Best $100 You Can Spend To Make Travel Less of a Hassle
Travel hassles rarely come from one big problem. It builds slowly through a series of challenges that leave travelers drained before a trip even begins.
Financial advisors and seasoned travel professionals say the most effective fixes are not premium upgrades or luxury add-ons, but modest purchases under $100 that reduce friction at the systems level. The following five choices are less about indulgence and more about reclaiming time, energy and calm.
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Global Entry — Buying Back Time at the Airport
For many travelers, the biggest hassle is time wasted standing in line at the airport. To solve this, Tara Busch, founder and CEO of Conscious Travel Collective, recommends Global Entry as one of the best $100 investments a traveler can make. At roughly $20 per year over its five-year term, it essentially buys back hours of your time while reducing the stress of long airport lines.
“Global Entry gives travelers access to special security lines at most U.S. airports, making the pre-departure experience smoother. There are also perks for prescreened travelers, such as keeping laptops in your bag and leaving shoes on," Busch said.
The post-flight impact can be even more significant for international travelers, she said, describing how it’s possible to clear customs in about five minutes after a long-haul flight. She added that she would prioritize Global Entry over paying for an airport lounge.
A Carry-On Backpack and Packing Cubes That Eliminate Travel Friction
Shalece L. Daniels, executive rest strategist and culture travel enthusiast at Live As If Co., recommends a carry-on backpack that opens like a suitcase, paired with packing cubes.
“It removes the biggest stress multipliers in travel: no bag check, no baggage claim, no digging for essentials and no packing chaos. It turns your travel day into a simple sequence, not a scavenger hunt.”
This setup makes it easier to move through security and quickly access what you need without unpacking everything in the bins. Packing cubes, she noted, “keep your items contained so you are not repacking at security.”
Traveling with a carry-on also reduces stress when flights are delayed or rerouted. You’re not waiting on luggage and can avoid the strain of hauling heavier bags.
A 100% Blackout Sleep Mask To Prevent Jet Lag
Dovi Geretz, chief technology officer at SlickTrip, said the Manta Sleep Mask PRO — a blackout sleep mask priced around $85 — has made a noticeable difference on long-haul flights.
“Unlike cheaper sleep masks that allow light to seep in, the Manta Sleep Mask PRO’s C-shaped eye cups ensure complete blackout without pressing on your eyelids or eyelashes,” he said.
If you can’t sleep on your flight, you may arrive with significant jet lag: “Jet lag can leave you feeling fatigued and out of sync for the first few days of a trip,” he added.
Geretz believes the payoff outweighs more expensive upgrades like premium carry-ons, seat selections or high-end noise-canceling headphones.
“If a sleep mask fails to block all light or feels uncomfortable, you won’t use it — which defeats the purpose of getting better rest while traveling,” he said.
TSA PreCheck — A Domestic Travel Shortcut
Michele Schwartz, travel designer at Makin’ Memories Travel Co., called TSA PreCheck “a game changer for frequent flyers,” especially at busy or understaffed airports. The program offers expedited access to security lanes through a five-year membership that typically costs $77 to $85.
TSA PreCheck allows travelers to leave laptops and liquids in their bags, significantly reducing time in security lines. Schwartz said it consistently saves time, even at crowded airports, and helps reduce the fatigue that comes with long waits. She emphasized that it can quickly pay for itself for those who fly two or more times per year.
“Compared with CLEAR, which costs about $179 per year, TSA PreCheck is more affordable and more widely accepted,” she said.
The biggest mistake travelers make, Schwartz added, is waiting too long to apply or forgetting to add their Known Traveler Number to reservations, which prevents the benefit from being applied.
A Portable Power Bank That Prevents Small Problems From Becoming Big
Viola Sender, city travel expert and co-founder of Away to the City, said a portable phone power bank is one of the best under-$100 purchases for reducing travel stress.
“In cities, your phone is your map, metro ticket, boarding pass, wallet, translation tool and emergency contact. Running out of battery can turn small hiccups into real problems,” she said.
“A power bank keeps you moving through rebookings, gate changes and rideshare pickups without the stress of a dying battery.”
She recommends choosing one that can provide at least two full charges and keeping it in your personal item rather than a suitcase. In the end, the best travel upgrades are the ones that quietly remove friction before you even notice it.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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