The Summer Travel Research 2025 report, based on responses from over 1,000 travellers across 10 Indian cities, found that 42% of Indian holidaymakers have forgotten clothing items such as socks, shirts, and tops while on vacation. Electronics, including earphones, chargers, and power banks, were left behind by 37% of travellers, followed closely by toiletries at 36%. Eyewear (30%) and jewellery or watches (22%) were among some of the top forgotten items, when returning from a vacation.
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The survey revealed that some travellers even forgot critical items such as passports or ID documents (17%), and in more unusual cases, hair extensions or wigs (15%), dental aligners (13%), and ironically pets (12%).
When it comes to packing mishaps, the most frequently overlooked items were phone chargers or adapters (35%), toothbrushes or toothpaste, medicines and earphones. Essential travel accessories such as umbrellas, sunglasses and travel documents were commonly missed while packing for a vacation.
The report, which captured travel behaviour of individuals who journeyed at least once between April and May 2025, shed light on post-trip tendencies as well. Toiletry kits including shampoo, lotion, and brushes were the most likely to make it back home (44%), followed by coffee or tea bags (41%), newspapers (28%), and slippers (25%).
In terms of snacking preferences, Indian travellers showed a strong inclination towards familiar favourites. Dry snacks like namkeen, khakhra, and biscuits were the top choice for 54% of respondents. These were followed by dry fruits and nuts (41%), and sweet treats such as chocolates, candies, and mints (39%).
Moreover, around 37% of Indian travellers preferred carrying home-cooked foods such as thepla, paratha, or puri, highlighting a desire to stay connected to traditional flavours while on the move. Coffee and tea sachets were another popular choice, with 33% of those surveyed citing them as an essential travel items.
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Commenting on the findings, Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager – South Asia at Booking.com, said: “It is fascinating to see how Indian travellers seamlessly blend convenience with cultural connection on their journeys. While packing quirks and forgotten essentials are common, these habits reflect a deep emotional connection to both home comforts and local experiences. Our data highlights that while unexpected travel twists may disrupt the best-laid plans, it is often these moments, along with the memories of local experiences, that truly define a traveller’s journey.”
