There are all sorts of gems on Amazon and sometimes even the smallest or simplest items are so useful! When preparing for our trip we spent a lot of time reading packing posts and browsing through the best travel products. We also placed quite a few Amazon orders to get everything we thought we needed to be the most organized that we could be. In this post we rounded up 10 inexpensive Amazon finds for traveling that we use all the time!
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1. Leather Coin Purse
Before traveling I had a pretty big wallet with all kinds of credit cards, loyalty cards and honestly who knows what else. But knowing we were going to be traveling with a carry on backpack I knew I wouldn’t have space for a 5 pound wallet. So I set out looking for a significantly smaller wallet where I could fit both my ID and credit cards as well as cash.
One other big requirement was that it had an area for change. During previous trips we saw how some countries use coins significantly more than we do in the US. I knew I wanted something that had a designated coin area so no matter what currency we were using I have space.
This one has two zippered pockets for cards. I put cards I don’t pull out frequently in the front such as my ID and insurance card. Then in the larger zipper pocket I put credit cards I use more often. Then in the largest main pocket I have plenty of room for coins and cash. There is also a small slot on the back that I’ve used to keep track of bus tickets or other small things.
Read More: Packing Tips for Female Travelers
2. Toiletry Bag
These toiletry bags are seriously the best! Whenever we’ve used ziplock bags in the past they always start ripping at the top and then become a torn mess by the end of the trip.
The plastic is really thick so it feels much sturdier than a plastic bag. Another thing I love about this one is that it’s a rectangle shape with a flat bottom so it sits on whatever surface you put it on. It never tips over the bathroom counter dropping everything onto the floor.
Plus it comes with a smaller pouch too that you can choose to use for other toiletries or whatever else. We ordered one at first to see how it was and then ended up ordering a second so we both have one. We use the smaller pouches for first aid supplies and medicine so we can just pop it in our daypack when we go out for the day.
Read More: Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy While Traveling
3. Velcro Cord Organizers
These velcro cord organizers are small ties to organize all your cords and wires. Simply wrap the black velcro tie around your phone charger, put the end through the small opening, tighten according to the size of the cord and fold over the velcro to attach it. The cord won’t immediately shoot out or become a mess in your bag. Since we carry computer chargers, phone chargers, camera chargers, etc. it can get very messy very quickly.
These help make all of our charging cords so much more organized! They’re all contained and it’s so easy to find the cord you’re looking for instead of pulling out a tangled mess. They are so cheap too so it’s such an easy way to be more organized. Plus you can use how ever many you need and save the rest.
Travel Truth: We have found a good way to not loose them when you use the cord is to leave it attached to the cord loosely at one end. That way it doesn’t fall off completely and get lost!
Read More: Female Long Term Carry On Packing List
4. Scarf
A scarf is one of the most versatile things to travel with. It can be a scarf, a wrap for your shoulders, something to cover your legs, a blanket, a sarong to wear to the beach, something to sit on and I’m sure a million more things.
The thin material of this scarf means it won’t be too heavy for warm places but in cold climates it’s still helpful in keeping you warm. I’ve worn it as a scarf in Patagonia, over my legs to go inside Saint Peters Basilica in Rome and a blanket on a very chilly ferry to Croatia.
Read More: 10 Gift Ideas for the Avid Traveler
5. Sink Stopper
While having a washer in your hotel or Airbnb would be ideal sometimes it’s not always available or within our budget. Laundromats require you to sit and wait for a while and sometimes that just doesn’t work
Sink washing some socks and underwear or one shirt from time to time has saved us so many times! Sink washing clothing is so easy, is quick, and doesn’t cost anything. But not all sinks have stoppers in them (actually most we have come across do not) and it is a vital component to sink washing. So we travel with this small rubber sink stopper. It’s really small and was super cheap!
- When we want to sink wash a few items we put the sink stopper at the bottom of the sink, fill it up with warm water, put the clothing items in and rinse them. Then we use soap (usually our Lush Shampoo Bar because it’s all natural) to lather up and wash the clothes.
6. Bug Spray Wipes
If you’re traveling anywhere where bugs are a problem you’ll need some sort of bug protection. Bug spray wipes let you easily and effectively apply it to the area you want without spraying everyone around you. We found they also go a lot farther. Dave was able to use the same wipe a couple of times during our Inca Trail trek and still had plenty left.
- Bug spray wipes also don’t count as a liquid and therefore does not have to be included in your liquids container when flying. They are small and really easy to toss a few in your bag!
Read More: The Best Backpack for Female Travelers
7. Toothbrush Cover
These toothbrush covers are a really good (and small) option for traveling with a toothbrush! We used to have ones that you put the whole toothbrush into but they were much larger and also were constantly getting dirty inside. These cover just the top brush part so they are really small and add barely any weight. Plus there is a small suction cup on the back so you can attach it to a mirror if there is no counter or spot to put your toothbrush.
- Honestly we weren’t too convinced when we first got these that they were going to last more than a few uses. But we’ve had them for two years now and have had no issues!
8. Camera Cover
Something to cover and protect your camera is always a good idea! The one thing traveling has taught us is that you can never be too sure what is going to happen. This camera cover is compatible with a bunch of different cameras and even though it’s not listed, it fits on our Sony A7iii with Zeiss 16-35 mm f-4 lens.
It’s made with a fairly thick neoprene material so it feels protective without being too bulky. Dave walks around with the camera around his neck with the cover on. Then he simply takes it off and can easily roll it up and put it in his pocket or our daypack when he’s ready to use the camera.
- There are so many expensive camera products out there so it’s nice when you find something really reasonable that actually works and this is exactly that!
9. Buff
A buff, like a scarf, is such an all-purpose item making it great for travel! A buff is basically a tube of polyester material. It’s breathable and thin so it’s designed not to make you sweat. It can be worn around your neck similar to a scarf to keep your neck warm, over your mouth if it’s really dusty or windy, over your head as a hat, around your head as a headband or sweatband and so much more. It’s really helpful for not just hiking but also as a sweat towel (which Dave uses his for a lot) and really can be like a small hand towel too if need be.
There are so many different designs to choose from. They’re inexpensive and even if you think you won’t use it a lot, I promise you’ll find times where it comes in so handy!
Read More: Are Name Brand Packing Cubes Worth It?
10. Reusable Tote Bag
This is something that we talked about bringing with us but ultimately decided against. But then a few weeks into traveling we ended up buying one in Italy. A reusable tote bag can be used for so many things. We’ve used it as a beach bag, a bag for snacks while traveling, a laundry bag and a grocery bag. In European grocery stores we found there are rarely plastic grocery bags so we bring our tote bag to put groceries in .
- Even if you’re not traveling this is a great item to get and start using on a regular basis!
- This one comes with a small pouch that it packs into so it’s easy to toss into your purse or backpack.
