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Travel can be rewarding, but it can also be expensive. The cost can ramp up when you factor in gear and supplies you may need for specialized excursions, like trekking or kayaking. If you do have to shop for an upcoming trip, it pays to be strategic.
“Buying affordable, high-quality, multipurpose travel gear means spending less money on products pre-trip,” says Sunny Fitzgerald, a travel writer who splits her time between Jordan, Costa Rica, and Hawaii. “I can then use those savings for what I really love—experiencing the destination through adventure activities and locally led tours.”
Spending your hard-earned cash wisely doesn’t mean skimping on everything. “Budget travel isn’t about sacrificing experiences—it’s about making every dollar count so you can explore longer and farther,” says Patricia King, a travel journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia.
To help your dollar go as far as your journeys, we asked experts for their best tips and searched for products that offer great value for the price to last many adventures. Here’s what we found.
Our picks for the best budget travel products
When you’re traveling on a budget, every dollar counts. For your next trip, we’ve rounded up some cost-saving tips and great products, from reusable bottles to ingenious containers to travel bags you can use in multiple ways. Read on for more ideas.
Tip 1: Pack a multitasking travel bag
Savings: Checked bag fees; spending money on multiple bags
A bag that works as a carry-on, a shopping bag, and a personal bag is one way to cut down on costs. Besides avoiding expensive checked bag fees, you can also skip baggage claim and get going on your trip.
“Multipurpose products make it possible to buy and waste less and pack lightly—which is exactly what eco-minded and budget travelers want,” says Fitzgerald.
If you do need a suitcase that’s larger than a carry-on, look for less-expensive “dupes” that are made of durable materials like a polycarbonate shell, has four spinner wheels, and a comfortable handle.
Our picks:
Aloha Reversible Splash-Proof Tote
Fitzgerald swears by her Aloha tote, which she says gets plenty of mileage. She especially loves the strong straps and spacious interior, along with the splashproof material, which Fitzgerald notes is far superior to a standard cloth tote on rainy days in the tropics.
Conmigo Ulti Convertible Carry-On Travel Bag
This Conmigo bag functions as a crossbody, messenger bag, or a duffel. The TSA-approved electronics sleeve is great for laptops and tablets. A bonus: the memory foam-padded laptop sleeve turns into a seat cushion, which is helpful for delays and layovers. We love all the pockets for storing all of our gear and even toiletries.
JanSport’s Venture Pack System combines a backpack and a daypack that’s perfect for air travel and hiking. The backpack has a spacious main compartment, pockets on both sides, and a laptop sleeve, and it fits in the overhead bin. The smaller daypack has all of that and fits under an airplane seat. Both attach, allowing you to wear one on your back and the other in front, leaving your hands free.
(These are our favorite backpacks for travelers)
Ricardo Beverly Hills Cambria Hardside Large Check-In Spinner
Need something bigger than a carry-on? Ricardo Beverly Hills’s Cambria line of stylish yet sturdy hardside bags are less expensive than trendy suitcases. There’s a spacious main compartment plus plenty of pockets, along with a secondary storage compartment with a TSA-recognized combination lock. If you prefer bags with a soft exterior, the company also has a line of soft-sided bags made from recycled plastic, according to the brand.
Tip 2: Invest in a set of packing cubes
Savings: Checked bag fees; extra costs to replace lost items
Many travelers swear by packing cubes—and so do we. Investing in a high-quality set can help you maximize luggage space so you can pack everything you need and keep better track of your things while traveling. After all, the last thing a budget traveler wants is to have to replace a pair of swim trunks or slippers.
“I travel frequently and most trips are last minute, with a carry-on only,” says Shannon DalPozzal, an author and travel writer based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “Packing cubes are a must-have, as they not only keep me organized with what I need to pack, they also conserve space to fit other needed items.”
Our pick:
These nylon packing cubes come in three sizes, sold separately, so you can purchase just what you need. Each zippered cube has a handle and a mesh side so you can see your clothes. The compression feature lets you pack about 50 percent more than you could without it. Just be sure you don’t exceed any weight limits your carrier may have, or you may end up having to pay a checked bag fee.
