The Most Common Things That Brits Forget to Pack

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com, a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

See recent posts by Ed Perkins

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According to a recent study conducted by Travelodge, half of the Britons who vacation this summer will forget to pack a “vital holiday essential” and spend an aggregate £684 million (a tad over $1 billion) to replace it.

The most frequently forgotten items are swimwear, a cardigan/jumper, new shoes, sunglasses, and a new outfit. Additionally, continues the study, more than two thirds of vacationers reported they overpack: They usually bring home up to six unworn complete outfits and three pairs of shoes that they thought would be suitable for their holiday.

Clearly, British experience does not necessarily correspond with what we do on this side of the Atlantic. Still, the conclusions indicate that a little more packing forethought might help you avoid some unnecessary expenses.

As to why anyone would bother surveying this sort of question, your guess is as good as mine.

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