9 Travel Accessories Buyers Almost Always Regret
Written by
Angela Mae
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Travel is at an all-time high. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, global travel and tourism is set to break $11.1 trillion in 2024 alone. If history’s anything to go by, chances are the industry will continue to boom next year.
What this means for the average consumer is plenty of trips on the horizon. But it also means plenty of chances to purchase those travel accessories that seem cool or useful in the moment but end up being a waste of money — and a source of buyer’s regret.
GOBankingRates spoke with travel experts to find out what travel accessories buyers most often regret purchasing and why they’re not worth buying.
Also see nine must-have travel accessories, according to frequent flyers.
High-Tech Luggage and Accessories
You’ve probably seen advertisements for high-tech luggage and accessories — like portable lockboxes. But while it’s smart to keep your belongings secure, some of these just aren’t worth the price (and weight).
“Suitcases loaded with built-in chargers and tech features can weigh you down, take up valuable packing space and become impractical if something breaks mid-trip,” said Alexa Erickson, travel expert at Dollar Flight Club.
The same goes for those portable lockboxes. According to Erickson, they take up space but don’t add a whole lot of extra security.
Portable Air Purifiers
According to Erickson, travelers often regret getting portable air purifiers. These might seem like a good idea at first, but they’re generally not necessary and just take up space.
This miniature portable air purifier regularly costs about $50 on Amazon. Other retailers sell them for around $20 to $30, but that’s still extra money spent on something that is either never or very rarely used.
Miniature First Aid Kits
Erickson pointed out that mini first aid kits are another accessory travelers often regret getting. These kits typically cost only a few bucks, but they generally don’t include much. Instead of wasting the money, it might be better to get a customized kit that better suits your needs.
Neck Pillows
Neck pillows exist in just about every Hudson bookstore (or similar retailer) at every airport, but are they worth the price? According to Bryan Murphy, owner of Hawaii’s Best Travel, they’re usually not.
“They look like a lifesaver, but they’re usually a total letdown: flimsy, awkward and hogging precious luggage space,” Murphy said.
If you’re going to get a neck pillow, you might want to grab a cheaper one before heading to the airport. At the very least, the price will probably be better.
Large Toiletry Kits
Another common source of buyer’s remorse is those oversized toiletry kits — you know, the ones with tons of compartments you’ll never use.
“They promise to keep you organized, but halfway through the trip, they’re just a bulky mess that makes finding anything a headache,” Murphy said.
Plane Seat Organizers
A newer trending travel accessory, plane seat organizers might seem practical, but they’re often not worth the money.
“They look neat on TikTok, but they don’t really make your plane experience any more efficient,” said Kendyl Grender, owner of Kendyl Travels. “Is the seat pocket one of the dirtiest parts of the plane? Absolutely. But don’t buy into the idea that you need a seat organizer because of it.”
Travel Pillows
Similar to neck pillows, travel pillows are one of those items that seem great to have but often don’t work as well as you’d have hoped.
“Travel pillows are one of the most regretted purchases for flights. Not only do they take up a lot of space, they tend to have mixed reviews on how well they work and then you still have to keep track of it once you arrive at your destination,” Grender said. “Instead, use the plane’s provided travel pillow and adjustable headrest to your advantage. You’ll do just fine.”
Single-Purpose Travel Accessories
Anything that has only one purpose (and therefore limited uses) is another common source of regret.
“Single-purpose items often fall into this category and can add clutter without significant benefits,” Erickson said. “For example, you might skip travel pillows, clunky airplane footrests, travel hangers, drink holders and seatback organizers, which often take up space and provide limited utility.”
Trendy Accessories
Just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s worth the purchase. And if you’re already traveling on a tight budget — or generally trying to keep costs low — you’re likely to regret picking up something just because you saw it on TikTok or Instagram.
According to Erickson, accessories that fall under this category include too-big packing cubes and collapsible water bottles that aren’t durable.
“The key is to prioritize multipurpose, lightweight and practical tools that genuinely enhance your travel experience,” Erickson said.
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