Australians consider their phone and charger the most essential travel item for 2026, according to Southern Cross Travel Insurance's Future of Travel report. Surprisingly, the passport did not make the top five.
The report found that 47% of travellers rate travel insurance as essential, rising to 54% closer to the trip. Jess Strange, chief customer officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance, noted that Aussies prioritise staying connected, using phones for capturing moments, booking transport, and digital payments.
Demographic differences emerged: Gen Z is more likely to deem a travel journal essential, while millennials value noise-cancelling headphones over a water bottle. Gen X is less likely to consider a phone and charger essential. Strange highlighted that younger generations balance device use with moments away from screens.
Travel insurance ranks high, reflecting a desire for support in case of medical needs or lost luggage. Strange advises purchasing insurance at the time of booking, not just before departure, to cover unexpected pre-trip issues.
