Items Travelers Frequently Forget To Pack

While the prospect of vacation is undoubtedly thrilling one, the task of packing is far less appealing. After all, determining what and just how much to pack is pretty stressful, especially while juggling all the components of trip planning. Even the most organized travelers sometimes forget to pack the simplest items. It happens to the best of us while under the pressure of ensuring our vacation goes off without a hitch. So we've rounded up some basic yet essential items that travelers frequently forget, and you'll be glad to remember them.

Hand sanitizer

For years, hand sanitizer didn't make most travelers' packing lists. But nowadays, it's imperative to remain vigilant on flights and other modes of transport, especially when coming into contact with people from all over the world. This means using hand sanitizer to eliminate germs after touching surfaces. If you forget your hand sanitizer, check with your hotel or airline to see if they have some to give out. Others recommend just keeping hand sanitizer on your person and using it frequently while traveling to avoid getting sick.

Travel document copies

For many travelers, losing a vital document like a passport or hotel reservation is a nightmare turned reality. For that reason, it's a good idea to photocopy everything. Although these copies are not actual replacements for the official documents, they might enable you to perform certain transactions and speed up the replacement process, if necessary. When packing travel documents, keep them in your carry-on luggage or on your person so that they remain with you at all times.

Phone chargers

Phones are used for everything, and as a result, we simply can't live without them. But while travelers aren't likely to forget their phones anytime soon, their chargers are another story. While locating a replacement isn't impossible, forgetting a charger can throw a wrench in your travel day, especially if your battery is already low. To avoid this headache, some purchase a spare charger to always have on hand inside their travel bags.

Toothpaste

Although essential, toothpaste and other toiletries are frequently forgotten at home because they're used right up until it's time to leave. If that sounds like something you'd do, then you may want to leave a note on your front door reminding you to pack such items before you go. Another option is to purchase spare travel-size toiletries in order to meet TSA liquid regulations.