14 Supplies You Never Knew Could Be So Useful in Travel
Traveling doesn’t always go off smoothly, so having the right supplies is essential. Most travelers worry about practical luggage, toiletries, and what to do with their passports, but others know some lesser-known items that can make a difference. These 14 travel supplies revolutionize your packing, from saving money to increasing comfort. They are essential for the savvy jet setter! So, explore what’s worth adding to your travel checklist.
According to a recent Booking.com travel report, 76% of respondents wanted to prioritize sustainable travel plans. Many travelers complain about problems such as unexpected inconveniences that can add stress and cost to trips. But you need not break the bank: check out these budget-friendly travel gadgets and innovative accessories.
Portable Clothes Washer
A hand-powered, portable clothes washer is a lifesaver, especially for those who regularly travel for extended trips. It’s compact enough to bring along to wash essentials while staying in Airbnb, but it still gets laundry done and saves you on laundry fees. Lightweight designs have become popular brands such as Scrubba.
What Travelers Say: “I found the ability to wash my clothes when I wanted to be very appealing. During my two-week trip, I was able to make my limited wardrobe last a long way.” – Reddit user.
Door Stopper
Safety is paramount for solo travelers. A rubber door stopper offers additional protection between your hotel or hostel door, even if the lock fails.
Pro Tip: On Reddit’s r/travel subreddit, travelers recommend keeping one in your bag for peace of mind. Also, it is beneficial for shared accommodation.
Portable Bidet
A travel bidet is a surprising yet efficient tool for guaranteeing hygiene, especially in areas where bidets or clean facilities are uncommon. It’s lightweight and water-efficient.
Global Trend: Due to the lack of bidet adoption in countries, travelers have seen an increase in purchasing portable alternatives that make hygiene universal — no matter your location.
Collapsible Water Bottle
A collapsible water bottle lies flat when not in use. It is great for staying hydrated and is eco-friendly. Favorites for their durability and leakproof quality, brands such as Hydrapak will not disappoint.
Quick Fact: Hydration is key during flights as recirculated cabin air can dehydrate. A refillable bottle is also eco-friendly because it avoids contributing to plastic waste and can save you money.
Portable Fan
Heatwaves can make exploring hot climates difficult. A compact, battery-operated fan can solve this problem. Others can double as power banks, killing two travel birds with one stone!
Traveler Spotlight: “It kept me comfortable while waiting in stuffy airport lounges during summer,” said Tasha via TripAdvisor.
Travel Clothesline
A travel clothesline with built-in clothespins is a highly functional tool, perfect for hand-washed items. Most models do not require hooks, so you can hang clothes anywhere and quickly dry them overnight.
Did You Know? By learning laundry strategies like this, you can save an average of $50 in laundry-related costs in multi-week vacations.
Luggage Scale
Say no more to anxiety over overweight baggage fees. Compact but effective at keeping you under the checked bag weight limit, luggage scales are worth your consideration.
Survey Note: Frequent fliers report having to repack at the last minute at airport counters. Don’t be a statistic–check your baggage at home.
Portable Luggage Tracker
Incorporate a tracker such as Apple AirTag or Tile Mate into your bag to save time spent at baggage carousels searching for lost luggage. These compact devices connect to your phone to find misplaced items thousands of miles away.
Real-World Example: Business Insider mentions that several lost luggage cases logged with airlines in 2023 were resolved faster thanks to personal trackers and GPS technology.
Travel-Sized Steam Iron
Packing light? A travel-size steam iron will keep you looking sharp without requiring hotel amenities. Pick models that feature garment steamers for wrinkle-free clothes.
Best Fit: This tool will come in handy if you’re a business traveler meeting or attending an event during your travels.
Compression Packing Cubes
These space-savers don’t just keep your luggage organized—they compress your items, maximizing your bag’s capacity! Backpackers managing carry-on-only trips rate them highly.
According to a Business Travel Group analysis, packing cubes will allow you to pack 28 percent more items.
Portable White Noise Machine
A portable white noise machine allows you to block unwanted noise and immerse yourself in restful sleep, from hostels to noisy neighborhoods. Dual functionality options are compact and double as Bluetooth speakers.
Research from the National Institutes of Health found white noise can help reduce annoying sounds and help people relax faster.
Travel-Sized Humidifier
Planes and heated hotel rooms can wreak havoc on your skin’s overall hydration. That’s where a portable humidifier comes in: one that fits snuggly in your carry-on.
Traveler Insight: It benefits extended stays in drier climates, as noted in Cosmopolitan’s “Essential Travel Accessories.”
Universal Sink Stopper
This small yet mighty gadget does laundry or rinsing things off in hotel sinks quickly. It is a sink stopper that will fit multiple sinks without plugs.
Budget-Saver: “I used mine to wash clothes in local guesthouses and save tons of cash!” – Travel blogger Wander Boy.
Foldable Daypack
For trips during the day or sudden purchases when shopping, a foldable daypack is lightweight, small, appropriate, and good enough for daily necessities. Recommended brands are REI or Osprey.
Trend Alert: Foldable backpacks were adopted by people in eco circles, particularly by minimalist travelers who wanted various uses for a single item.
Every bag we pack has a purpose. Like many people, there are some ways we save money, some ways we get rid of hassle, some ways to ensure that we’re safe, and yes, some things let you get a little more comfortable. If you integrate some (or all) of these items, you’ll travel smarter, lighter, and more confidently. If you want to fill your suitcase with the right things for your next adventure, these 14 supply additions will help. Which do you want to try first?
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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