For many couples, the promise of a holiday together away from the pressure of everyday life sounds incredibly romantic.

But even before the suitcases come down from the loft, the stress of preparing to go can shatter the romance.

It seems men and women approach the task of packing very differently.

In a recent survey, the items men didn’t want women to pack included ‘more than three pairs of shoes’ and ‘excessive medication’.

Women listed ‘Hawaiian shirts’ and ‘excessively large camera equipment’ as items men should leave behind.

To ensure your holiday doesn’t become a battle of the sexes, Fay Watt, managing director of NatraSan, offers some ‘smart packing’ tips to reduce the anxiety and restore harmony:

Before squeezing another outfit into the case, take a moment to think – will I really wear this? More than two thirds of holiday makers reportedly returned home with up to six unworn outfits and three pairs of shoes. The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is to choose essential items which can work for day or night with a few added accessories. Don’t forget a jumper or cardigan as this is the second most commonly forgotten item.

The argument over taking excessive medication is easily solved. Ditch the bulging first aid kit and reach for NatraSan, the essential Travel Buddy. From disinfecting wounds, soothing minor sunburn and de-itching mosquito bites, this revolutionary new natural first aid spray is made from hypochlorous acid – a safe but incredibly effective substance – and negates the need to take lots of separate products on holiday.

Like it or loathe it, many of us won’t be leaving home without the mobile phone – so don’t forget the charger. As we become more reliant on our mobiles to take pictures, play games and socialise, the humble phone charger is essential and yet is one of the most commonly forgotten household items.

If you’re travelling abroad, the plug adapter is indispensable. Each year we collectively spend millions of pounds buying items on holiday that we’ve forgotten to bring from home. The chances are you have a number of travel adapters hidden at home. Pack a few to avoid disputes over using hair straighteners, speakers and chargers at the same time.