7 Travel Items Almost Everyone Forgets to Pack

Whether it’s a ski getaway in the mountains or a beach escape to a tropical destination, planning a vacation can feel overwhelming. From sorting out passports and visas for international travel to anxiously awaiting the arrival of that perfect outfit for your business trip, it’s easy to forget something important. Don’t want to find yourself scrambling at your destination? No need to stress—we’ve got you covered. Here are seven items nearly everyone forgets to pack.

Adapter

An adapter is a must-have if you are traveling internationally, and forgetting one can be a costly mistake. “Whenever I’m packing, I end up running around the house looking for the converter from U.S. to European C and E plugs,” says Pauline Eveillard, home goods expert. “If I’ve lost it or can’t find it, I usually have to pick one up at the airport.”

Cell Phone Charger

It’s really challenging to get anywhere if your phone dies en route. “I hate charging my phone through my computer, so I like to travel with a separate phone charger,” Eveillard says. “When I’ve forgotten the charger, I then have to overpay for one at the airport—or worse—while traveling.”

In addition to a regular cell phone charger, travel expert Nicole Cunningham advises packing a portable power bank. “One of the most important items I recommend travelers make certain not to forget is a backup power bank to charge their phone or other electronics—and don’t forget to charge it the night before leaving as well,” she says. “Travel days are long, and you don’t want to be left disconnected on arrival to a new destination.”

Cash

While you don’t need a lot of cash, it’s crucial to carry at least a little bit, especially if you’re traveling abroad, Eveillard explains. “I like to have a few coins and bills of euros for small purchases, like coffee, to keep me up at the airport during my layover, which is usually in Paris,” she says. “I could use my phone to pay, but I like to use those coins and bills that are in a desk drawer.”

Even if you’re taking a domestic trip, it’s crucial to have a few dollars on hand to tip the person who helps with luggage at your hotel or for curbside check-in at the airport.

Portable Toothbrush

Most of us use a toothbrush twice a day—hopefully. And yet, this crucial item is easily forgotten. “I tend to forget my electric toothbrush,” says Joni Sweet, travel writer. “I end up leaving it charging instead of tossing it in my bag. That leads to major regrets when I have to use a disposable one from the hotel.”

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

With all the effort that goes into travel planning, even seasoned travelers can overlook the essentials. Even if it’s summer where you live, the season might be entirely different at your destination. “One time I forgot my coat on my way to Finland,” Sweet says. “It was summer at home, and I totally spaced on the fact that it was a lot cooler at my destination. I had to make a last-minute trip to H&M for something warm when I landed.”

To avoid a similar situation, always check the weather forecast a few weeks before your trip and make sure your wardrobe is clean and ready to go.

Pens

Cunningham tells me the simplest item that people forget to pack is pens—and it’s easy to understand why. Most of us aren’t filling out forms or writing much by hand these days. “Keep one in your carry-on for easy access,” she says. “There are typically customs or arrival forms to fill out on the plane, and you don’t want to have to borrow a used pen with all the travel germs to complete them. This is especially important because having the forms filled out before leaving the plane can help get [you] to the front of the immigration line after you deplane, saving you time when you’re exhausted from the travel day.”

Extra Plastic Bags

While you might store your cosmetics and toiletries in plastic bags, it’s still a good idea to stick a few extra in your suitcase. “An odd travel item many people don’t think of but that I always recommend is plastic bags in a variety of sizes,” Cunningham says. “These take up almost no space but are invaluable while traveling for stashing wet items like swimsuits, airport snacks, or dirty clothing. They can also be a lifesaver for organizing small, loose items to avoid digging to the bottom of the bag in the airport trying to find something.”