Holidaymakers reveal their biggest blunders preparing for a trip – and there are some huge mistakes

BRITS have revealed the worst mistakes they've made setting out on their holidays.

From forgetting their passport to turning up at the wrong airport, these holiday blunders are certainly something you'll want to avoid this summer.

A survey, commissioned by Vision Direct, showed that 58 per cent of holidaymakers worry about forgetting something when going away.

Vision Direct also baffled travellers at Liverpool's John Lennon Airport by installing a fake departures board to raise awareness for the trial of contact lens vending machines at the airport.

From a distance, the destinations, gate numbers, and flight times all seemed clear, but up close, things became much less clear.

Of those who need prescription lenses 71 per cent would be mortified if they left their eyewear behind, and a fifth even said that this would ruin their trip.

Barney Streeting, general manager for the contact lenses provider said: "There are so many things to plan and remember for a holiday, it is no wonder people often miss something along the way.

"But there are some pre-holiday blunders which are harder to cover, such as forgetting to take the right passport, losing car keys or leaving prescriptions at home.

"We wanted to raise awareness of how life-changing wearing contact lenses or glasses can be – and how forgetting them can be the difference between enjoying a holiday and finding it unbearable."

The study also found that four in ten Brits have found themselves in trouble after a lapse of judgement prior to departure. Taking an out-of-date passport, bringing the wrong currency, and picking up the wrong luggage are among people's biggest mistakes.

All this forgetfulness gets expensive, a third of Brits revealed that they have had to fork out abroad for something they left at home with the average cost being over £300.

Being in too much of a rush (31 per cent), getting distracted (27 per cent) and being preoccupied with work (22 per cent) are just some of the reasons people give for their mishaps.

Barney Streeting for Vision Direct added: “There are plans you can put in place to make going on holiday as stress-free as possible.

“Writing lists for everything you want to take – from contact lenses and medicines, to favourite outfits and flip flops – is a great way to double check you have everything.  

“And a rough run through plans the week in advance will also help to ensure things run smoothly on the day itself.”