37 Budget Travel Essentials Under $20 For Stress-Free Trips
A pack of towel bands that'll fit right in your carry-on bag and likely become your most-used item on your beach vacay — they'll hold your towel down so it doesn't blow away when you pop out of your chair to go grab a little drinky-drink. Reviewers say they do a much better job of holding down towels than the bulky clips of yesteryear.
High-waisted leggings, because structured pants are *not* welcome to join in on your 2025 travels. Sorry, not sorry. These have over 68,000 5-star reviews and many reviewers have noted they're a go-to for travel days *and* travel activities.
SweatBlock wipes that'll become your saving grace if you're stressing about being a sweaty mess on your trip to Aruba or while climbing mountains in Acadia National Park (or wherever your travels are taking you this year!). These babies are prescription strength and designed to take on hyperhidrosis, nervous sweating, and hormonal sweating. These wipes did NOT come to play!
A reading light you can wrap around your neck and enjoy the vacation read you've been so excited to start, even if you're on a plane at night and the lights are low. Reviewers have also said it's great if you tend to fall asleep while reading, leaving your overhead lights on in the process.
A pocket-size, refillable travel perfume atomizer you can fill with your signature scent without worrying that the TSA is going to snatch your full bottle (sigh). Reviewers also use it to pack their toners, hair oils, and facial oils.
The Wand, a handheld filter designed to remove the histamines and sulfites in alcohol that may trigger headaches and hangovers. This lil' tool is travel-friendly and will help revive you for your long flight home after you've had one too many glasses of the resort's cheapest wine the day prior. There's nothing worse than flying hungover, yuck.
A bendy travel pillow that'll become your BFF the next time you take a roadtrip — no need to rest your head against the passenger window to get some much-needed shut-eye.
An airplane phone holder to clip onto the tray in front of you whenever you travel — never stress about only owning wireless headphones again! No need to *only* choose from the handful of meh movies the airline is showing.
Gentle 2-in-1 travel flossing toothbrushes which will clean your teeth beautifully but also give you extra room in your bag for other essentials since they'll take up way less space than an electric toothbrush and packages of floss.
A portable door lock you can attach to any door and transform any hotel, vacation rental, or room in a guest house into one with a properly functioning lock. It'll give you some much-needed peace of mind if you're the first to arrive on the girls' weekend trip after listening to a few too many true crime podcasts.
A packing list pad that'll ensure you remember every last item you needed to bring with you on your vacay so you'll never again have that traumatic experience of flying all the way to your tropical destination only to realize you forgot to pack undies.
A pair of compression socks to wear on that suuuuper long plane ride you've got coming up. Who wants swollen legs while trying to enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean? Certainly not you.
A universal travel adapter you'll easily be able to fish out of your backpack after a long day of getting to your destination. Plug it in, charge up your phone, and unwind with an hour of quiet scrolling for some downtime.
A pair of quick-dry water shoes that'll help you conquer even the rockiest of beaches — no one wants to stumble and hop around in pain in front of the cute lifeguard.
A portable pack of soap sheets, because entering an airport bathroom (or the one on the plane, yikes) is grime-y enough without worrying, "Will there be soap left in the dispenser???" These will melt away in your hands and ensure they'll be squeaky clean.
A solid Kitsch hair conditioner bar, because the TSA liquid-limits shouldn't be allowed to deprive you of having beautifully moisturized hair in your once-in-a-lifetime vacation photos.
And a bar of natural, plastic-free solid shampoo that won't leak all over the outfits you carefully curated for your trip.
A simple luggage strap that'll act as the extra hand you wish you had when trying to lug all of your belongings through the airport — clip it to your suitcase and watch in awe as it holds your travel pillow for you. You might even be able to grab a coffee *and* carry your bag at the same time! Imagine that!
A two-pack of weighted sleep masks you'll thank your lucky stars you packed in your carry-on when you get stuck next to the one person who has big plans to keep the overhead light on to read the entire night flight.
An airplane footrest that loops over the tray table to act as a lil' foot hammock so you can embrace Vacation Mode as soon as the cabin lights click off.
