Phone and Charger Lead Australian Travel Essentials for 2026
A recent survey has uncovered the top items Australians consider essential when packing for holidays, with smartphones and chargers taking the number one spot. According to the Southern Cross Travel Insurance Future of Travel report for 2026, the passport did not even make the top five, highlighting a shift in travel priorities towards connectivity and convenience.
Top Five Essential Travel Items Revealed
The report, which offers trends and insights for the upcoming year, lists the following as the most critical items for Australian travellers:
- 70 per cent of respondents identified their phone and charger as essential.
- 47 per cent considered travel insurance crucial, with this figure rising to 54 per cent as the trip approaches.
- 43 per cent prioritised toiletries in their packing list.
- 35 per cent emphasised the importance of good luggage.
- 26 per cent listed a camera as a key item for their travels.
Jess Strange, chief customer officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance, commented on the findings, stating, "Aussies putting their phone and charger at the top of their packing list proves that we love to stay connected while we’re away. People love capturing and sharing their travel moments as well as relying on phones for booking transport, paying via a digital wallet and much more."
Demographic Variations in Travel Preferences
The report also noted slight differences in essential items based on age groups. Generation Z travellers were more likely to consider a travel journal essential, while millennials rated noise-cancelling headphones higher than a water bottle. In contrast, Generation X respondents were less inclined to view a phone and charger as indispensable.
Jess Strange added, "While younger generations in particular are prioritising their phone and charger, they are also the most likely to say a travel journal is essential, showing that they value moments away from their devices."
Importance of Travel Insurance Highlighted
The high ranking of travel insurance indicates that Australians are keen to enjoy their holidays with peace of mind, ensuring support is available for medical emergencies or lost luggage. Jess advised, "We do however encourage people to think about getting travel insurance as soon as they book their trip, rather than popping it on their packing list, just in case something unexpected arises before they jet off."
This insight underscores the growing emphasis on preparedness and digital reliance in modern travel habits, as Australians balance connectivity with traditional travel essentials.
