Intellect was not far behind romance, with just over a quarter of respondents, 27%, making sure they pack a good book with them before embarking on their travels. Taking condoms abroad rolls in at third place with 18% of people safely preparing themselves in the event of joining the mile high club en-route.

Cleanliness and tools for barricading out unnecessary noises make up the final three items – wash kits (10%), iPods (8%) and sleeping pills (4%) are must haves for a total of 22% of those polled. It can only be hoped that the 4% who take sleeping pills only need them on the flight and not when they arrive at their destination!

Francesca Ecsery, General Manager of Cheapflights.co.uk, comments “In an era when technology is at the forefront of daily life, it is good to see that iPods are taking a back seat to romance and good books when Brits go abroad”.