Planning vacation outfits is a crucial step in trip preparation—a thrill for some, a daunting task for others. A Booking.com survey of 21,500 travelers worldwide reveals the realities: 41% view packing as an enjoyable part of holiday excitement, while 45% rank it among their top worries, alongside weather uncertainty (55%) and gathering destination info (47%).
Vacation planning demands serious time, with packing leading the pack. Globally, travelers average five hours assembling their holiday wardrobe—exceeding time spent on destination research (4.7 hours) or accommodation booking (3.8 hours). Notably, beach getaways require the most effort (39%), followed by city breaks (38%) and party trips (35%); wellness retreats take the least (8%).
What Do Travelers Pack?
Almost a third (32%) relish pre-holiday shopping to refresh their wardrobe, and 26% anticipate outfits that flaunt their holiday tan. Half (50%) chase current fashion trends, with 29% starting research immediately upon booking. Inspiration flows from friends (69%) and family (60%), plus TV shows (44%) and influencers (37%).
Packing blunders create memorable tales. Half of travelers (50%) pack too much, 12% too little, and 16% forget essentials. Leaky shampoo bottles irk the most, hitting 11% who overlook proper liquid sealing.
