Shopping Picks

The ORICO small power strip is smaller than a mobile phone and features a wrap-around design that can fit into any package suitcase

For anyone who regularly travels, be it for work or pleasure, they’ll know the familiar frustration of arriving at a hotel room to discover there are barely any plug sockets – and the ones that do exist are often hidden behind beds, miles away from a mirror or in awkward corners. With most people now travelling with multiple devices, from phones and smartwatches to tablets, cameras and laptops, an extension cable has become a travel essential, and we’ve found one on offer for under £15.

For a limited time, the ORICO Travel Extension Lead has been reduced from £21.99 to £14.99 in the Amazon spring sale. Designed specifically with travel in mind, the small power strip is roughly the size of a smartphone and features a wrap-around cable so it packs neatly into a suitcase or hand luggage without taking up valuable space.

Despite its compact design, it still manages to offer plenty of charging options. The device includes two traditional plug sockets alongside two USB-A ports and a USB-C port, allowing travellers to power up to five gadgets at once. That means you can charge your phone, laptop, camera and other devices from a single wall socket without needing multiple adapters, especially if travelling abroad.

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One feature shoppers have praised is how flat it is, meaning it can fit into tighter spaces than traditional plugs. The staggered socket layout also prevents one plug from blocking another, making it easier to use every available port.

Safety features have also been built into the design, including protection against overheating, overcharging and short circuits, while the extension cord itself uses thick copper wiring designed to handle higher currents. The casing is also flame-retardant, adding an extra layer of reassurance when charging multiple devices overnight.

Orico Travel Extension Lead

£21.99

£14.99

Amazon

Buy here

ORICO small power strip is smaller than a mobile phone and features a wrap-around design that can fit into any package suitcase.

For travellers looking for alternatives, there are a few other compact charging solutions worth considering. The Anker Tower Extension Lead is another popular option, offering a similar combination of standard plug and USB ports. However, this is more expensive at £29.99.

Meanwhile, the Belkin 8-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip is £39.99 down from £44.99, with room for 12 plugs plus 2 USB-C ports – though no USB-A ports on this particular design.

Shoppers who have already bought the ORICO extension lead say it’s become a go-to travel accessory thanks to its size and practicality. One reviewer said: “Great travel pack! Comes with a really handy tie to keep the wires nice and neat. Two USB ports and two plugs, really good to charge all your devices on the move.”

Another wrote: “Very convenient and compact! I love how this wraps up perfectly for travel or for my work bag. I have had no issues with it, and all the ports work well. I use this to charge my MacBook Pro.”

Of course, not every experience has been perfect. One reviewer said their extension lead stopped working after several trips, though they added that the company rectified the issue. They said: “Bought it in July for travel use but stopped working in November after about four trips. Update: After posting my review, the company reached out and offered a refund or replacement.”

One said it was ‘brilliant for packing for holiday’, adding: “Took up little space. Had USB ports for all devices.”

Another shopper commented: “ It’s the best for travelling. My kids travel and I bought one for each of them. It also makes a good gift. Something people don’t think about but need. Most people have multiple devices to plug in and having one power strip is awesome! It is also the perfect size.”

Whether it’s the train station, airport, holiday home or busy cafe, this nifty extension cable has become essential for many who need plenty of power on the go, without needing to sit right next to a socket. Shoppers can find the deal here.

Enchanting little town with friendly locals, colourful buildings and thriving independent shops is like stepping back in time

A charming and picturesque town nestled on the fringes of untamed moorland lies just a stone’s throw from where I’m based, yet I’d only recently ventured there for the first time. There’s nothing quite like discovering somewhere new – and I’m fortunate to have an abundance of options, given the wealth of distinctive towns dotted around Plymouth in Devon.

Ashburton isn’t far from my Plymouth home, so a friend and I recently made our way towards Dartmoor to discover what this town had to offer. The appealing destination is celebrated for its independent retailers and quintessentially Devonian charm – both of which thoroughly impressed me during our visit.

We caught the bus from Plymouth (the number 38) and the trip was smooth and enjoyable, weaving through stunning countryside, towns and delightful villages en route.

In an era when we’re constantly bombarded with news of shop closures and struggling town centres, stumbling upon Ashburton, with its collection of independent businesses to browse, felt genuinely uplifting.

The streets here remain untouched by modernity – you could easily picture bygone eras as you stroll through the town – and every local we encountered was incredibly welcoming, reports the Express.

There are numerous pubs, tearooms and cafes alongside distinctive establishments, including antique dealers, plus a bakery with customers spilling out onto the pavement – and what really caught my eye was how, despite the drizzle, Ashburton radiated colour thanks to its vibrantly painted properties. The atmosphere feels wonderfully crisp in this town, encircled by rolling countryside and the stunning vastness of Dartmoor National Park, lending the area a peaceful, almost timeless quality.

Browsing through one vibrant independent gift shop called PAD proved delightful – and I ended up purchasing a few quirky bits and bobs that you simply won’t find elsewhere.

There’s also the attractively laid-out Ashburton Fish Deli along one of the principal streets, offering delicious locally-sourced seafood, Mediterranean-inspired products and various other intriguing finds.

