NEW research has revealed that Scotland is a nation of over-packers.
89% of us are wasting money on items we don’t even use on holiday despite stuffing them into our suitcases.
The study, conducted by discount voucher website MyVoucherCodes, found that books (43%) and excessive toiletries (30%) are the worst offenders for unused items, followed by too many shoes.
Unsurprisingly, we also tend to get it wrong when it comes to climate related items such as after-sun and warm clothing (26%).
When it comes to excess baggage, 36% of Scots reported they moved as many items as they could from their hold luggage into their hand luggage to avoid additional charges.
A further 36% stated they would try to fit some of their luggage into a fellow traveller’s luggage while 13% would attempt to wear as many of their clothes as possible to avoid having to throw anything away.
The survey also looks at packing styles, where men across the whole UK are firmly ”Team Fold’ (71%) whereas more women roll their clothes compared to men (34%).
British men prefer to pack the night before a flight (31%) compared to women who like to get organised and write a list (43%) and pack a few days in advance (31%).
MyVoucherCodes have come up with the profile of a Scottish over-packer:
- Folds their clothes when packing (58%)
- Thinks they are more of a bookworm than they actually are (43%)
- Reckons they’ll need more toiletries (30%)
- Puts extra items in a fellow traveller’s luggage (36%)
- Tries to wear as many clothing items as possible when over the limit (13%)
- Forgets to check facilities at their destination (6%)
How many do you identify with?
Top tips for packing perfection
Write a quick list before packing
According to the survey, over 80% admit they pack too many items to use on holiday. A simple way around this, to save money on excess baggage charges and to make sure you don’t forget anything essential, is to write a good old-fashioned list.
Roll your clothes tightly
Spending your holiday with a suitcase full of creased clothes won’t do any favours. To look your freshly-ironed best and also save space, you’re better off tightly rolling your clothes rather than folding them.
Pack a canvas bag
A trusty canvas bag may not be your first thought when considering travel hacks, yet they make for excellent spare hand luggage capable of carrying shopping, beachwear or even dirty laundry – ideal for discretion when the cleaner comes around.
Do a Joey from Friends and wear your bulky items
Even if you check the forecast in advance, we feel better packing a jumper or waterproof coat in case the weather turns. The trouble is bulky items like that take up way too much room. Instead, embody everyone’s favourite Friend (don’t tell Phoebe) and wear as much as you can on the plane.
Wrap your toiletries in cling film
You may think attacking your toiletries with cling film is a waste of valuable packing time, but consider how long it takes to clean clothes covered in erupted shampoo, face wash and sun cream. It may smell amazing, but you’ll be left having to spend money replacing items you need – not ideal for relaxing!
Leave no space un-filled
This classic tip usually involves stuffing your shoes with socks to make the most of that empty space. However, we’ll go a step further and tell you to also stuff your socks with fragile items like glass perfume bottles. The result? A Russian doll of packing efficiency.
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