10 Outdated Travel Items, and What to Buy Instead

f you’ve been traveling for years now, there’s a good chance you’ve built up a collection of tried-and-true gear that’s become your go-to for every trip. But if you haven’t given your travel accessory selection an upgrade recently, there may be some outdated pieces hiding in plain sight that could be in need of a refresh.

With a summer of adventure still on the horizon, we’ve rounded up the 10 dated travel items that you’ll want to trade in this season, along with the elevated counterparts that will take your comfort, preparedness, and overall travel experience to the next level. Everything is available at Amazon for under $50, and most importantly, they will become mainstays in your gear collection for years to come.

Best Overall Deals

Don’t Pack: a Neck Wallet

Instead Pack: an Anti-theft Crossbody

Travelon Anti-theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

Listen, no shame if your neck wallet is the first thing you add to your personal item when packing for a big trip. But, if you’re hoping to blend in with the locals instead of standing out as a tourist, now is the time to trade in your old pouch for a more secure anti-theft crossbody. Neck wallets undoubtedly make it more difficult for pickpockets to steal your cards, cash, and important travel documents, but the Travelon Anti-theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag is an even more foolproof selection with five points of security from its slash-proof straps to its locking zippers. It’s still slim and easy to carry around so you don’t have to concede to a bulky bag after swapping out your neck wallet, and it also offers more storage space to hold your sightseeing essentials.

Don’t Pack: a Standard Portable Charger

Instead Pack: a Charger with Built-in Cables

Charmast Portable Charger with Built-in Cables

It’s always a good idea to have a portable charger on-hand while traveling, but if you’re ready for an upgrade, you’ll do well to trade in your older model for an option that comes with built-in cords. The Charmast Portable Charger is an obvious step up from traditional power banks since it’s equipped with four high-speed charging cables that will keep your phone, tablet, and headphones on the grid during long travel days. The front of this portable charger features a screen that lets you know exactly how much battery power the device has left, and you can even charge up to six devices at once.

Don’t Pack: a Handheld Fan

Instead Pack: a Neck Fan

Jisulife Portable Neck Fan

A portable fan is an obvious essential while traveling this summer (especially as temperatures continue to rise), but a handheld fan is so last year. This season, we’re replacing them with hands-free neck fans, and they’re far more convenient to travel with since they’re unobtrusive, create a more immersive cooling experience, and regulate your temperature even when you’re lugging suitcases through the airport. This wearable device is currently on sale for just $28, and it offers 360-degree cooling without blades so you don’t have to worry about your hair or jewelry getting tangled. It can run up to 16 hours on a single charge and boasts five different speeds—and best of all, it barely makes a sound. 

Don’t Pack: a Bulky Toiletry Kit

Instead Pack: a Lightweight Toiletry Bag with a Hook

Baggallini Toiletry Kit

Your old, bulky toiletry kit is probably taking up far more precious packing space than you have to spare—and it’s also likely difficult to sort through in order to find exactly what you’re looking for without taking everything out first. Your solution is not only a slim dopp kit that’ll easily slot into your suitcase, but also a bag that unfurls to expose a multitude of pockets inside. The Baggallini Toiletry Kit is designed with a convenient hook that allows you to keep it off the hotel bathroom sink while providing easy access to your belongings, plus the water-resistant fabric is easy to wipe down after every trip. Its wide array of pockets will keep you organized throughout your vacation, and the sleek design takes up minimal space even when stuffed to the brim with products.

Don’t Pack: an Eye Mask

Instead Pack: a Contoured Mask

Mzoo Sleep Eye Mask

If you struggle to get good sleep in an unfamiliar environment (or have trouble getting shut-eye while flying), then you know how important a good sleep mask can be. However, if the feeling of fabric against your lids is uncomfortable or you’re tired of excess light leaking in from the gaps between the material and your skin, it’s time to make the switch to a contoured eye mask. This cushy 3D mask is designed to entirely block out light while putting no additional pressure against your eyelids so you can finally get some good rest while traveling. It’s made from memory foam so it’ll be soft and cushy against your skin, and it’s even contoured to sit comfortably over your nose without letting light in.

Don’t Pack: a Passport Holder

Instead Pack: an AirTag Passport Holder

Pascacoo AirTag Passport Holder

Scattered travelers may rely on a passport holder to keep their vital documents all in one place, but the old-school iteration is officially on the outs in favor of a case equipped with a handy AirTag slot. We’ve long touted AirTags as a saving grace for traveling with checked luggage, but they’re also great for keeping track of your passport since they slot directly into the pouch of this faux-leather carrying case. It’s still compact and easy to pack and locate in your bag, now just with a techy upgrade—and it’s a safe place to store your boarding pass, cards, and SIM card, as well. 

Don’t Pack: Ankle Socks

Instead Pack: Compression Socks

Charmking Compression Socks

Bare feet are possibly the greatest universal “ick” of travel, so since you should already be wearing a pair of socks in-flight, you may as well make the upgrade from ankle socks to a snug compressive pair. This pack of three from Charmking is a top-rated pick at Amazon, and even flight attendants have raved that they offer “very comfortable support” and are “perfect for flight.” Compression socks help reduce leg discomfort and swelling while you’re traveling, and in fact, they can even help cut down on fatigue following a long flight while promoting blood flow. Move aside, ankle socks. 

Don’t Pack: Corded Headphones

Instead Pack: a Bluetooth Audio Adapter

Avantree Relay Airplane Bluetooth Adapter

If you’re dedicated to your old wired headphones, there’s nothing wrong with that. However, if you’re looking for an easy way to make your travel experience run a little more smoothly, switching over to cordless headphones and a bluetooth audio adapter will certainly do the trick. The Avantree Relay Airplane Bluetooth Adapter plugs directly into the seatback screen and connects to your cushy noise-cancelling headphones, allowing you to do away with the cord blocking your seatmates from the aisle as well cutting out another tangling hazard in your personal item. As an added bonus, it can even connect to two pairs of headphones at once, so if you’re traveling with a partner or friend you can enjoy the same in-flight program together. 

Don’t Pack: a Laptop Backpack

Instead Pack: a Carry-on Backpack

Matein Carry-on Backpack

Backpacks will always be one of the best personal item options since they keep your hands free and they’re generally pretty spacious. However, there is a hierarchy of backpacks, and it’s time to trade in your laptop bag for a carry-on backpack if you’re truly dedicated to becoming a carry-on-only traveler. This best-selling bag unzips like a clamshell suitcase so you can pack it to the brim, and it’s even fitted with a mesh organizational pocket and built-in straps to keep your belongings neatly in place throughout your journey. The exterior is water-resistant so you can still safely store electronics inside, and it’s on sale for just $30 right now.

Don’t Pack: an Airplane Blanket

Instead Pack: a Blanket and Pillow Duo

EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow

Whether you’ve been known to pack your own blanket for the airplane or rely on the airline-issued option, rest assured your travel experience will hit a new high with the addition of a pillow and blanket duo to your packing list. When they’re not in use, each piece folds into each other and slides over the handle of your rolling suitcase so as not to take up extra space in your personal item. Plus, they’re made of a far softer, cozier fabric than the threadbare fleece blankets airlines typically provide. The duo is lightweight, packable, and even flight attendant-approved.

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