A foldable traveling case to keep your jewelry in order, because no one likes the unpleasant surprise of discovering *all* of their necklaces have gotten tangled while jostling around on the way to their vacation destination.
A digital luggage scale, so you can head off to the airport confidently knowing you won't get a surprise overweight luggage fee or, worse, have to toss a bunch of your bulkier items aside so your bag can get on the plane (I miss you, Oversize High School Sweatshirt). Toss it into your bag to ensure you're also good to go on the way home when your bag is chock-full of souvenirs.
A luggage drink caddy to attach to your wheeled luggage — it'll become your saving grace when traveling. You can use it to hold your Starbies, phone, ID, etc. and prevent you from fumbling around for all those items while heading to the gate at the airport.
Pedialyte powder packets because even adults can benefit from an electrolyte boost! Sip on one of these when you start to feel dehydrated or if you've had one too many adult beverages during your vacation.
A lil' car trash can, so the next time you pick up fast food during a road trip you'll have a designated spot to toss your (likely) greasy bag instead of letting it live on the floor in front of your passenger seat.
A 30-pack of waterproof zippered pouches you can use to organize everything and anything for your next vacation — they're transparent so you'll easily be able to spot the bag that's holding your most important travel item: your snacks (which you and I both know you're usually reaching for about two minutes into your travels).
Tide sink packets complete with the *perfect* amount of detergent for washing your clothes in the sink — no need to overpack or fret over whether you'll have access to a washing machine. When you get to your hotel and strip out of your "plane outfit," you can wash it immediately so it's ready to go for your flight home (no need to pack two 'fits!)
A set of homeopathic jet-lag pills designed to help you fight the good fight against time zone changes — which is no easy feat! Added bonus? They won't leave you drowsy and looking for a nap.
A collapsible silicone water bottle that'll become your perfect travel companion — you can toss it in your bag knowing it won't take up *too* much of your precious space *and* save a bagillion dollars on a bottle of water in the airport (which is the going rate for those these days).
I Dew Care's "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo — it's benzene-free, comes in five hair colors, and will be your savior on the long travel days where simply don't have the energy to wash your hair. It's small enough that you can keep in your bag and break it out as needed.
A TSA-friendly toiletries set that'll make sure you don't have to ever go a day without your go-to products — these can be easily filled, cleaned, and re-filled as needed! You'll be especially glad you packed your products if your hotel ends up being less like a White Lotus resort and more like the Rosebud Motel.
A clear TSA-approved toiletry bag you can pack to the brim with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair ties, bobby pins, and, well, you get the point.
Games on the Go, which includes 50 different activities to prevent your kids from constantly asking, "Are we there yet?" during your road trip. You'll all have a blast playing games creative games from the pack like "Tune Up" where you have to shuffle your playlist and try to guess the song after a few lines. Joke's on my fam when I *only* hit play on Taylor Swift. Hehehe.
A cord organizer you'll be happy to have on hand when you're traveling and trying to pull your trusty wired headphones or phone charger out of your bag without tangling them.
A waterproof pouch to toss your phone into before heading out on a water-filled expedition (or, you know, just a casual boat ride). It'll protect it from the elements and also provide you with a spot to keep your credit card, ID, and cash.
And a set of Sea Bands that'll target the acupressure point on your wrists to, ideally, help reduce nausea. A must-pack for anyone prone to get car or seasick. Truly wish I had these when I set sail on a sunset dinner cruise and spent my entire journey nibbling on a piece of plain bread/ trying not to vomit.
