We’re all familiar with the feeling of excitement as we prep for a new adventure, dreaming of the amazing places we’ll explore and the unforgettable experiences we’ll have.
But before you dash off into the sunset, let’s talk about something super important: packing. Of course, you’re familiar with the basics like toothpaste and socks, but what about those sneaky little essentials that get missed? These items can range from toiletries to important travel documents, and forgetting them can cause inconvenience, discomfort, anxiety, or, in extreme cases, financial loss.
But hindsight is 20/20 … what if you could know the top items travelers are most likely to leave behind so you can make sure you add them to your list and shop for them before you leave? We recently conducted in-depth interviews with some of the top deal hunters on RetailMeNot who use our site to find travel promo codes, coupons and cash back offers. In the process of asking them how they find bargains, we asked them to share their packing habits and must-haves. The eight travel pros we interviewed span all types of travel styles, from seasoned and retired travelers to solo and family travelers (and everything in between). Here are the often-forgotten essentials they always forget to pack, along with a few things I forget, too:
Essentials That Our Travel Panel Forgets To Pack
Washcloths
With a mix of dead skin cells, regular washcloths can be a breeding ground for bacteria, even after just one use. Gross! And without knowing how seriously hotels or other places you stay will take their cleanliness standards, skip the terry cloth and opt for a disposal cloth instead.
As the self-proclaimed world’s No. 1 disposable face towel, this Clean Skin Club travel-size option is chemical-free, 100% natural, unscented, and made from 100% bio-based, USDA-certified and dermatologist-approved fibers. The regular price is $17.95.
Sunblock
Most people don’t think about sunscreen until they’re basking in the bright rays of the sun. Essential for protecting your skin but often forgotten, sunscreen is uber-important, especially if you’re traveling to a destination with sunny weather.
Sun Bum’s OG formula protects you from harmful rays with SPF 50. The oil-free, water-resistant and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant SPF 50 lotion is perfect for all skin types. Lather it on 15 minutes before you head out, then reapply it after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. The regular price is $15.99.
Safety Lock
Door safety locks give you an added layer of security when you’re staying in hotels, hostels or vacation rentals. These portable locks offer a quick and easy way to reinforce door security, keeping you and your belongings safe during your adventures. Lightweight and compact, they’re a must-have for any traveler concerned about privacy and security on the road.
This stainless steel portable door lock offers added security and privacy when you’re traveling away from home. It keeps the door inaccessible from the outside, even with a key. This set is $14.99 — 44% off its regular $26.99 price.
Door Stop Alarm
This compact and portable device is a must-have for any traveler — and another mentioned by our panel as something they don’t always think to pack. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family on vacation, or a business professional on the go, the doorstop alarm is the travel companion that keeps you safe and secure wherever you go. Slip it under the door of your room, and it will act as a powerful alarm if anyone tries to force their way in with its loud, attention-grabbing sound.
This dual-function stopper can be used as a doorstop alarm and door stopper. Its high-damping rubber bearing also helps prevent a sliding door from opening. The regular price of a two-pack set is $17.99, and on sale for $13.99 right now.
Outlet Converter
It’s easy to forget to pack the right adapter for different countries’ outlets. With multiple plug options and built-in surge protection, an outlet converter is a perfect companion for globe-trotters, digital nomads and adventure seekers.
Usable in over 200 countries, this six-in-one international plug adapter comes with three USB-C Ports, plus two USB-A ports and multi-AC sockets. Forgetting to pack this essential means you’ll be left hunting for an outlet converter in an unfamiliar place (and likely paying a markup). The regular price is $29.99, and it’s on sale for $18.74 right now.
Portable Charger
The dreaded dead phone battery — every traveler’s worst nightmare! It’s easy to forget to unplug it from the wall or leave it behind in a hotel room. Don’t get stranded without juice by packing a trusty portable power bank. Whether you’re snapping pics of iconic landmarks or navigating unfamiliar streets, this little lifesaver will keep your devices powered up and ready for action.
Charge up to three devices with this lightweight 0.5-inch power bank. Its compact size makes it easy to take along with you on any excursion. Plus, it comes with a three-year warranty and four color options. The regular price is $29.99, but it’s on sale for $19.98.
Umbrella
Our travel panel has clearly experienced some wet weather along the way. Whether you’re exploring bustling city streets or hiking scenic trails, a lightweight umbrella can fit in your bag to deploy at a moment’s notice so that nothing can rain on your parade.
This compact travel umbrella is easy to stow away. The lightweight, windproof umbrella has a double-vented canopy, keeping you dry and protected in any weather. It’s so small you might forget you packed it because it weighs just 15 ounces and folds down to a mere 11.5 inches. You have the choice of six different colors for $32.99 each, but it’s on sale right now for $22.99.
Travel Essentials That I Always Forget To Pack
Phone Charger
I don’t forget to pack the cube for my iPhone, but inevitably, I forget the charging cable. This five-in-one gadget charges Apple and Samsung devices. Its retractable design keeps cords from getting tangled, to keep your essentials organized. The regular price is $19.99, but it’s on sale right now for $15.99.
Lip Balm
I can throw every lipstick and gloss into my makeup bag and always forget the lip balm. Regardless of where you travel, the climate is likely different from the one you’re used to, so it’s handy to have a moisturizing balm within reach. The pocket-size Laneige Lip Glowy Balm contains murumuru and shea butter that offer powerful hydration to lock in moisture. The lightweight, moisture-coating lip balm keeps your pout hydrated all day. Plus, it comes in five different flavors for $18 each.
Flip-flops
I’m not sure about you, but I do NOT love walking around a hotel room without shoes on. That’s where flip-flops come in. And as someone who cringes at the thought of walking around in bare feet, you’d think this was the first thing I threw in my suitcase. But it’s not. This Havaianas pair elevates ordinary flip-flops with authentic Swarovski crystals on top of its slim metallic strap and ranges in price between $30 and $32, depending on the color and size.
The post The Top Things Our 2024 Travel Panel Say They Forget To Pack appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