All told, I reckon you could probably track down everything you’d require in this town, from top-notch clothing available in various independent boutiques to bargain-hunting opportunities in the small selection of charity shops.

We paused for a late breakfast at Diablo’s Diner, which had a welcoming neighbourhood feel and delicious grub. I’m particularly picky when it comes to bacon, but this little cafe delivered the finest – superb quality, crispy (as I’d requested) – and the prices were extremely fair.

As a Devonian myself, I’m astonished that I’d not discovered this gorgeous town until now, but I’ll definitely be returning soon – in fact, there’s a fascinating festival happening in Ashburton from late April through early May.

The Dartmoor Tors Festival is “bringing together walkers, thinkers, creatives who are interested in natural landscapes and how we relate to them”, the festival website explains. This festival is set to be “a celebration of the power and beauty of places seen as wild and ancient around Britain, and an exploration of why and how they provoke a response”.

The fashion retailer is selling a ‘pull-along cabin bag’ that could be ideal for holidays

Holidaymakers don’t have to splash out on expensive cabin bags, as Primark is stocking a £25 option. The retailer is selling a ‘pull-along cabin bag’ in two colours, so everyone can ‘travel in style.’ The luggage could be ideal for anyone who is planning to fly this year.

Primark says the bag is ‘perfectly sized for the essentials,’ and it meets the cabin bag requirements of several airlines. Shoppers interested in the £25 Trolley Cabin Bag can purchase it online or in-store. Primark sells a black style and a white-and-black style. It measures 26cm x 40cm x 20cm.

According to easyJet’s website, passengers can carry one bag measuring 45 x 36 x 20 cm on board for free, or pay to bring one large cabin bag measuring 56 x 45 x 25 cm. Ryanair’s website says passengers can carry one bag measuring 40 x 30 x 20 cm on board for free, or pay to bring one cabin bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm.

Primark says its bag helps passengers ‘make the most’ of their packing options. The full product description reads: “Travel in style with our pull-along cabin bag. There’s a lot to love about this trolley cabin bag.

“Whether you’re a carry-on only expert or are simply looking to make the most of your packing options, this cabin pack is perfectly sized for the essentials. It benefits from a large main compartment with a secure zip fastening as well as an external zipped pocket to the front for extra organisation.”

The description continues: “Carry the bag with the two top handle webbing straps or pull it along, thanks to the addition of two wheels at the base. For enhanced organisation, why not check out our other travel essentials?”

Alternatively, Primark sells a £12 Quilted Underseat Cabin Bag in black or white. The product description states: “Travel smart with this cream quilted cabin bag, designed to fit perfectly under your seat.

“The diagonal stitching adds a sophisticated touch while multiple compartments, including a handy back zip section, keep your essentials organised. Ideal for weekend getaways or business trips, this sleek carry-on helps you breeze through airports with effortless style. The sturdy handles and practical size make it the perfect companion for travellers who appreciate both form and function.”

For £20, there’s also a Handled Travel Bag in black or pink. The product description states: “Pack up and head out in style with this sleek black travel bag, perfect for weekend getaways. With a spacious zippered main compartment and a convenient front pocket for easy access to your essentials, it’s both functional and versatile.

“The bottom compartment offers extra space for shoes or wet items, while the sturdy webbing handles make it easy to carry. Add a detachable shoulder strap for comfort or use the handles to carry it by hand. Ideal for short trips and organised packing!”

A travel enthusiast and On the Beach worker shared the cheapest time to book flights and hotels

People hoping to get the best deal on their summer holiday might need to set an early alarm. A travel influencer claims he knows the ‘cheapest time’ for booking flights and hotels – and it’s bad news if you like to sleep in.

The tip was shared on social media by Rob Brooks, a travel enthusiast and influencer with the travel company On The Beach. He is well-known online for providing budget-friendly travel advice, hotel reviews, and holiday tips, which has helped him amass a significant following on social media, especially on TikTok where he goes by the username @Robonthebeach.

In a recent video, Rob shared ‘three bad holiday booking habits that could be costing you £100s’ and explained how the timing of your holiday booking can affect the price. Introducing the three tips, Rob said: “I look through holiday bookings every single day, and I see these mistakes all the time.”

For his first point, Rob suggested that people shouldn’t book their holidays in the morning unless they get up early. “Your first bad booking habit is booking holidays in the morning,” he claimed.

“We see so many people book holidays between 7am and 10am in the morning. Often, that’s people booking just before work, on the commute, or even at the desk with their first coffee. And I get it, it feels like you’re being really productive and taking off something big right at the beginning of the day.

“But not many people know it’s actually one of the most expensive windows to book, because you’ve got loads of people searching at the same time. Everyone’s had the same idea, which means demand spikes, flight prices spike too, and then package prices follow.”

Rob continued: “The best times to book are statistically in the evening, between 8pm and 10pm. And actually the very cheapest time to book is first thing in the morning, between 4am and 5am. But no one’s setting their alarm for that habit.”

Continuing his video, Rob shared two more mistakes that he said holidaymakers should be wary of. In his second tip, he suggested people shouldn’t wait when they find the right deal for them.