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Business Insider
17 hours ago
- Business Insider
I'm a travel writer and these are the best travel purses I've taken abroad, from stylish crossbodies to spacious East-West bags
I'll admit it: I'm the reason the security line is moving so slowly. When I finally approach the TSA agent, even if I've rehearsed the interaction for last 30 minutes, I end up rummaging furiously through my travel tote, where my plane reads, passport, and random lip balms have all mixed. So finally, I switched over to a travel purse. I found it to be much more useful than wearing a travel backpack because I could us it throughout my whole trip, rather than just at the airport. The best travel purses I tested have better storage options for a passport, phone, keys, and wallet, offering convenient access in a cute, wearable little package. For more on the best personal items to travel with, see our guide to the best weekender bags and best carry-on luggage. How I tested travel purses To find the stylish travel purses for staying organized, I tested 10 bags and wore each for at least 5 hours. I wore them in crowded urban areas, on road trips, and through hiking trails. I took note of how long it took me to grab things when I needed them, particularly at cash registers and while going through customs. Best travel purse overall: Lo & Sons Aoyama The genius zippered vertical side pocket keeps everything organized. I wore this medium-sized crossbody bag for errand-filled city excursions, beach days, and a weekend cabin getaway. No other purse I tested felt so well-suited to such a range of environments. The interior pockets are helpfully mesh-lined so I could see where everything was the moment I opened the bag. It's hard for me to choose a favorite pocket — there are so many smart ones, including the built-in card holder. "My favorite part is its vertical zippered side pocket, where I can pull out my phone without taking the bag off my shoulder," writes senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase. It's lightweight, buttery soft, and comfy to carry all day. In addition to looking high-end, the leather feels silky-smooth and gentle on my skin. Even when I had the bag stuffed to maximum capacity, the wide adjustable strap lands really comfortably and evenly, never digging into my shoulder or back. It only weighs 10.8 ounces, which is impressive given the amount of storage options. It can convert into three different bags. The adjustable, removable strap clicks into the body of the bag, allowing you to wear the Aoyama as a shoulder bag or even a clutch. Having one beautiful, adaptable bag that keeps me organized from the airport to a fancy dinner saves space in my suitcase. This kind of versatility makes the $248 price tag a bit more justifiable. Best budget: Baggu Medium Cargo Crossbody It's low-maintenance and machine-washable. Made of a durable-feeling recycled nylon, the fabric isn't what you might call "luxury"—rather, it's sporty and lightweight, which is far more important to me when I'm lugging suitcases and spilling coffee. Best of all for a messy, outdoorsy traveler like myself is that this Baggu is machine-washable. The storage is simple and roomy. The Cargo Crossbody doesn't have as many specialized compartments as the other options I tested. Instead, there's just two exterior pockets and one interior zippered pocket. But the fact that the roomy interior is open gives me the option for all the other stuff I inevitably acquire while traveling. It can comfortably fit a wallet, sandwich, can of Diet Coke, a Nintendo switch, phone and a book, as I learned from my picnic in the park. It comes in a variety of cute colors. Mine is a French blue, which adds a fun pop of color to any outfit (just because a bag is utilitarian and practical doesn't mean it has to be plain). Best phone holder: Bandolier Lily Duet I no longer have to root around in my bag for my phone. Before Bandolier, I'd yet to find an accessory that offers easy, fumble-free, repeated access to my phone, which I use constantly while traveling — checking reservations, looking at Google Maps, or filming my pasta like I'm an influencer. Bandolier's sturdy leather phone case, which has a handy envelope for cards, upgraded my entire life. I can wearing my phone elegantly as a purse, with the crossbody strap clasped directly to the leather phone case. This made it so easy to grab and then "put away," i.e. drop so it simply drapes across my body. The case clasps easily into Bandolier's expanded pouch, which can fit tickets, a thin wallet, a passport, keys, and a lip balm. The materials and design feel expensive. Also, it is expensive. Both made of 100% leather, the Expanded Pouch is $98, and the Lily Duet (which is crossbody and wristlet phone case duo) costs $148. The sturdy pouch is a nice addition for a bit of extra storage, but you don't necessarily need to buy both: the phone case and detachable strap are enough. The phone case itself is amazing. The back pocket card holder has a snap closure that keeps my credit card and ID secure and hidden. It's much safer than the exposed card holders I had before. I've made this my permanent phone case, whether traveling or not. Best anti-theft travel purse: Arden Cove Bum Bag There are so many security features. The locking clasp straps are secure — they even take me a moment to undo when I'm just alone in my house, so I can't imagine how a thief could pull it off. I wore this bag through Times Square to get to a gynecologist