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Travel + Leisure
5 days ago
- General
- Travel + Leisure
I've Been a Travel Editor for 10+ Years, and These 12 Overrated Products Are Wasting Space in Your Suitcase
You could fill an entire checked suitcase with overly hyped-up travel products. But after spending more than 10 years as a travel writer, I've found even the most popular gear can sometimes fall short. So, how do you tell an overrated travel product from a truly useful one? The best travel essentials maximize space and solve multiple packing problems. When in doubt, remember: less is more. A few of these picks might ruffle some feathers. Good packing is subjective, and what's worth it to you might not be for another traveler. Maybe you absolutely need that travel pillow to be able to sleep on a long-haul flight. But if it's space you want (hello, carry-on-only travelers!), this travel pro has you covered. Here are 12 overrated travel products you should drop—and what to pack instead. Sure, over-ear headphones look cool. But they're bulky, take up valuable space, and aren't great for side sleepers trying to nap on planes. The AirPods Pro 2 deliver excellent noise cancellation in a compact, palm-sized package that fits easily in your carry-on or pocket. They pair seamlessly via Bluetooth. Packing cubes are all the rage for organizing clothes, but they often add volume and weight without saving space. I pack about the same with standard cubes as without. Instead, invest in compression packing cubes like Bagail's, which actually reduce bulk by flattening clothes, making it easier to fit more in your suitcase, especially paired with a roomy, well-designed bag. Unless you need serious neck support, skip the bulky travel pillow. They take up a lot of room, and you only really use them twice per trip. Airlines often provide basic pillows anyway. I prefer wearing a cozy sweater on the plane and folding it for support. But if you simply must have a pillow, try The Tube. The stuffable pouch can hold up to three days' worth of clothes and packs down small when not in use. Duffels are cumbersome and offer little organization. A structured weekender like the Béis Weekender Bag stands upright, has multiple compartments including a shoe section, and keeps gear tidy and accessible. The Etronik Weekender offers similar features, along with a USB charger at a fraction of the cost. Organization helps maximize packing efficiency and saves time searching for items on the go. Travel bottles often claim to be leak-proof but rarely deliver. I learned this the hard way when my last bag flooded. Cadence Capsules changed the way I travel with more ease and less stress. They're sturdy, truly leak-proof, and magnetic for neat stacking while keeping your bag organized. The modular design helps you customize the size for everything from shampoo to sunscreen, making packing a satisfying game of Tetris. Backpacks are roomy but can make maneuvering in crowded spaces awkward while making you an easy target for pickpockets. After friends had their backpacks robbed twice while traveling, I switched to a smaller crossbody. The Baggalini Anti-theft Sling Bag is slash-resistant, RFID-blocking, and has locking zippers. Swing it to your front to keep an eye on your valuables. Inflatable footrests look fun but are bulky and tricky to inflate mid-flight, and are banned by some airlines. Instead, consider a compact lumbar support pillow like Tempur-Pedic's. It fits in your carry-on, supports your back, and takes up far less space. I love Birkenstocks, but if space is tight, I opt for versatile white sneakers like Adidas Sambas or Veja V-12s. They go with sundresses, athleisure, and casual looks, while protecting your feet during city walks. Add foldable ballet flats for dressier occasions. They pack small and polish off any outfit. Bright statement dresses are often one-note, hard to style multiple ways, and take up precious packing space. Neutral matching sets like this Sampeel duo can be mixed and matched with separates for several looks with less bulk. Simply dress the pieces up by pairing the top with a skirt, or the bottoms with a flowy blouse and fun jewelry. Water bottles are a travel must-have, but many popular stainless steel ones are heavy and awkwardly sized. The Larq water bottle is lightweight, insulated, and self-cleaning with a built-in UV-C light—no more musty smells or bacteria buildup. It fits well in cup holders and has a handy clip, making hydration effortless on the go. Travel hair dryers—even foldable ones—take up space and often perform worse than your at-home model. Voltage differences abroad can also fry them. Most hotels provide dryers anyway. Instead, save time and space while protecting your hair from heat damage with heatless curlers like Kitsch's Satin Curlers. Simply put them in overnight and wake up to blowout-esque waves. Towels are bulky and are usually provided at hotels and pools anyway. If you're camping or hitting the beach, opt for a quick-dry microfiber towel like Rainleaf's. It's super compact, soft, and fast-drying. Many travelers also love Turkish towels, too. They roll up small and double as stylish wraps or scarves. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
CNN
08-04-2025
- CNN
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 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.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
This flight attendant-approved packing cube set is on sale for under $20
Whether you've got a winter vacay in the offing or have your next getaway planned for the warmer months, it's always a good time to prepare. One of the best ways to ensure your trip's fuss-free is to make sure you're heading off with a well-organized suitcase. Not surprisingly, people who travel for a living do it best, and more than a few flight attendants rely on Bagail Expandable Compression Packing Cubes for neat, organized packing. Speaking of neat: Right now Prime members can snag this set of 6 for just $19. If you already have your vacation all planned out, there's no time to waste — now is the time to snag this deal. We checked the price history, and this is the lowest we've seen these cubes in over four years, so now is the best time to snag them and save a few bucks. If packing for a trip tends to be a bit of a chore for you, packing cubes can come in handy. They help keep things tidy and organized while you travel, but these doodads take packing a step further with their compression feature. It lets you flatten the cubes a bit more to take up less space in your luggage. Each compression cube has an extra zipper on the outside that can be zipped up to flatten the cubes. It works similarly to a vacuum sealer, just without all of the extra tools. Want to know how it's done? After you fold your clothes and flatten them, pack them into the cube and zip the standard zipper. Put a finger on the back of the zipper in the space when compressing the packing cube just in case the zipper gets stuck in the fabric. Zip it all the way around and you'll notice that the cube is visibly flatter. This particular set comes with four standard compression packing cubes in various sizes (small to extra large), a slim compression bag and a shoe bag. More than 16,000 shoppers say these packing cubes have made traveling so much easier for them — even flight attendants and other flight crew members can't stop raving about them. Pros 👍 "I'm a flight attendant and these are my go-to packing cubes," one professional flyer wrote. "These expand and make packing easy. Also, aesthetically [they] look good. I like how these can expand if needed." "These help so much [in keeping] my suitcase organized and packed tight as a flight attendant," another travel pro said. "I can keep things packed and organized." One more even mentioned the feature they love the most: "Flight attendant approved. [I'm] always looking for ways to pack more efficiently. These are great! I love that I can compress it down to a smaller pack once the clothes are inside." A pilot even gave her two cents, adding that she doesn't travel without these compression packing cubes: "I am a pilot and travel a lot. [I'm] In hotels 14-16 nights a month and seldom in the same hotel for more than one night. These bags (bought two sets) keep me organized, save time packing and unpacking, and keep my clothes wrinkle-free." Cons 👎 One shopper wished they wish there was a clear vinyl pocket outside of each bag "to label the contents." The same shopper added, though, that "a roll of masking tape and a Sharpie worked just fine." And for those who always need a little extra storage, but don't need another full set, this reviewer said it would be nice if the brand "had options for purchasing additional larger cubes." If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
