7 Essential Travel Items People Often Forget to Pack

Whether you're headed for a ski retreat in the mountains or a tropical beach vacation, planning a trip can easily become overwhelming. From sorting out visas and passports for international trips to eagerly waiting for the perfect outfit for your business venture, it's simple to overlook something crucial. Don't want to be caught unprepared when you arrive at your destination? No worries—we’ve got your back. Here are seven items that nearly everyone forgets to pack.

Power Adapter

An adapter is essential for international travel, and forgetting one can be an expensive oversight. 'Whenever I'm packing, I end up running around the house looking for the converter from U.S. to European C and E plugs,' shares Pauline Eveillard, home goods expert. 'If I can't find it or have lost it, I usually end up buying one at the airport.'

Phone Charger

It’s tough to get anywhere if your phone dies while you're on the go. 'I really dislike charging my phone through my laptop, so I prefer to carry a separate phone charger with me,' says Eveillard. 'When I forget it, I end up paying much more for one at the airport—or worse, while on the move.'

Along with a regular phone charger, travel expert Nicole Cunningham recommends bringing a portable power bank. 'One of the key things I advise travelers to ensure they pack is a backup power bank for their phone or other devices—and don't forget to charge it the night before you leave,' she says. 'Travel days can be long, and you don't want to find yourself disconnected upon arrival at a new destination.'

Currency

Although you don’t need to carry large sums of money, it's essential to have some cash on hand, particularly when traveling internationally, explains Eveillard. 'I like to have a few euros in both coins and bills for small things like coffee during my layover at the airport, which is usually in Paris,' she shares. 'I could use my phone for payments, but I enjoy using the cash that's sitting in my desk drawer.'

Even for domestic trips, it’s important to have a few dollars available to tip the person who helps with luggage at your hotel or for curbside check-in at the airport.

Travel Toothbrush

Most of us brush our teeth twice a day—hopefully. Yet, this important item is often forgotten. 'I tend to forget my electric toothbrush,' says Joni Sweet, travel writer. 'I usually leave it charging instead of packing it. That leads to major regret when I’m forced to use a disposable one from the hotel.'

Weather-Appropriate Attire

Even the most experienced travelers can miss the essentials when planning a trip. For instance, while it may be summer where you are, the climate at your destination could be completely different. "One time I forgot my coat on my way to Finland," Sweet shares. "It was summer back home, but I completely overlooked the fact that it was much cooler in Finland. I had to make a quick stop at H&M to buy something warm when I arrived."

To avoid a similar mishap, always check the weather forecast several weeks ahead of your journey, and ensure your wardrobe is both clean and prepared for your destination.

Pens

Cunningham points out that the most common item people forget to pack is a pen—and it's easy to see why. In an age where most of us rarely write by hand or fill out forms, a pen can be easily overlooked. "Keep one in your carry-on for easy access," she advises. "There are usually customs or arrival forms that need to be completed on the plane, and you don’t want to borrow a used pen with all the travel germs to fill them out. This is especially crucial because having the forms ready before you disembark can help you get ahead in the immigration line after deplaning, saving you time when you're already exhausted from the journey."

Extra Plastic Bags

Although it's common to pack your toiletries and cosmetics in plastic bags, it’s still wise to throw in a few extras. Cunningham suggests, "An unusual but essential travel item I always recommend is plastic bags of different sizes. These bags take up very little space but are incredibly useful when traveling for storing wet items like swimsuits, snacks from the airport, or soiled clothing. They’re also a huge help for organizing small, loose items so you’re not rummaging through your bag at the airport trying to find something."