7 Budget Friendly Travel Essentials You'll Actually Use

Experience more for less on your next journey, starting with this post about 7 things to pack to save money and travel sustainably!

9/8/20252 min read

Are you planning a trip and want to save money while being eco-friendly? Here are 7 essential items to pack that will help you do just that:

  1. Reusable Tote: A versatile tote can help you reduce waste and carry your purchases without needing plastic bags. They will save money by ensuring you don't have to purchase bags while out and about.

    We recommend this foldable, waterproof tote bag available on amazon because it is compact, lightweight, and has a clasp to keep the bag closed. This reusable tote bag fits easily into your purse, pocket, or backpack ensuring you're always ready for adventures!

  2. Reusable Travel Cutlery: Say goodbye to single-use plastics with a set of reusable stainless steel cutlery. They're lightweight, perfect for on-the-go meals, and can be used over and over again.

    Our favorite reusable travel cutlery is the Quatish Portable Silverware Set because it is compact, stainless steel, and is available in a range of gorgeous colours!

  3. Refillable Filter Water Bottle: Bring along a refillable filtered water bottle to stay hydrated while minimizing plastic waste. This way, you won't have to buy water bottles while you are out exploring and can have the piece of mind of knowing that your water will always be safe to drink.

    We recommend the LifeStraw Go Stainless Steel water bottle because it filters out contaminants, improves the taste of your water, has a covered mouthpiece, and is easy to bring with on your travels!

  4. Silicone Containers: Ideal for storing snacks or leftovers, these containers save space and are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. We recommend the Stasher Premium Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags. This bundle includes containers in 3 sizes (S, M and L) in blue, lavender, and green. They are super easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and can be reused over and over again, making them ideal for carry-on travellers!

  5. Solid Shampoo/Conditioner Bars: These bars not only save space in your luggage, but they also reduce the need for liquid bottles while eliminating plastic waste. Our favourite is the Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo & Conditioner Set, which keeps your hair looking and feeling strong, healthy, and shiny throughout your travels!

  6. Multi-use Scarf/Sarong: A stylish scarf can serve numerous purposes, from keeping warm on a chilly evening to a cover-up at the beach. While there are lots of good options out there depending on what exactly you are looking for, I use these ones from Amazon since they're cheap, small enough that they barely take up any space in the bag, and are multi-purpose.

  7. Solar Powered Charger: Keep your devices charged sustainably with a solar-powered charger, perfect for long days of exploring. We use the BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank because of its good battery life, small/compact size, and its multi-purpose features like it's built in flashlight!

Packing these items will not only help you save money during your travels, but will also ensure that you’re contributing to a more sustainable world. Our linked products are ones that we use regularly and recommend for fellow eco-conscious, budget travellers. Happy travels!

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