13 TRAVEL GADGETS UNDER $25 THAT WILL SAVE YOUR SUMMER VACATION
For many of us, travel is the ultimate stress reliever — but that doesn't mean a vacation is without pain points. From hot, sweaty days without an A.C. in sight to Airbnbs with pipes that make banging sounds all night long, there are moments of inconvenience on every trip. This summer, stave off the most common travel snags by adding a few helpful travel gadgets to your suitcase. These small but essential products are all under $25, and they promise to add a dash of ease to your journey no matter where you're headed.
1. Etekcity Luggage Scale, $11 on Amazon
Take it from a travel writer who genuinely loves budget airlines: An $11 investment in a good quality luggage scale can save you a ton of money (not to mention stress) at the check-in counter. Whether you’re panic-packing before a trip or you’ve overshopped at your destination, this handheld device will help you figure out if you’ve tipped the scales way before you get to the airport.
2. Babelio Mini White Noise Machine, $18.99 at Amazon
From noisy pipes in the Airbnb to chaotic urban traffic, you never know what sounds might await you at your destination. If you're a sensitive sleeper, this mini white noise machine from Babelio is a game changer. Small enough to fit in your pocket, the device comes with 15 soothing built-in audio tracks, including rain, waves and campfire sounds (as well as more standard white noise options).
3. JISULIFE Handheld Fan with 4500 mAh Power Bank, $20.99 at Amazon
This handy fan is also a portable power bank, making it the ultimate life-saver during sweaty summer travel. The two-in-one device can cool you down while juicing up your phone, and it fits easily into small bags, too. (Take it to Disney. You'll need it.)
4. Yamadura Portable Perfume Atomizer (5ml, 4 Pack), $6.99 at Amazon
Fragrances are tricky to pack. Full-size bottles often exceed carry-on liquid limits, and they're way too fragile to stick in a checked bag; tiny samples, on the other hand, get leaky and won't last through your trip. Enter these portable perfume atomizers: Each leakproof bottle holds 5 milliliters of liquid — enough to get you through a couple weeks of travel — and this set comes with four so you can rotate scents throughout your trip.
5. Apple AirTag, $24 at Amazon
If you know, you know: an Apple AirTag equals peace of mind while traveling. A single AirTag can track your checked bag on the way over, then keep tabs on your Airbnb keys once you arrive.
6. PopSockets Phone Grip with Expanding Kickstand, $9.99 at Amazon
When you’re on a train or plane for a decent chunk of time, chances are you’ll want to stream something. We love how this kickstand props up your phone at the perfect angle, so you don’t have to awkwardly hold it in front of your face as you try to get through a 10 hour flight. It’s also great for video calls from your hotel.
7. Perilogics Universal In-Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount, $13.97 at Amazon
If you want something more secure than a kickstand, this airplane phone mount clamps snugly to your tray table and is just $13.97. When you get to your destination, you can attach the mount to the edge of any table for FaceTime sessions.
8. Goflex Collapsible Water Bottle, $17.99 at Amazon
I love having a collapsible water bottle for travel days, especially when airports are involved. This one can hold a standard size bottle’s worth of water; then, when empty, it collapses down for easy storage between refills or when going through security.
9. BAGGU Eco Bag, $22.04 at Amazon
One of the best parts of travel is wandering through local markets and picking up unique souvenirs. These super lightweight bags from Baggu fold up into a tiny square, perfect for tucking in your tote or backpack in case you stumble upon some tempting stalls. They come in dozens of cute prints and hold a surprising amount of loot.
10. WATERFLY Small Lightweight Packable Backpack: 20l Ultra, $22.99 at Amazon
You’ve got your handy tote for day-to-day city strolls, but what if hiking’s also on the schedule? This collapsible backpack has the essential storage you need for a day on the trail, and once you’re back, it can fold right up into its own space-saving pouch.
11. AntLabs Montessori Busy Board for Toddlers, $17.99 at Amazon
Made for little ones ages 1 to 4, this busy board is a great screen-free distraction for tired or bored kids — and a huge help for parents who might just want to kick back with an Aperol once they’ve finally gotten where they’re going. Plus, the folding, soft-sided design makes it easy to tuck into bags and backpacks.
12. EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter, $19.99 at Amazon
This $20 gadget spares you from buying a region-specific adapter for every country you visit — and with a standard AC socket, two USB-A ports and three USB-C inputs, you have a place to plug in all your devices at once.
13. MZOO Sleep Eye Mask, $22.99 at Amazon
This sleep mask is great for those who are light-sensitive or want to catch some shuteye on a redeye. We love the contoured design that cups each eye, which makes it even easier to shut out light and stay comfortable while you snooze.
2024-04-18T16:07:33Z dg43tfdfdgfd