15 Budget Hacks Every Solo Traveler Needs

As a food and travel writer, I spend a lot of time traveling solo as part of my work. But as a freelancer, I’m on a pretty tight budget, and I’m extra aware of all the small ways that spending while traveling alone can add up. Taxis and Ubers, food at the airport, checking an overweight bag— even a forgotten toiletry here and there can get costly fast.

After decades in my career, I’ve learned there are certain best practices to save money without compromising experience on my travels thanks to budget-friendly products you find on Amazon. From packing exclusively in a carry-on, to bringing my own lunch and snacks for a travel day, these hacks cut out a ton of unnecessary expenses along the way, saving me cash for the things I really need (which feels like such a win each and every time!). 

Below are the Amazon travel essentials that I rely on to save money in the long run. No matter where I’m going, these 15 budget-friendly tips help me cut costs every time. 

Best Overall Deals

Pack your own airport snacks: Coobiiya Lunch Box, $6 (originally $10) 

Skip charging fees: INIU Portable Charger, $19 (originally $30)

Protect your belongings: HEETA Dry Bag, $10 (originally $15)

Save on a single adapter: NEWVANGA Universal Travel Adapter, $14 (originally $20) 

30% off: BAGSMART Packing Cubes, $30 (originally $43) 

Coobiiya Lunch Box

It’s so easy to spend way too much money on food at the airport—and have hardly anything to show for it. One way to avoid spending all that money is to invest in a lunch box and pack a meal before you go, whether it’s snacks or a full-blown meal. For $8, this lunch box doubles as a cooler, so it can hold chilly water bottles or cans of soda. It’s also useful for leftovers and containers of food or snacks. There’s even a zip pocket for your cutlery! 

Travel Inspira Luggage Scale

As a rule, I try to never check a bag. But every so often, I have no choice. For those times, a luggage scale is essential to avoid excessive weight baggage fees. This luggage scale is currently just $10. It’s battery operated and lightweight, making it an easy item to stash in your bag before a trip and have ready. It’ll pay for itself the first time you save yourself from those baggage overage fees when checking a bag at the airport.

INIU Portable Charger

When traveling, a reliable power outlet isn’t always accessible. That means you can fall victim to paying for charging stations, which can be pricey. Even in the case of free charging ports, there’s the risk of juice jacking. That makes a portable charger absolutely essential not only for avoiding excessive risks and costs, but also for staying connected on the go. This compact portable charger is nearly 40 percent off, comes with built-in cables, and holds a charge for a long time. All of this gives you several layers of peace of mind on the go.

Sfee Microfiber Travel Towel (2-Pack)

A lightweight microfiber towel is essential when traveling and trying to save some cash. As it’s super absorbent and quick-drying, you can do a quick sink wash of intimates or other delicates in your room and then wrap them in the towel to try, saving you the cost of pricey hotel laundry. It’s also a great towel to use for camping or the beach, or for the pool or gym. This one has a breathable storage bag, too, making it easy to pack and carry.

BAGSMART 6-Piece Set Of Compression Packing Cubes

Using compression packing cubes is another great way to help avoid baggage fees, as it allows you to fit more clothing into your carry-on. It also is helpful from an organizational standpoint— 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’d all love to not need any first aid while traveling, but stuff happens. Whether it is blisters from our shoes or cuts, bruises, bites, and scratches along the way, having bandages handy can help you avoid overpaying in gift shops. At $11, this travel first-aid kit is a great deal, and includes everything you need for staying happy and healthy on your adventures.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw

Bottled water is so expensive just about everywhere you go, and one way to avoid buying that overpriced bottled water is to carry a reusable bottle and fill it up yourself at fountains or at your hotel. This 32-ounce Owala water bottle even comes with its own straw, and it’s dishwasher safe—so when you get home from your trip, just clean it with your dishes and it’s good to go again!

iMaster Lock TSA Set Your Own Combination Luggage Lock

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

Apple AirTag

It’s not often I add an Apple product to a list about how to save money, but really, the AirTag can save you and your valuables in a big way. Track your luggage, keys, purse, wallet, knapsack, and anything else you need to protect, and you’ll save yourself the stress and expense of having to replace the contents on the road 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 save having to make multiple future investments. One 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 has ports for USB and USB-C cables, too. 

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On

A great way to not have to pay baggage fees each time you travel is to never have to check a bag and instead pack in a roomy carry-on. This Samsonite spinner is just that; it has ample room, pockets, and pouches for all of your clothes and toiletries—all in a lightweight design that won’t weigh you down on your journey. 

iTandoler Large Foldable Reusable Shopping Bag

A foldable reusable tote is one of the most practical things you can pack. Use it for grocery runs or farmers markets to save on meal costs, as a makeshift laundry bag mid-trip, or as an extra carry-on if you pick up a few souvenirs. Bonus: the built-in pocket is perfect for stashing keys, receipts, or spare change while you’re on the go.

HEETA Dry Bag

You’ll never know when you’ll need a dry pack, but when that time comes, you’ll be so glad you had it. If you are hiking or camping and a strong and unexpected rain happens, this will be how you save your phone, camera, and laptop from  ruin. It’s also great for hanging at the beach or pool or any other water activity. It even comes with a phone case—a killer deal at 33 percent off.

Ziploc Gallon Food Storage Slider Bags

I never travel without a few Ziploc bags. Ideally, you’ll have a mix of sizes, but if you’re only bringing one, go big—literally. The larger ones are endlessly useful: they double as packing cubes in a pinch, make quick work of handwashing delicates (just add water, detergent, and swish), and keep wet swimsuits separate from the rest of your clothes. I use them to stash snacks, corral cords and jewelry, and even DIY an ice pack when needed.

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

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

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