Shopping Picks

The discount chain is stocking the ‘perfect travel companion’ for jetsetters

Holidaymakers across the country are counting down the days until the summer holidays. With the school holidays fast approaching, many families are preparing for their upcoming trips. High street stores are also stocking travel essentials in anticipation of the surge of travellers.

From cabin bags to packing cubes, shoppers will likely notice an influx of luggage accessories on shelves. Home Bargains is no exception. The retailer is selling various travel items, including one 99p accessory that could give you ‘peace of mind during your adventures.’

Home Bargains is stocking a pack of two TravelShop Combination Locks described by the retailer as ‘the perfect travel companion.’ The retailer says: “Keep your belongings safe on the go with the TravelShop Combination Locks in stunning pink!

“This durable two-pack features a simple three-digit combination, making them the perfect travel companion for peace of mind during your adventures.

“Secure your belongings with ease and peace of mind wherever you go with Combination Locks Two Pack. Crafted with durability and security in mind, Combination locks are the perfect travel companion for safeguarding your valuables during your adventures.”

Shoppers can choose between several colours. The sets are offered in pink, blue, and green. For customers looking for an alternative, Home Bargains also sells a £2.49 TravelShop TSA Padlock.

The description says: “Keep your belongings safe on your travels with the TravelShop TSA Padlock in sleek silver! This simple yet effective three-digit padlock gives you peace of mind, letting you focus on making memories instead of worrying about security.”

Other travel accessories sold online at Home Bargains include travel bottles, pouch organisers, laundry bags, and travel-sized toiletries. For example, the store sells a £4.99 Travel Hanging Organiser, which is designed to help passengers ‘stay organised on the go’.

The description claims: “Stay organised on the go with the Travel Hanging Organiser from the Simple family, featuring 24 mesh pockets and four hooks for versatile, compact storage wherever your holiday takes you.”

There’s also a set of three Travel Mesh Pouch Organisers for £1.99. The description says: “Keep your travel essentials organised with this lightweight three-pack of pink mesh pouches in small, medium, and large sizes—perfect for hassle-free packing on the go.” According to the description, the small bag measures 25 x 20cm, the medium bag measures 30 x 25cm, and the large bag measures 35 x 30cm.

Home Bargains sells products online for home delivery. However, customers who don’t want to pay for delivery may prefer to check their local store for stock. Customers can find their nearest location here.

Home Bargains is selling a £5 travel organiser for ‘hassle-free holidays’

Travel fans can keep their holiday essentials organised with a £5 Home Bargains storage item. Most high street stores are stocking new lines in time for summer, and Home Bargains could have just the thing for holidaymakers.

The discount retailer has updated its travel range ahead of the summer holidays – and there’s a ‘compact’ travel organiser that could impress jet-setters. Whether customers are travelling solo or with family, the product could help shoppers to ‘stay organised on the go’.

Home Bargains says the £4.99 Travel Hanging Organiser is ‘compact and practical’ for holidays. The product description explains: “Stay organised on the go with the Travel Hanging Organiser from the Simple family, featuring 24 mesh pockets and four hooks for versatile, compact storage wherever your holiday takes you.” The description says the design is “compact and practical for hassle-free holidays.”

Alternatively, travel lovers could shop the store’s selection of travel pouches and laundry bags if they prefer a different way to keep their items organised. For shoppers looking for bags, the retailer sells a set of three Travel Mesh Pouch Organisers for £1.99.

There are several colour options available. The product description for the blue pack says: “Keep your travel essentials neat with this lightweight three-pack of blue mesh pouches in small, medium, and large sizes—ideal for effortless packing on the go.”

For shoppers looking to simplify their packing for the return trip, there’s also a £1.99 Travel Laundry Bag, which could be ideal for separating clean and dirty clothing. Home Bargains says: “Keep your dirty laundry organised on the go with this simple, roomy Travel Laundry Bag featuring a handy drawstring design for easy packing and unpacking. Perfect for stress-free travel.”

Elsewhere, Dunelm also offers a travel range, including items that could be considered rivals to Home Bargains products. For £10, Dunelm shoppers can get a set of seven Travel Storage Packing Cubes to keep their belongings organised.

The product description says: “Organise your travels with our Seven Piece Travel Storage Bag – its stylish grey colourway and sleek design make packing a breeze. Lightweight and easy to carry, this set is water repellent and boasts a large capacity to accommodate all your essentials. Plus, for your convenience, it’s machine washable, ensuring a hassle-free journey from start to finish.”

