Brits admit to cramming far too much into their suitcases, with everything from daily outfit changes to work laptops making the cut – despite the environmental cost of heavier luggage.
The new research from InsureandGo highlights how packing habits remain stubbornly heavy, adding to transport emissions at a time when travellers are increasingly aware of their carbon footprint.
Wallets and travel documents top the list of must-pack items (62%), closely followed by make-up and toiletries (60%) and a change of clothes for every day of the trip (48%). Four in ten pack spare socks (40%) and a third insist on taking pyjamas from home (34%). Other non-essentials include books (31%), perfume (30%), towels (24%) and even teabags (17%).
Regional findings show Londoners are the nation’s worst over-packers, far more likely than anyone else to squeeze in towels (33% vs 24% nationally), perfume (39% vs 30%) and pyjamas (43% vs 34%). The results point to city travellers struggling most to switch off – packing their comforts and cosmetics even when travelling light could make a measurable environmental difference.
Garry Nelson, Head of Corporate Affairs at InsureandGo said: “Packing light is the easiest eco-upgrade there is.Travelling with less makes life simpler and greener, and our cover is designed to protect what really matters, not what weighs you down.”