6 Most Commonly Forgotten Items When Packing for Vacation

Some travelers are highly organized when it comes to packing, even going so far as to create a customizable packing list. Others tend to rush around at the last minute, throwing things in a suitcase. If the latter sounds familiar, at some point you’ve probably forgotten something important when packing for a vacation. It’s not always a big deal if you’ve planned a city getaway where you’re likely to find yourself close to a shopping mall, but if you’re heading somewhere small or remote, that missing item could prove to be pretty inconvenient. To make sure your next vacation goes off without a hitch, we’ve rounded up six of the most common things people overlook when packing, so you can make doubly sure you haven’t left them behind.

Passport

If you’re heading overseas, you won’t get far without your passport. Without it, you risk being denied boarding and having to rework your plans at the last minute — sometimes at considerable expense. So, before you leave, tape a note to the inside of your front door (or another highly visible location) to remind you to pack it. Before the return leg, place it with something you’re absolutely certain you won’t forget, such as inside the shoes you plan to wear on the journey home or with the keys to your rental car. That’s especially important if you’ve tucked it out of sight for safekeeping. (And if you happen to lose your passport on vacation, here’s a helpful guide.)

Phone Charger (and Adapter)

Nothing reminds you how much you depend on a smartphone as much as a low battery and no way of charging it. These days, cellphones are far more than a tool for keeping in touch; they act as a place to store boarding passes and hotel confirmations, a method of payment, a navigational aid, a camera, and so on. To make sure you don’t find yourself in a sticky situation, check that you have remembered to pack your charger and cable. If you do forget, the hotel front desk might be able to lend you one. And if you’re traveling overseas, always check the type of electrical sockets you’re likely to encounter and make sure you pack the correct adapter, too.  

Toothbrush

A toothbrush is another commonly forgotten item when packing. Unless you’re sufficiently organized to have a dedicated travel amenities kit — a must-have if you’re a frequent flyer — then it’s likely that at some point you may have forgotten one. The same goes for other personal care items that you’re likely to use right before you leave home, such as a comb, deodorant, or razor. The good news is that many hotels will be able to supply replacements free of charge if you ask, and even if they can’t, it’s usually fairly easy to locate a nearby drugstore and stock up on what you’re missing. 

Swimwear

Whether you’ve just arrived at a Mexican beach resort or are about to soak in one of Iceland’s luxurious geothermal lagoons, nothing will spoil the mood faster than the realization that you’ve forgotten your swimsuit. Though in most cases you can purchase one in the resort, prices tend to be higher on property. And in any case, you’ll want to avoid wasting precious vacation time searching local stores for better-value alternatives. Sun seekers should also double-check they’ve packed other poolside essentials such as sunglasses, flip-flops, and sunscreen. 

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Not every traveler packs a first-aid kit out of habit. However, if you’ve ever been sick on vacation, the thought of forgetting your stash of basic, over-the-counter medicines will fill you with unease. It’s easy to develop a headache or pick up a cold while traveling, but fortunately, both are straightforward to deal with if all you have to do is reach for your bag. But without it, you’ll potentially find yourself confused by local brand names. For example, ask for Tylenol at the front desk of a British hotel and you’ll be met with a blank look — on the opposite side of the pond, acetaminophen is known as paracetamol.

Spare Eyeglasses or Contacts

Whether you wear contact lenses or rely on glasses to help bring things into focus, on occasion, you’ll need a spare pair. At home, you’ll reach for them without a second thought, but on vacation, you don’t want to find that they’re thousands of miles away if you lose, break, or otherwise damage your main pair. However, if you do forget to pack your spare, you might be able to fashion a temporary repair, though it’s also wise to carry a copy of your prescription in case of an emergency. If all else fails, see if you can locate an affordable pair of reading glasses as a temporary measure. They should partially correct your vision, allowing you to get by for a few days until you return home. 

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.