15 cheap tricks every solo traveler needs

As a food and travel writer, I spend a lot of time traveling alone as part of my job. But as a freelancer, I’m on a pretty tight budget and I’m very aware of all the little ways expenses can add up while traveling alone. Taxis and Ubers, food at the airport, checking an overweight suitcase; Even a forgotten toiletry item here and there can quickly get expensive.

After decades of my career, I have learned that there are certain best practices to save money without compromising my travel experience thanks to the affordable products you find on Amazon. From packing exclusively in a carry-on to bringing my own lunch and snacks for a day of travel, these hacks eliminate a ton of unnecessary spending on the road, saving me cash for the things I really need (which feels like a big win every time!).

Below are the Amazon travel essentials I rely on to save money in the long run. No matter where I go, these 15 money-saving tips help me cut costs every time.

Best Overall Deals

Pack your own snacks at the airport: coobiiya lunch box, $6 (originally $10)

Avoid charging fees: INIU portable charger$19 (originally $30)

Protect your belongings: HEETA dry bag$10 (originally $15)

Save on just one adapter: NEWVANGA universal travel adapter, $14 (originally $20)

30% discount: BAGSMART packing cubes, $30 (originally $43)

Coobiiya Lunch Box

It’s very easy to spend too much money on food at the airport and have almost nothing to show for it. One way to avoid spending all that money is to invest in a lunch box and prepare a meal before you go, whether it’s snacks or a full meal. For $8, this lunch box It also doubles as a cooler, so it can hold cold water bottles or soda cans. It is also useful for leftovers and food or snack containers. There’s even a zipper pocket for your cutlery!

Travel Inspira luggage scale

As a general rule, I try to never check a bag. But from time to time I have no choice. For those times, a luggage scale It is essential to avoid excess baggage charges. This luggage scale is currently only $10. It is battery powered and lightweight, making it an easy item to throw in your bag before a trip and have ready. It will pay for itself the first time you save those excess baggage fees by checking a bag at the airport.

INIU portable charger

When traveling, you can’t always access a reliable power outlet. That means you can fall victim to paying for charging stations, which can be expensive. Even in the case of free charging ports, there is a risk of jacking. That makes a portable charger absolutely essential not only to avoid risks and excessive costs, but also to stay connected while traveling. This compact portable charger It’s almost 40 percent off, comes with built-in cables, and holds a charge for a long time. All of this gives you various levels of peace of mind while traveling.

Sfee Microfiber Travel Towel (2 Pack)

A lightweight microfiber towel is essential when traveling and trying to save some money. Because it’s super absorbent and quick-drying, you can quickly wash intimate clothes or other delicate items in your room in the sink and then wrap them in the towel to try them on, saving you the cost of expensive hotel laundry. It is also a great towel for camping, the beach, the pool or the gym. This It also has a breathable storage bag, making it easy to pack and carry.

BAGSMART 6-Piece Compression Packing Cube Set

Using compression packing cubes is another great way to help avoid baggage fees as it allows you to fit more clothes in your carry-on. It’s also useful from an organizational point of view – I can’t even imagine packing or traveling without them. This particular set of Bagsmart compression packing cubes is a fantastic deal and is even flight attendant approved, with one flight attendant saying: “These are the best!“.

BAND-AID Brand Travel-Ready Portable Emergency First Aid Kit

We would all love to not need first aid while traveling, but things happen. Whether it’s blisters from our shoes or cuts, bruises, bites and scrapes along the way, having bandages on hand can help you avoid overpaying at gift shops. At $11, this travel first aid kit It’s a great deal and includes everything you need to stay happy and healthy on your adventures.

Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle with Straw

Bottled water is very expensive anywhere you go, and one way to avoid buying that expensive bottled water is to bring a reusable bottle and fill it yourself at the fountains or at your hotel. This Owala 32oz Water Bottle It even comes with its own straw and is dishwasher safe, so when you get home from your trip, simply wipe it down with your dishes and you’re done!

iMaster Lock TSA set up your own combination luggage lock

Whether you’re staying at a luxury resort or a budget hostel, keeping your belongings safe can save you a lot of money in the long run. This TSA Approved Combination Lock allows you to choose your own three-digit combination and then attach it to your luggage, backpack, purse, handbag, or anything else you need to keep safe. The peace of mind is worth much more than the $6 price tag.

Apple AirTag

It’s not often that I add an Apple product to a list about how to save money, but really, the air tag It can save you and your valuables to a great extent. Keep track of your luggage, keys, purse, purse, backpack and anything else you need to protect, and you’ll save yourself the stress and expense of having to replace the contents along the way if the worst happens.

iNEWVANGA Universal Travel Adapter

If you travel a lot, sometimes the best way to save money is to make an investment now to avoid having to make multiple future investments. A great example of this is getting a universal travel adapter, so you won’t have to get a single travel adapter for each new trip to new regions. This is a great option for under $15. It plugs in anywhere and also has ports for USB and USB-C cables.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Luggage

A great way to avoid paying baggage fees every time you travel is to never have to check a suitcase and instead bring a spacious carry-on. This samsonite spinner It’s just that; It has ample space, pockets and pouches for all your clothes and toiletries, all in a lightweight design that won’t weigh you down during your trip.

iTandoler Large Foldable Reusable Shopping Bag

TO foldable reusable bag It’s one of the most practical things you can pack. Use it to the grocery store or farmers markets to save on food costs, as a makeshift laundry bag mid-trip, or as an extra carry-on if you’re buying some souvenirs. Bonus: The built-in pocket is perfect for storing keys, receipts, or coins while you’re on the go.

HEETA dry bag

You’ll never know when you’ll need a dry compress, but when that time comes, you’ll be so glad you had it. If you’re hiking or camping and unexpected heavy rain hits, this is how you’ll save your phone, camera, and laptop from ruin. It is also ideal for hanging out at the beach, pool or any other water activity. It even comes with a phone case – a great deal at 33 percent off.

One Gallon Food Storage Ziploc Slider Bags

I never travel without some Ziploc bags. Ideally, you should have a mix of sizes, but if you only bring one, go for a large one, literally. The larger ones are endlessly useful: They double as packing cubes in a pinch, make quick work of hand-washing delicates (just add water, detergent, and rinse), and keep wet swimsuits separate from the rest of your clothes. I use them to hold snacks, tie shoelaces and jewelry, and even make an ice pack when needed.

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

How does a sunscreen stick save money when traveling? Obviously, using a stick instead of a liquid or spray is easier for TSA, but since it’s solid and portable, you’re less likely to destroy other contents of your luggage due to leaks or spills. Other than that, you’ll have less waste and you’ll be able to be more specific in your application, which is also better from a sun safety standpoint!

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