Representative ImageDespite years of travel experience, seasoned international travellers continue to struggle with overpacking, as revealed by the latest Global Rescue Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey. The survey found that 38% of experienced travellers identified bringing excess luggage as their primary travel mistake, up from 32% in 2025. This persistent issue highlights the challenge of packing light, even as international travel evolves.
Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, noted, "Overpacking is the single most consistent preventable mistake we see year after year." He emphasised that heavy luggage adds stress and complexity to trips, detracting from the freedom and flexibility that travel should offer. Furthermore, overpacking can lead to fatigue, balance issues, and increased risk of injuries, particularly in challenging environments like airports and rugged trails.
The survey also revealed that non-US travellers are more prone to overpacking, with 42% citing it as their biggest mistake compared to 37% of US-based travellers. Other common travel errors include booking tight layover connections and overscheduling itineraries.
Interestingly, the survey found that experienced travellers are adept at using technology to mitigate travel issues. Popular solutions include using smart tags in luggage, emailing digital copies of important documents, and employing compression packing cubes. However, Richards pointed out the irony that many still begin their journeys with the same mistake—bringing more than necessary.
Richards concluded that packing lighter not only avoids baggage fees but also enhances the overall travel experience by making it easier to navigate various travel scenarios and adapt to changing plans
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools and checked by the editor before publication. Spot an error? Report it here.
