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Travel doesn’t always require expensive gear. Most of the items that make a real difference on the road are small, practical, and surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re packing for a family holiday, a solo weekend, or a long-haul flight, there are a few budget-friendly accessories that instantly make your trip easier.
As someone who travels regularly, with kids, between countries, and often with only a carry-on. I’ve learned that the right essentials don’t have to cost much. Under £50, you can find simple tools that keep your suitcase organised, help you stay comfortable on flights, and save you from little travel frustrations.
This list is designed to be quick, useful, and easy to shop from. These are the affordable travel accessories that are worth packing for your next trip.
Travel Packing Cubes
Affordable and lightweight, packing cubes keep clothes organised and make it easier to find what you need. They’re especially useful for short trips, family packing, and carry-on travel.
I first bought packing cubes because I was sold on the promise that they would reduce the density of our clothes. But I have since then realised, it has been much more than that. I have bought 3 more sets in different colours, so everyone in my family has their own.
Our clothes are much more organised; when we get to a place, we just take the cubes out of the suitcases and place them in the cupboards/wardrobe. Everyone knows where their clothes are, as each person has their own coded cubes, and it’s a fast and minimal way to unpack.
Universal Travel Adapter
A compact travel adapter is essential if you’re moving between countries. One small device covers multiple plug types and lets you charge all your gadgets safely.
I find those universal travel adapters a lifesaver. I used a drawer full of different adapters for different countries. Now, I just need this one adapter, which I pack for every trip. And since we all use devices, I have bought one for each person now.
Power Bank
A small power bank removes the stress of a low battery during flights, long days out, or airport delays. Ideal for families using Google Maps, tickets, or entertainment apps. Some airlines nowadays only accept electronic boarding pass nowadays, so it’s important to always have battery life in your phone.
Cable & Tech Organiser
If you work while you travel or use a lot of tech, then this comes in handy. It keeps your cables, chargers, SD cards, earbuds, and power bank in one place.
No more digging through your bag or dealing with tangled wires. I also keep a portable printer for my kids’ journaling. And it goes in my hand luggage. I like to have everything in one place, so this is a lifesaver for me.
Toiletry Bag
A simple toiletry bag helps keep everything accessible in hotel bathrooms and during airport checks. Choose one with compartments to separate skincare, haircare, and basics. I bought so many toiletry bags over the years, including the one with a hook, only to never have a place to hang them.
Clear Toiletry Bag
I know, it’s another toiletry bag! But I’m not using this one for toiletries. I’m using it to store the tools for entertainment. I keep the craft items like watercolours and paintbrushes, sketchbooks for the kids. I also keep card games and materials I need for homeschooling, especially maths.
Travel Backpack
A compact underseat backpack is perfect for budget airlines and quick trips. It stores your essentials without taking up cabin luggage space and keeps everything within reach. I don’t travel without one; in fact, we all have one now as it is so practical.
When I first travelled with a budget airline. The majority of travellers had this type of bag. I realised I was late to the game. It is a very well-thought-out bag. It has pockets for your electronics (laptop), pens, documents and even a wet pouch. I don’t travel without it now.
Luggage Weighing Scale
A tiny device that saves you from surprise fees. Weigh your suitcase before arriving at the airport so you know exactly what you’re carrying. We have never had overweight luggage since we started using it, we are always below or exact.
Travel Prayer Mat
Light, foldable, and easy to pack. A travel prayer mat helps find a clean place to pray, whether you’re at the airport, on the road, or outdoors. As a Muslim, it is essential.
There is no skipping or delaying prayers, and it can be challenging to find a place when we travel in non Muslim countries. It’s thin fabric, so we’re not looking for comfort here but practicality. With this, we don’t need to use our coats on the floor or the towel in the hotel room anymore.
Mini First Aid Kit
A compact kit with plasters, wipes, bandages, and basic medications is always useful, especially when travelling with children. It takes little space but solves many small emergencies.
It may not be a must for everyone, but since I’ve been a scout leader, it has become a must for us. It’s better to be prepared. Make sure not to keep the scissors or other prohibited products in your hand luggage when flying.
Luggage Tags and Locks
Simple but essential. Tags help identify your bags quickly, and small TSA-friendly locks add a layer of security when your luggage goes in the hold.
Travel Tags (airtags)
I first bought them for my kids in case we get separated. But since there have been many cases of lost suitcases in the last few years, we now use them in our suitcases too.
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