Just 41 Travel Essentials That Won't Break The Bank

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22-05-2025

A capacious travel backpack to fit as many items as you can possibly jam-pack into it while still being able to slide it under the seat in front of you. It's able to zip open completely — yes, like a suitcase — so you can find whatever you need! It has plenty of pockets, a compartment just for wet items and another for shoes.
Or a wheeled carry-on bag so small that most airlines (yes, even the super strict local ones) will count it as a personal item since it can fit under an airplane seat. No need to carry the weight of all your important items on your shoulders; you can wheel it through airport security without having to pay those checked bag prices.
A portable rain hood you can slip on under any (yes, ANY) jacket, so even your favorite coat can now boast a hoodie. No need to attempt cramming in those extra raincoats or bulky umbrellas.
A neck pillow you can stuff with clothing for sneaking in that extra outfit (or two) you just couldn't jam into your carry-on. It's the perfect way to utilize every single inch of space physically possible. Plus, you can make sure you have those spare clothes on hand if you need a quick outfit change once you land.
A *solid* Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen that will protect you from the harsh rays of the sun without you needing to carry around a full-sized liquid bottle that'll get you pulled over by TSA.
A set of packing cubes for smushing down any bulky articles of clothing into the perfect size to slide comfortably into your carry-on — no vacuum suctioning required.
Or a pack of vacuum-free space-saving compression bags so you can pack three times the clothes without needing to spend that extra moolah on baggage fees. And there's no need for a vacuum since these bags come with a pump that will suck out all of the air and keep your clothes as compressed as possible.
A travel-friendly "flossing toothbrush" designed with "floss" bristles to reach between your teeth to banish those lil' bits of food stuck in your grin. Chip Skylark himself will burst into song at the sight of your smile. 🎶My shiny teeth and me...🎶
A digital luggage scale so you're not zipping open your bulky suitcase right there on the floor of the airport's check-in counter and trying to stuff three different coats into your son's backpack. Bring this puppy wherever the adventure takes you, and never have to worry about paying those exorbitant oversized baggage fees again!
A TSA-approved 16-piece travel toiletries set so you can minimize the amount of space your bathroom essentials take up in your backpack. These bottles are perfect for carrying all your fave beauty products and are set in a leakproof bag, so you don't have to worry about getting shampoo stains on your clothing as you wheel your carry-on down the ramp.
A Stow-N-Go travel organizer that comes with built-in shelves, so you don't have to completely unpack when you're only making a quick weekend trip. You can just pull it out of your suitcase and hang it in your closet.
A foldable jewelry organizer for storing your absolute *best* of friends. This folded case has several pockets and slits, so you can store anything from rings to earrings to necklaces without having to carry several bulky boxes that take up too much room. Don't deal with the stress of misplacing any of your favorite pieces; keep them on hand for those fun nights out!
A waterproof travel cable organizer to keep all of your favorite small gadgets and chargers on hand and keep the mess of wires compact so that they're not taking up any much-needed space in your bag.
A compact I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo so you don't need to carry around a bottle of your favorite aerosol version that's liable to take up wayyy too much space in your already overpacked luggage. This lil' baddie will become your absolute favorite as it comes in a compact travel case, soaks up excess hair oil, and volumizes your locks so that your hairstyle will get compliments no matter where you go!
A foldable water bottle because you don't want to spend the entire flight asking the stewardess for teensy tiny cups of water that you down in a single shot. Plus, it'll be incredibly helpful when you want to take a bottle of water onto the plane but don't have the time to buy one at the gate after spending hours waiting at the TSA line (which seemingly gets longer and longer every time you fly).
A hands-free (rotating!) phone mount perfect for propping up your device during any long plane rides. The strong clamp can attach itself to just about anything — your seat tray, suitcase handle, etc. And the dual joints and 360-degree rotation allow for the best viewing angles! Now you don't have to settle for absolute boredom when boarding those budget airlines that don't have a screen.
An airplane seat back organizer because losing your earbuds in the endless void of the seat pouch in front of you is a really lousy way to start your vacation. This keeps your personal effects organized and on hand for that mid-flight boredom — no more having to stand up and reach for the overhead compartment to find your novel. Plus, this way, you won't accidentally leave behind your fave lip balm on the plane.
Plus, a drink holder for my window seat people who don't want to try balancing all their personal effects, as well as their beverages, on the teensy tiny tray table that somehow gets smaller and smaller with each passing year. It even holds some other essentials, like your headphones, glasses, or phone!
A kid's car seat lap organizer with a dry-erase board (that also doubles as a tray for snacks), a tablet holder, and so many pockets for their toys and markers. This will keep your little one entertained throughout the flight or long drive so that you're not having to hear, "Ughh, are we there yet??" every five minutes.
An AirFly wireless transmitter that'll let you connect your AirPods (or any wireless headphones) to your airplane seat! Now, you won't have to use those uncomfy plastic earbuds the airline gives you — you can use the headphones of your choice while still enjoying the free inflight entertainment that is offered!