appointment, and not for a second did I fear for the precious contents inside it (which included my anti-anxiety meds). Arden Cove makes it with "slash-resistant lining" and a hidden back zip pocket where I put my passport. It can be worn in four ways. This Bum Bag's adjustable straps let me wear this as a belt bag, fanny pack, chest bag, or crossbody, which is ideal for crowded, highly traffic areas when I want my belongings as close to me as possible. The body of the bag itself is more structured, with less flexibility, than other options, but it allows you to keep everything close to the chest. The storage is elite. I'm obsessed with its storage options, which includes two card holders that are perfect for subway cards, business cards, credit cards, IDs, and small tickets. Best lightweight: Away Featherlight Crossbody It's really comfortable. Away's simple design offers just the right amount of structure and slouch. It's made from a water-repellant polyester till feels cushiony and almost quilted. Even when I filled the bag with snacks, a big book, a Fuji camera, and my notebook, the padding around the strap prevented the bag from digging into my shoulders. It has an impressive capacity. The Featherlight Crossbody weighs just over half a pound, yet has a storage capacity of 10 liters. I wore the bag on a bike trail along the Hudson River, to a Phillies game, and to Brighton Beach, where water and sand slid right off. It's also machine washable. There are super useful hidden exterior pockets. I used the tiny one on the strap, which is perfect for AirPods or keys, and the other that's ideally sized for a passport and phone. These helped me avoid rummaging around in my bag in front of hotel receptionists and baristas. Best for organization: Dagne Dover Micah Neoprene Crossbody There are so many ways to store things. I especially loved the convenience of the exterior magnetic-closure phone pocket. It has special compartments like card slots and pen loops, with loads of interior and exterior pockets for easy access to everyday items. I found myself constantly using the little loops for pens — a Godsend as mine are always scribbling on the bottom of my bags. It looks cool. The Micah crossbody has a really distinctive, athletic look, with fun, chunky zippers. I felt really cool wearing it to yoga class and to the dog park. The 100% vegan material is made from 7 recycled plastic bottles, and it feels durable and sturdy. It's lightweight and comfortable. It's can easily fit all the items I want while traveling — like documents, tablets, pens, books, and large headphones — but not something as large as a water bottle (for that, we suggest Dagne Dover's Sloan Sling instead). Most stylish: Parisa Wang Gabrielle Shoulder Bag It makes a trendy handbag into a practical purse. East-West bags — the long, skinny silhouette popularized by Alaia's $2,950 Le Teckel — can be horribly impractical. The slim body might be the trendiest shape right now, but I can't imagine squeezing travel essentials like sunscreen or snacks into a purse built like a pencil case. But the Gabrielle Shoulder Bag from Parisa Wang makes this purse trend practical. Not only is it supremely roomy, but it also has lots of functional features like quick-access pockets and handles that feel comfortable enough on your shoulder for all-day wear. The elongated shape makes the purse incredibly spacious. I fit a hard-shell sunglass case, a 3.4-ounce bottle of sunscreen, a granola bar, a wallet, a pack of Band-Aids, two lipsticks, a claw clip, and all my little essentials like keys and AirPods in the purse with lots of room to spare. It also has two exterior pockets on either side of the bag, which are perfect for storing quick-access items like tickets or travel documents. It works from day trips to dinner reservations. Lots of practical purses tend to lean too heavily into function at the cost of form. But this bag, with its smooth leather and minimalist look, would be chic enough for a stop at a Parisian wine bar after your walking tour. We all know the look of a tourist with their many-pocketed fanny pack, but this purse won't make you look like you came straight from a survivalist retreat. — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews What to look for in a travel purse Security features: Look for RFID-blocking compartments to protect your credit cards, and zippered closures. Crossbody bags offer a more secure fit that's harder to swipe off your person. Weight and adaptability: The more lightweight a travel purse is — and the more ways you can adjust its wide strap to distribute the weight — the more comfortable you'll be throughout your trip. Durability: Look for machine washable, water-resistant materials (like nylon) especially if you'll be doing outdoorsy stuff. Other travel purses we tested Quince Italian Leather Convertible Crescent Shoulder Bag ($119) This is a well-made Italian leather purse that looks a lot like the very trendy Clare V. Moyen Messenger. It's comfortable to wear, but the internal organization is somewhat minimal. Cuyana Mini Paloma Bag ($398) It's elegant, compact, and has good organizational features, but was just a bit too small for my everyday carry. This one's better suited to minimalist travelers. Caraa Nimbus ($190) Design-wise, this bag has a very distinctive, cool look. It's kind of fluffy and cloud-like, so it could be used as a travel pillow if you're desperate. The storage is really roomy and flexible and can accommodate quite a lot, but it only has three interior pockets.