Rating their purchase, a Dunelm shopper wrote: “I have just got back from a trip where I used these travel bags for the first time and am really happy with them. There is a good variety of styles and sizes and they are better made than I expected for the very reasonable price.

“They definitely helped me keep my suitcase organised over a two week holiday. The only thing I will do next time is attach tags to the zips to remind me what is in which bag.”

Another reviewer said: “On my last holiday, my case was a mess and my friend had these bags and everything was organised and stress free! I can’t wait to go on holiday and try them out!”

B&M is selling the XL set ‘perfect for suitcases, backpacks, and carry-on luggage’

B&M shoppers can save space in their cabin baggage and suitcases with a £6 set. Known for selling budget-friendly accessories, the retailer is stocking the travel items ahead of the summer holidays. The bargain chain is selling a new pack of XL packing cubes in stores now.

For shoppers interested in the Beach Club XL Packing Cubes, the four-piece set could help to ‘simplify packing’. There are also three colours available, so families looking to streamline their luggage can each choose their own set to separate their outfits.

The product description says: “Simplify packing for your next trip with our space-saving Beach Club XL Packing Cubes. Great for organising and separating outfits and accessories. Perfect for suitcases, backpacks, and carry-on luggage.”

B&M is stocking a selection of travel accessories ahead of the summer holidays. For shoppers looking for more packing cubes, there’s also a pack of six Travel Packing Cubes for £5. The description explains: “This set includes six packing cubes in various sizes, great for separating outfits and accessories with ease, and for maximising your storage space.”

The retailer also sells small accessories such as travel pillows, suitcase locks, and adapter sets. Meanwhile, shoppers looking for luggage items, including cabin bags and suitcases, could be in luck.

B&M’s current selection includes a £15 Excel Foldable Cabin Case and a £55 Havana Suitcase. The product description for the cabin case says: “Designed for your next getaway, this stylish Foldable Cabin Case is built to make travelling a breeze. Features an adjustable handle and plenty of space for your trip away, whether for work or leisure.”

For holidaymakers looking for more options, there are several budget-friendly retailers such as Home Bargains and Dunelm selling travel accessories. For instance, Dunelm sells £12 Sophie Robinson Packing Cubes.

Dunelm says: “These colourful cubes are the perfect way to sort and store your essentials, making packing and unpacking a breeze. With vibrant prints that add a dash of fun, they’re the ideal match for the coordinating luggage from this collection (sold separately).”

The set is popular with reviewers, with 4.8 out of five stars online. One happy shopper said: “I love the patterns, they are really pretty and make me smile. Much easier to spot which one you need. I spent ages looking for some which didn’t cost too much but were good quality.”

Another fan wrote: “Really nice quality and love the colours – makes a difference to other more boring cubes on the market. Took them on holiday and had no issues, zips worked well and I fit lots of clothes inside.”

Someone else replied: “These colourful packing cubes are delightful. Fit beautifully in my case, smooth zip and easy to wash.”

The bargain chain says shoppers can ‘transform’ their packing and ‘stay organised’ with the set

B&M shoppers can ace their holiday packing with a new £5 set. Ahead of summer, the discount retailer is stocking a selection of travel essentials, such as suitcases, cabin bags, and luggage accessories.

For customers looking to streamline their luggage, the store is selling a pack of Travel Packing Cubes. Priced at £5, the set includes six packing cubes in various sizes. There are three colours available: orange, blue, and charcoal. B&M suggests the packing cubes are ideal for ‘maximising your storage space’.

As such, they could have several uses. For instance, the set could help families packing for road trips or travellers planning an overnight trip. They’ll likely be most useful for airline passengers, given the size restrictions put on hold luggage and cabin bags. Luckily, B&M says the set is ‘perfect for suitcases, backpacks, and carry-on luggage.’

The full product description says: “Transform the way you pack and stay organised wherever you’re headed with our Travel Packing Cubes six pack. This set includes six packing cubes in various sizes, great for separating outfits and accessories with ease, and for maximising your storage space. Perfect for suitcases, backpacks, and carry-on luggage.”

Other travel accessories available from B&M’s stores include a £6 set of Beach Club XL Packing Cubes and a £4 Bordlite Men’s Wash Bag. The product description for the wash bag says: “Travel in style with the Bordlite Men’s Wash Bag. Ideal for toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, shower gel and all your usual toiletry essentials.”

Elsewhere, Dunelm also sells packing cubes for under £10. For shoppers looking for an alternative, another option could be the £6 Set of Three Travel Storage Packing Cubes.

