Explore the ultimate guide to budget travel with 15 must-have items under $50. Travel smarter, spend less, and make the most of your adventures!
Budget travel is on the rise. This entices the tireless wanderer – you, to explore the world to your heart’s content. Here’s a compilation of 15 must-have travel items under $50 – to NOT keep you from wandering, while keeping your finances in check. From practical accessories to clever gadgets, these affordable essentials will make sure you can conveniently enjoy your next trip. Without letting go of your need for comfort and quality.
Traveling on a Budget: 15 Essentials Under $50
Note: Price varies depending on your location. Credits to Amazon for the images.
1. Travel Hiking Backpack
Great for easy carrying due to its wide opening. It has adjustable straps and side pockets for your water bottle. Hiking backpacks are a hot item for solo travelers who run hot spending hours outdoors, looking for fun and big adventure. Just the right carry on bag before buying a plane ticket to wonderland!
Cons: Can be pricey. Might not hold enough for a longer hiking trip.
Outlander Packable Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack is an affordable, water-resistant travel gear. Made from nylon with reinforced stress points and abrasion-resistant zippers. Features multiple spaces for your phone, cash, and other accessories.
Price: $14.32
2. Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
Offers hands-free convenience and prevents theft. It has adjustable straps for comfort.
Cons: Bulky travel essentials may not fit.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Convertible Crossbody & Waist Pack features a 5-Point Anti-Theft system, locking compartments, and slash-resistant materials. It has RFID blocking capability to ensure security and convenience. Cleverly designed, it can be worn as a waist pack or as a crossbody bag.
Price: $48.89
3. Travel Shoe Bags
Travel shoe bags help keep your luggage organized. They’re absolutely light, and protect your footwear and clothes from dirt. Some are washable. Available in four colors or more, in different sizes/styles.
Cons: Larger shoes may not fit. Not all bags are water-resistant.
YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags Set of 4 includes four waterproof nylon bags in two sizes, which is one of the cheap travel must-haves when traveling. Versatile, each bag has a strong zipper. Comes with a lifetime warranty for quality assurance.
Price: $12.99
4. Compression Socks for Long Flights
Compression socks are one of in-flight essentials that frequent travelers should bring for a few reasons. They fight leg fatigue and swelling, especially while in flight.
Cons: Compression socks might not be necessary for everyone, depending on individual health.
Physix Gear Compression Socks offer superior comfort and support for active lifestyles. They’re ideal for daily wear, travel, sports, and those needing relief from discomfort and improved blood flow.
Price: $14.24 – $16.16
5. Microfiber Quick-Dry Towel
The high absorbency of a microfiber quick-dry towel helps eliminate odors. Preferred mostly by travelers and those who love sports and outdoor adventures.
Cons: More expensive than traditional towels.
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is made of 200gsm microfiber. It offers a soft touch and exceptional absorbency. One of Amazon’s top picks, Rainleaf’s quick-dry technology saves time, and would easily fit in your backpack. Each towel includes a breathable mesh case and zippered compartment for personal stuff.
Price: $8.99 – $20.99
6. TSA-Approved Travel Bottles
Convenient for carry-ons, these travel bottles are the perfect size for your liquids – making airport security a breeze. Affordable, leak-proof, and reusable.
Cons: Limited capacity (3.4 oz max) that it requires frequent refilling.
Humangear GoToob+ 3-pack Travel Bottles offers a secure locking cap, a contoured design for easy filling and labeling space. TSA-compliant, they’re FDA food-safe, refillable, cleanable, and designed for durability – promoting both user convenience and environmental responsibility.
Price: $29.99
7. Portable Luggage Lock
It improves security by discouraging theft while traveling. Compact and lightweight, it works with different types of bags. Often TSA-approved, portable luggage locks are user-friendly and cost-effective. An essential accessory for those who travel light.
Master Lock 4688D Set Your Own Combination TSA Approved Luggage Lock. “TSA-approved” means screeners can open the lock with a master key, if luggage inspection is needed – without having to cut the lock. It also features a customizable 3-digit combination, a metal body designed to withstand the rigors of travel. Its keyless design eliminates the need to carry a physical key. Ideal for securing luggage, backpacks, and lockers during travel.
Price: $8.48
8. Travel Toiletry Bag
Travel toiletry bags have multiple sections to keep your toiletries secure, accessible, and neatly arranged. Portable, water-resistant, and super easy to clean.
Cons: Limited space. Larger items may not fit.
