10 essential travel gadgets you can get for under $15

Have you ever encountered a small item that completely changed your travel experience—something you never realized you needed until it was right there? That’s how we feel about these indispensable travel gadgets we can't travel without.

TPG team members Ashley Kosciolek and Kristy Tolley have collaborated to compile their top picks of handy items—from a shoe wallet to a rubber ball—that every smart traveler should consider before their next adventure. Some of these might even catch you off guard.

Plus: Each item is priced below $15.

Shoe wallet

Ashley: While traveling, I love to go for runs in the places I visit to offset the indulgent local cuisine. Carrying essentials can be tricky without a pack, which makes a compact wallet that clips onto your shoe perfect. This model by Amphipod attaches to your laces with Velcro and expands to securely fit cash, an ID, and a couple of credit cards in its zippered pocket.

When you’re not exercising, shoe wallets can also be handy for keeping small items organized within a larger bag or backpack, making them easier to locate later.

Price: $12.95.

Bug Bite Thing

Ashley: If you're anything like me, mosquitoes seem to track you down no matter where you are. It doesn't matter if you’re dressed in long sleeves and pants or if you load up on DEET; you’ll still end up with bites whenever you step outside.

Rather than worrying about exceeding carry-on liquid limits with sprays and after-bite creams, just pack the Bug Bite Thing in your bag. This small, reusable plastic tool comes in various colors and uses suction to extract insect venom and saliva, helping to relieve itching after you’ve been bitten.

Price: $9.95.

Riemot luggage caddy

Ashley: When I fly, I find myself rummaging through my backpack 20 times to grab my ID, and then there's the hassle of figuring out where to put my phone when it doesn't fit in my pocket. Add a bottle of water and a coffee to enjoy before boarding, and it feels like I’m performing my own juggling act.

This Riemot luggage cup holder has been a game-changer for me on numerous occasions when I just didn’t have enough hands. It slides effortlessly onto the telescoping handle of any suitcase, featuring three pockets to hold drinks, your phone, and travel documents all within easy reach. When not in use, it folds down to a slim size for convenient storage in my backpack.

Price: $14.99.

Duct tape

Ashley: While duct tape may not be the latest innovation, its versatility is surprisingly extensive, especially during travel. I always keep a roll in my carry-on for unexpected situations—whether it's a luggage mishap, a wardrobe malfunction, or needing to attach luggage tags before a cruise.

Nowadays, Duck Tape brand offers a wide variety of vibrant colors that can be applied in countless ways. Crafted from polyethylene, each roll measures 10 yards long and 1.88" wide. It's one of my must-haves; the moment I forget to pack it is when I find I need it the most.

Price: $7.49.

Hat clip

Ashley: Throughout my travels, I've gathered a collection of adorable hats, yet for a long time, I seldom took them out on adventures. I felt a bit silly wearing them on the plane, and packing them was out of the question since I didn't want to risk damaging them.

One day, while strolling through the airport, I spotted a woman using a hat clip. Inspired, I rushed to Amazon and purchased one that lets me securely attach any hat to my carry-on backpack. This means I don't have to wear it, hold it, or crumple it in my bag. It features two metal clips connected by a sturdy elastic band and comes in various colors.

Price: $11.99.

Portable door lock

Kristy: I often travel alone, so safety is always a priority for me, especially since I tend to indulge in more true crime podcasts than is probably healthy. In my view, you can never be too careful.

While most hotel doors come equipped with both a latch and a deadbolt, this isn't always the case for bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, or older and smaller hotels.

Regardless of where I'm staying, these portable door locks add an extra layer of security, allowing me to rest easier while I travel. Plus, they meet TSA regulations.

For added peace of mind, consider this portable door lock and door stop alarm combo.

Price: $12.88 for a single door lock, $12.99 for the door lock and door stop combo.

Pinky Ball

Kristy: It might seem unusual, but this classic child's toy can be incredibly effective for relieving sore muscles after a long day of travel.

To use it, lie on the floor and place a couple of these balls under your upper back, right between your shoulder blades. Then, push up with your feet and gently roll back and forth to let the balls work their magic.

After a long day of touring, these are perfect for pampering your feet. Simply stand on them to stretch out your arches.

Price: $4.89 for a pair.

Shower caps

Kristy: I never leave a hotel without packing my toiletries, which means I've collected a significant number of shower caps. When I travel, I use them to cover my shoes before packing, ensuring the rest of my luggage stays clean.

If you don't have a collection of hotel shower caps, you can grab a three-pack of shower caps on Amazon.

Price: Free or $4.99.

Silica gel packets

Kristy: This is another item you can easily get for free. Just gather silica gel packets from the packaging of your recent purchases and store them in a mason jar. If you can't collect enough before your next trip, you can buy a bag of 55 gel packs from Amazon.

Their moisture-absorbing capabilities can safeguard your camera gear and electronics from water damage, particularly when traveling to humid locations.

Tuck a few in your luggage or place them inside your shoes to combat odor-causing bacteria. If your swimsuit didn't dry fully before packing for home, just put it in a Ziploc bag with a silica gel packet, and it will be dry in no time.

Price: Free or $8.99.

Baby swaddling blanket

Kristy: Our family may have outgrown the newborn phase, but we'll always find a use for these blankets. They make the perfect versatile towel, being both lightweight and highly absorbent.

If you get caught in a downpour, you can use one to dry off. And if you don't have a scarf or jacket handy, it doubles as a cozy blanket on the plane.

Price: $14.99 for a four-pack.

Bottom line

You don't need to spend a fortune on essential (dare we say life-changing?) travel gear. If you have a budget-friendly or unconventional travel item you can’t live without, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at [email protected] or join our TPG Lounge community on Facebook.