Save hundreds by avoiding these overhyped holiday essentials that rarely deliver
Planning a holiday often triggers a shopping spree for travel gear that promises to make your trip smoother, safer, or more comfortable. But according to one expert, a lot of these “must-have” items are actually budget-draining mistakes that end up gathering dust in your suitcase.
“Every year, millions of travellers waste money on items they think they need, only to discover they’re impractical, redundant, or simply useless,” says Fred Harrington, CEO of Proxy Coupons, a discount platform specialising in online deals. “The travel industry is brilliant at convincing us we need specialised gear for every scenario, but smart travellers know that simple, versatile items usually work better.”
With holiday season arriving and travel budgets already stretched, Fred shares his insight on which popular travel purchases are actually money traps – and what savvy alternatives can save you both cash and luggage space.
The 5 Travel Items That Are Budget Busters
- Portable Clothing Steamers
These compact devices promise wrinkle-free clothes on the go, but they’re often more trouble than they’re worth. Most weigh over a pound, take up precious luggage space, and require distilled water that’s not always available.
“I’ve seen people lug these things around Europe only to use them once,” says Fred. “Most hotels provide irons, and if you’re staying in hostels or Airbnbs, hanging clothes in a steamy bathroom works just as well. Save yourself £30-50 and pack an extra outfit instead.”
- Travel Neck Pillows
Despite their popularity, most travel pillows are bulky, uncomfortable, and offer little real support. They’re designed for one specific sleeping position that rarely matches how you actually sleep on planes or trains.
“These things are everywhere in airports because they’re impulse buys that prey on tired travellers,” Fred explains. “A rolled-up jumper or small cushion from home does the same job without the bulk. Better yet, invest in noise-cancelling headphones – they’ll help you sleep far better than any pillow.”
- Universal Travel Adapters
While they sound practical, many universal adapters are cheaply made, unreliable, and potentially dangerous. They often don’t fit properly in foreign outlets and can damage your devices.
“I’ve seen people spend £15-25 on these all-in-one adapters that barely work,” says Fred. “Research your destination and buy a simple, country-specific adapter for £3-5. It’ll be more reliable and won’t risk frying your phone charger.”
- Travel-Sized Toiletries
Those tiny bottles of shampoo and toothpaste might seem convenient, but they’re expensive per millilitre and often run out mid-trip. Plus, most accommodations provide basic toiletries.
“You’re paying premium prices for tiny amounts,” Fred notes. “Buy normal-sized products when you arrive, or better yet, use what’s provided. The money you save could buy you an extra meal out.”
- Portable Phone Chargers (The Wrong Ones)
Not all power banks are created equal. Travellers often buy cheap, low-capacity chargers that barely provide one full charge, or expensive high-capacity ones they’ll never fully utilise.
“People either buy the cheapest option that dies after two uses, or the most expensive one that could power a small village,” Fred observes. “A mid-range power bank with 10,000mAh capacity is perfect for most travellers and costs half the price of premium options.”
Fred Harrington, CEO of Proxy Coupons, commented: “Social media has created this idea that you need specialist gear for every travel scenario, but most of these ‘must-have’ items are just marketing dressed up as necessity. Instagram influencers show off their perfectly curated travel kits, but they don’t tell you about the stuff that never leaves their suitcase.
“The key is asking yourself: ‘Will I actually use this more than twice?’ If the answer is no, skip it. Focus on versatile basics that serve multiple purposes – a good quality jacket that’s both waterproof and warm, or a phone that doubles as your camera and entertainment system. Your wallet and your back will thank you for travelling light.”