Tip 3: Bring a water bottle and filter
Savings: Money spent on expensive bottled water and to-go beverages
“As an avid traveler, there’s nothing worse than spending money on water,” says Kathryn Anderson, a freelance writer and content creator based in Vancouver, Canada. “There’s also nothing worse for the environment than single-use plastic bottles.” Investing in a reusable water bottle (ideally one with a built-in filter) is a great solution for both issues.
Our picks:
Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle
“To save both money and the environment, I always travel with my Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle,” says Anderson. “It has a built-in filtering system, so I can fill it up at any tap or water fountain and always have clean drinking water.”
Made of stainless steel, this double-walled, BPA-free bottle is sturdy and keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours, says the company. It’s dishwasher safe, fits in standard-sized cup holders, and has a comfortable handle that you can clip to a bag.
The filters (sold separately in packs of three and six) will set you back at least $15, but each filter lasts about two months.
(These genius collapsible water bottles go anywhere)
This water bottle is slim enough to fit in the side pocket of a backpack (the brand also sells larger versions). The company claims that the bottle’s two-step filtration system reduces chlorine odor and taste and filters out microplastics and even bacteria. We appreciate that LifeStraw’s “give back” program pledges to donate a purifier to schools for every 500 products the company sells.
Filters are sold separately and cost $10 for a set of two or $25 for six, with each filter lasting about two months or 26 gallons.
This bottle doesn’t come with a built-in filter and is a bit pricey. However, the nifty space-saving flat design means you can tuck it into many more spaces than a traditional bottle.
It comes in four sizes, three of which are similar to notebooks and one that’s about the height of a bottle. You can choose from a durable plastic or stainless steel—both are suitable for hot and cold drinks, although there is no insulation so the bottle will be hot or cold to the touch.
The company says each purchase helps Water.org provide safe water and sanitation to communities in need.
Tip 4: Use food storage containers
Savings: Cut down on the cost of buying food and food waste
Food storage containers are a great hack for budget travelers. You can use them to store snacks for a flight and even accessories in a pinch. “I’ve become more discerning in my travel experience and don’t like to risk the quality or price of airport/airline snack offerings,” says DalPozzal. “I make my own charcuterie board stashed in silicone food bowls and even carry my own silicone wine glass, just in case I decide to elevate my travel experience with a nice glass of complimentary wine or a bottle of something budget-friendly at my destination.”
“Carrying a few goodies for the flight crew in my tote earns a smile and sometimes a glass of bubbly on board,” adds DalPozzal.
We also like to bring them along when dining out to store leftovers or packing food to fuel us on busy sightseeing days.
Our picks:
This lunch box stores food in the fridge and heats it up when you’re on the go. It also steams foods like rice. The built-in UV light sanitizes and helps prevent odors, according to the brand. We like the moveable divider for keeping foods separate. We wish there were more than three colors for each member of a family.
Bentgo Heat Electric Lunch Box
The Bentgo doesn’t have a UV light like the UVI, but the stainless steel container can go in the dishwasher and it’s about half the price. It has two removable containers (the stainless steel one and a second that’s made of silicone). We like that it comes with a car cord, but like the UVI, this one also comes in just three colors.
(6 easy ways to avoid plastic while traveling that can also save you money)
Silicone food containers like these are a great alternative to plastic bags and disposable containers. They’re dishwasher and microwave safe. Even better: some have a genius flat bottom so you can use them as bowls. We also like to fill them with ice to pack in a cooler or lunch bag.
Tip 5: Bring health and beauty items with you
Savings: Avoid having to buy costly first aid and personal hygiene products, especially if you’re stuck at the airport
“I travel with a small selection of over-the-counter medications and a first aid kit in my carry-on,” says DalPozzal. “One of the biggest expenses while traveling can be experiencing an illness and trying to find a treatment for the symptoms.”
