A universal travel adapter is the one item that’s genuinely non-negotiable for most international trips — plug shapes vary enough between regions that arriving without one means an airport-shop purchase at a premium price.
Past that, a TSA-recognized lock and a luggage scale are the two next most useful purchases: the lock protects checked items without risking being cut off during an inspection, and the scale avoids discovering an overweight bag for the first time at the check-in counter.
What travelers ask
Do I really need a luggage scale before I even own much luggage?
It's one of the cheapest ways to avoid an excess-baggage fee at check-in, which can cost more than the scale itself. Worth owning before the first trip that includes checked luggage, even if it isn't needed for a hand-luggage-only journey.
Last reviewed 26 August 2026