9 Travel Accessories Buyers Almost Always Regret

Travel is at an all-time high. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, global travel and tourism is expected to exceed $11.1 trillion in 2024 alone. If history is to be believed, there’s a good chance the industry will continue to thrive next year.

For the average consumer, that means plenty of travel on the horizon. But that also means plenty of chances to buy those travel accessories that seem cool or useful in the moment but end up being a waste of money and a source of buyer regret.

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GOBankingRates spoke with travel experts to find out which travel accessories shoppers most often regret purchasing and why they’re not worth buying.

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High-tech luggage and accessories

You’ve probably seen advertisements for luggage and high-tech accessories, like portable safes. But while it’s smart to keep your belongings safe, some of them just aren’t worth the price (and weight).

“Suitcases loaded with built-in chargers and tech features can weigh you down, take up valuable storage space, and become impractical if something breaks mid-trip,” said Alexa Erickson, travel expert at Dollar Flight Club.

The same goes for these portable safes. According to Erickson, they take up space but don’t add much extra security.

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Portable Air Purifiers

According to Erickson, travelers often regret getting a portable air purifier. This may seem like a good idea at first, but they are usually not necessary and just take up space.

This miniature portable air purifier regularly costs around $50 on Amazon. Other retailers sell them for $20-$30, but that’s still extra money spent on something that is never or very rarely used.

Miniature first aid kits

Erickson pointed out that mini first aid kits are another accessory that travelers often regret getting. These kits usually only cost a few dollars, but they usually don’t contain much. Instead of wasting money, it might be better to get a custom kit that better suits your needs.

Cervical pillows

Neck pillows exist at almost every Hudson bookstore (or similar retailer) at every airport, but are they worth the price? According to Bryan Murphy, owner of Hawaii’s Best Travel, this is usually not the case.

“They look like a lifesaver, but they’re usually a total disappointment: flimsy, bulky and taking up valuable luggage space,” Murphy said.

If you are considering purchasing a neck pillow, you may want to purchase a cheaper one before heading to the airport. At the very least, the price will probably be better.

Large toiletry bags

Another common source of buyer’s remorse are those oversized toiletry bags — you know, the ones with tons of compartments that you’ll never use.

“They promise to keep you organized, but halfway through the trip they’re just a big mess that makes finding anything a headache,” Murphy said.

Airplane Seat Organizers

A newer travel accessory, airplane seat organizers may seem convenient, but they’re often not worth it.

“They look cool on TikTok, but they don’t really make your plane experience any better,” said Kendyl Grender, owner of Kendyl Travels. “Is the seat pocket one of the dirtiest parts of the plane? Absolutely. But don’t buy into the idea that you need a seat organizer because of this.

Travel pillows

Similar to neck pillows, travel pillows are one of those items that seem nice to have but often don’t work as well as you’d hope.

“Travel pillows are one of the most regretted purchases for flights. Not only do they take up a lot of space, but they tend to have mixed reviews on their effectiveness and then you have to keep track of them once you get to your destination,” Grender said. “Instead, use the travel pillow and adjustable headrest provided on the plane to your advantage. You will do very well.

Single-use travel accessories

Anything that has only one purpose (and therefore limited uses) is another common source of regret.

“Single-use items often fall into this category and can add clutter without significant benefits,” Erickson said. “For example, you can avoid travel pillows, bulky airplane footrests, travel hangers, cup holders and seat back organizers, which often take up space and provide limited utility. “

Trendy accessories

Just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it’s worth buying. And if you’re already traveling on a tight budget — or generally trying to keep costs low — you’ll probably regret buying something just because you saw it on TikTok or Instagram.

According to Erickson, accessories that fall into this category include packing cubes that are too large and collapsible water bottles that are not durable.

“The key is to prioritize versatile, lightweight and convenient tools that truly enhance your travel experience,” Erickson said.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Travel Accessories Buyers Almost Always Regret