Which Travel Items To Buy or Skip as Travel Essentials Become More Expensive
Written by
Cara Danielle Brown
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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A Gallup poll conducted in April 2025 showed 89% of Americans are imminently expecting prices to increase as a result of President Trump’s tariffs. And to avoid their wallets taking as steep a hit, many have begun looking for ways to cut back on spending — particularly travelers.
GOBankingRates put together a travel-savvy list of which items you should definitely buy to pack for your next trip — and which you can totally skip.
Pack
Inflatable Travel Pillows
If you’re looking for some added neck support, Hasan Morcel, CEO and founder of KeysPlease Holiday Homes Dubai, recommended inflatable travel pillows. Samsonite offers one for a mere $16. It takes up less space in your suitcase and can be adjusted for comfort.
Reusable or Collapsable Water Bottles
“Never travel without a collapsible or reusable water bottle,” said Maddie Bourgerie, travel expert at RVshare, who insisted it is cheaper and much more eco-friendly than springing for single-use, plastic water bottles — just don’t forget to empty it prior to the TSA checkpoint.
Second-Hand Items
President and CEO at Seven Corners, Inc., Jeremy Murchland, advised opting for second-hand clothes, where consumers can potentially save a third or half off the retail price. When it comes to more specialized travel and outdoor gear, Murchland said brands like Patagonia and REI have great resale options.
“You can purchase used items on their websites and in stores,” he said. A Patagonia jacket that retails for $240 is priced $150 in the store’s Worn Wear section. Generous friends, vintage stores and garage sales can also be great, cost-cutting options.
Multipurpose Clothing
“A single scarf can do five jobs,” said co-founder of Sororal, Megan Ryder-Burbidge, who personally attested to having used hers as a wrap, towel, blanket and even a makeshift bag. Similarly, Morcel recommended packing breathable, wrinkle-resistant shirts that can be worn for both sightseeing and casual dinners. After all, consolidating by buying less items is always a fool-proof way to save money.
Quality Luggage
Paul Stewart, founder and managing director at My Baggage, recommended investing in a well-made, long-lasting suitcase or backpack that could last years — particularly those that are water-proof or have durable wheels.
Containers You Already Own
“I would highly recommend utilizing reusable containers for your liquids,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago. “Make use of the travel-sized containers you already have and simply add your current products to them.” He recommended Equate, a budget-friendly brand that can be found at Walmart. A four-pack of 3-ounce bottles only costs $3.50.
Skip
Specialty Travel Pillows
Per CNET, quality travel pillows can cost, on average, between $30 and $60 — with some more premium options going all the way up to $200. But, according to Morcel, bulky travel pillows don’t offer enough added comfort to be worth the price.
Imported Toiletries
When it comes to saving money, just say no to imported goods right now. “Imported and over-engineered grooming products often top the list of overpriced essentials,” Hayes said.
Airport Water Bottles
Bourgerie refuses to buy overpriced, disposable water bottles at the airport. One USA Today writer reportedly spent $4.99 on a 24-ounce Smartwater at JFK. That’s roughly the equivalent of 24, 12-ounce water bottles at the local grocery store.
Brand New Clothes
Buying new garments for your upcoming vacation can feel like a festive idea, until learning the U.S. imports nearly all of its clothes and shoes. And that means price hikes are on the way.
Single-Use Clothing
If you decide you need or want brand new clothes, avoid overly trendy items like sequin dresses or neon stilettos that will likely only be worn once.
Cheap Luggage
When it comes to luggage, cheaper is not better. In fact, according to Stewart, frequently replacing cheap, poorly made luggage that breaks easily and falls apart will actually cost you a lot of money in the long term.
Travel-Sized Products
It can be easy to spring for those mini, travel-sized lotions and shampoos at CVS because they’re so compact and convenient, but buying new, travel-sized items each time you take a trip can really add up.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
More From GOBankingRates
Sources
- Gallup, “Most Americans Skeptical About Benefits of Tariffs.”
- Hasan Morcel, KeysPlease Holiday Homes Dubai
- Thomas Hayes, FINN Partners
- Maddie Bourgerie, RVshare
- Jeremy Murchland, Seven Corners, Inc.
- Megan Ryder-Burbidge, Sororal
- Paul Stewart, My Baggage
- Steve Schwab, Casago