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Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
37 Budget Travel Essentials Under $20 For Stress-Free Trips
A playful luggage tag that'll make spotting your bag on the conveyor belt a cinch — it's oversized, vibrant, and will give you an excuse to shout, "HOWDYYYYY!" when you see your bag coming. A pack of towel bands that'll fit right in your carry-on bag and likely become your most-used item on your beach vacay — they'll hold your towel down so it doesn't blow away when you pop out of your chair to go grab a little drinky-drink. Reviewers say they do a much better job of holding down towels than the bulky clips of yesteryear. High-waisted leggings, because structured pants are *not* welcome to join in on your 2025 travels. Sorry, not sorry. These have over 68,000 5-star reviews and many reviewers have noted they're a go-to for travel days *and* travel activities. SweatBlock wipes that'll become your saving grace if you're stressing about being a sweaty mess on your trip to Aruba or while climbing mountains in Acadia National Park (or wherever your travels are taking you this year!). These babies are prescription strength and designed to take on hyperhidrosis, nervous sweating, and hormonal sweating. These wipes did NOT come to play! A reading light you can wrap around your neck and enjoy the vacation read you've been so excited to start, even if you're on a plane at night and the lights are low. Reviewers have also said it's great if you tend to fall asleep while reading, leaving your overhead lights on in the process. A pocket-size, refillable travel perfume atomizer you can fill with your signature scent without worrying that the TSA is going to snatch your full bottle (sigh). Reviewers also use it to pack their toners, hair oils, and facial oils. The Wand, a handheld filter designed to remove the histamines and sulfites in alcohol that may trigger headaches and hangovers. This lil' tool is travel-friendly and will help revive you for your long flight home after you've had one too many glasses of the resort's cheapest wine the day prior. There's nothing worse than flying hungover, yuck. A bendy travel pillow that'll become your BFF the next time you take a roadtrip — no need to rest your head against the passenger window to get some much-needed shut-eye. An airplane phone holder to clip onto the tray in front of you whenever you travel — never stress about only owning wireless headphones again! No need to *only* choose from the handful of meh movies the airline is showing. Gentle 2-in-1 travel flossing toothbrushes which will clean your teeth beautifully but also give you extra room in your bag for other essentials since they'll take up way less space than an electric toothbrush and packages of floss. A portable door lock you can attach to any door and transform any hotel, vacation rental, or room in a guest house into one with a properly functioning lock. It'll give you some much-needed peace of mind if you're the first to arrive on the girls' weekend trip after listening to a few too many true crime podcasts. A packing list pad that'll ensure you remember every last item you needed to bring with you on your vacay so you'll never again have that traumatic experience of flying all the way to your tropical destination only to realize you forgot to pack undies. A pair of compression socks to wear on that suuuuper long plane ride you've got coming up. Who wants swollen legs while trying to enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean? Certainly not you. A universal travel adapter you'll easily be able to fish out of your backpack after a long day of getting to your destination. Plug it in, charge up your phone, and unwind with an hour of quiet scrolling for some downtime. A pair of quick-dry water shoes that'll help you conquer even the rockiest of beaches — no one wants to stumble and hop around in pain in front of the cute lifeguard. A portable pack of soap sheets, because entering an airport bathroom (or the one on the plane, yikes) is grime-y enough without worrying, "Will there be soap left in the dispenser???" These will melt away in your hands and ensure they'll be squeaky clean. A solid Kitsch hair conditioner bar, because the TSA liquid-limits shouldn't be allowed to deprive you of having beautifully moisturized hair in your once-in-a-lifetime vacation photos. And a bar of natural, plastic-free solid shampoo that won't leak all over the outfits you carefully curated for your trip. A simple luggage strap that'll act as the extra hand you wish you had when trying to lug all of your belongings through the airport — clip it to your suitcase and watch in awe as it holds your travel pillow for you. You might