Dunelm says: “Streamline your packing process with our Three Piece Travel Storage Bag – the epitome of lightweight convenience. In a chic grey colourway with a sleek, compact design, these bags are not only water-repellent but also easy to clean – just throw them in the machine for stress-free maintenance.”

With an average rating of 4.7 out of five, the set has impressed Dunelm shoppers online. Rating their purchase, a reviewer wrote: “Game changer. Brilliant, a great idea, especially when travelling from place to place, no more searching through your suitcase to find things.”

Another fan said: “Excellent value for money. Ordered online to collect in store, and when I saw the size and quality, I went and bought more. Great for organising packing and for storing holiday clothes when not in use.”

Someone else agreed: “When collected first thoughts were that these were very small and not up to the job. How wrong! They hold loads, combination of sizes just right and I have arrived at my sunny destination without the usual jumbled mess inside my suitcase. Really impressed.”

Have fun with the family or unwind your mind with TUI deals for March and April

Getting away for a beach break in March or April is a great way to enjoy sunny skies and mild temperatures before the summer crowds arrive, as well as ditch the British rain. It’s the perfect time to relax on golden sands, explore charming coastal towns and soak up the early-season Mediterranean vibes.

As one of the UK’s best-known holiday companies, TUI uses Gatwick to offer direct flights to some of Europe’s best resorts, making it ideal for a spring break. Right now, TUI is offering couples the chance to save up to £250 on selected holidays, departing from Gatwick Airport in March and April.

This offer applies to 7-, 10-, 11- and 14-night stays in 2026, making it the perfect time for an early-season getaway. Even before the first flourish of summer, beach breaks in Lanzarote, Turkey and Portugal offer the perfect mix of sun, sand, and family-friendly fun.

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From stunning coastal locations with pools and entertainment to panoramic Portuguese views and spa treatments, we’ve picked just three of our favourites from TUI that can be booked today.

TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach, Lanzarote

Perched on the sun-drenched coastline of Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach sits just steps from soft sands and calm, turquoise waters, ideal for safe swimming. Designed to look like a charming whitewashed Canarian village, a scenic seafront promenade connects the resort to Rubicon Marina and the town centre with stunning Atlantic views.

The resort is perfect for families, offering multiple pools, a splash park and professional childcare and teen hangouts. Dining is varied, from international buffets to local specialities, while fitness classes and evening entertainment ensure a lively mix of relaxation and fun under the Lanzarote sun.

For the best value break at Flamingo Beach, sunseekers looking to getaway after Easter can enjoy a 7-night break for £642.42* per person. Departing on April 13, this price is based on two people sharing on an all-inclusive basis and includes a whopping £1082.16* discount. Alternatively, a 14-night stay departing on April 14 is also available for the higher price of £1619*.

One visitor left a five-star review on TripAdvisor that said: “This hotel is excellent for families with children 0-10. The location is perfect, right next to Flamingo Beach. The children enjoyed the main pool, where activities took place, and the quiet pool, which was heated. The a^{partments were clean and spacious with a bedroom and lounge/kitchen”}

Another added: “Great Location. Our room was very quiet. Our rate included an excellent breakfast so good value for money.”

A different guest, however, agreed that the location is “brilliant”, but they also felt “let down by amenities not being open. Pool snack bar, pool bar in another area closed. And only one evening bar with no other areas to sit.”

A returning guest highly recommends the Flamingo Beach resort, saying: “Best Place. The location is fantastic, near lovely beach, rooms are fine and clean and the staff are so friendly, the area is very clean and not too much noise. We been coming here nearly every year, the last 25 years. This is where we feel like home.”

Lanzarote is always popular with holidaymakers and there are plenty of deals to choose from. One the Beach is offering a 7-night stay at the five-star Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park with prices from £1605*, a saving of £425. An upscale all-inclusive resort, guests love the location just a little further along the bay.

For sunseekers on a budget, a last-minute break at the Blue Sea Costa Bastian in Costa Teguise is available for £519* per person through Love Holidays. With flights from Gatwick, accommodation and breakfast included, the hotel is surrounded by beautiful Canary gardens and offers magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Blue Bay Platinum, Marmaris, Turkey

Blue Bay Platinum in Marmaris blends modern style with central convenience, just 70 meters from the beach with its own private sandy stretch and clear waters. The lively local area, including shops, bars, the marina and old town, is all within easy walking distance.

