Indian travellers forget clothes, chargers, pets, and even IDs, but never...: Report reveals what over 40% leave behind on trips

More than 40% of Indian travellers leave behind their belongings during holidays, a new report has revealed. According to the Summer Travel Research 2025 by Booking.com and global market research firm YouGov, 42% of Indian travellers forget clothing items such as socks, shirts and tops while on holiday.

This is followed by electronics like earphones, chargers or power banks (37%), toiletries (36%), glasses (30%), and jewellery or watches (22%).

Shockingly, some travellers have even forgotten important documents like passports or ID cards (17%). The report also notes that people have left behind unexpected items such as hair extensions or wigs (15%), teeth aligners (13%), and even pets (12%) at their destinations.

Packing Problems
When it comes to packing, Indian travellers often forget essential items before leaving home. These include:

• Phone chargers or adapters (35%)
• Toothbrush or toothpaste (33%)
• Medicines (29%)
• Earphones (28%)
• Other commonly forgotten items are umbrellas (26%), sunglasses (25%), and travel documents (21%).

What Do They Remember to Bring Back?
Despite forgetting many things, travellers are also careful with some items. The most commonly returned items are:
Toiletry kits like shampoo, lotion, and brushes (44%)

• Coffee or tea bags (41%)
• Newspapers (28%)
• Slippers (25%)
• Snacking on the Go

The report also looked at what Indian travellers like to eat while travelling. Most prefer:

• Dry snacks like namkeen, khakhra, and biscuits (54%)
• Dry fruits and nuts (41%)
• Chocolates, candies, or mints (39%)

For many, bringing a taste of home is important. Around 37% carry home-cooked food like thepla, puri, or paratha. One in three (33%) also pack coffee or tea sachets for a quick drink on the move.

The Regional Manager (South Asia) at Booking.com Santosh Kumar said, "It is fascinating to see how Indian travellers blend convenience with cultural connection during their journeys. While forgotten items are common, they reflect how deeply connected people are to their home comforts."

He added that while travel plans don’t always go perfectly, it’s often these small surprises and memorable experiences that make a trip truly special.

Inputs from PTI