After more than two decades of traveling—from weekend road trips to long-haul international adventures—there are a handful of items I never leave home without. If you’re shopping for the explorer in your life (or you’re a traveler yourself looking for budget-friendly must-haves), this list is filled with practical favorites I personally own, love, and highly approve of.
Before we jump in: This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through my links. Thank you for supporting Bon Voyage Brenda—your clicks help keep my travel tips coming! 💛
International Travel Power Adapter
Nothing ruins excitement faster than realizing your charger plug doesn’t fit. This compact adapter works in most countries around the world and allows multiple devices to charge at once—because let’s be honest, when you’re traveling, everything always seems to need power at the same time. I have two of these and have been using them for years with no issue.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Tiny hotel counters? Been there. This bag hangs on hooks, doors, or towel bars to keep all toiletries easily accessible and neatly organized. It folds up small, but holds a surprising amount—which every overpacker (like me) will appreciate.
I love that I can see all of my toiletries at once, and keep them organized rather than having to dig through everything every time I need somethings. This also prevents me from having to lay everything out on the counter and possibly leave something behind!
Travel-Size Toiletry Bottle Kit
Refillable bottles mean carrying your favorite products without bringing bulky, full-size toiletries. Plus, they’re TSA-friendly so you can breeze through security with confidence. I love that this set comes with little spill proof jars for all my serums and lotions too!
Digital Luggage Scale
Avoid overweight baggage fees with this pocket-sized lifesaver. Weigh your suitcase before you even leave the house and never stress at the airport check-in counter again. With the new weight restrictions on all carry-on bags in the EU now in effect, this is a must have even for the carry-on only traveler.
Apple AirTag
A total game changer for luggage tracking. Stick an airtag inside your suitcase and know exactly where it is—even when the airline doesn’t. (Trust me, this brings major peace of mind.) I even use these in my carry-on luggage because you never know when you may be asked to gate check!
Portable Power Bank
Nobody wants their phone to die while navigating a new city or taking vacation photos. A lightweight power bank keeps your device charged all day, no outlet required. I bought this exact one earlier this year and I love the compact size and how fast it charges my phone!
Suction Phone Mount
Perfect for rental cars or road trips. This mount sticks to the windshield or dashboard so you can easily follow maps hands-free (and safely!). Bonus: great for watching movies on planes or trains, and for recording content!
TSA-Approved Luggage Locks
Add a simple layer of security to your luggage or backpack. TSA can still inspect your bag if needed—without breaking the lock. I use these during transit and also to keep my luggage locked while it’s in the hotel room, or being stored. It brings me so much peace of mind.
Anti-Theft Zipper Clips
These little clips prevent zippers from being easily opened—especially on backpacks or bags you keep on your back. A small but powerful theft deterrent in busy tourist areas. I bought them last year and they have come in so handy. I even used them while camping in Slovenia to prevent anyone from opening the zippers of my tent!
Cord & Electronics Organizer
Keep charging cables, SD cards, and small electronics tidy and tangle-free with a cord organizer. No more digging through your bag, trying to find your phone charger buried under snacks and souvenirs. I keep this in my personal item on the plane, so I always know I have the right cord with me for all my devices and I can access them all easily without having to dig through my bag.
Gifting for a traveler doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. These are all items I personally use on every trip, and I genuinely believe they make travel smoother, smarter, and so much more enjoyable.
So whether you’re creating a thoughtful holiday gift bundle or grabbing one small surprise, you can’t go wrong with any of these under-$20 travel essentials.
👉 Have a favorite item I didn’t include? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to discover more travel must-haves!
✈️ And if you’re shopping now, don’t forget to use the links above to snag these great finds while they’re still in stock.
Happy gifting and bon voyage! 💛
— Brenda
