How you pack can make or break a trip. Being under prepared can set you up for discomfort or way too many desperate searches for the nearest, and likely overpriced, store. It can even have some pretty gross hygienic consequences (you will see what we mean below). But being over packed can mean lots of back pain for backpackers, overweight charges, and even a higher likelihood of getting your stuff stolen. Packing her doesn’t have to be expensive though. Here are our favorite must-haves for any traveler all for under $10.
1. Goop bottles
For everything TSA tries to take away – shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash – these bottles are silicone, squeezable, and are durable enough to be used for all your trips. They even come with their own TSA approved clear, reusable plastic bag. While you can find lots of expensive versions of this same product, we have found these little babies are built just as tough and cost more than half the price.
$9.99 usd
2. Toothpaste Tablets
While technically not under $10, these are such good value, we decided it was worth it. TSA won’t let you get by with a full size tube of toothpaste, plus putting it in your checked bag means the pressure changes and tossing of your suitcase could end in a big mess of a surprise when you finally start your trip. Those are just a couple reasons why we love these toothpaste tablets. You pop one in our mouth, chomp around a bit, add a wet toothbrush, and wah lah – you have toothpaste. And unlike traditional tubes, you won’t run out for at least a few trips to come with just one bottle of this stuff.
$10.95 usd
3. Toothbrush covers
Speaking of toothpaste, there isn’t much use having clean teeth if your toothbrush has been dropped on a hostel floor or thrown in your backpack along with your shoes. Yuck. These silicone toothbrush holders are something we don’t leave home without. We like silicone because it’s more durable and sustainable than plastic and we like this 6 pack because toothbrush covers are not meant to last forever. Do yourself and your oral health a favor and cover your toothbrush! You’ll thank us next time TSA has their grubby hands in your toiletry bag looking for your deadly nail clippers.
$6.58 usd
4. Flip Flops
We have two words: hostel floor. Really though if you are staying in a dirty hostel or in a 5 star hotel, showers and floors are not to be totally trusted. Just ask our team member who got a mysterious foot fungus in Central America that made her skin fall off. You don’t need a fancy pair of Havianas, they don’t take up much room, and they are so important no matter where you go! These flip flops are cute, simple, sturdy whether you plan on wearing them all day long or just as slippers and shower shoes in your accommodation.
$9.99 usd
5. Clean your whole body bar
Affordable, fair trade, and a charity: what’s not to love? We’ll give you one more reason to add this to your packing list: it replaces almost your entire toiletry bag! This bar is a shampoo and cleans your whole darn body all in a 7 ounce solid bar. We’ll be honest, if you are a body wash snob (we see you, scroll back up to number one) or have fussy hair, this may not be the best solution. It smells amazing and works wonders but it won’t replace your fancy pants conditioner.
$7.90 usd
6. Infinity scarf with hidden pocket
Keep your purse at the hotel and stash your passport or some extra cash in the hidden pocket of this scarf! While the photos suggest a phone isn’t too heavy to be really obvious, we suggest buying this beaut as a more accessible option than in your bra. It’s lightweight and comes in loads of colors, making it great for even spring days when it’s not too cold.
$8.99 usd
7. Portable luggage scale
The benefits of a luggage scale are obvious when you are packing for a trip, but if you take domestic flights in your international destination, there are likely different weight rules. If you are a shopper, this little gadget could save you big overweight fees on the way home. We love this one specifically because it’s cheap, it works, and it’s easy to pack.
$7.99 usd
8. Collapsable Water Bottle
This water bottle folds up in a little disk that you can throw in your purse or backpack for hikes or city walks. Almost all accommodation has fresh water, and this is an easy to pack solution tat cuts on bottled water costs and environmental impact. Plus, it’s cheap, which is always a plus!
$9.99 usd
9. Laundry soap sheets
These take up almost no space and can save you quite a few bucks on detergent. These are eco friendly, plastic-free, and smell amazing. This is one of those little items we never even take out of our bags when we get home. They some with us everywhere. Imagine popping up to an Airbnb with a bag full of dirty clothes and having no detergent to wash them. These guys are the greatest for all laundry days, especially when a surprise washing machine becomes available.
$9.29 usd
10. Ear Plugs
We don’t understand the need to assign a gender to earplugs (although there is no pink tax, we checked), but the fact is, we have tried every type and brand out there, and these are by far the most comfortable. Whether you stay at a party hostel or a nice Airbnb, sometimes construction, noisy neighbors, or a loud AC can keep you up. Plus nothing beats the airplane quiet combo than a pair of noise cancelling headphones along with earplugs.
$8.99 usd
Bonus
11. Little locks
For hostel lockers, keeping your suitcase safe when the hotel desk is holding it, or at airport lockers, having at least one little lock could mean all your stuff stays safe. We like this one because of the flexible ring and how tiny it is – it makes it extra versatile for all situations.
$4.99 usd
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