Paramount Packing: Top 5 Items Brits Can't Leave Behind

LONDON, February 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

A recent survey by Thomas Cook's partners, The Co-operative Travel, reveals the all-important essentials that always have a home in British suitcases.

The results from 2,000 participants tell us that although some new gadgets have forced their way on to the Top 5, some things never change.

So in reverse order...

5 The nation's favourite - tea bags

Despite the growing perks of package holidays, there's one necessity that the Brits can't live without - a proper brew. 31% of respondents said that they take tea bags with them when they go on holiday. It seems that there's only one way to wake up to the sunshine and anything else just won't do.

4 Got to look good - hair straighteners

Everyone's familiar with the term 'beach hair' - and beach hair is fine for the beach - but when the daytime fun is done and it's time to go out for the evening, people want to look as good as they do when they have all of their home comforts at hand.

The easiest way to tame wild hair is with a good pair of straighteners and 31% of Brits appear to agree. They are just as important as the calming cuppa.

3 Hung out to dry - a towel

When living it up on cheap holidays abroad, the British like to avoid embarrassment at any cost. What could be more embarrassing then stepping out of the shower and realising there's no towel in sight? Whether for the apartment or the beach, 44% of respondents said that they wouldn't leave home without one.

2 Keep in touch - tablet/smartphone

2013 is the year that the information age goes mobile mad, and you can't get more mobile than jetting off across the globe on all inclusive cheap holidays. Whether it's a smartphone or a tablet, a huge 62% of those surveyed said they would definitely pack their mobile device.

Furthermore, it seems one device isn't enough: the average holidaymaker packs three! One third of respondents said that they use their mobile device to update their Facebook and Twitter profiles while on holiday and one in 10 said Wi-Fi was absolutely vital to have when away.

1 Packing power - plug adapter

According to the survey, 71% of travellers pack a power adapter for a plug. This isn't surprising considering that at least two other items in the Top 5 would need one to work. If 'Top 5 Essentials to take on Holiday' was a question on Family Fortunes, this would be the top answer.

SOURCE Thomas Cook