In The Go Getters Episode 3 — “Just In Case” — Jordan’s overpacking turns from punchline to lifesaver when lost luggage throws the group into chaos. If you’ve ever travelled with friends, you know the mix of personalities can create its own drama. You arrive at the hotel, open your bags, and suddenly you discover:

• 12 bottles of sunscreen? Yes.
• One toothbrush between five people? Also yes.
• Someone packed a parachute? If Jordan’s involved… honestly, not impossible.

So, before your next trip becomes a packing drama worthy of ibis miniseries The Go Getters, let’s get your group strategy sorted: everything you need, nothing you don’t — and ideally, more than one toothbrush.

Whether you're a carry-on pro or a suitcase warrior, there are some items none of us can live without. These are the best travel items to share with your friends to make the most of your group holiday, without bursting out of your suitcases:

• First Aid kit
• Sun cream, toothpaste, and other heavy bottles
• Camera
• Speaker
• Portable charger and extension cord

Sharing these means more room for the important things — like shoes. Lots of shoes. Possibly a concerning amount if Jordan’s in your group.

Packing can feel like a puzzle, especially if your bag is tiny or you've brought half your wardrobe. Sharing essentials cuts down the clutter so you can pack what actually sparks joy (like seven pairs of spare shoes!). Also, you can avoid the embarrassment of going over the luggage allowance and having to do a full repack at the check-in desk (yes, that has happened to 15% of people when travelling!*)

Plus, sometimes sharing can be the best part of the group trip. Using one camera means you get a full roll of shared memories. Sharing outfits means endless new looks to show off.

Top Tip: Split up heavy items between you (I'll take the speaker if you take the sun cream). That way, no one ends up arguing about who has the heaviest bag — or reliving the classic airport drama of, “Why is your bag only 8kg and mine is 23?”

Booked a stay with ibis? Your packing list just became a lot shorter. Seriously — this list is basically Jordan’s “leave-at-home” intervention. We've got you covered with the essentials, so there's no need toclog up your suitcase with any of these accessories:

• Hair dryer
• Adaptor
• Essential toiletries like shampoo
• Towels
• Blankets
• Snacks and drinks

At ibis, we've got everything you need for an enjoyable trip. Need an adaptor so you can update the group chat? Our friendly staff are available at reception 24/7 to get you connected. Someone's getting hangry (hungry and angry)? There are drinks and snacks on offer all day and night to satisfy those late-night cravings.

Our hotel rooms are equipped for reliable comfort, so you can also save space in your toiletry bags. After a long day of travelling, you can cleanse with our refreshing shampoo and body wash — no need to lug your heavy bottles from home, or use travel-size bottles that inevitably leak all over your suitcase. You can dry your hair using the hair dryers available in your room or at reception. Then, wrap up in our soft cotton towels and relax under a dreamy duvet.

It's everyone's worst nightmare on a group trip. You arrive at your destination... but your bag doesn't. It may seem like the end of the world, but don't panic. There are a few simple steps to take to make sure your trip isn't over before it's started:

1. Report your luggage as missing to the airline. They are usually responsible for locating your luggage and may be able to offer compensation. Once you've filed a report, you can focus on enjoying the rest of the trip.
2. Borrow from your friends. If only one of your bags is missing, your friends can lend you some items until you get your bag back. Hopefully, they'll be feeling generous and overpacked like Jordan!
3. Head to nearby shops for essentials. If there's anything you can't live without, check out what's available in the local area.
4. Pack smart next time. Over 1 in 10 people have lost luggage while travelling, so it's worth thinking ahead.* If there's anything you couldn't survive one night without, pack it in your hand luggage. That way, you'll always be prepared.

We know that things can go wrong when you're travelling, and often it's out of your control. That's why we're on hand 24/7 with a friendly face and practical advice to help you handle whatever your journey throws at you. At ibis, you'll find real people solving real problems and serving with heart.

No luggage? No problem. We've got all the essentials, like toothpaste, razors, and combs, at our 24/7 reception. Our hotels are also conveniently located near public transport links and shopping areas, so you can quickly replace your lost items.

At the end of a stressful day, sometimes you just need to let off some steam, and our friendly communal spaces are the perfect spot for a group debrief. Once the drama is over, you can sleep off the stress in your Sweet Bed™ by ibis. With a mattress that conforms to your body shape, cradles pressure points and provides the perfect amount of ventilation, blissful sleep comes easily.

When you pack smart and think ahead, your group trip becomes smooth-sailing. Whether you're Team Minimalist or Just-In-Case Crew, this is a foolproof packing plan that every type of friend can follow.

1. Essential documents: Make sure everyone has their passport, insurance and any other necessary documents (so you don't have to leave Keenan behind at the airport). And to avoid a Budapest/Bucharest mix-up, double-check if you've made the correct bookings!
2. Phone, powerbank and charger: How else can you update the group chat?
3. Cards and cash: Those souvenirs aren't going to buy themselves.
4. Capsule wardrobe: Pack clothes that you can mix and match — you can always share with your friends for more variety. And don't forget to pack with your destination in mind, whether that's swimwear and sunglasses or a raincoat and warm layers.
5. Underwear and socks for every day (including a spare set). That's not something we recommend sharing...
6. Toiletry bag: Everyone should have their own toothbrush, razor, and other personal essentials, but try and share the rest. And since over 50% of people have once forgotten essentials like a toothbrush on their travels, it's always worth double-checking... *
7. Mood-boosters: No friend trip is complete without a portable speaker and a pack of cards.
8. Personal entertainment: Make sure you pack headphones and a book or e-reader. Me-time is precious on a group trip!
9. Don't Pack This List: Double-check the list of what ibis provides above to avoid duplicates. No need to bring anything that we have waiting for you at the hotel.
10. Lost-Luggage Lifeline: Make sure you pack the essentials, and any valuables, in your hand luggage.

For the full breakdown, you can check out our ultimate carry-on packing list. Pack light, travel smart, and let ibis handle the rest.

Group trips shouldn’t start with suitcase stress. When you divide the essentials and skip the clutter, you’ve already set yourself up for a smoother journey. And with ibis, you’ve got built-in backup — from toiletries and adaptors to snacks and support at any hour. Even lost luggage becomes a minor plot twist instead of a major meltdown. But travel mishaps don't have to mean disaster — watch Episode 1 to see how The Go Getters crew turn travel mistakes into shareable memories, and Episode 2 to see how the group prepares for the holiday reset.

Whether your group is full of minimalists, overpackers, or full-blown Jordans, ibis keeps the drama low and the fun high with our ibis Friend Trip Offer.

Pack smart, travel easy — and book your drama-free stay with ibis.

*Based on the 2025 Accor study of 9000 adults who have travelled for business or leisure