Bitten, burnt and blindsided: Over half of Irish adventure travellers caught out by poor holiday packing habits
New research reveals gap between how we travel and how we prepare, with 48% caught out by weather (and 34% overpacking just in case)
Irish adventure travellers are being bitten, sunburnt and caught out in uncomfortable conditions, with new research from adventure travel brand Craghoppers revealing that over half (52%) of travellers have found themselves tormented by mosquitoes or insects while abroad, while a further 55% say their comfort has been impacted by not packing the right clothing.
The survey findings shed a light on the multi-billion euro adventure travel market, which continues to surge in popularity as more travellers – including those from Ireland – set their sights on trips that provide a mix of culture, nature, local heritage and outdoor experiences.
While seasoned travellers meticulously plan their adventures, however, it seems many still arrive unprepared. The Craghoppers survey shows that 48% of travellers have been caught out by unexpected weather on a trip, while 46% say intense sunshine and heat have affected their comfort on holiday, pointing to a planning gap between expectations and real-world conditions.
And while many travellers are not packing enough of the right gear, 34% admit they routinely overpack with ‘just in case’ items, often resulting in a nervous wait at the check-in desk, while 41% say they feel stressed when preparing for a trip.
Taking the sting out of holidays
The research suggests that Irish travellers are increasingly prioritising comfort and practicality as they seek to immerse themselves in local culture, nature and exploration. That includes paying attention to local flora and fauna, with 44% of travellers saying the presence of stinging or biting insects such as mosquitoes directly influences where they choose to travel.
Heat, feet and comfort – our packing priorities
When it comes to what type of clothing we’re packing, the Craghoppers survey highlights a clear disconnect between intention and preparation.
While 58% of travellers say comfort is a priority when choosing what to pack, 55% say they still find themselves uncomfortable when they reach their destination, mainly due to not having breathable clothes.
Even higher on the list of packing priorities is sun protection, with 62% saying it is non-negotiable when travelling, and comfortable footwear, with 58% of survey respondents saying the right shoes are essential for any trip.
When it comes to purchasing outerwear, value for money is the clear priority for most consumers. According to the survey, 78% of respondents say they would choose outerwear based on its affordability and overall value while 61% cite durability as a major consideration, highlighting a strong focus on cost-conscious decision-making.
Brian Fox, Managing Director at Craghoppers Ireland, said: “Adventure travel is more about creating an immersive experience that allows you to really taste and feel a local culture, rather than necessarily chasing extreme or high-adrenaline activities.
Our research shows that Irish adventure travellers are putting more thought into where they are going and why they want to explore that place, but it also suggests that a lot of preparation still comes down to guesswork. That is where things can go wrong, leading to uncomfortable or stressful situations.
It’s important to try and pack the right gear for the specific conditions you’ll be facing rather than trying to plan for all eventualities and ending up carrying too much luggage. The more prepared you are, the more you can travel with confidence.”
With built in technologies such as NosiLife insect repellent and SolarShield+ UPF 50+ protection, the Craghoppers range is designed to respond directly to the conditions travellers say impact them most, from sun exposure to insect bites and changing weather. Lightweight layers such as the Compresslite jacket and outerwear like the Zohra jacket are built to adapt across climates without adding unnecessary bulk. Whereas the Kiwi Pro IIIs are Craghoppers best-selling trousers – worldwide – with 1 pair sold every 30 seconds.
Shop the Craghoppers range now at craghoppers.com/ie