Get More Travel Help From Me!

Are you on Patreon? Do you want to save more money on travel and learn more about specific destinations, get more say in what content you see, and maybe win (or purchase) some travel goodies? Well, then join me over on Patreon, where you can choose from several membership tiers, so you can do some or all of those things! 

Why do I need a Patreon? Because there are some things that I want to do that require a lot more effort than a blog post, but unless I get paid for that, I can't really invest my time in them. I'd also like to give you more things that are personalized, so each month I'll have some polls up for you to vote on the next content you'd like to see, higher tiers will be able to request mini travel guides from me each month to help plan their specific travels, and I'll be putting together goodie boxes that have some of my favorite travel items in them, which you can have a chance to win, or straight up get one sent to your door with your subscription.

Your membership should also help me bring more free things to the blog that you'll want to see and help you more on your trips. Depending on how it goes, I'd love to do a lot more packing videos, including showing you which things I swap out for common travel items that only do one thing or, in my opinion, aren't as efficient.

If any of this sounds like something you want to get in on, membership starts at just $5/month and gets you access to all my mini guides (so far, there are 3 up), my 48 Hours on a Budget posts (more are coming this month), my planning guides, and more. Right now, use code NL50 and get 50% off your first month for any of the first 3 tiers.

I hope to see you there! 

2025 Travel Trends

Are you traveling differently right now? Travel trends come and go and each generation has their own way of taking vacations. Maybe you also are pivoting into taking your dog with you more often or giving the travel reigns to your children or doing more adventuring on your trips. Here are 6 of 2025's upcoming travel trends.

Solo travel can be really rewarding and I tend to do it once a year, even though I have a travel partner. Here are some awesome places to travel alone.

Do any of your travel plans fit into these 2025 trends?

New Year, New Ways to Make Your Travels Better

There are always ways to make your travel better and if you didn't get any of those things for the holidays, it's okay, because I'm here to give you ideas on what to buy yourself with any of those Amazon gift cards or Grandma money you got instead.

I'm a travel gadget person there are things I always take with me and different stuff I take for different trips. If you feel like you could be traveling a little better and want something new, here are some of the things you should add to your carry-on.

Did you do all the walking? Does your body hurt? Get a cheap in-room massage by bringing along this little travel massage gun. It comes with several attachments and it's own carrying case. $59.99

Can't sleep when it's too quiet? Bring along your white noise without having to use your phone all night. This mini white noise machine is great for everyone, especially if you travel with babies who need a way to drown out sound from the next room. It comes in a bunch of colors $15.99+

Whether you take medication or you just like to be prepared with over-the-counter aids, this folding multi-compartment pill case has room for so much. Fill up with all your pills or with ibuprofen, allergy meds, and vitamins. Get 3 for $6.99 or 1 for $4.49

Stop tweaking your neck by looking down at your phone your entire flight. Get you - and your travel partner(s) - these great little phone holders that are specifically made to go on the seatback of planes, but can also be used in the car, on your luggage, on the table and probably a lot more places. $13.97 for one or $25.97 for two in different colors

Keep your hands free, for holding your child's hand, eating a bagel, or shopping with this handy drink holder that slides onto your wheelie bag handle. That way you can have your coffee and your water or bottles of juice that get held for two seconds and then shoved into your hand. Not only does it hold two cups or bottles, but the pockets are insulated! Plus it also has a zipper pocket for little things like napkins or your change, a mesh pocket for your phone, a strap to keep your personal item on top of your bag, and a slip-on strap to throw on while walking down the plane aisle or getting in your Uber. $17.98 in stone, black, gray, or pink to match your aesthetic

Sharing a bathroom or having to use a public restroom for anything other than a quick pee can be embarrassing for some, but it's also not optimal for gross smells. That's where Poo-Pourri comes in. If you haven't already been using this at home, I'm not sure what you're waiting for. Three quick spritzes in the bowl before you go and smells vanish into a black hole or something. I love these travel size ones, because you can keep one in your pocket or day-bag and one in your toiletry bag to pop on the counter at your accommodation. Everyone will thank you. $21.72 for a 5-pack

I always have a coat or cardigan or both with me at the airport, because the plane is unpredictable and so is weather, but when I'm not wearing it, it's annoying to stuff it in a bag or have to carry it around, so I have this carry clip that I can use to carry my coat or travel pillow (or both). $9.99 in several colors

Going on a beach vacation or a cruise where you'll be sitting by the pool? Don't leave all your stuff under your towel and hope nobody steals it. Bring along this fancy portable safe and attach it to something large, like a beach chair. It's big enough for your phone, hotel key, and credit card or cash. $22.54 for black, but it also comes in pink

Traveling internationally? You can't just plug your things straight into the wall. Get this all-in-one adapter that works in 160 countries. I have two and I gave them as gifts when our family all went to a destination wedding. This allowed both of us to plug in all of our electronics, since each has USB outlets for small things like phones and tablets, and a regular outlet for when I use my laptop. $17.59 in black and other colors If you need one for country not in the UK, Europe, or Australia, check out this one 

Sometimes travel can be exhausting. You get a lot of stimulation and maybe that gives you a headache or you just need to relax in the dark. If that sounds like you, toss a couple of these steam eye masks in your bag and you're set for when you just need to zone out. These can also be good for refreshing your allergy eyes, general puffy eyes, or helping you fall asleep. Have a mini spa break in your room for way less than the cost of going to the actual spa. $22.49 for 20

These are some of the budget-friendly items that can help you travel better and make your life a little easier when you're away from home. If you're looking for more items, don't forget to see my recommendations for last-minute gifts and my favorite travel gifts that cost a bit more.

I hope your 2025 is starting off with a bang and you're looking forward to some great trips.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend things I love. If you buy something through my site links, I might earn a commission. This allows me to bring you even more budget travel tips and is totally free to you.