The 10 essentials holidaymakers most commonly forget – according to Reddit

Ever found yourself halfway to the airport and suddenly remembered you left your phone charger behind? Or worse – your medication? You’re not alone.

We looked at over 1,000 Reddit comments to find out what real travellers say they forget to pack the most – and some of the answers might surprise you…

The top 10 most forgotten travel items

Our deep dive into Reddit threads revealed a clear winner when it comes to forgotten items – and it’s one that could put your health at risk.

Here’s what holidaymakers admitted to leaving behind:

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Let’s unpack what these results tell us – and how you can avoid these classic mistakes.

1. Medication – forgotten the most, but hardest to replace

Medication came out on top with 66 mentions, and it’s easily the most concerning. Unlike a toothbrush or a hairbrush, you can’t just pop to a corner shop abroad and grab your prescription.

Some users even confessed to leaving behind things like EpiPens, which are critical for those with severe allergies.

If you rely on medication for a long-term health condition, forgetting it could be more than just inconvenient – it could be dangerous. That’s why we always recommend you keep your meds in your carry-on and make a backup plan in case anything gets lost or delayed in transit.

Quick tip: Save a photo or PDF of your prescription on your phone. It’s not a replacement for your meds, but it can help if you need an emergency refill abroad.

2. Hairbrushes and chargers – the everyday items we still forget

Hairbrushes (64 mentions) and chargers (49 mentions) follow closely behind. In the digital age, your charger is your lifeline – your boarding pass, maps, tickets and contact details are all on your phone.

Losing power on your device mid-transit can be more stressful than it sounds.

3. Underwear, socks and pyjamas – the basic basics

It’s the kind of thing you don’t realise you’ve forgotten until it’s too late. Underwear, socks and pyjamas all make the top 10 list, suggesting that when we focus on planning outfits, the daily essentials get missed.

How to make sure you never forget your travel essentials again

We’ve rounded up five expert-approved hacks to help you leave nothing behind – except the stress.

1. Record yourself unpacking

Next time you get back from a trip, take a short video of yourself unpacking your suitcase. Talk through what you actually used, what you didn’t, and what you wish you’d brought. Then save that video in your travel folder.

Before your next trip, rewatch it – future you will thank past you.

2. Build a smart checklist

Create a packing list divided into categories: documents, health essentials, tech, toiletries, clothing and so on. After each trip, update the list with anything you missed or needed. It becomes more tailored and effective every time.

Stick a note with your three non-negotiables – passport, medication, charger – on your front door so you see it before you leave.

3. Visualise your first day

When packing, sit down for a few minutes and mentally walk through your first 24 hours. What will you wear? Where will you go? What will you need in your bag? It’s a simple but effective way to jog your memory.

4. Create a digital backup for your prescriptions

If you take any regular medication, keep a photo of your prescription and the packaging on your phone. This can make getting a replacement abroad faster and easier, especially if there’s a language barrier.

5. Keep a pre-packed emergency pouch

Fill a small bag with mini versions of your essentials: a spare toothbrush, a mini hairbrush, socks, underwear, and a charger. Keep this in your suitcase or carry-on permanently so even if you forget everything else, you’ll have the basics covered.

“Even organised travellers forget things”

“Travellers can often get caught up in the booking process or airport logistics, and overlook some of the most important items to pack in the days before you jet off,” says Aaron Brennan, Director at JustCover.

“Sometimes it's an easily replaceable item like a toothbrush, but occasionally it’s a critical item like medication – the consequences of which aren’t just inconvenient but can be costly and time-consuming to try and replace abroad.”

He adds: “Even the most organised traveller can forget important items, so building out your own packing routine can be really helpful. Also, remember to pack your travel insurance – this can protect you from unexpected events, leaving you to focus on having an excellent time abroad.”

Methodology:

The study analysed nearly 1,163 Reddit comments from 15 Reddit threads where users shared the items they most often forget when travelling. From this, the most frequently forgotten items mentioned when travelling abroad were identified and ranked.

All data correct as of June 2025.