35 Travel Essentials Under $25 (That We Actually Pack)

A slim tab sticks to your phone case and clips to a wrist strap or bag, so a quick grab in a crowd doesn't end with your phone disappearing. It's the first thing I set up before any big city trip.

These tiny locking S-Biners clip zipper pulls together so nobody can quietly unzip your backpack on a packed metro. They also hang water bottles, keys and lanyards off a bag strap.

A flexible cable lock fits through the zipper pulls on almost any bag, and TSA can still open it without cutting it off. We use it on checked bags and on backpacks left in hotel rooms.

Clip your keys, a small wallet or a phone pouch to this strap and it stays on your wrist instead of in your hand. It's cheap insurance against setting something down and walking away.

This little silk pouch snaps onto a bra strap and holds a backup credit card and some cash where pickpockets will never look. You honestly forget it's there.

It looks like a regular scarf, but a zippered pocket inside fits a phone, passport or cash. It's also handy on chilly planes.

Drop one in each checked bag and you'll always know if your luggage made the connection. It's often on sale under $25, so watch for deals.

Wedge this under your hotel or vacation rental door at night and a loud alarm goes off if anyone tries to open it. It's a cheap bit of peace of mind, especially in older hotels and rentals.

This lightweight backpack folds into its own pocket and weighs almost nothing. Toss it in your suitcase for day trips, beach days and carrying souvenirs home.

A small crossbody belt bag keeps your phone, cards and lip balm in front of you where you can see them. It's our go-to for theme parks and busy city streets.

This tiny zip wallet holds a few cards, some cash and a key, which is all you really need for a day out. Clip it to a belt loop or bag so it can't slip out of a pocket.

Once you pack with cubes, you won't go back. Everyone in the family gets their own color, and unpacking at the hotel takes about two minutes.

Chargers, cords, earbuds and adapters all live in one zippered pouch instead of a tangled mess at the bottom of your bag. It makes the hotel nightstand setup quick.

A roll-top dry bag keeps phones, towels and a change of clothes dry on boat tours, kayaks and snorkel trips. It's earned its spot on every beach and island trip.

Weigh your bags at the hotel before you head to the airport and skip the overweight fee surprise. It's tiny and runs on a single battery.

This slips over your suitcase handle and holds two drinks, so you aren't juggling coffee, passports and a rolling bag through the terminal. It's a small thing that makes travel days easier.

A 10,000mAh power bank charges a phone about twice and fits in a small bag. Long days at theme parks and on tours drain batteries fast.

One adapter covers outlets in more than 150 countries and has USB-C and USB-A ports built in, so you can charge several devices from a single plug.

Budget earbuds with good battery life are perfect for flights and long drives. If they get lost on a trip, it doesn't ruin your day.

This clamps onto the tray table or seatback so you can watch downloaded shows hands-free. It also works on hotel nightstands and in the car.

Plug your camera's SD card into your phone or laptop to back up and share photos on the road. It has slots for SD and microSD cards.

Read in the hotel room without keeping everyone else up. It clips onto a book or e-reader and charges by USB.

The 3D shape keeps pressure off your eyes and blocks out light on red-eye flights and in bright hotel rooms.

Reusable earplugs that take the edge off engine noise, snoring and loud hotel hallways. They're usually right around $25.

Compression socks help with swollen ankles and tired legs on long flights. They're easy to forget and you'll be glad you packed them.

A compact umbrella that flips back into shape in strong wind instead of breaking. Prices change by color, so look for one under $25.

Lightweight ponchos for surprise downpours, waterfall hikes and wet rides at theme parks. They fold up small enough to live in your daypack.

Take photos on the beach, on boats and at water parks without worrying about your phone. It even floats if it goes overboard.

A microfiber towel packs down small and dries fast, so it works for the beach, pools, hikes and hotels with skimpy towels. It comes with its own carry bag.

Merino socks stay warm when wet and don't get stinky, so you can wear them more than once. They're a must for hiking and cold-weather trips.

Lips burn too, especially at the beach and on the slopes. This three-pack means there's one in every bag.

These single-packed wipes are perfect for planes, long travel days and freshening up before dinner without a full sink routine.

Small snap-shut compartments hold vitamins and daily meds for the whole trip, plus a few pain relievers and stomach meds just in case.

Squeezable, leakproof bottles let you bring your own shampoo and lotion in your carry-on. They're TSA-friendly at 3 ounces.

This brush folds down to pocket size and has a mirror built into the handle. It's great for quick fixes on the go.