My 5 Most Forgotten Travel Items

I'm usually pretty good at remembering what to pack for my trips, whether they're domestic or international. However, there are a few items that I can just never seem to remember no matter how much I might try. Considering that I wrote a post about my Travel Must-Haves, it's kind of comical that a few of the items listed below have found their way onto both lists.

An HDMI cable

The infamous HDMI cable that always escapes my packing list

It's always nice when you get to a place - whether it be a hotel or rental - that has a TV because then you have the option of watching movies on the big screen using your own computer. In order to do so, however, you need an HDMI cable, which I invariably forget. This isn't a huge deal if you're not all that into TV and movies, but when you're an addict (like me), this forgetfulness couldn't be more inconvenient. If I'm not up-to-date on all the latest episodes, I am one unhappy camper. But I only have myself to blame for not bringing the cord I need to watch my favorite shows! And yes, before you mention it, I can always just watch on my computer, but nothing really compares to having that big screen!

Makeup remover wipes

I don't actually wear a ton of makeup but I do know how bad it is for your skin to go to sleep wearing any so I try to make it a point to travel with makeup remover wipes. That is, when I remember to pack them! I don't know why it's so hard for me to keep them in mind because taking off my makeup is literally the first thing I do every night at home. And when I realize that I've forgotten to throw them in my bag, I can't go to sleep until I've bought some. It makes for a very tedious first night on the road and a surplus of makeup wipes when I eventually make it home.

Ear plugs

If you're staying in a hostel, you need ear plugs. You need them. Unfortunately, on more than one occasion, I have left them at home. Most recently, I was in Paris and had a bunk-mate that had an especially loud snoring problem but there was nothing I could do about it because I had forgotten my ear plugs! I did end up going to the pharmacy to buy more but they were unbelievably expensive given how cheap I’d imagine it is to make them. And this isn't something I want to start making a habit of - buying things I've forgotten to pack, that is. If I did, I would just keep forgetting them while building quite a stock at home. And there are only so many ear plugs one person can use.

A belt

You might be one of those lucky souls that never needs to wear a belt. I am not. In nearly every pair of pants that I own, I have to wear a belt. So when it slips my mind to pack one, I am royally screwed. There is perhaps no greater pain than having to pull your pants up every second of the day. There's no time for just enjoying yourself when you're perpetually on alert for whether your ass is hanging out or not. Okay, slight exaggeration, but you get the point.

A coin purse

This is more of a packing essential for those international travelers out there. In Europe especially, there is a lot of coinage used for currency. And I do mean a lot. If you don't have a coin purse, you're essentially toting around heaps of coins in your pockets or bag that only grow in number the longer you're abroad. You'd be wise to put this at the top of your packing list when you're hopping the pond, just as I will from now on.

An external charger

The Anker PowerCore that is my external charger of choice

Whether you're staying close to home or going thousands of miles away, you can never be too careful in packing an external charger. It buys you an extra few hours on the ground no matter where you are so that you don't have to worry about returning home in order to power up your electronics again.

My external charger has saved my life on more than one occasion and it has also been something I've forgotten to pack multiple times. It's one of those items that, once you've used it, you never want to return to life without it. And, if I remember to throw it in my suitcase, I never have to!

I'm curious as to what other people find essential during their travels but constantly leave behind on accident. If you have an item that is your holy grail and yet you forget more often than not, leave a comment down below telling me what it is. I'd be interested in seeing if there's anyone out there who packs similarly to me and is equally as forgetful!