Travel items under $50 to make your life better
A wee bit of consumerism during these trying times
Travel is expensive, obviously. So is quality luggage (here’s my checked luggage bag - on sale right now!). But the items you take with you don’t have to be pricey, so let’s talk about my favorite travel accessories and items under $50. This post is all about making your life easier.
Thrifted carry-on suitcase or duffel bag. I don’t recommend spending money on a weekender bag, because they get more expensive when they have the name “weekender.” Get over to a Goodwill and check out the luggage section. There’s usually suitcases and duffels in pretty good condition, and under $50. Make sure to look for any holes or cracks that might affect the bag’s integrity, and also give it a sniff (lol). Stale, musty smells can come out, but cigarette smoke and perfume probably won’t. If you’re opposed to buying secondhand luggage, go to a discount store like TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Ross, etcetera and grab a brand-new one from there. I got a really cute and sturdy canvas duffel bag from Goodwill for like $25!
Apple Airtag. I don’t actually have these yet, but I’m planning to pick up at least two. They’re such a great idea! Make sure you have the Find My app installed on your Apple device, and then toss the Airtag in your checked luggage or attach it to the item you want to keep track of. You’ll be able to see where your Airtag is at any given time - a proactive trick if you’re prone to worrying and overthinking like I am. If your luggage is delayed, you’ll probably know before the airline does! It’s a stress-reliever, and I think it’s well worth it. Here is a list of alternatives if you don’t have an Apple device.
Portable power bank. I like this one from Lexon, but feel free to get any well-reviewed one. I use my phone A LOT while traveling and Google Maps drains my battery quickly. iPhones especially have trash battery life, and being constantly worried about your battery is a huge drag on vacation. Portable chargers give you some peace of mind, and isn’t that what vacation is all about?
Travel pillow, for overnight flights. Being forced to sleep upright is inhumane, but a travel pillow combined with an L-Theanine supplement and listening to an ambience video through my noise-cancelling headphones makes it almost possible for me. This combination will get me to a meditative state, if not actual REM sleep. I got a cool travel pillow from Etsy that is empty inside, so you can fill it with socks and underwear, make it as soft or as plump as you want, and get some extra room in your luggage. But I’ve been eyeing a J-shaped travel pillow for more head and neck support.
Lifestraw water bottle. What a cool company and idea. Supposedly you can drink straight from a river or lake with these! I haven’t used one yet, since I’m not super outdoorsy, but they would also be great for places where the tap water is questionable or doesn’t taste great. Living in the PNW, I’m spoiled for tap water, so this would help bring water from other regions up to par ;)
Comment with your favorite travel accessories? I’m always adding things to my wish list and love learning about innovative stuff, especially when it’s a good deal.