Travel Accessories Under $50

If you are traveling with your computer this is a really clever idea. The unused PCMCIA slot on your laptop can be turned into a secret drawer for your valuables! You could store money, cards, keys, photos, memory cards, etc. It's so simple but such a good idea.

I have a small backpack for everyday use in London but it doesn't fold down well for trips away. What I like about this backpack is the fact it's lightweight, strong and packs down easily into its own 6 x 8" pouch, then can be unfolded to a spacious 14 x 11½ x 4½" backpack that can hold a picnic for two (with wine), camera, journal and a rain jacket, with room to spare. Made of durable ripstop nylon, it has a front zippered pocket, lockable double zippers on the main compartment, a seriously useful side mesh water bottle pocket, with lightly padded and adjustable backpack straps.

Keeping a track of the time at home and the time in your location while traveling can be challenging but I like this small alarm clock as you can see 16 pre-set time zones with a simple twist of a knob. It's also a digital thermometer and a flashlight so I think that earns its space in your luggage.

This is truly a traveler's friend. I'm often out with a drained battery on my iPhone and this would mean I could charge it - for free - anywhere! This palm-sized power pack will charge portable electronics and has eight interchangeable plug tips for a wide variety of devices from iPhones to Kindles to GPS devices.

The Solar Power Pack is perfect for people on the go who need a power boost (this is not intended for a full charge on high-capacity devices). It recharges up to a 1,000 times giving you years of safe, efficient operation. And there's even a flashlight on one end too.

Travel adaptors and convertors are always needed; I usually carry a few as I find myself needing to charge my phone, camera, mp3 player, laptop, etc at the same time.

Find out more about Power Adaptors & Electrical Coverters for UK.

The Gorillapod is a small, flexible tripod for your camera which can support SLRs as well as compact cameras so you can set up the perfect shot on any surface. I found this good for taking shots late at night when I needed more stability. Its size means it can easily fit in your daypack without weighing you down.

I certainly don't think London hotels have a bed bug problem but there's no reason to take chances and this bed bug dirty laundry bag means no insects can hitch a ride back to your house. The zip-sealed bag is lab-tested and is recommended by entomologists for sealing in (or out) bed bugs, larvae or other mites or pests. When you get home simply wash everything, including the bag, for peace of mind. It is also great for laundry use at home too, or for storing old clothing, making it even better value as it can be in use all year round.

• Travel Myth - Hostels Will Have Bed Bugs
• What Causes Bed Bugs?

Luggage scales can save you from excess baggage fees at the airport so are worth the investment. These scales have an ergonomic handle for easier lifting and the digital reading is much more accurate than the old dial scales. The backlit display shows the weight in pounds and kilograms up to 100 lb or 50 kg.

It rains in London - you may have heard this before. But it's not monsoon territory so the rain will often pass quickly and is no reason to stop your day's plans. These umbrellas are superbly compact at only 5½" long when folded yet and strong and really easy to use, plus it has a cover so you pop it back in your bag when the showers pass.

The SlingSafe™ 50 is a security bag featuring a slash proof front panel, a slash proof shoulder strap, and a concealed safety hook to secure the purse and mobile phone pocket. The main compartment has a pocket for a cell phone, camera or PDA, two zippered accessory pouches, and a detachable mirror.

Many people like these security bags just to give them more confidence in a new city. Others simply love the freedom it gives them to carry all they need and still be "hands-free".