The special items Brits pack in their holiday suitcases have been unveiled – with kettles, baking trays and even toasters zipped in.
A study has found that one in 20 UK travelers holidaying in self-catering accommodation admitted to having packed these items – even though their booked rental was already fully equipped.
In addition, a third of travelers took towels and bed linen with them on holiday and one in five packed cutlery, glasses, plates and bowls themselves.
Toasters are one of the bizarre things Brits have admitted to taking on holiday
The study, commissioned by online retailer Next, asked 2,000 Britons about their packing habits as millions of British travelers head off on holiday this summer – some for the first time in over three years.
The study also found that Brits “can’t go on holiday without their ‘home comforts’,” with 47 per cent of respondents saying they’ve packed food and drink – teabags, crisps and tinned goods like baked beans – can’t be bought at the destination.
Another 15 percent of people — or the equivalent of six million travelers — also said they can’t leave home without cleaning essentials like household gloves or bathroom spray.
Aside from household essentials, underwear has been found to be the most overpacked. 32 percent of those surveyed stated that they always pack their underwear too much. Shoes (second, 28 percent) and toiletries (third, 18 percent) follow. Socks (17 percent) are the fourth most overpacked item, while travel clothing (14 percent) ranks fifth.
A study analyzing the packing habits of Brits found that one in 20 travelers on self-catering holidays admitted to taking a kettle with them
Overall, the study found that 90 per cent of Brits admitted to packing too much when on holiday.
Almost half of women said they packed too much, compared to a quarter of men. Almost a quarter of female respondents said they always find it difficult to close their suitcases while packing, while one in ten men admitted to having the same problem. Over a third of the men said it was never a problem for them.
The study also found that the 25-34 age group was the worst at overpacking, with 53 percent admitting they take too much on vacation.
It also showed that the British use only around three-quarters of the items they take with them.
According to a survey, one in five travelers pack their own cutlery, glasses, plates and bowls
47% of respondents said they packed food and beverages – such as tea bags – that cannot be purchased at the destination
According to the study, 13 percent of UK travelers pack at least 20 outfits for a seven-day trip, with 16 percent of people packing at least 11 pairs of underwear for a vacation of the same length.
The study found that a quarter of Brits worry if they don’t pack lots of items when they travel – with 18 per cent saying they often forget ‘important’ things when they don’t.
Just one in ten people say they describe themselves as a “minimalist” packer.
Cardiff has been revealed as the UK’s most overpacking city, with 53 per cent of travelers saying they “always take too many items on a break”. Sheffield follows with 51 per cent of people packing too much, followed by Bristol (50 per cent).
Just one in ten Brits say they describe themselves as a “minimalist” packer
Conversely, Manchester (35 percent) and Plymouth (26 percent) were ranked as the cities with the least overcrowding.
The study also found that, on average, Brits start packing four to five days before their holiday. However, 11 percent of travelers admitted to packing on the day of their trip.
Excess baggage comes at a price, the study shows that every Brit will be paying an average of £11.80 in excess baggage charges this year. One in 20 Brits ends up paying £75 for excess baggage.
It also found every Briton will be forced to dump £6.45 worth of toiletries at airport security because they cannot pack them in their cabin luggage.
Excess baggage comes at a price, the study shows that every Brit will be paying an average of £11.80 in excess baggage charges this year
Overall, the data revealed that British holidaymakers will have to hand in £269m worth of toiletries at security this year and pay £493m in excess baggage charges.
Commenting on the results of the study, a representative from Next said: “These results clearly take kitchen sink packaging to a new level! Most people will be familiar with this age-old riddle: is 12 pairs of socks too much for a 4-night stay? How many bags is too many? Do I really need that extra hat? Before you decide to pack them all anyway, just to be safe.
“That’s all well and good – but overpacking can be a costly affair. From excess baggage fees to the cost of replacing oversized toiletries that are dropped off at airport security checkpoints, things can really add up.”
For more information visit www.next.co.uk.
