9 Travel Accessories Buyers Almost Always Regret

“They look like a lifesaver, but they’re usually a total letdown: flimsy, awkward and hogging precious luggage space,” Murphy said.

If you’re going to get a neck pillow, you might want to grab a cheaper one before heading to the airport. At the very least, the price will probably be better.

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

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

A newer trending travel accessory, plane seat organizers might seem practical, but they’re often not worth the money.

“They look neat on TikTok, but they don’t really make your plane experience any more efficient,” 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 it.”

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

“Travel pillows are one of the most regretted purchases for flights. Not only do they take up a lot of space, they tend to have mixed reviews on how well they work and then you still have to keep track of it once you arrive at your destination,” Grender said. “Instead, use the plane’s provided travel pillow and adjustable headrest to your advantage. You’ll do just fine.”

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

“Single-purpose items often fall into this category and can add clutter without significant benefits,” Erickson said. “For example, you might skip travel pillows, clunky airplane footrests, travel hangers, drink holders and seatback organizers, which often take up space and provide limited utility.”

Just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s worth the purchase. And if you’re already traveling on a tight budget — or generally trying to keep costs low — you’re likely to regret picking up something just because you saw it on TikTok or Instagram.

According to Erickson, accessories that fall under this category include too-big packing cubes and collapsible water bottles that aren’t durable.

“The key is to prioritize multipurpose, lightweight and practical tools that genuinely enhance your travel experience,” Erickson said.

More From GOBankingRates

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