at the other end.
Simply select your destination – the nearest city in the UK or abroad – from the drop-down menu, and then choose your duration, up to 14 days.
The study found that other top reasons for only travelling with hand luggage included avoiding waiting for luggage at the other end (21%), and saving money (20%).
The research and tool were commissioned by premium British luggage brand Antler, which also found that just one in five (20%) have been caught out before by underpacking for a trip.
And the fold or roll debate was settled once and for all, with 46% typically folding and just 22% rolling their clothes.
Antler’s spokesman said: “Packing for different trips can be tricky at the best of times – but after a couple of years with a lack of travel, it’s likely to overwhelm travellers even more than usual.
“Whether it’s planning for various temperatures, pairing accessories with clothes, or not forgetting the essentials, there is a lot to remember.
“The tool is a fun and interactive way to help plan and pack for your next trip, from an active winter holiday to a relaxing location – especially during the Christmas holidays where the weather has changed at home but perhaps not yet abroad.
“The research shows that adults do struggle when it comes to packing, especially over-packing, but as a nation we‘re quite organised with planning ahead.”
The study also found travellers typically only take hand luggage when going away for a long weekend (32%), an overnight stay (48%), and a work trip (30%).
And despite 44% trying to only take essentials with them, 38% would rather take as much as they can fit into their case – even if they don’t end up wearing or using it all.
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The most overpacked items were t-shirts (26%), socks (20%), and pants (17%).
Other goods which sometimes don’t even get used were pieces of jewellery (14%), make-up (12%), and a hairdryer (10%).
Due to overpacking, a quarter (25%) have had to take items out of their hold luggage and put them into their hand luggage case – with 24% admitting they are not confident in knowing what size case they can carry-on a plane.
It also emerged travellers typically pack their case four days in advance of a flight, with the task taking an average of 47 minutes.
Prior to packing, 53% of those polled, via OnePoll, have written a checklist, while 19% have viewed online videos with tips, and 18% have even created a spreadsheet.
But despite planning ahead, the most forgotten items included toothbrushes (13%), phone chargers (11%), and sun-cream (10%).
The spokesman for Antler added: “It’s great to see so many people are organised with a checklist and packing so far in advance.
“Heading away is almost always something to look forward to, but the packing itself often isn’t, so we’re in the market to change that. We want to make the task of getting there more of a pleasure.”
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