We’ve all been there: you’re halfway to the airport when you suddenly remember that one essential item you forgot to pack. Whether it's something as critical as your passport or as simple as a phone charger, forgetting key items can quickly turn your dream holiday into a stressful experience.
But don’t worry—this guide will not only list the 10 worst things you can forget to pack for your holiday but also provide practical solutions for how to fix it.
1. Passport
Forgetting your passport on an outbound journey is one of the most disastrous travel mistakes you can make. Without it, you simply won’t be able to fly internationally. If you’re lucky enough to live close to the airport, you could ask someone to bring it to you. Otherwise, you’ll need to rebook your flights for another time, which can be costly and inconvenient.
What to Do If You Lose It:
If you lose your passport while on holiday, the first step is to report it to the local authorities and contact your country’s embassy. You may need to apply for an emergency passport, which could take a few days to process. For detailed steps on what to do, check out this guide on what to do if you lose your passport.
You can remove the risk of losing your cards by signing up to a tool like the Curve Wallet, which allows you to link all your debit cards, credit cards, and your PayPal account to your Curve Wallet. Then, on your travels, all you have to do is select your payment card, tap and pay - simple. It also makes your foreign transactions much easier than drawing cash from an ATM or exchanging currency.
2. Debit/Credit Cards
Your debit or credit card is essential for holiday travel, especially when making purchases or withdrawing cash abroad. However, losing your card or having it stolen isn’t just an inconvenience—it poses a serious risk of identity theft, which can affect all aspects of your life. To protect yourself, always bring a backup card or two and store them separately. Additionally, notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid your cards being blocked for suspicious activity.
If your card is stolen, change all your passwords and PIN numbers immediately. Digital wallets like Monzo and Revolut allow you to easily freeze your card via their mobile app, giving you instant control and added security. Google & Apple Pay also provide an extra layer of protection and can be safer alternatives for making payments. Currensea travel debit cards, which link to your bank account, offer solid protection, including 2 Factor Authentification, spend notifications, spend limits and freeze card options.
It’s also crucial to have a complete list of all your card names, financial institutions, account numbers, and customer service phone numbers. Keep this list at home in a safe place, so you can quickly contact your bank in an emergency.
Some cards offer alerts every time they are used, allowing you to set up notifications to track any unauthorised activity. By staying vigilant and taking these precautions, you can mitigate the risks and ensure your financial security during your travels.
What to Do If You Lose It:
Contact your bank immediately to report the loss and have the card cancelled. The quickest way to freeze or cancel your card is often through your bank’s mobile app, which most banks offer. Digital wallets like Monzo and Revolut also allow you to freeze your card instantly via their apps.
Revolut even lets you create different wallets with various currencies, making it easier to manage your money while travelling. Additionally, most banks offer an emergency cash service that allows you to withdraw funds without a card. It’s also wise to carry a small amount of cash in the local currency as a backup.
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3. Event Tickets
If you’ve planned your holiday around a specific event—be it a concert, theatre show, or sports game—forgetting your tickets can be a real downer. Fortunately, many venues have box offices where you can pick up replacement tickets, often for a small fee.
What to Do If You Lose Them:
If the box office cannot help you, try purchasing last-minute tickets online. You may end up with worse seats, but it’s better than missing out entirely. Always check your spam folder for electronic tickets that might have been emailed to you.
Additionally, consider getting insurance on event attendance/tickets, especially when travelling abroad, to protect your investment in case of unexpected cancellations or issues.
4. Medication
Forgetting essential medication is one of the most serious packing mistakes you can make. Depending on the country, you may be able to replace your prescription at a local pharmacy or clinic, but this isn’t guaranteed. If you do forget your medication, you can often schedule a doctor's appointment to inform them of the situation, and they may be able to replace your prescription.
For UK citizens, it’s also worth applying for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before you travel. This card provides access to necessary state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. The GHIC is valid in EU countries and offers similar coverage to the old EHIC card. Having this card can make it easier to get necessary medication and healthcare services abroad. For more information and to apply, visit the NHS website here.
What to Do If You Forget It:
Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may be able to send a prescription to a local pharmacy. Alternatively, research whether your medication is available over the counter in your destination country.
If a local prescription is needed, and you can’t wait until you return home, ask your hotel to recommend a local healthcare provider. For some medications, it’s important to check whether they are banned in the country you’re visiting.
5. Headphones/Earphones
Long flights and layovers can feel even longer without something to keep you entertained. If you forget your headphones, you’ll miss out on listening to your favourite music, podcasts, or movies during your journey.
What to Do If You Forget Them:
Download a selection of e-books, podcasts, and articles before you travel so you have something to read if you forget your headphones. Many airports also have electronics shops where you can buy a new pair. Alternatively, if you’re staying at a hotel, ask the reception if they have any spare pairs available.
6. Phone Charger
A dead phone is the last thing you want when you’re in an unfamiliar place. Whether it’s for navigation, communication, or entertainment, your phone is an essential travel companion. Forgetting your charger can quickly turn into a major inconvenience.
What to Do If You Forget It:
It’s often easy to buy a replacement charger at your destination. You can even use your Amazon Prime account to have one delivered to your hotel. Another option is to borrow one from fellow travellers or hotel staff.
7. Glasses and Contact Lenses
For those who need vision correction, forgetting your glasses or contact lenses can severely impact your holiday experience. Depending on how bad your eyesight is, you may struggle with reading signs, maps, or menus.
What to Do If You Forget Them:
Visit a local pharmacy at your destination or in the airport for a basic pair of glasses. If you have your prescription handy, you can order same-day or next-day glasses online. Many services now offer express delivery, so you won’t have to wait long to get your vision back on track.
8. Underwear/Swimsuits
It may sound trivial, but forgetting to pack enough underwear or a swimsuit can be a real hassle, especially if you’re heading to a beach destination. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest problems to solve.
What to Do If You Forget Them:
Simply make a quick trip to a local store to buy replacements. Most tourist destinations have plenty of shops where you can find these essentials, often at reasonable prices.
9. Travel Adapter
In our digitally connected world, a travel adapter is a must-have item for international travel. Forgetting one means you won’t be able to charge your devices, which can be incredibly frustrating.
What to Do If You Forget It:
This problem can usually be solved with a quick trip to a local electronics store. If you’re in a pinch, use your Amazon Prime account to order one for fast delivery. Some hotels also offer adapters for guests, so it’s worth asking at the reception.
10. Cash
While cards are widely accepted globally, having a small amount of cash is still essential for things like tipping, buying snacks at local markets, or paying in places where cards aren’t accepted. Forgetting to bring cash can leave you in a tight spot—especially if you land somewhere that doesn’t take cards for taxis or transport.
What to Do If You Forget It:
If you have your bank card, you can withdraw cash from an ATM—but be aware that this can come with high foreign transaction and withdrawal fees, especially from traditional banks. A smarter option is to use Wise. Wise offers a multi-currency account with a debit card that allows you to withdraw local currency from ATMs worldwide with minimal fees, all while using the real exchange rate, not the inflated tourist rate you’ll get at most currency exchanges or banks.
You can also use your Wise card to tap and pay directly for purchases abroad, bypassing ATM withdrawals altogether. It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to manage your money while travelling, and perfect for those moments when cash isn’t on hand but a secure payment method still is.
Final Thoughts
Forgetting to pack these essential items can turn your holiday travel into a stressful experience, but with a bit of preparation, most issues can be easily resolved. Use this international travel checklist to ensure you have everything you need before you head to the airport. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. Safe travels!
