Jetting off on holiday is definitely one of the highlights of the year, and finally getting the chance to relax and unwind or explore somewhere new and exciting is something that we all look forward to.

However, with all the excitement and holiday buzz, make sure you arrive at your hotel to discover you’ve forgotten something really important! It’s happened to us all at some point, so we thought we’d put together a little list of five of the most essential items that you’re most likely to forget.

5 Travel Essentials You Always Forget To Pack

Plug adapters

Definitely one of the most frustrating items to forget, plug adapters are one thing that you really can’t live without when travelling abroad. There’s nothing worse than reaching your destination only to realise you can’t use any of your electrical items, especially now that we rely on things like phones and tablets more than ever.

It’s a good idea to stock up on adapters for any countries you like to visit and leave one of each in your suitcase. If you never unpack them, then you can’t forget them! Here is a list of the voltage and type of plugs used by different countries around the world.

Phone chargers

Often left plugged into the wall at home, phone chargers are another item that you will definitely struggle without on your holiday. You may be able to buy one at your destination, but you’ll waste lots of your precious holiday time trudging around the shops hunting for one when you’d much rather be sightseeing or relaxing by the pool!

Make sure you add it to your packing list and don’t just take it for granted that you’ll remember to unplug it. You could even set yourself a reminder on your phone, timed for the morning you’re leaving.

Memory card

One common frustration amongst those keen on photography is arriving at your holiday destination, only to discover that you’ve remembered your camera but not the memory card!

You don’t want to miss out on taking those all-important holiday snaps, so make sure you check your camera equipment before you leave. Double check your memory card isn’t still plugged into your computer back at home!

Make sure you pack everything you need without taking up too much space with these handy packing hacks for photographers!

Insect repellant

Insect bites are without a doubt one of the most irritating things while you’re on holiday. There’s nothing like being eaten alive to ruin that great holiday mood, so be sure to remember to pack some insect repellant before you jet off!

Not only are they annoying, but they can get infected and some people can have quite severe reactions, so you definitely don’t want to end up having to pay a trip to the hospital while you’re abroad.

If you hate the nasty smelling sprays you may be used to, you’ll be pleased to hear that these days insect repellents are much more sophisticated. You can even get them in moisturiser or perfume form!

One way to make sure you never forget this essential item, is to leave some in your suitcase, that way you won’t even need to think about packing it the next time you go away!

Medication

If you take any sort of daily medication, make sure that you have enough of a supply to last you for the duration you plan to be away, and don’t forget to actually bring it with you! Forgetting medication can be a real faff as it can be tricky to sort out getting more while abroad.

Also make sure you don’t forget those things you usually only need in an emergency, such as inhalers and EpiPens, and make sure that they’re in date. Just because you haven’t needed to use them for a while doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring them, as it’s always better to be safe than sorry especially when you’re a long way from home!