Traveling is an amazing adventure that opens doors to new experiences and unforgettable memories. But let’s face it: long journeys and unfamiliar places can also come with their fair share of challenges. Small hacks can provide great comfort when you’re on the road.
That’s why we’ve rounded up this list of 1 budget-friendly travel products to swoop in like your trusty sidekicks. Use this guide of budget-friendly (and space-conscious) travel essentials as your packing list. We’ve made sure to include items that don’t cost the earth and will make your travels infinitely more enjoyable.
Travel neck pillow
Do you travel with a small pillow? For short-haul flights, you can skip it. But if you’re traveling overnight or on long trips you might like to pack one. If you don’t want to buy one of those horse-shoe-shaped ones that are bulky, try a blow-up pillow (perfect to use on beach days too).
Inflatable travel footrest
Move aside travel pillow, there’s a new product for economy travelers. You can buy inflatable travel footrests that fit between the seats and turn any chair into a small bed. It’s perfect for parents with young kids.
Reusable water bottle
It’s safe to drink tap water in most European countries, so bring a bottle and stay hydrated without breaking the bank or harming the environment.
Portable charger
While exploring and roaming you’ll notice your phone’s battery zap quickly as you take a million pictures. Bring a portable charger and keep going on the move.
Eye mask
Wake up refreshed and ready for new horizons when you pack an eye mask. Not only will it help you sleep on the plane, but it will help block the light as you move to new hotels each night.
Earplugs
Small but mighty travel companions, earplugs are budget-friendly wonders and one of our favorite products. A basic pair of cheap foam earplugs does the trick, but we’ve seen plenty of fancy reusable ones on the market too.
Compression socks
Affordable and effective, compression socks boost circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent discomfort during long journeys. Keep your legs feeling fresh and ready for exploration.
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Travel-size toiletries
Why do hotels never seem to provide conditioner? Save space, and money, by bringing budget-friendly miniature versions of your favorite products from home. Use or save mini bottles and refill them with your bigger shampoo to save even more money.
Laundry bag
Don’t let your dirty clothes stink out your suitcase while traveling. Bring a large laundry bag with a drawstring to separate the items until wash day.
Travel laundry line
If you’re planning to wash items at the local laundromat, you might need to hang them up. Peg-free travel clotheslines are brilliant. These travel products are cheap, small and handy. Suction the elastic line in your bathroom!
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Mini first aid kit
You never know what might go wrong while on holiday, and a personal kit will help with minor emergencies. Pack a small pencil case with a blister pack of paracetamol, ibuprofen, a few elastic plasters and whatever else you might need.
Travel adapters
There’s nothing worse than arriving somewhere and realizing the plugs don’t match your devices. Think ahead and pack a power or travel adaptor!
Foldable backpack
What bag will you carry around during the day? Squeeze a foldable or small backpack into your luggage so you can carry a drink bottle and sweater around as you tour.
Extra tote bag
You get on the plane, it’s too hot and you peel layers off. Or you have all this dirty laundry to deal with. Or you need to carry some groceries. An extra tote bag (or three) will always be handy!
Travel pillowcase
When you travel with Trafalgar, we stay in beautiful, clean hotels, regardless we know some travelers like to take a hygienic cover for pillows.
Swiss Army knife
If you like to be prepared for anything at any point, squeeze a basic or brilliant Swiss Army knife into your luggage. Very handy if you like to buy local cheese! And you can crack open a bottle of wine or beer to enjoy with your market goodies too – whenever, wherever.
Extra hand sanitizer
While on the road you’re touching different door handles and light switches, and exploring shops and monuments. Given all of that, extra hand sanitizer in your bag isn’t a bad idea.
Packing cubes
Packing cubes are an essential budget-friendly purchase, and help you organize your luggage more efficiently. You fill each with different items then stack them into your bag. It means if you need that something at the bottom, you can easily dig it out without ruining your organization.
AirTags or tracking tags
Standing at the baggage carousel, there’s always the fear that your bag won’t make it. Recently we’ve seen more travelers using Airtags, which are small devices that you put inside your suitcases so you can see where in the world they are.
Do you have any other favorite travel gadgets or products you like to travel with? Share them in the comments….