Hotel concierges comprise the nucleus of guest relations, so needless to say, they’ve seen it all. In his 50 years (and counting!) with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, including his current role which he’s held for the past 18 years with Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C., Chef Concierge Robert Watson says, despite the many changes over the years, you can always count on a few forgotten items here and there. 

“What our guests forget to pack or bring for their stay remains the same,” Watson told Travel + Leisure. From forgotten toiletries and accessories to coats and ties, Watson has handled scenarios that run the gamut. During the last Presidential Inauguration, for example, he said the hotel provided guests with 15 bow ties, 10 sets of cufflinks, three cummerbunds, one dinner jacket, and even, a Stetson hat, provided by Watson himself: “[The guest] needed a black hat, by miracle, I had a black Stetson Hat at home. I was able to get the hat to the hotel in time for the lady to attend the ball.”

Such packing blunders have led Watson to create “The Concierge Emporium,” a small storage cabinet located at the concierge desk that’s stocked with guests’ most frequently forgotten items, including deodorant, Tide To-Go pens, and more. But in case you’re not staying under Watson’s thoughtful care, here are 11 travel essentials to remember to add to your packing list before checking in. Luckily, they can all be easily purchased on Amazon so you can have them at your door before you embark on your next trip. 

Forgotten item: Band-Aids

Johnson & Johnson Travel Ready First Aid Kit 

“Visitors to a new city forget how much walking they will be doing,” Watson explained. “Needless to say, Band-Aids are essential items for blisters.” While concierges like Watson keep them on hand, it’s better to have a complete first aid kit with you to combat blisters or any other minor wounds you get while on the road. This kit has multiple Band-Aid sizes and Neosporin to cover and treat everything from small blisters to more sizable scrapes from lifting luggage in the overhead bin. 

Forgotten item: An adaptor 

Mingtong Universal Travel Adaptor

When it comes to foreign countries, hotel concierges and front desk employees can provide limited adaptors for guests, but as you can imagine, it’s something that garners high demand. Don’t take the chance, Ronan Gawronski, Chief Concierge at Rosewood London, urged. Instead, keep an adaptor in your travel bag at all times so you can charge your devices as needed. 

This worldwide all-in-one adaptor works in most major countries, plus universal ports for quick charging (you can even charge multiple devices at once). Oh, and don’t forget to pack it in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage gets misplaced along the journey. 

Forgotten item: Business wardrobe accessories 

Moulet Dress Shirt Collar Inserts

It’s always easy to overlook (and thus forget) little accessories when packing since we’re so used to having access to our well-stocked cabinets and closets. “I can’t count the times we have contributed to a guest having a successful meeting,” Watson mused, adding that he’s even saved them from a floppy or uneven shirt collar. This pack of 56 collar stays comes in four varying sizes so you can keep a few pairs in different bags.

Similarly, Gawronski pointed out that dress socks are another commonly forgotten ensemble essential for guests. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the opportunity to dress up can always arise, he said: “No sir, I wouldn’t advise red, reindeer socks with your tuxedo.” While you can likely purchase a pair in many urban destinations, sometimes your schedule might not allow for that brief errand. Easy solution: keep a simple, plain pair (or two!) in your intimate pouch in your luggage.

Forgotten item: Laundry essentials

Tide To-Go Pen

When you’re on the go, stains are inevitable. If you spill coffee on your blouse or soup on your tie, you’ll need backup — hence why Watson calls a Tide To-Go Pens an “indispensable item.” Buy a three-pack of them so you can keep them stocked in your purse, briefcase, backpack, and of course, your luggage. Or, you can bring a handful of these useful laundry sheets to fully treat and wash the stain. 

Chiming in, Gawronski noted that, in the event of a wardrobe malfunction, you’ll always want to be prepared with safety pins: “[They are] an essential tool in almost any little black dress repair” — or really, any minor clothing tear or loose button. Rather than carry around a complete sewing kit, tuck a few safety pins into your purse, wallet, or carry-on, safety pins take up zero space, are TSA-approved, and can even come in handy to impress a colleague or traveling partner. 

Forgotten item: Active shoes

Whitin Women’s Walking Shoes

The tennis courts at Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth are a highlight for active guests, but Stephane Carou, Chef Concierge shared travelers usually forget to pack the appropriate shoes. “We have had guests book a tennis pro but realize upon arrival they do not have their tennis shoes,” she said. Always be prepared by stashing a lightweight pair of active shoes in your suitcase so you’ll never have to skip that impressive hotel fitness center or outdoor workout session.

It seems like an unwritten rule that the most unlikely scenarios always happen when traveling, which is why Watson added that you’ll also want to make sure you have a spare set of shoelaces packed, too. “A guest is always amazed we carry laces,” he quipped, sharing that the reason for his over-preparedness stems from it happening “all the time.” 

Forgotten item: An eyeglass repair kit

Mingfix Eyeglass and Sunglass Repair Kit

This may seem niche, but an eyeglass repair kit can come in handy for a variety of uses, from its purpose of repairing reading glasses and tightening sunglasses to even opening a toy’s battery lid to keep the little ones happy, Watson assured. This particular eyeglass and sunglass repair tool kit includes multiple screws, washers, screw nuts, silicone nose pads, and a precision screwdriver bit set with a quality curved tweezer, and a cleaning cloth.

Forgotten item: An action camera

Akaso EK7000 Waterproof Action Camera

“St Barth is a destination with incredible nature discovery, both on land and in the ocean,” Carou prefaced “Often, guests realize [too late] they would love to have a GoPro or camera to document their activities,” which is why you’ll want to invest (and remember to pack) an action camera if you’re someone who loves to take pictures and capture videos. This Amazon-loved version from Akaso is waterproof, so you can bring it along to the pool, beach, and any other adventure without fear of damaging it. Don’t forget to clip the on-site coupon to save an extra 20 percent. 

More Travel Essentials Hotel Guests Forget to Pack:

BaByliss Travel Hair Dryer 

Hair dryers aren’t always guaranteed when you stay at a hotel. Skip the bad hair day by packing a nifty little (and extremely powerful) travel dryer like this one from BaByliss, especially if you’re in town for business or a formal event. The same goes for curling irons, hair straighteners, and other common heat tools. 

Philips One by Sonicare Battery Toothbrush

Sure, the hotel gift shop or local drugstore might have a toothbrush, but why risk it? Instead of panicking to find the quickest option, keep a slim, compact travel toothbrush in your toiletry bag so you’re never without a quality one. This battery-operated Philips One by Sonicare toothbrush even comes with its own travel container. 

Mrsdry Travel Toiletry Bottles 

Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are usually stocked in your hotel room’s shower, but they’re not always made with the best ingredients — especially if you’re someone with certain skincare and haircare woes. Keep up with your regimen by always traveling with your go-tos; body wash, body lotion, face wash, and other important essentials might not be provided. The same goes for common medicines and supplements, so make sure you’ve got everything you need securely stored and organized in a travel pill container.

Vrurc Portable Charger With Built-in Cables

Forgetting to pack your phone charger can derail your trip fast. Luckily, you remembered to stash this portable charger with built-in cables in your carry-on luggage. It can charge multiple devices at once and comes in handy when your room doesn’t have enough outlets (a game-changer if you’re sharing a room with more than one person). 

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