13 ways to upgrade your travel for $20 or less

As a travel writer, I find that my packing strategy changes from trip to trip. After all, the same clothes I pack for a trip to the Caribbean aren’t going to hack it for a skiing or hiking trip. That said, there are a few things I always bring, no matter what the situation, because there’s a good chance they’ll come in handy. The best part? They all cost $20 or less.

These items are inexpensive, but they make a big impact

Tide To Go Wipes

Quick Overview

Tide Stain Remover for Clothes, Tide To Go Wipes, Instant Stain Remover for Clothes, Travel & Pocket Size, 20 Count

$10 at Amazon

Samsonite Foldaway Tote Bag, State Blue

$20 at Amazon

Airborne Elderberry + Zinc & Vitamin C Gummies For Adults, Immune Support Vitamin D & Zinc Gummies With Powerful Antioxidant Vitamins C D & E - 50 Gummies, Elderberry Flavor

More options$11 at Amazon

Stanley All Day Slim Bottle 20 oz | Leakproof Twist on Lid | Slim Design for Travel and Gym | Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle | BPA-Free | Pomelo

More options$18 at DICK'S Sporting Goods

Digital Luggage Scale Vacation Travel Essentials Accessories Gifts for Traveler Portable Suitcase Handheld Weight Scale 110 lbs Hanging Baggage Travel Must Haves

$10 at AmazonSee 8 more

I rarely have access to a washing machine on the road, but that doesn’t stop me from dribbling on my shirt. Tide To Go Wipes are a lifesaver in these circumstances. I always tuck a couple in my pocket or bag just in case.

Tide

Tide Stain Remover for Clothes, Tide To Go Wipes, Instant Stain Remover for Clothes, Travel & Pocket Size, 20 Count

Tide Stain Remover

$10 at Amazon

Samsonite Foldaway Tote Bag

I love to pick up souvenirs on the road, but sometimes I don’t have room in my suitcase. I’ve started packing the Samsonite Foldaway Tote Bag in my suitcase. It folds up small into an attached carrying case, so it takes up very little space. If I need it, I can expand it into a sturdy yet attractive bag. The bag is made of 600 denier nylon poly with PU backing. It’s so tough, I can even check it at the airport. It’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made.

Samsonite

Samsonite Foldaway Tote Bag, State Blue

Samsonite Foldaway Tote Bag

$20 at Amazon

Airborne Ederberry plus Zinc and Vitamin C

My travel usually involves crowded airports, meals in restaurants, and spending time in public spaces like concert venues or museums. In other words, I’m exposed to a lot of germs. I always take Airborne Elderberry plus Zinc and Vitamin C gummies at night to give my immune system a boost.

Airborne

Airborne Elderberry + Zinc & Vitamin C Gummies For Adults, Immune Support Vitamin D & Zinc Gummies With Powerful Antioxidant Vitamins C D & E - 50 Gummies, Elderberry Flavor

Airborne Elderberry + Zinc, Vitamin C

$11 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$12 at Target$20 at CVS Pharmacy

A reusable water bottle

I refuse to pay $6 for a bottle of water at the airport or at my hotel. Plus, all that single-use plastic is harmful to the environment. Instead, I bring an empty reusable water bottle through the security checkpoints at the airport and fill it up with filtered water at the hydration station on the other side. I’ve been a fan of Stanley long before the brand became trendy, since their water bottles are dishwasher safe.

STANLEY

Stanley All Day Slim Bottle 20 oz | Leakproof Twist on Lid | Slim Design for Travel and Gym | Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle | BPA-Free | Pomelo

Stanley All Day Slim Bottle 20 oz

$18 at DICK'S Sporting GoodsExplore More Buying Options$20 at Amazon

Digital Scale

Overweight baggage fees cost a fortune. Although the cost varies by airline, it isn’t unusual to get dinged an extra $50 if your checked bag weighs more than a pound over the allowance. I always weigh my bag before the trip, and then I bring the scale along in case I pack it with additional items before the trip home.