even be able to grab a coffee *and* carry your bag at the same time! Imagine that! A two-pack of weighted sleep masks you'll thank your lucky stars you packed in your carry-on when you get stuck next to the one person who has big plans to keep the overhead light on to read the entire night flight. An airplane footrest that loops over the tray table to act as a lil' foot hammock so you can embrace Vacation Mode as soon as the cabin lights click off. A foldable traveling case to keep your jewelry in order, because no one likes the unpleasant surprise of discovering *all* of their necklaces have gotten tangled while jostling around on the way to their vacation destination. A digital luggage scale, so you can head off to the airport confidently knowing you won't get a surprise overweight luggage fee or, worse, have to toss a bunch of your bulkier items aside so your bag can get on the plane (I miss you, Oversize High School Sweatshirt). Toss it into your bag to ensure you're also good to go on the way home when your bag is chock-full of souvenirs. A luggage drink caddy to attach to your wheeled luggage — it'll become your saving grace when traveling. You can use it to hold your Starbies, phone, ID, etc. and prevent you from fumbling around for all those items while heading to the gate at the airport. Pedialyte powder packets because even adults can benefit from an electrolyte boost! Sip on one of these when you start to feel dehydrated or if you've had one too many adult beverages during your vacation. A lil' car trash can, so the next time you pick up fast food during a road trip you'll have a designated spot to toss your (likely) greasy bag instead of letting it live on the floor in front of your passenger seat. A 30-pack of waterproof zippered pouches you can use to organize everything and anything for your next vacation — they're transparent so you'll easily be able to spot the bag that's holding your most important travel item: your snacks (which you and I both know you're usually reaching for about two minutes into your travels). Tide sink packets complete with the *perfect* amount of detergent for washing your clothes in the sink — no need to overpack or fret over whether you'll have access to a washing machine. When you get to your hotel and strip out of your "plane outfit," you can wash it immediately so it's ready to go for your flight home (no need to pack two 'fits!) A set of homeopathic jet-lag pills designed to help you fight the good fight against time zone changes — which is no easy feat! Added bonus? They won't leave you drowsy and looking for a nap. A collapsible silicone water bottle that'll become your perfect travel companion — you can toss it in your bag knowing it won't take up *too* much of your precious space *and* save a bagillion dollars on a bottle of water in the airport (which is the going rate for those these days). I Dew Care's "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo — it's benzene-free, comes in five hair colors, and will be your savior on the long travel days where simply don't have the energy to wash your hair. It's small enough that you can keep in your bag and break it out as needed. A TSA-friendly toiletries set that'll make sure you don't have to ever go a day without your go-to products — these can be easily filled, cleaned, and re-filled as needed! You'll be especially glad you packed your products if your hotel ends up being less like a White Lotus resort and more like the Rosebud Motel. A clear TSA-approved toiletry bag you can pack to the brim with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair ties, bobby pins, and, well, you get the point. Games on the Go, which includes 50 different activities to prevent your kids from constantly asking, "Are we there yet?" during your road trip. You'll all have a blast playing games creative games from the pack like "Tune Up" where you have to shuffle your playlist and try to guess the song after a few lines. Joke's on my fam when I *only* hit play on Taylor Swift. Hehehe. A cord organizer you'll be happy to have on hand when you're traveling and trying to pull your trusty wired headphones or phone charger out of your bag without tangling them. A waterproof pouch to toss your phone into before heading out on a water-filled expedition (or, you know, just a casual boat ride). It'll protect it from the elements and also provide you with a spot to keep your credit card, ID, and cash. And a set of Sea Bands that'll target the acupressure point on your wrists to, ideally, help reduce nausea. A must-pack for anyone prone to get car or seasick. Truly wish I had these when I set sail on a sunset dinner cruise and spent my entire journey nibbling on a piece of plain bread/ trying not to vomit.