D&D Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag for Men and Women features 10 sections for easy organization of cosmetics and toiletries. Made from water-resistant nylon with durable YKK zippers. The sturdy swivel hook allows for convenient hanging, making it ideal for hotels or camping. The best travel gifts for your friends, it combines practicality with style.
Price: $47.95
9. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
It offers wireless convenience and good sound quality. Versatile for travel or outdoor use. Easy pairing with devices, has long battery life.
Cons: May lack advanced features compared to larger speakers.
Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker features a distortion-free, high-resolution sound. Waterproof protection to ensure durability outdoors. It has a powerful 5,200mAh battery that provides up to 24 hours playtime. The custom design includes an interior pocket for cables, making it perfect for any setting.
Price: $39.99
10. Reusable Travel Utensils
They’re an eco-friendly alternative to disposables. Hygienic with proper care. Cost-effective in the long haul. Light, easy to pack, easy to carry.
Cons: Not always accepted in security checks.
Outlery Portable Camping Cutlery Set includes a collapsible fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks made from stainless steel. It’s easy to clean, and reusable, making it perfect for an outdoor trip or for your next vacation. It offers a stylish solution for outdoor dining.
Price: $25.99
11. Travel Jewelry Organizer
Compact for travel, a travel jewelry organizer often includes sections for different types of jewelry. Keeps them organized and untangled for easy access.
Cons: Limited space for larger collections Higher-quality organizers can be pricey.
BAGSMART Travel Jewelry Organizer is a spacious jewelry travel organizer. It features 4 necklace clips and 4 ring holders. Its leather earring plate can accommodate 12 pair of earrings. It also has 5 compartments with a soft polyester design that provides access to your accessories. And ensures tangle-free safekeeping.
Price: $19.99
12. Cable Organizer
A travel cable organizer neatly stores cords, chargers, and small devices. It keeps your tech organized while traveling to prevent tangles and make them easy to find.
Cons: Limited space for bulkier cords. Not all organizers fit larger cables.
BAGSMART Electronics Organizer organizes gadgets with mesh pockets for hard disks, thumb drives, and cables. Compact and lightweight, it fits in bags easily. Durable and water-resistant, it’s ideal for travel, office use, and makes a great gift for various occasions.
Price: $13.99
13. Travel-Sized Skincare Kit
Headed on a trip? Grab a travel-sized skincare kit! It typically includes cleanser, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen, serum, eye cream, lip balm, and face masks. These essentials help maintain skin health during travel, provide hydration, and protect against UV damage while on the go.
Cons: Formulations may not be suitable to all skin types.
Burt’s Bees Fabulous Mini’s Travel Set features Coconut-based foot cream, body lotion, cleansing cream, lip balm, and other body skincare products. Formulated with natural ingredients, it hydrates and nourishes skin, making it a travel essential or a gift for various occasions.
Price: $17.52
14. Packing Cubes
Packing envelopes offer organization, space-saving benefits, and protection for your belongings. They’re lightweight, versatile, cost-effective, and provide easy accessibility – enhancing your overall travel experience while keeping costs low and stress levels manageable.
Cons: Can sometimes limit flexibility when packing irregularly shaped items.
Travelon Set of 3 Packing Cubes are durable and lightweight. They enhance travel efficiency, especially for budget-conscious travelers. With breathable mesh, these packing cubes offer ample storage (2-6.5 liters) for easy organization. At home or on-the-go – making packing quicker and more stylish while keeping your personal items discreet.
Price: $28.19
15. Inflatable Neck Pillow
Inflatable neck pillows are portable, adjustable, and provide essential neck support, reducing discomfort during travel. They are easy to clean, cost-effective, durable, and available in various designs, enhancing comfort and alleviating fatigue during long trips.
Cons: Bulky when inflated. May overheat during extended use.
Keemall Inflatable Travel Neck Pillow. The ergonomic airplane neck pillow features. It allows quick inflation in 30-60 seconds, and a quick-release valve for easy deflation. It’s machine washable for easy cleaning, prevents neck kinks with adjustable support, packs compactly with a carabiner, and remains cool and lightweight at just 6 oz, ensuring ultimate comfort and convenience during your travels.
Price: $26.99
Conclusion:
The list of 15 must-have items highlighted in this article not only enhances your travel comfort and convenience. It also empowers you to maximize your experiences without having to spend more than you’re willing to. As you prepare for your next journey, remember that thoughtful planning and the right gear can make all the difference. Prove that great journeys can be affordable!
Ready to save big? Check out what you need in this list and punch it in! Now.