The resort offers four outdoor pools, including waterslides and a dedicated adult “chill pool,” plus a full-service spa for ultimate indulgence. Guests can enjoy international and local dining, sunset cocktails and stylish ocean-themed rooms with live music and shows, creating the perfect vibrant Mediterranean getaway.

Offering excellent value for money, a seven-night stay at this contemporary hotel in a central location could cost as little as £418* per person. Departing on Wednesday, April 18, the deal includes flights and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis.

With hundreds of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, one visitor called it a “Stunning, luxury stay”, adding: “Blue Bay Platinum Hotel in Marmaris was absolutely exceptional from start to finish. The hotel itself is beautiful – modern, stylish, and perfectly maintained with a luxurious atmosphere throughout. Room was very comfortable and always clean. Will definitely stay here again.”

Another added: “Booked again for April this year. This will be our 10th visit to Marmaris. We have stayed at the supposedly other top hotels nearby. None of them beat the Blue Bay for overall experience.”

While one visitor did note that they felt uncomfortable at the resort due to the “expectation that tips should be given,” another loved it, saying: “It’s a very nice place to stay. I like this hotel and especially the relaxing swimming pool. There is a great bar.”

Turkey appeals to Brits with its mix of sunny beaches, rich history, delicious cuisine and excellent value for money. Another favourite Marmaris resort for upscale holidaymakers is the five-star Green Nature Diamond Hotel that sits within easy striking distance of the beach.

With a wide range of facilities and comfortable accommodation, this luxurious hotel can be booked through Love Holidays for a seven-night stay in April from £429* per person. Elsewhere, the nearby Prime Beach Hotel has pools with waterslides and a private stretch of beach with prices starting from £490* per person on April 2.

Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel, Portugal

Perched on a hillside with panoramic views over Alvor Bay and the Atlantic, the Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel is a state-of-the-art retreat in the charming village of Alvor. Guests are perfectly placed to enjoy golden beaches, scenic boardwalks and nearby world-class golf courses, all while staying in a serene, high-tech sanctuary.

The hotel is a pioneer in wellness, featuring a rooftop infinity pool and a world-class spa and wellness centre. With sunrise yoga, detox treatments, and healthy Mediterranean cuisine at the rooftop Pure Cafe, every detail is designed for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.

While the thought of complete rest and relaxation may be priceless, a stay at the Longevity Resort is worth every penny. For a 10-night stay, departing on March 23, prices start from £891.12* per person, on a bed and breakfast basis. Shorter stays are also available with a seven-night break costing £663* departing on the same day.

Guests who have already found their zen with a stay at the Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel have shared their experiences online. One said: “Absolutely superb place for relaxing stay, very modern, clean, quiet location with 5 mins drive to local beaches and town of Alvor… Fantastic breakfast with great choice. Access to spa facilities included. Would definitely recommend.”

Another added: “A lovely, relaxing stay in a beautiful hotel. We came back feeling revitalised. The cleanliness and the staff at the hotel were everything.”

While one less impressed visitor said: “The restaurant is very expensive for portions,” another was far more impressed exclaiming: “This hotel is truly exceptional, I cannot say enough about this wonderful place only that we cannot wait to return.”

Alternatively, the Falesia Hotel is a sophisticated adults-only retreat in Albufeira, offering elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and both indoor and outdoor pools. Perfectly positioned for relaxation, it sits just a short walk from pristine beaches and the Pine Cliffs Golf Course, and prices for a seven-night stay start from £439 with Love Holidays.

For those who want a family holiday, Portugal is a perfect location for this too. Offering waterslides, a kids club, a water park and plenty of entertainment, the Jupiter Albufeira Hotel has something for everyone. Located in the popular resort of Albufeira, prices start from £630* per person, departing on April 21.

Find out more about deals on spring holidays with TUI as well as the full T&Cs here.

The discount retailer is selling an affordable bag that could be used for multiple travel destinations

Home Bargains is selling a ‘durable’ backpack that’s said to be ‘perfect for city travel’. The bag could therefore impress a range of shoppers. It could be just the ticket for commuters looking for a bag that will survive the journey to work. It could also impress travel fans who spend their weekends exploring new cities or catching the train to the countryside.

The discount retailer is selling the Salisburys PU Leather Rucksack for £9.99 online and in stores. Shoppers can choose between two colours when shopping online, as Home Bargains offers the bag in purple and cream.

Showcasing the rucksack, the bargain chain wrote: “Discover the Salisburys PU Leather Rucksack in vibrant purple – a lightweight, stylish companion perfect for city travel with multiple zipped compartments and a durable, fully lined interior.” The description notes that the ‘stylish bag’ measures approximately H58 x W28 x D14.5cm.

