10 must-have travel accessories for less than $15
Have you ever seen something small and seemingly insignificant that simply blew your mind — something you didn't even know you needed until it came into your life? That's how we feel about a handful of essential travel gadgets we refuse to leave home without.
TPG staffers Ashley Kosciolek and Kristy Tolley have teamed up to bring you their short list of gizmos — from a shoe wallet to a rubber ball — that every savvy traveler should consider acquiring before their next trip. Some may even surprise you.
Bonus: Each is less than $15.
Shoe wallet
Ashley: When I travel, I often go for runs in places I visit in order to ward off the pounds from all the local foods I know I'll be trying. It's difficult to hold essentials without carrying some sort of pack, which is why a small wallet that attaches to your sneaker is ideal. This version, by Amphipod, attaches around your laces with Velcro and expands to securely hold cash, an ID and a credit card or two with its zipper pocket.
When you're not out exercising, shoe wallets can be used to hold small items inside a larger bag or backpack so you can more easily find them later.
Cost: $12.95.
Bug Bite Thing
Ashley: If you're anything like me, mosquitoes find you wherever you go. It doesn't matter if you wear long sleeves and pants or if you douse yourself in DEET. You still find yourself covered in bites any time you venture outside.
Instead of stressing about exceeding carry-on liquid rules with preventative sprays and after-bite itch creams, toss the Bug Bite Thing in your bag. The small, reusable plastic device, which comes in a variety of colors, creates suction that draws out insect venom and saliva to help alleviate itching after you're bitten.
Cost: $9.95.
Riemot luggage caddy
Ashley: When I fly, I end up having to go in and out of my backpack 20 times to grab my ID, and then there's the added headache of finding a place to put my phone when it won't fit in my pocket. Throw in a bottle of water and a coffee to sip on before I board, and it's like I've got my own juggling act.
This Riemot cloth cup holder for luggage has been a lifesaver on multiple occasions when I just didn't have enough hands. It slides easily over the telescoping handle of any piece of luggage, and it has three pockets to carry drinks, your phone and travel documents in an easily accessible spot. When not in use, the pocket folds up super thin to be stowed in my backpack.
Cost: $14.99.
Duct tape
Ashley: Duct tape isn't exactly a new or groundbreaking product, but it's more versatile than you might realize, especially when you travel. I keep a roll in my carry-on for use in emergencies -- like when my luggage breaks, I tear a piece of clothing or I need to attach paper luggage tags before boarding a cruise.
These days, Duck Tape brand duct tape comes in tons of fun colors that can be used for just about anything. Made of polyethylene, it comes in 10-yard rolls that are 1.88" thick. It's one of my go-to essentials; the minute I don't have it with me is exactly when I seem to need it.
Cost: $7.49.
Hat clip
Ashley: Over the years, I've accumulated several cute hats during my travels, but for the longest time, I rarely took them back out into the wild with me when I left home. I found that wearing them on the plane to my destination made me feel silly, and packing them in my luggage was a no-go because I didn't want to crush them.
Then, one day, while walking through the airport, I saw a woman with a hat clip. I immediately went to Amazon and bought one that allows me to clip any hat to my carry-on backpack, eliminating the need for me to wear or carry the hat or squish it into my bag. This one, which is available in several colors, offers two metal clips joined by a durable elastic band.
Cost: $11.99.
Portable door lock
Kristy: I travel solo quite a bit and safety is always top of mind for me, especially since I tend to listen to more true crime podcasts than I probably should. There’s no such thing as being too cautious, in my opinion.
Most hotel doors have both a latch and deadbolt. However, bed and breakfasts, vacation rental properties and older or smaller hotels may not.
Wherever I’m staying, these portable door locks provide an additional layer of security and help me sleep better during my travels. They’re also TSA-compliant.
For additional security consider this portable door lock and door stop alarm combo.
Cost: $12.88 (single door lock), $12.99 (door lock and door stop combo).
Pinky Ball
Kristy: It may seem unconventional, but this traditional child’s toy can work wonders for tired muscles after a hectic travel day.
Lie on the floor and place a couple under your upper back between your shoulder blades. Push up with your feet and roll yourself up and down and let the balls do their magic.
For a long tour day, use them to show your feet some love. Stand on them to stretch out your arches.
Cost: $4.89 (for two).
Shower caps
Kristy: I rarely leave a hotel without packing the toiletries, so I’ve amassed quite a stockpile of shower caps. When I travel, I slip my shoes into them before packing them. It keeps the rest of my luggage items dirt free.
If you don’t have a stash of hotel shower caps, you can snag a three-pack of shower caps on Amazon.
Cost: Free or $4.99.
Silica gel packets
Kristy: This is another item you can have for free. Simply collect the silica gel packets from the packaging of recent purchases and store them in a mason jar. If you can’t secure free ones before your next trip, purchase a bag (of 55) gel packs from Amazon.
Their moisture-wicking power can protect your camera equipment and electronics from moisture damage, especially when you’re traveling to a high-humidity destination.
Stash a few in your luggage or place them in your shoes to help prevent odor-causing bacteria. Your swimsuit didn’t dry completely before you had to pack it to go home? Pop it in a Ziploc bag with a silica gel packet and your suit will be dry within hours.
Cost: Free or $8.99.
Baby swaddling blanket
Kristy: Our family is well past the newborn kid stage, but we’ll never outgrow these blankets. They serve as the ideal all-purpose towel. They’re super lightweight and absorbent.
If you get caught in the rain, use one to dry yourself. If you don’t already have a scarf or jacket, it makes a great plane blanket.
Cost: $14.99 (for a four-pack)
Bottom line
You don't have to spend a lot of money on invaluable (dare we say life-changing?) travel products. If you have an inexpensive or non-traditional travel item you never leave home without, let us know. Drop us a line at tips@thepointsguy.com or join our TPG Lounge community on Facebook.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.