Luxebell

Digital Luggage Scale Vacation Travel Essentials Accessories Gifts for Traveler Portable Suitcase Handheld Weight Scale 110 lbs Hanging Baggage Travel Must Haves

Digital Luggage Scale

$10 at Amazon

SARISUN Travel Pillow and Eye Mask

The SARISUN Travel Pillow and Eye Mask was recommended by a flight attendant to survive long-haul flights. The mask is comfortable and blocks the light. Plus it packs small and doubles as a travel pillow. It’s a total gamechanger.

SARISUN

SARISUN Travel Pillows for Airplanes, Airplane Pillow for Long Flight, Airplane Head Strap with Sleep Eye Mask, 360° Headrest for Car Trip, Stop Bobblehead, FSA HSA Eligible Approved, Mottled Blue

Travel pillow/eye mask

$20 at Amazon

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Chapstick

Changes in climate and arid plane cabins turn my lips cracked and dry. I always carry a tube of Chapstick on the road and use it throughout the day.

ChapStick

ChapStick Lip Care Set, Classic Collection 3-Pack – Spearmint, Cherry, and Strawberry Lip Balm, 0.15 Oz Ea

Chapstick trio

$4 at AmazonExplore More Buying Options$4 at Target$6 at CVS Pharmacy

Portable charger

I use my phone for just about everything when I travel - entertainment, checking email, directions, etc. I even need it for my boarding pass. I never leave home without a portable charger so I can give it some juice, even if an outlet isn’t handy.

INIU

INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest 10000mAh 5V/3A Power Bank, USB C in&out High-Speed Charging Battery Pack, External Phone Powerbank Compatible with iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Samsung S22 S21 Google iPad etc

Portable charger

$16 at Amazon

Small Pill Case

I used to carry my vitamins and allergy medication in a zip lock bag. It didn’t take long to figure it out it was a good way to get them smashed. I love this little pill case because it snaps shut to prevent spills, it has dividers for different pills, and it’s got a hard shell to avoid crushing.

ONTERATE

ONTERATE Small Pill Case, Travel Pill Box, Portable Pill Organizer, Pill Container for Pocket 4 Compartments, Daily Compact Travel Medicine Holder for Vitamins Medication (Pink)

Small pill case

$6 at Amazon

Almay Biodegradable Makeup Remover Pads

I need a little help removing my mascara at the end of the day. These Almay Biodegradable Makeup Remover Pads work wonders.

Almay

Almay Biodegradable Makeup Remover Pads, Micellar Gentle, Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-Free, Dermatologist & Ophthalmologist Tested, 120 Count

Almay Biodegradable Makeup Remover Pads

$6 at TargetExplore More Buying Options$7 at Amazon$10 at CVS Pharmacy

Clorox Wipes

Airplanes and hotel rooms are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. I carry Clorox Wipes when I travel so I can quickly sanitize surfaces like the airplane tray table and the remote control in my hotel room.

CLOROX

Clorox Disinfecting On The Go Travel Wipes, Fresh Scent, 9 Count, Pack of 24 (Package May Vary)

Clorox Disinfecting On The Go Travel Wipes

$20 at Amazon

Hand Sanitizer

I’ve been in countless bathrooms with empty soap dispensers. That’s why I always pack mini bottles of hand sanitizer. They’re also great after shaking hands or touching common surfaces.

Purell

Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Variety Pack, Naturals and Refreshing Gel, 1 Fl Oz Travel Size Flip-Cap Bottle with Jelly Wrap Carrier (Pack of 8) - 3900-09-ECSC

Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Variety Pack

$15 at Amazon

Drip Drop Sugar-Free Hydration Packets

Hydration is hard on the road, especially if you’re worried about making too many trips to the bathroom. I cover my bases with Drip Drop Sugar-Free Hydration Packets. I’ll also use them to stay hydrated during hikes and other outdoor activities.

DripDrop

DripDrop Sugar Free Hydration Packets - Zero Classic Variety Pack - Single Serve Electrolytes Powder Drink Mix - Lemon Lime, Watermelon, Peach, Passion Fruit - Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan - 16 Sticks

DripDrop Sugar Free Hydration Packets

$18 at AmazonYahoo CreatorTamara GaneTamara Gane is based in Reno/Lake Tahoe. She takes dozens of trips a year and shares the best destinations, accommodations, experiences, and travel gear with her readers. FollowFollow