Travel on a budget this spring with these 18 under-$50 essentials
Whether you're looking to relax at the beach, explore a new city or spend time hiking in nature, spring break is a great time to travel — and it doesn't have to break the bank. We spoke with numerous travel experts to find budget-friendly products that will help you make the most of your trip. From space saving travel gear like compression packing cubes to cool tech gadgets that will make your vacation extra fun, we rounded up the best spring travel essentials under $50.
Bagail Compression Packing Cubes
Sophie Anderson, founder of The Wanderful Me, enthusiastically recommended compression packing cubes. They're her 'secret weapon' for maximizing space and packing a range of outfits in her luggage. This half-mesh option from Bagail is lightweight, breathable and comes in many sizes — perfect for a suitcase or carry-on.
Bay Laurel Turkish Towel
With numerous colorful options and a convenient storage bag, this Turkish towel also comes highly recommended by Anderson. She likes that it's 'lightweight, easy to pack and usually dries within 30 minutes.'
T&I Home 100% Cotton Turkish Towel
Shelbi Okumura, travel photographer, creator and founder of Bucketlist Bums is also a fan of Turkish towels. She recommends this 100% cotton version that comes in three color options. 'I always like to travel with my own beach towel, and Turkish towels are lightweight, compact and very affordable,' she said.
Aluan Handheld Mini Portable Fan
Courtney Jackson, founder and travel advisor at Wishful Escapes, recommended this handheld mini fan particularly for those visiting a warm climate. 'A portable fan allows you to stay cool while enjoying the sun,' she said. It's rechargeable via USB and has two fan speeds to choose from.
Veger Portable Charger
'Never worry about your battery going dead and missing all the moments of vacation. With this charger, no extra cords are required,' Jackson said. This slim charger has three types of cables built-in to, making it extra convenient for travel.
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch
If you're planning on spending some time in the water, Jackson suggests bringing this waterproof phone pouch to keep your device dry. I used a phone pouch last time I was at the beach, and it allowed me to take photos free from worry about water damage.
Suokeni Water Shoes
'Anytime I visit a tropical destination, I always bring a pair of Suokeni water shoes so I can explore the coastline without scraping at my feet,' Michelle Steinhardt, founder of The Trav Nav, said. 'These quick-drying slip on water shoes help me feel more comfortable wading into the ocean when the rocky shore can be challenging to navigate.'
Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
Anderson said this travel adapter is 'a must if [you're] heading anywhere that doesn't have US outlets.' With four different plugs, a USB-C port and four USB-A ports, you can charge up to six devices at the same time.
WunderLeelyShop Cotton Tote Bag
Anderson recommended picking up a local tote bag or a cute cotton tote like this one from Etsy. Totes are 'handy for carrying all [your] beach essentials, like a towel, water bottle, book, Kindle and sunscreen,' she said. The added zipper, pocket for your water bottle and spacious design ensure you won't drop anything on your way to the beach.
East Water Straw Sun Visor
'This straw visor is very chic, comfortable and affordable,' Okumura said. 'It'll keep you protected from the sun during spring break without breaking the bank.' The hook-and-loop design makes it a comfortable fit, and the breathable material is perfect for warm-weather destinations. Plus, it's foldable, so it can easily fit in your luggage.
Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags
Shoe bags are a travel must-have, according to Steinhardt. 'They protect my shoes, keep them separate from my clean clothes, provide extra space for additional items like socks and can double as a dirty laundry bag,' she said. Plus, they come in different sizes so you can pack flats, heels or boots.
Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen
'We should all do our part to be more responsible travelers. That's why I always pack reef-safe sunscreen,' Anderson said. At 3 ounces, this Sun Bum sunscreen is travel-friendly and suitable for a carry-on bag. Plus, it's dermatologist-approved and even has vitamin E.
Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets
For those who plan on hiking during their spring break, Steinhardt recommends these electrolyte tablets. 'On long hikes, I take Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets with me for an extra energy boost and to stay hydrated,' she said.Read our review
Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats
'In the spring, when the snow begins to melt, hiking trails become more accessible. I use Yaktrax, which are like chains for your feet, to help me navigate steep trails and prevent me from slipping and sliding down the mountain,' Steinhardt said. 'Even on short snow-covered paths with little incline, Yaktrax provide enhanced grip and stability.'Bombas Men's Friday Slides
'These ultra-light waterproof slides are great for spring break destinations,' Okumura said. 'You don't need to worry about water from the pool or ocean damaging your shoes.'
