Sure, we all want the fancy stuff – the GoPro camera and the light-as-air laptop and the high-design luggage. But here are three inexpensive travel gadgets that should come off your “want list” and jump right into your suitcase.

Each of these items costs under $20, which means they also make great gifts.

1. The Digital Luggage Scale

You do NOT want to be that family frantically trying to repack suitcases on the floor of the airport! You don’t want to be the guy who had to pay $125 extra at check-in, either, do you ?

Moral of the story? You need a luggage scale.

Airlines are super strict these days so its best to know what you’re dealing with before you leave home. This one by Tarriss is super reliable and easy to use. just fasten the strap around the handle of your suitcase, lift up from under the handheld scale and you’ll know the weight of each bag you plan to check. Couldn’t be simpler.

Oh and remember to take it with you – you’ll want to use it again on your flight back.

2. The Portable Cell Phone Battery Charger

Charge this baby up before you leave home, and again as needed, then keep it in your backpack, pocket or purse as you’re site-seeing. There’s nothing worse that losing communications in a place you’re not familiar with. Don’t lose your maps, apps and connections.

This Anker 2nd Generation Astro Mini is the number one ranked portable charger stick on Amazon and I’m very happy with the one I use. It recharges pretty quickly and is easy to carry. Just plug your phone into the USB charging port, when you need to.

3. The Power Cord Adapter

When you’re traveling overseas you’ll run into the most interesting power outlets. All different shapes and sizes. This power cord adapter kit will let you connect in most countries and you can add to it if you need to, later.

I particularly like this kit because it packs well and the outlet adapters fit well into outlets. I had another brand previously that didn’t work nearly as well – the connections were always loose and unreliable. This one is great.

BONUS: Here’s a Travel Gadget to Avoid

The Luggage Padlock – you don’t need it.

Adding one to your suitcase increases the chance of damage to your luggage. Many padlocks are lost in the wear and tear of baggage handling. Plus, your padlock may be cut off your bag during necessary security checks. So I say, why bother?

Keep anything valuable in your carry-on or purse and invest in good luggage with strong zippers.

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