Life

The Best Travel Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Totally Do)

You can thank us later.

by Abbie Holman

Updated: July 31, 2024

Originally Published: May 27, 2021

Set of Eco friendly bamboo cutlery, eco bag and reusable coffee mug. Sustainable lifestyle. Plastic ...

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Whether you’re packing for a business trip or about to take off on a backpacking adventure, finding room in your luggage for all your essentials can be tricky. Suitcase space is valuable real estate — that’s why the best travel accessories are both compact and highly functional.

I travel frequently for both work and fun, meaning I’ve learned to be super-efficient when packing my bags. If an item is not absolutely necessary for my trip, or if it’s bulky and takes up too much space, it doesn’t make the cut. But these incredible finds from Walmart.com are must-haves for any traveler — business or pleasure — and ensure you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way while you’re away from home. Not only does their travel-friendly size mean they can all fit into your suitcase without a struggle, but they’re also all under $60.

Ready to pack your most efficient bag ever? Keep scrolling to check out some of the best travel accessories you’ll need this season and beyond.

Portable Antibacterial Wipes

40 Count Wipe Those Hands Antibacterial Wipes

MightyGood

If we’ve learned anything in the last year, it’s that handwashing and good hygiene is of incredible importance. Liquid hand sanitizer works fine in a pinch, but I prefer these antibacterial wipes since they won’t leak or spill. I always keep a pack in my camping gear just in case soap and water aren’t within reach, but they’re worth stashing in your bag for any moment you could use some extra germ protection (especially in shared spaces like planes, public transit, and Uber rides).

A Sand-Free Beach Mat

Sand Free Beach Blanket

Manfiter

If you’re like me and hope to spend your vacation at the beach lounging in the sun with a good book, this sand-free mat is a must-have. Unlike a regular beach blanket, this non-absorbent mat is designed to let sand fall through the mesh where it stays below. Bonus: it folds up to the size of a small handbag so you can fit it into your luggage without taking up too much room.

$17

$12

A Portable WiFi Hotspot

4G Mobile Hotspot, High Speed Wireless Internet Router

Walmart

Make sure you have enough signal to connect to the internet no matter where your adventure takes you. Traveling with a hotspot has given me peace of mind that I’ll have reliable WiFi anywhere, just in case the hotel’s signal is weak or I need to stay connected from the road. This portable hotspot from Walmart.com has a connection speed of 150Mbps.

$17

A Water-Resistant Fanny Pack

2 Pcs Bum Bag

AOWOO

I don’t think any ‘90s fashion comeback item has given me as much joy as the return of the fanny pack. It’s a must-have for music festivals, bike rides, and summer hikes. The hands-free functionality makes a traditional purse feel like it’s from the Stone Age, and not to mention, it’s super easy to fit in your suitcase. This one from Walmart.com has the added bonus of being made from water-resistant material — perfect if the weather changes while you’re out and about on vacation.

$12

$10

A Bug-Repellant Bracelet

24-Pack Natural Anti Mosquito Insect & Bug Repellent Bracelet

Walmart

Avoid suitcase spillage and TSA restrictions with a citronella bracelet like these bug bands from Walmart.com. The 24-pack of multi-color bands are designed to protect users from insects for up to 350 hours, and reviewers say they work well to keep mosquitoes away for outdoor events for hours at a time.

A Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

GO 2 Bluetooth Portable Waterproof Speaker

JBL

Call me an audio snob, but nothing ruins the vibe of a great song like having to listen to it play directly from your phone’s tiny little built-in speaker. The JBL GO 2 speaker is small enough to fit in your pocket but packs a big punch quality-wise, with a waterproof design and up to 5 hours of continuous play when fully charged. It racked up 592 5-star ratings on Walmart.com and is only $20 — a steal for audiophiles who need to take their tunes on the road.

$23

$20

A Chic Set Of Travel Utensils

Portable Utensils

ReaNea

This chic set of stainless steel reusable silverware is way more fun than using the plastic kind. Not only is it an eco-friendly option, this set even contains a reusable straw and chopsticks — great for takeout in the hotel or as an alternative to disposable when camping.

$13

Portable Powdered Dry Shampoo

Pret A Powder

Bumble and Bumble

Bumble and Bumble’s Pret-A-Powder is a staple in my suitcase anytime I travel, and is perfect for freshening up quickly after a long drive or flight. The container is tiny — about the size of a bottle of nail polish — and while the 2oz. powder is smaller than your standard aerosol can of dry shampoo, this powdered version extends style just as well as a spray version.

$24

Looking for a budget-friendly alternative? Try this $10 option from Living Proof. Reviewers say it’s a competitive option to the Bumble and Bumble version.