It takes the average Brit 72 minutes to pack their holiday suitcase - with four in 10 describing their technique as ‘strategic’.
Nearly half (49 per cent) label themselves as ‘neat’ packers but 23 per cent call it ‘chaotic’.
The poll of 2,000 holidaymakers found the packing process makes 39 per cent feel very stressed, with 25 per cent always finding it easier on the way out than coming home.
But a quarter reckon it’s one of the best things about going away, despite 22 per cent admitting they always end up taking too much.
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 per cent will write a checklist of everything they need – with nearly a sixth (14 per cent) doing this more than two weeks in advance.
Women are more likely to do the packing than men, but surprisingly, 43 per cent of males claim they do this themselves.
Cost of living strain means no new purchases
It also emerged 68 per cent tend to repack if it has been done by someone else – with females more likely to do this.
Nearly six in 10 (57 per cent) will take the same items away with them - but 29 per cent will always buy news things.
Flip flops, hats and designer sunglasses are among the list of essentials people take on holiday with them – containing 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, 24 per cent 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 per cent refuse to make any new purchases before their next trip.
More than half (55 per cent) will resort to what they already have and 48 per cent plan on turning to friends or family for borrowed outfits, according to the OnePoll study.
Think smarter
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 53 per cent 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 per cent 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 in 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”.
