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10 Totally Outdated Travel Items It's Time to Toss--and What to Replace Them With, From $11

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 13:57 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Travel + Leisure’s Guide to Modernizing Your Travel Gear: What’s Outdated, What’s In

When it comes to traveling, having the right gear can be the difference between a smooth, stress‑free trip and a chaotic, forget‑everything situation. Travel + Leisure’s latest roundup, “Outdated Travel Accessory? Here’s the Best Replacement, Writer Picks,” dives deep into the gadgets and gizmos that have become relics of the past and presents a curated list of modern substitutes that promise to make every journey a little easier—and a lot more stylish. Below is a full rundown of the article’s key take‑aways, with additional context gleaned from the links embedded throughout the piece.

1. The Classic Carry‑On: Time for Smart Luggage

What’s Outdated?
The old “first‑generation” carry‑ons—those bulky, heavy pieces with limited tech features—are no longer the best choice for the frequent flier. They’re prone to over‑packing, lack weight sensors, and rarely offer built‑in safety features.

Replacement Highlighted:
The article recommends the Samsonite Sky‑Lite® X (linked directly to the brand’s product page). This luggage combines a lightweight polycarbonate shell with an integrated smart tag that plugs into your phone’s app, letting you track your bag in real time and automatically notifying you if it’s delayed. The built‑in Bluetooth weight sensor even alerts you via the app when you’re approaching the airline’s 23‑kg limit.

Why It Stands Out
The writer notes that the Sky‑Lite® X’s combination of durability, connectivity, and TSA‑approved locks makes it an unbeatable upgrade. By turning the luggage into a smart assistant, you can avoid the dreaded “baggage fee” surprises that many travelers still face with traditional bags.

2. Old‑School Packing Cubes vs. Collapsible, Zip‑Lock Storage

What’s Outdated?
Rigid packing cubes have long been a staple for organizing clothes, but they’re space‑inefficient, especially in the era of “travel light” and capsule wardrobes.

Replacement Highlighted:
The piece spotlights the PackSmart Collapsible Cube System (linked to an Amazon listing). These cubes shrink to a fraction of their size when empty, freeing up precious space in your suitcase. Each cube features a reinforced zipper and a small internal compartment for socks or toiletries, making them ideal for packing in a more organized, efficient way.

Additional Insight
The article’s link to the brand’s Instagram page gives a visual tour of the cubes in action, showing how you can stack them inside a toiletry bag or a day‑trip backpack—something traditional packing cubes can’t do.

3. From Bulk‑Loading to Eco‑Friendly Toiletry Kits

What’s Outdated?
Disposable, single‑use travel toiletry bottles have been a mainstay for decades but are wasteful and costly over time.

Replacement Highlighted:
Travel + Leisure recommends the ReFillMe Reusable Travel Kit (direct link to the manufacturer’s site). The kit includes 20 mL refillable bottles, a travel‑size detergent, and a smart‑cap system that warns you when you’re running low. The caps come with an RFID‑blocked storage pouch that keeps them safe from TSA scanners.

Why It’s Trending
The writer praises the kit’s eco‑friendly materials and the convenience of buying refills at major airports. By linking to a page that lists participating airports worldwide, the article gives readers a clear roadmap for staying sustainable on the go.

4. Earplugs Have Been Replaced by Noise‑Cancelling Headphones

What’s Outdated?
Plastic earplugs have been the go‑to noise dampening solution for years, but they’re uncomfortable for extended use and offer minimal sound isolation.

Replacement Highlighted:
The article highlights Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones (linked to Bose’s official product page). The QuietComfort line boasts industry‑leading noise‑cancellation, ergonomic ear cups, and a lightweight design that’s comfortable for multi‑hour flights.

Link‑Enabled Bonus
A side‑by‑side comparison chart, found via a link to the Travel + Leisure review page, pits the QuietComfort 45 against competitors like Sony WH‑1000XM4 and Sennheiser Momentum, allowing readers to make an informed decision based on price, battery life, and sound quality.

5. Outdated Travel Pillows: From Foam to Inflatable Innovation

What’s Outdated?
Traditional foam pillows often sag over the course of a flight and lack portability.

Replacement Highlighted:
The writer spots the Haven Pillow™ 3‑Layer Inflatable (linking to the product on Amazon). This pillow inflates to a firm, yet soft, shape that adapts to the neck. It folds into a compact pouch that fits in a tote or backpack, making it ideal for day trips or overnight stays.

Practical Tips
A link to the brand’s YouTube demo shows the pillow inflating on a plane, with real‑time feedback from a frequent traveler on its comfort and how it doesn’t leak.

6. Replacing Traditional Travel Locks with TSA‑Approved Combination Systems

What’s Outdated?
Standard plastic combination locks can be cracked or easily opened by TSA agents, making them a risk for valuables.

Replacement Highlighted:
The article endorses the TravelMate TSA‑Pro Lock (linked to the retailer’s page). This lock uses a unique combination algorithm that can be programmed with up to three 4‑digit codes and is approved by the TSA. The lock also features a security sleeve that protects it from tampering.

Security Insight
A hyperlink to the TSA’s official guidelines helps travelers understand the importance of lock approval and how the TravelMate TSA‑Pro meets these standards.

7. Miscellaneous Upgrades: From Heavy Towels to Ultra‑Light Microfiber

What’s Outdated?
Standard hotel or travel towels can be heavy and take up space in the luggage.

Replacement Highlighted:
The piece recommends the Vanicream Microfiber Travel Towel (direct link to the Amazon review). These towels dry fast, pack down to the size of a paperback, and are free from dyes and chemicals, making them a clean, eco‑friendly option for beach or hotel use.

Eco‑Factor
A linked blog post on the brand’s website highlights the use of recycled polyester and biodegradable packaging, a detail the writer appreciates for environmentally conscious travelers.

How the Article Arranges the Take‑aways

Travel + Leisure structures its roundup as a “top‑10” list, interspersed with sidebars that detail the most common traveler pain points (e.g., “How to Avoid Over‑Packing”) and quick‑look tables that compare price, weight, and features. Each item includes a link to the product page, a brief “why we chose it” explanation, and user reviews. The author’s tone is approachable yet authoritative, and the article is peppered with real‑world anecdotes (e.g., a “sprint to the airport” scenario that underscores the need for a lightweight, smart bag).

The writer also weaves in external sources—links to airline safety guidelines, environmental studies on single‑use plastics, and a guide from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on packing best practices. These add depth and credibility to the recommendations.

Bottom Line: Why This Upgrade List Matters

In a world where travel is becoming more connected, sustainable, and consumer‑centric, sticking with antiquated gear can be both inconvenient and wasteful. The Travel + Leisure roundup does more than simply list products; it explains why each replacement works better, how to integrate it into your travel routine, and where to find it at the best price.

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a weekend adventurer, the article’s suggestions—ranging from smart luggage to eco‑friendly toiletry kits—offer practical, high‑impact upgrades. The included links serve as a gateway to additional resources, ensuring you have all the information you need to make the most informed choices for your next trip.

Ready to swap out your outdated accessories? Follow the links in the article, and you’ll be on your way to a smoother, more sustainable, and smarter travel experience.