Travel doesn’t have to be complicated — especially when you have the right essentials in your bag. Over ten years of travel, between girls’ trips, family vacations, and work assignments across more than 30 countries and 3 continents I’ve built a small but mighty collection of essentials that have earned permanent residency in my travel routine. And the best part? They’re on sale this season and make the perfect Christmas gift for the travel lover in your life. Let’s get into 8 under-$30 travel essentials I never leave home without.

1. Portable Charger by Vrurc

A good portable charger is a travel non-negotiable. This one is my personal favorite because it has built-in iPhone, USB-C, micro cables and AND a wall plug — which means no cords i.e. fewer things to forget or fumble with at the airport. It’s slim so it fits in most small purses (YES even a Telfar mini!!!). It's reliable with an LED display showing you exactly how much charge you have left, and has saved me during countless long travel days including escaping Washington DC ahead of the inauguration earlier this year, but that’s a story for a different day.

👉🏾 Price: $25.99
👉🏾 Shop it: https://amzn.to/48mLOcO

2. Travel Pill Organizer by Murri & Murri

Whether you’re taking daily meds, supplements, or just need a dedicated space for your pain relievers and allergy pills, this little organizer is clutch. It has six separate compartments that can fit 3-4 pills each and a magnetic detachable, mini case with two compartments if you need to take your pills on-the-go once you’ve reached your destination. It’s compact, and fits easily inside any toiletry bag or purse. I’ve been traveling with this since last year and after trying at least 3 other pill cases this is the one I keep reaching for.

👉🏾 Price: $8.99
👉🏾 Shop it: https://amzn.to/3K2ZjGn

3. Mesh Laundry Bags by OTraki

If you ever hated the idea of dirty clothes mingling with your clean ones in your suitcase, but didn’t know what to do about it, this is your answer! These mesh laundry bags keep everything separated and I love that they come with handles, making it easy to hang them in your hotel room or Airbnb. This comes in a pack of two which is perfect for sticking to my routine of sorting my lights and darks even when I’m on vacation and it makes unpacking and doing laundry a breeze once you get home. You can even throw the whole thing in the washer.

👉🏾 Price: $9.49
👉🏾 Shop it: https://amzn.to/4ij0TR8

4. International Adapter by Epicka

This adapter has been with me since 2019 and still works like a charm. It has multiple USB A and C ports, and charges your devices quickly. I’ve taken this on a work trip to Germany, to Afro Nation in Portugal, to visit family in Nigeria and Ethiopia and it worked like a charm everywhere. It’s compact and even comes with some extra charging cables. If you’re headed anywhere outside the U.S., this is the one you want in your bag.

👉🏾 Price: $17.99
👉🏾 Shop it: https://amzn.to/3M5NM9L

5. Luggage Scale by Etekcity

Overweight baggage fees? Couldn’t be me! But you know it’s hard when you’re African and everyone wants you to bring them something from America. That’s why we keep this electric scale in our suitcases at all times. It’s small, accurate, and has a built-in hook/loop that makes weighing bags super simple. It’s also great for weighing your carry-on, for which a lot of European airlines like Lufthansa enforce the 8kg/ ~16lbs limit. Especially helpful if you’re like me and tend to accumulate a few “souvenirs” along the way.

👉🏾 Price: $11.97
👉🏾 Shop it: https://amzn.to/4ierCOA

6. Silicone Loofah by Tooletries

I switched to a silicone loofah three years ago, because packing a wet wash cloth was unappealing, but so was using a hotel wash cloth or nothing at all. And honestly? Best decision ever. It’s more hygienic, dries faster, lasts longer, and is perfect for travel. I keep mine packed in my toiletry bag and the added bonus with using the Tooletries facial scrubber is that it’s a mini size which means it’s easy to fit in your crowded toiletry bag and the suction cup lets you stick it on any flat surface making for easy access even if the shower doesn’t have a ledge.

👉🏾 Price: $9.98
👉🏾 Shop it: https://amzn.to/448Z4Av

7. Curly Hair Brush by Denman

For my curly hair girls, this one is essential. The Denman brush works beautifully to detangle my curls in the shower and to style after- whether I’m doing a curly do or silk press. I’ve been doing my own hair since I moved to America in 2006 and when my trusty hairbrush broke a few years back I was desperate to find something that could keep up with my curls and straight hair - travel or not. When I saw how good this brush was I immediately bought a second one and literally designed my toiletry bag to make sure one of these can fit in there. So obviously it’s part of the official travel roster.

👉🏾 Price: $23.95
👉🏾 Shop it: https://amzn.to/442fk6c

8. Hair Towel by Turbie Twist

A lightweight, quick-drying hair towel is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you have one. It reduces drying time, helps protect your hair, and barely takes up any space in your luggage. I let this double as a shower cap on days when I have a silk press and want to protect my hair while showering - I use it every single day at home and when I travel!

👉🏾 Price: 16.98 (for two)
👉🏾 Shop it: https://amzn.to/3K6mJe3

BONUS: Want to Upgrade Your Toiletry Game?

I can’t talk about travel essentials without mentioning this — I’m currently finalizing the patent pending OOOasis Toiletry Bag, launching Spring 2026. If you’re someone who values organization, simplicity, beautiful design, and having all your toiletry essentials in one place you’re going to love this bag.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the OOOasis Travel Newsletter below so you don’t miss the launch.

For weekly travel tips and behind-the-scenes updates, follow @oooasistravel on Instagram and if you have any travel essentials drop them in the comments below.

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8 Affordable Travel Essentials that make the Perfect Christmas Gift