Our picks:
HiBar Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
Although you can bring your own hair products in travel-sized containers, that isn’t always convenient and can sometimes lead to spills. Solid shampoos and conditioners like these are fuss free and travel well. Plus, you don’t have to worry about plastic waste.
This first aid kit obviously can’t take the place of medical care in the event of a serious illness or emergency, but it has the essentials that can help with scrapes, cuts, and other minor issues.
(Pro travelers love these e-readers for travel)
Tip 6: Use a journal
Savings: Overspending on souvenir tchotchkes
We often travel with journals and planners to organize itineraries. One natural outgrowth? You get a built-in backdrop for recording special moments along the way. Save tickets, museum handouts, coasters and even print out photos to decorate your schedule. You’ll be more likely to stay in the moment while traveling and come back home to a fun memory book to flip through.
Our picks:
Erin Condren Travel Journal Vacation Planner
King says she frequently uses paper planners for both work and personal tasks. She used to create her own by combining parts of other planners to create sections for things like itineraries, activities, and expenses. As a more convenient and practical solution, she likes this Erin Condren planner, which has a monthly calendar for overviews, a packing list, and a convenient spending tracker.
This travel journal is relatively inexpensive but packs a ton of useful sections. Besides an expense tracker, it also has a handy world map, a packing list, pre-travel checklist, and space for jotting down notes and thoughts.
Although more expensive than the other planners on our list, Traveler’s notebooks have a cult-like following for a reason. The cover is made of durable leather and features a simple, buildable design that can accommodate many trips. The elastic cord on the bind allows you to add several slim notebooks to suit your needs.
Tip 7: Make your own coffee
Savings: Not having to plunk down more than $10 for your daily caffeine fix
We all love to treat ourselves to fancy coffee drinks from time to time. But when you’re on a budget, you can save yourself a few dollars by making your own coffee. You don’t have to turn to your hotel coffee maker either. These days, there are plenty of portable options that produce a perfectly good cuppa.
Our pick:
Today’s instant coffee has come a long way from the stale dark crystals from yesteryear. These packs from Verve Coffee Roasters are actually pretty tasty and made for travel. We like the variety pack, but there are a bunch of single flavor packs too. Just add hot water.
(We love these coffee mugs for fueling our adventures)
Tip 8: Don’t forget chargers and adapters
Savings: Shelling out for extra chargers and adapters, especially at airports and train stations
Cell phones, laptops, and camera gear are travel essentials. Forgetting chargers and adapters isn’t just a hassle, it can end up costing you more than you expect. Be prepared by packing these items first so you can use your devices throughout your trip.
Our picks:
Momax 1-World+ Flow 4-Port Travel Charger
This universal travel charger from Momax has built-in JP/US, AU, EU, UK sockets, plus two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports. It can accommodate up to five devices at the same time.
This travel charger from Satechi costs a bit more than the Momax, but it’s a more powerful adapter and has a travel-friendly slim design. It has UK, EU, and AU adapters, plus a mesh pouch to keep everything together.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best travel products to save money?
The best travel products for traveling on a budget help you avoid expenses that can add up as well as unplanned purchases. They should also serve more than one purpose, such as our pick for a multiuse bag, the Conmigo Ulti Convertible Carry-on. A little preparation—such as remembering to pack adapters or making your own food and coffee—can go a long way to keeping you on budget.
What are some creative ways to save money on travel?
Recording travel memories in a travel journal or planner instead of buying souvenirs is a great way to save money. Packing snacks and light meals in a food storage container (such as our pick the Bentgo heated lunch box) to cut down on meal costs is another creative way to save while traveling. Our experts also recommend using multipurpose bags and packing light with cubes to avoid checked baggage fees and the cost of purchasing several travel bags.
What are the most versatile travel gadgets?
The most versatile travel products serve multiple functions. A travel bag like the Conmigo has lots of versatility—it’s a carry-on, laptop bag, and has a cushion enabling travelers to wait out delays or long lines comfortably.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.