The anticipation of a trip is often overshadowed by a familiar worry: did I forget something important? According to a recent 2025 study, these concerns are well founded. Nearly 85% of European travelers admit to worrying about forgotten items before departure. Data from luggage storage company Radical Storage shows that, on average, each tourist leaves behind two essential items, leading to unplanned spending at airports and shops at their destination, where prices are often inflated.
Personal hygiene items top the list of most forgotten belongings. Toothbrushes and toothpaste are left at home in 22% of cases. Close behind are chargers for mobile phones, laptops, and other devices—forgotten in 19% of trips. Rounding out the top three is sunscreen, missing from the suitcase in 18% of cases.
The ten most commonly forgotten items also include sunglasses (17.6%), deodorant (15.5%), headphones (15.1%), power adapters (14.1%), painkillers (13.7%), shampoo or shower gel (12.9%), and a first-aid kit (12.8%).
Experts confirm that the best way to combat forgetfulness is to make a detailed packing list. Nearly 73% of tourists in Europe already follow this simple yet effective habit, striving for a stress-free start to their holiday.
The study also revealed interesting gender differences in travel preparations. It turns out that over 75% of women surveyed pack not only for themselves, but also for their male partners. At the same time, only about 59% of men do the same for their female companions. Additionally, the survey found that travelers tend to overpack: more than 71% admitted they take items ‘just in case’ which end up unused. Furthermore, 40% of tourists confirmed that they bring clothes that remain in their suitcase for the entire trip.