Bombas Women's Friday Slides
With good traction and comfortable support for all-day wear, these slides are perfect for any water adventures this spring break. Not to mention, they look sleek and come in a range of tasteful hues.
Jasonwell Giant Inflatable Pool Float
Jackson recommends an inflatable pool float to amp up the poolside fun. This one comes in three whimsical options: Pegasus, flamingo and golden swan. And because they deflate completely, the floats are surprisingly packable.
Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 50 Sunscreen
Steinhardt always applies Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 50 Sunscreen before heading out for the day, whether she's skiing, hiking or relaxing on a beautiful beach. 'I find that the Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen helps keep my skin protected from the sun without causing breakouts.' The following FAQs have been answered by travel experts Sophie Anderson, Courtney Jackson and Shelbi Okumura.
Which spring break essentials for under $50 can you fit in a carry-on?
Which spring break essentials for under $50 can you fit in a carry-on?
Though some of the spring break essentials you decide to pack will depend on the destination, Jackson recommended packing a toiletry kit, reusable water bottle, foldable beach bag and sunscreen.
Anderson said if she's heading somewhere warm for spring break, her go-to travel essential is a Turkish towel. 'They're lightweight, easy to pack (they roll up tightly), sand doesn't stick to them like regular towels and they often dry within 30 minutes,' she said. She's taken one with her all over the world, including the desert in Arizona and the beaches of Thailand and Greece. She also loves that it can be used as a blanket for the chilly airplane ride.
Okumura also recommends packing a Turkish towel in your carry-on, along with swimsuits, a pair of waterproof slides, a book and a cute visor if you're traveling to a beach destination.
What spring break essentials under $50 should you invest in for an international trip?
What spring break essentials under $50 should you invest in for an international trip?
For an international trip, Jackson recommended investing in a universal plug adapter and compression socks. Okumura also recommended bringing a passport holder with RFID blocking technology, since it's 'a great minimal investment for any international travel.'
Additionally, Anderson emphasized the importance of compression packing cubes. She said these are her 'secret weapon for keeping [her] bag organized and packing plenty of outfits for a 7-10 day international trip — all in just a carry-on bag.'
What spring break destinations are the most affordable?
What spring break destinations are the most affordable?
For an affordable spring break, Jackson recommended booking a cruise or an all-inclusive resort. 'Both options offer great value, but all-inclusive vacations tend to stretch your dollar even further,' she said. 'With meals, drinks, entertainment and activities already included in the price, you can avoid the surprise expenses that often come with traditional travel. Many resorts also feature complimentary kids' and teens' clubs, water parks, nightly entertainment and non-motorized water sports — making them perfect for families or groups looking for fun without constantly pulling out their wallets.'
If you're looking for an affordable international destination, both Okumura and Anderson recommend visiting Mexico. 'Mexico City, Sayulita and Todos Santos are particularly great destinations that are generally pretty affordable,' Okumura said. If you're after a more under-the-radar destination, Anderson likes Bacalar, Mexico for the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon, aka the Lagoon of Seven Colors, and for its affordable accommodation, food and activities. 'For those wanting to experience Mexico but itching to go off the beaten path, Bacalar is perfect. It's just a four-hour bus ride or drive from Cancun Airport,' she said.
Apart from Mexico, Okumura also recommended visiting Belize since 'it offers a bit of everything — beautiful islands, pristine diving and ancient ruins to explore.'
If you're planning a longer spring break of at least 10 days, Okumura suggested Thailand. 'Thailand is a very affordable destination with an amazing selection of beach destinations (Krabi, Railay, Koh Samui and Phuket can all be reached by plane),' she said.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on the best spring travel essentials under $50.
Sophie Anderson, founder of The Wanderful Me
Courtney Jackson, founder and travel advisor at Wishful Escapes
Shelbi Okumura, travel photographer, creator and founder of @bucketlistbums, a luxury lifestyle and travel brand that chronicles adventures both at home and abroad
Michelle Steinhardt, founder of The Trav Nav
Here at Underscored, we make it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don't just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure the products we recommend are worthy of your money. We also consult top experts to understand what features, benefits and possible downsides each item offers. We seek out important considerations and advice from our experts to help give you the information you need to make smarter shopping decisions. For this story, editorial coordinator Stephanie Luna interviewed travel experts for insights into the best affordable spring break travel essentials and budget-friendly tips for traveling.
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