A set of Sea Bands for those who get nauseous when they even think about stepping into a moving vehicle. Applying pressure to the P6 acupressure point on each wrist can help almost instantly relieve motion sickness! Time to burrow into your plane seat or board that boat confidently — comfortable in the fact that the pesky nausea won't be creeping up on you.
A pair of Mack's Earplugs that'll help block out the noise of the man snoring beside you, the baby crying three rows back, and the couple arguing in the row in front of you.
A bendy travel pillow so you can get some rest (without hurting or straining your neck) no matter how awkward those budget airline or even your car seats are situated.
A memory foam seat cushion to bring some cushiness to your seat when you know you're gonna be stuck in the car for too many hours. You shouldn't have to suffer having metal poles digging into your booty throughout your entire drive — this seat has an ergonomic design and gel layer so your behind is as comfy as can be.
An inflatable foot rest you can slide beneath you so you can start your relaxing vacation while thousands of miles in the sky. Reduce your chance of swelling by sitting back and elevating those feet.
A travel-friendly blanket-slash-pillow so you're always comfy, even when those budget airline seats seem to be getting harder and harder each time you book them. Use it as either a blanket or fold it into a pillow. And with the strap on the back, it can be slid onto your luggage handlebars for easy access!
A pair of compression socks that can help your circulation, foot swelling, and pain — and make it easier for your feet when the plane altitude starts to soar higher and higher. You can say goodbye to the days of leg swelling and hello to *sweet* relief as you march countless miles through the winding alleyways of Mexico.
A 2-in-1 hair tool so you're not trying to stuff two separate tools into your luggage — but you're well aware of the fact that you can't possibly survive without both a curler and a straightener. Plus, it's dual voltage for international travel!
A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers reviewers can't help but compare to Lululemon's Align joggers thanks to that buttery soft material — but, like, a lotttt cheaper. They're legit perfect for running through TSA or lounging on your flight seat — because yeah, they're just that comfy.
A *very popular* off-the-shoulder jumpsuit perfect for those long flights, since it's not only incredibly comfy, but super cute and stylish! Or if you want to wear it on the trip, it's super lightweight, so it can be folded down and compacted so it doesn't take up ample amounts of space in your carry-on.
An always handy international travel adaptor to prove that you are always prepared no matter which country you end up stumbling upon, as it works in over 160 different countries! Making an unscheduled trip you weren't quite planning? Don't worry about carrying several different chargers or converters; this one device works pretty much everywhere.
And a 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charging station so that you don't have to debate which of your chargers you need to leave behind — because carrying three separate wires takes up a ridiculous amount of space. This can charge your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds all at once!
A handy travel wallet that can hold all of your cards, money, and travel documents. It's thin enough to slip into the tiniest of pouches, and this RFID-blocking case can help protect your sensitive information as you catch that last-minute red-eye flight back to your hometown.
And a waterproof family travel document holder for the parent of the friend group (or just parent in general), who needs to keep the whole party's passports and boarding passes safe on your travels — so that one friend doesn't accidentally misplace their documents while going through security.
A luggage drink caddy because the most important item on your travel day checklist is the Starbucks drink you pick up as a reward after braving the tedious security line. This just attaches right onto your suitcase and has two large pockets — perfect for carrying that breakfast sandwich you couldn't resist ordering along with your favorite Refresher.
An adjustable universal travel harness seat perfect for any little ones six months or up, so you can 🪄bippity-boppity-boo🪄 any ol' chair into a highchair. Now you can secure your kiddo when you find yourself at your airport Chiles, even when there's not a single high chair in sight.
An Alleyoop 3-in-1 travel razor that's got everything you need for a quick shave on the go: a refillable spray bottle for easy skin prep, a shea butter moisturizing bar, and two triple-blade razor cartridges. This compact razor is the perfect addition to toss into your suitcase.
And the 4-in-1 Alleyoop Pen Pal so you're not lugging around a packed bag full of makeup — this one lil' pen has eyeliner, brow liner, lip liner, and a highlighter all in one. Just toss it into your fanny pack so you can make a quick touchup while onboard the plane.
A makeup-removing cloth you can easily carry instead of lugging around a huge pack of disposable wipes. This simple washcloth can safely go through TSA (since your regular full-size bottle of liquid certainly cannot), and all it needs is some water to wipe your face clean.
A fold-up duffel because let's be honest, you're sooo gonna end up bringing back a lot more than you came with — don't you just love shopping sprees?? Pack this on your trip folded up, and bring this duffel back on the plane filled with all your new things as your personal item.
A garment and travel bag set you can use when you want to keep your fancy-schmancy outfit wrinkle-free. This bag is water-resistant and comes with a separate shoe compartment! You can use this as your carry-on so your all-important outfit stays safe from airport security!