More than half of Brits typically pack more than they need for a UK staycation, according to a poll of 2,000 adults – here are the expert packing tips to help you travel smarter
Brits are guilty of cramming in as much as possible when heading off on holiday – yet still manage to forget essential items such as underwear, glasses, contact lenses and their wallet. More than half (51%) typically pack more than they need for a staycation, according to a poll of 2,000 adults, with 44% admitting they are ‘overpackers’.
It was revealed that 23% have packed so much that they’ve `blocked their ability to see clearly out of their car’s rear window.
A quarter of Brits confess to bringing toilet paper, while others take their own bedding and even pack their own spices. Yet many acknowledge forgetting items such as their charger (28%), toiletries (20%) and medication (13%).
Organisation expert, Dilly Carter, has teamed up with Halfords to help staycationers pack smarter and get more out of their car space. She said: “With no luggage limits, it’s easy to overpack – but a few simple tweaks can make all the difference especially when cramming what seems like every corner of your home into a bag.
“If you are packing for a trip you should think about your zones, putting things next to other bits that make sense, for example keeping all food in one place, and activities next to each other – this will help with quick unloading.
“Some cars aren’t fit to have too much kit packed in them, so it’s worth considering a roof box or bike rack to make sure you have enough room for the essentials.”
For one in five, preparing luggage for a staycation triggers stress, with the majority anxious about leaving something behind. Meanwhile, 52% said the weather was their primary packing concern due to its unpredictable nature.
Typically, Brits spend 50 minutes filling their bags for a three-day (two night) staycation – though more than a quarter will require over an hour.
When heading to a staycation, 80% usually reach their destination by car, yet 17% hit the road without performing safety checks such as tyre pressure, fuel and battery level, or washer fluid.
Paul Ray at Halfords said: “We’ve all been there – wedging a third spare pillow into the back window, driving halfway down the M5, and suddenly realising the phone chargers are still sitting on the kitchen counter.
“With no airport luggage limits, staycations make it incredibly easy to overpack, but shoving the kitchen sink into the boot can actually change how your car handles.
“Teaming up with Dilly is all about helping families cut the holiday packing stress, get organised, and crucially, make sure that extra weight doesn’t compromise their safety on the road this summer.”
