Brits typically take 72 minutes to pack their suitcase for a trip – with a quarter of eager holidaymakers saying this is one of the best parts about going away.
Two in five describe their packing technique as “strategic”, and 49% would call themselves “neat” packers – but almost a quarter (23%) admit their packing is “chaotic”.
More than a fifth (22%), of the 2,000 adults polled, say they always end up packing too much, with 39% finding the whole process very stressful.
And one in four say they always find packing easier on the way out, than coming home from a trip.
The research was commissioned by Avanti Travel Insurance, to highlight their cruise insurance offering.
The company partnered with British designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, and author and commentator Henry Blofeld, to share tips on how to strategically pack for your next holiday while keeping the cost down.
Dame Zandra Rhodes said: “Taking garments from day to night with some accessories and a change of shoes is a must for a holiday.
“Depending on where you are cruising to, it can get cold in the evenings, especially if you are walking around the deck.
“Pack a brightly coloured pashmina or scarf to drape around you, and it will transform any outfit to the perfect night time look.”
When it comes to the holiday prep, 58% will write a checklist of everything they need – with one in seven (14%) doing this more than two weeks in advance.
Women are more likely to do the packing than men – but, surprisingly, almost half of males (43%) claim they do this themselves.
It also emerged more than two-thirds (68%) tend to repack if it has been done by someone else – with females more likely to do this.
Nearly six in 10 (57%) will typically take the same items away with them – but 29% will always buy new things.
Flip flops, hats, and designer sunglasses are among the list of essentials people take on holiday with them – packing an average of 27 items for a two-week break.
And with one in 10 suitcases costing an average of over £500, for a 14-day holiday, a quarter of Brits (24%) reckon this is one of the most expensive things about going away.
But with the cost of living having a huge strain on us all, 78% refuse to make any new purchases before their next trip.
More than half (55%) will resort to what they already have, and 48% plan on turning to friends or family for borrowed outfits, according to the OnePoll study.
Henry Blofeld, OBE, said: “Whenever I start packing to go on a cruise, my first stop is my nearest charity shops to see what colourful garments and accessories are up for grabs.
“I tend to incorporate colourful linen or cotton trousers, paired with linen shirts, and then accessories I can alternate depending on the dress code.
“With a bit of imagination, it is wonderful how you can reheat old ingredients so that on the next occasion they look sparkling, new, and terrific fun.
“A different coloured shirt, a change of cravat and belt or a new bow tie, different shoes, and hey presto.”
The research also showed more than half (53%) of those who have been on a cruise holiday always go for a larger suitcase so they can fit all their outfits in.
But 52% won’t be getting anything new for their next trip on the water, due to the rise in the cost of living.
Lindsey Howsam, from Avanti, added: “We know our customers love their cruises and for some, it’s the one time of the year where they can really dress up and enjoy themselves.
“Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis is having an impact on all our lives, and we all need to think a bit smarter.
“So it’s fantastic that we’ve teamed up with Dame Zandra Rhodes and Henry Blofeld, to give our customers their top tips in keeping down the cost of their holiday wardrobe and tricks to wearing the same outfit several times to save money.”