Sharing more information about the brand, the retailer added: “Salisburys presents its broadest line-up of tried and tested luggage solutions with contemporary features to help the modern tourist navigate the hurdles of the twenty-first century travel.

“Salisburys PU Leather range gifts you with all the necessities for modern-day commuter/city travel in a lightweight yet durable form. A clean modern design and durable materials that have been tested to protect your possessions from the testing environments that your luggage may encounter.”

Other products in the Salisburys range include the £9.99 Salisburys Carry-On Cabin Lightweight Backpack and the £6.99 Salisburys Weekend Bag. The cabin backpack could be better suited to travellers who fly regularly.

The product description explains: “Travel light and in style with the Salisburys Carry-On Cabin Lightweight Backpack in sleek black! Perfect for your adventures, this spacious yet compact backpack is designed for easy packing and effortless carrying.”

Meanwhile, the weekend bag might be the better pick for people travelling for one or two nights, who want the lightest luggage they can find. The description says: “Meet the Salisburys Weekend Bag, your ultimate travel companion! With its spacious design, handy trolley sleeve, and a zip-off bottom for easy packing, this stylish bag is perfect for weekend getaways or short trips.”

Another option for travellers could be the £9.99 Light Luggage Carry-On Cabin Luggage Wheeled Bag. The product description reads: “Travel light and breeze through the airport with the Light Luggage Carry-On Cabin Luggage Wheeled Bag!

“Its lightweight design, easy-glide wheels, and handy pockets mean you’ll skip the queues and arrive in style—just try not to look too smug!” While some shoppers prefer bags over cases, the added wheels could be helpful for people who don’t want to carry a bag but still need compact luggage.

As a travel journalist, I am away a lot, and there’s one £9 bag makes me feel like one of those super-organised people that can pack light

Despite travelling a lot for work, and fun, I’ve never mastered the art of packing light. I do not have a chic capsule wardrobe for city breaks, and I like to test those budget airline baggage capacities to their fullest.

As a perimenopausal woman, my carefree days of chucking a couple of lipsticks and a few makeup remover pads in a bag are also way behind me. When I go away for the night I need my skincare products, magnesium and collagen supplements, and industrial amounts of makeup, which arguably, are not making a huge amount of difference. A teeny tiny makeup bag is not going to do the job.

Last year, I stumbled across a toiletries bag on Amazon that has since become my favourite thing to take on trips, and at just £8.99 it’s something I’ve recommended to anyone I speak to who’s heading abroad. The Chakipee Travel Hanging Toiletry Bag looks just like an ordinary makeup bag on the outside. I bought the medium size, which measures 26x17x9cm, and when it arrived, I was sceptical about how much it would fit.

I don’t know what sorcery the manufacturers have used, but I can fit a surprising amount into this bag. I’ve managed to squeeze full size shampoo bottles into the big pockets, plus it has some smaller compartments for things like my toothbrush, contact lenses, and small stuff I don’t want to lose.

But perhaps the handiest feature is that it unfolds and can be hung up on a hook. While I’d love to pretend that my job always involves luxury travel to hotels with huge marble bathrooms, the truth is, I often stay in budget hotels where the bathroom is roughly the size of a postage stamp. If you are staying somewhere with zero bathroom counter space, just hang the bag from a spot such as a shower rail and you can easily access your products.

I’ve managed to fit a week’s worth of supplements and skincare products into the bag for longer trips, and as the ultimate test, once managed to do an everything shower in the tiny ensuite of a ferry cabin by hanging this bag on the door.

The only time the bag doesn’t come with me is if I’m travelling with hand luggage only, as annoyingly, the 100ml liquid rules are still in place at many airports. In general, the product reviews for the organiser are positive, with lots of people praising it for having plenty of pockets and compartments. A couple of reviews have complained about broken zips., but so far, I haven’t had that issue and have found it to be good quality.

If you’re looking for a bag solely for makeup then the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Makeup Bag also comes with some glowing recommendations. It also has a Tardis-like interior that can fit in full sized products, yet is compact when zipped up. One review says it offers: “Lots more room than I was expecting, can fit all my products in and love that I can organise things in the separate sections.”

If you’re travelling with hand luggage only, then Charlotte Tilbury also has lots of travel size skincare and makeup products that will ensure you don’t break the 100ml rules. Its Beauty Check-in Kit is currently on sale for £72 and includes a mini lip kit, powder, and setting spray that are just the right size for a week away.

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