10 Travel Essentials for the Budget-Obsessed Jet Setter – All $20 and Under

Disposable lint rollers aren't usually that expensive, but why does it seem like when you need it most, you always end up with just one skimpy sheet? To avoid this annoying travel problem, how about a reusable gel lint roller?

It requires no sticky paper to work and is much smaller than a traditional roll, meaning it's easier to wrap! When the transparent body is covered with lint, you simply rinse it under a little water and it is ready to use again. Once dried, put it back in its case and that's it. Very easy!

“It fits perfectly in my purse and it's so nice to have a travel lint roller that I can just wash and reuse.” one impressed buyer wrote. “I and others hate having to tear up a piece of paper and throw it away. This one is much easier. It gets rid of cat and dog hair very quickly.”

Congratulations: after waiting in line for ages, you can now enjoy your overpriced airport coffee. It feels like a victory…until you realize you no longer have hands to hold it. This cart attaches to the handle of your carry-on and has slots for two cups – so naturally, cabin crew professionals are big fans.

“I’m a flight attendant and I love it!” we wrote on Amazon. “I love the Velcro 'quick release'. It's the best! I had one before without the Velcro opening that extended right over the handle and it was a pain, this one is great.”

Now this one is personal. As a chronic overpacker, I had to find a way to ensure my luggage was never overweight before leaving for the airport. From extra baggage fees to the embarrassment of having to rearrange my belongings right in the lobby, I was determined to nip this threat in the bud. This super affordable luggage scale has been my saving grace.

It gives you an exact reading of the weight of your luggage in seconds. All you have to do is attach the hook to your luggage handle and pull up. In about two seconds, it tells you exactly the weight of your suitcase. I have used it on over 10 trips and it has been excellent value for money every time. Want to know more? Check out my goodbye.

“Takes all the guesswork and worry out of checking a bag at the airport.” another fan said. “Super light and accurate to the tenth degree. This was very helpful on a recent trip to Europe… It really helped me figure out what to pack without breaking FAA rules regarding weight luggage.”

If you're not checking any bags and plan to pack toiletries, you'll want to make sure your products are in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. Otherwise, they will become TSA products – there goes your expensive shampoo.

To make sure you're safe, it's best to get a TSA-approved set of travel bottles. It does all the guesswork for you; all you have to do is fill the containers. Each twist-top bottle and jar is leak-proof and stores in the included clear pouch.

A buyer who used this set on a recent trip called it a “game changer for anyone who values ​​convenience, organization, and compliance with TSA regulations.” We definitely agree.

Striking the right balance between spacious and compact, this tote has many features that seasoned travelers love. In addition to the six integrated pockets and multiple slots, it comes with a transparent and removable makeup bag that will allow you to speed up security checks.

Several flight crew members praise this well-designed bag for making traveling with toiletries simple. “As a flight attendant, this bag saved me a lot of time and preparation,” a travel professional wrote. “No need to have several different bags to pack your toiletries because this bag has so many compartments.”

Travel experts and frequent travelers say packing cubes are one of the easiest ways to stay organized. If you tend to overpack or always seem to forget something, they can keep everything tidy and easy to find. As well as a range of bags in different sizes, this eight-piece set includes a toiletry bag, shoe bag and sock bag.

“I'm preparing to take flight attendant training and wanted to buy these to help me organize the many things I need to bring.” wrote a reviewer. “What surprised me was that both pairs of high heels fit in the shoe bag.”

After spending a ridiculous $7 on a water bottle at an airport kiosk, I decided to start carrying a reusable bottle when I travel. (Seriously, someone should give a presentation on why bottled water at the airport is always so expensive.) Since then, I've taken this Owala number with me everywhere. It's thin, it takes up virtually no space in my carry-on, and because it's plastic, not stainless steel, it adds virtually no weight. It even has a built-in straw, so I don't have to throw my head back every time I want a sip of water.

“I usually use an insulated one, but this one was perfect for traveling (and is) lightweight,” a five-star reviewer wrote. “I wash it in the dishwasher all the time (and it) continues to be waterproof.”

You never think you really need a portable charger until you actually do. need A. Between loading your digital boarding pass and having enough juice to call a rideshare, a fully charged phone is essential when you're traveling.

This portable charger from Anker is sturdy enough to withstand heavy drops (just in case you're a little clumsy) and charges your phone up to 2.3 times, depending on the model. And, with over 79,000 five-star reviews, it's no surprise that it's a favorite among shoppers.

“I can sit in the airport or on a plane and charge my phone battery,” one reviewer wrote. “Ideal for staying online at all times.”

This electronic locator is a buyer favorite with nearly 17,000 five-star reviews. It works in the same way as the Apple AirTagbut costs $7 less. That's a pretty crazy price considering you'll be able to use this little guy over and over again for years to come.

“This year I traveled to Spain and (my luggage) was lost again,” one reviewer wrote. “But because I had this device in my luggage, I could actually see where it was and how (my) luggage was moving.”

The best way to find your zen while traveling is to stay as organized as possible – and this palm-sized passport wallet keeps important documents close at hand. It's slim enough to slip into any pocket and has slots for a passport, credit cards, boarding pass and even a pen. Better yet, it includes RFID blocking to protect sensitive personal data. It also comes with two recovery tags Send me backthe world's largest found objects company.

A pilot gave it this searing review. “I have this to hold my important belongings that I need to fly: certificate, medical card and passport”, he wrote. “They also offer you a lost and found reward, so if you lose it, it can easily be returned to you and the company gives you a reward.”