Article Highlights:

  • Global Rescue surveys show overpacking remains the most common travel mistake year after year.
  • Nearly one in three travelers (32%) admits they overpack, a figure unchanged for years despite travel trends evolving.
  • Experts say anxiety, attachment to home, and fear of being unprepared fuel overpacking habits.
  • Overpacking creates stress: heavier bags, airline fees, delays and more to manage during travel.
  • The best way to pack a suitcase is intentionally: balance essentials, use packing hacks and avoid bulky or unnecessary items.

 

 

Travelers today may log more miles and cross more borders than ever before, but one simple mistake continues to weigh them down, literally. Overpacking, the age-old habit of stuffing bags with too much “just in case” gear, remains the most common blunder made by even the world’s most seasoned explorers.

According to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, overpacking consistently tops the list of traveler mistakes. Nearly one in three respondents (32%) admitted last year that they brought too much luggage. Those numbers mirror past results: 35% in September 2024, January 2024 and February 2023, revealing a stubborn habit that persists.

“Overpacking is the single most consistent mistake we see, year after year. It’s a habit that adds stress and weight to a trip, when the real goal of travel should be freedom and discovery,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

 

Overpacking and the Psychology Driving It

Psychologists and travel experts suggest that the persistence of overpacking has more to do with psychology than logistics. Anxiety, attachment and past experiences all play a role.

“Travelers often pack for their fears instead of their needs, and that’s why overpacking remains so persistent,” said Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and Global Rescue’s associate director of security operations.

Fear of forgetting something essential, attachment to comforts from home and unpredictability — like sudden weather changes or unexpected events — often lead travelers to pack more than they realistically need.

Ironically, the attempt to reduce stress often has the opposite effect. Heavy luggage becomes a burden in transit, added bags mean higher airline fees and managing too many items increases frustration.

“The irony is that overpacking, meant to reduce anxiety, often creates the very stress travelers are trying to avoid,” said Kelli Poole, Global Rescue sales manager and avid traveler.

 

Underpacking: The Flip Side of the Coin

While overpacking may be the most common mistake, underpacking can be equally disruptive. Forgetting a key item, such as medication, weather-appropriate clothing or a critical electronic device, can derail even the best-laid travel plans.

The best way forward is balance. Travelers should prioritize intentional packing, focusing on versatile items, carefully considering their destination and allowing room only for the “just in case” extras that genuinely add value.

 

Packing Tips for Travel

Packing for international or domestic travel doesn’t have to be daunting. By following basic packing hacks and efficient strategies, travelers can lighten their load and avoid the stress of both overpacking and underpacking.

  • Create a packing list tailored to your destination and activities to avoid both forgetting essentials and adding unnecessary items.
  • Research your destination: Weather, culture and itinerary all shape what you genuinely need.
  • Limit your wardrobe: Stick to a color palette and opt for versatile pieces that you can mix and match.
  • Think duration: For short trips, aim for carry-on only. For longer trips, plan carefully to stay within airline baggage limits.
  • Pack efficiently: Use cubes, compression bags or rolling techniques to maximize space.

One of the best ways to avoid overpacking is by knowing what not to bring.

  • Bulky footwear—stick to one or two versatile pairs.
  • Multiple electronics—your smartphone covers most functions.
  • Expensive valuables—leave jewelry and irreplaceable items at home.
  • Full-size toiletries—opt for travel sizes or rely on hotel amenities.
  • Niche gadgets—skip the portable iron and bring wrinkle-free clothes instead.

 

Best Way To Pack a Suitcase

Want the best way to pack a suitcase? Adopt these clever packing space-savers:

  • Collapsible water bottle: Saves space and money at airports.
  • Fill shoes with small items: Store socks, chargers or accessories inside footwear.
  • Wear bulky items on the plane: Jackets and heavy shoes don’t need to take up space.
  • Pack a pashmina: Works as a blanket, cover-up or accessory.
  • Lightweight backpack: Great for day trips or souvenirs.
  • DIY Travel First-Aid Kit: Compact, Essential and Space-Saving.
  • Ziplock bags: Keep electronics dry and toiletries secure.
  • Layer clothing: Neutral pieces allow versatile outfit combinations.
  • Plan for laundry: Wash clothes instead of packing for every day.
  • Leave space for souvenirs: Build flexibility into your luggage plan.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Travel is about freedom, discovery, and safety, not being weighed down by excess baggage. Packing smart not only reduces stress but enhances the trip itself. By focusing on versatility, organization and practicality, you can transform the packing process into a stress-free ritual that supports your adventure rather than hinders it.

And while you refine your packing hacks, remember to include one item that takes up no space in your suitcase: a Global Rescue membership. It provides peace of mind with emergency field rescue, medical advisory, traveler assistance, destination reports, real-time alerts, evacuation transport and, for certain memberships, virtual healthcare and security services.

With the My Global Rescue Mobile App, you can access everything from virtual doctor visits to GPS tracking of loved ones, right from your smartphone. Packing efficiently is about preparation. And nothing prepares you for the unexpected better than Global Rescue.