“Don’t forget, when you find a really good deal, it’s very likely that someone else has found the same deal too. So waiting doesn’t protect you; it usually just means that the best price then disappears. So I would say this: when you find a holiday that you think is a really good price and you’ve checked it against other people, don’t wait, just get it booked,” he advised.

Finally, the travel influencer warned people against being ‘super rigid’ with their holiday dates. Rob pointed out that switching your holiday from seven days to six days, for example, could make a big difference to the price.

The fashion retailer is selling a budget-friendly backpack that could be ideal for travel

Primark is selling an attention-grabbing travel bag that looks similar to a pricier version. The fashion retailer is selling a £17 Roll Top Backpack that could be ideal for flights.

According to the product description, Primark has opted for a ‘roll-top backpack with zip-up sections.’ As such, airline passengers might choose to use the bag as cabin luggage, using the zipped sections to secure important documents and the roll-top design to keep the bag compact, given that many airlines impose size limits on luggage.

Fashion fans might also compare Primark’s yellow version of the backpack to a more expensive alternative. It arguably resembles the Eastpak Medium backpack with laptop sleeve in tarp yellow, which is currently on sale for £45.50 at London Luggage, marked down from £65.

Both designs include a roll-top backpack with a zip fastening, front pocket, and front zip, and the styles are offered in a near-identical colour. However, shoppers looking at the product images will quickly spot that there are some design differences, including the black base on the Primark bag that the pricier style lacks. There will, of course, also be differences in fabric and construction, as the backpacks come from different retailers.

Nonetheless, shoppers looking for a budget-friendly backpack could be impressed by the cheaper Primark option. Customers choosing between the styles will likely wish to compare the product images and descriptions offered by both brands.

While Primark does not offer a detailed product description for the backpack, which is made from polyester, there are several product images to browse on the brand’s website.

Shoppers interested in the backpack can purchase it for click and collect or use Primark’s website to check in-store availability at their nearest store. There are four different colour options, including navy, black, and a two-toned ecru design.

The product description for the Eastpak backpack states: “Get outdoor ready with our water-resistant top-loading backpack. This hard-wearing day pack is crafted from a durable top-coated fabric with statement black trims.

“Stash your laptop in the padded back compartment and store small valuables in the security pocket.” The description continues: “30 year warranty – Covered by our 30 year global warranty.

“Bottle Holder – Multifunctional side pocket which can be used as a bottle holder. 13″ Internal pocket to protect your 13″ device. Padded Back – Padded Back for extra comfort. Water Resistant – Made with a water resistant fabric.”

For shoppers with more room in their budget, another option at John Lewis could be the Samsonite Ecodiver Rolltop Large Cabin Backpack. The retailer sells the 35L backpack in yellow for £125.

The product description states: “Ecodiver sets a new standard within Samsonite’s casual assortment. This collection combines practicality with a stylish design and was developed with special attention to security and comfort. The water-resistant coating makes this range the perfect choice for all your outdoor adventures and endless strolling in the city.”

The customer praised the under-seat travel bag after using the luggage for a trip

Holidaymakers looking for budget-friendly cabin bags might like a £4 option that has the backing of an easyJet passenger. The shopper recommended the ‘amazing’ luggage to fellow travel fans in a social media post – and it could be ideal for passengers who don’t want to pay extra for bags.

According to easyJet’s website, all customers can carry one small under-seat cabin bag on their flights for free, provided it’s no larger than 45 x 36 x 20 cm. As such, customers could choose B&M’s Womens Under the Seat Handheld Bag, which measures L45 x W20 x H35cm.

Available in three colours, the B&M bag is currently on sale for £4, marked down from its original price of £8. The product description for the travel bag states: “Travel with convenience using this Bordlite Women’s Under the Seat Handheld Bag. Suitable for most airlines.”

It also has the backing of a shopper who used the bag on a flight and then recommended it to other passengers. Replying to a Facebook post asking for easyJet bag suggestions, a shopper named Kimberley wrote: “This from B&M is amazing and only £4.

“Just took the pink one with me as a carry-on on my recent holiday and I stuffed a lot in it including laptop, heavy books etc and it’s still intact and looks new!”

For shoppers looking for something different, B&M also offers a Bordlite Womens Under the Seat Bag with Wheels, which has been reduced from £16 to £8 and comes in two different colours. It measures L45 x W20 x H36cm.

With the additional wheels, it could be better suited to passengers who prefer not to carry their bags. The product description states: “Travel with convenience using this Bordlite Women’s Under the Seat Bag with Wheels. Suitable for most airlines.”

Alternatively, shoppers might like some of the suggestions shared on the same Facebook post where the B&M shopper praised the store’s luggage. For instance, another shopper highlighted Amazon’s Underseat Cabin Bag, reduced from £24.95 to £17.78, which measures ‎20 x 36 x 45 cm. The customer said: “These are great, various colours.”

The product description claims: “With a capacity of 30L, our easyjet cabin backpack is perfect for packing clothes and travel essentials for 4-7 days.

“A separate wet pocket allowing you to store wet clothes, towels, and toiletries. A 15.6″ laptop compartment and many other small pockets to keep your items well-organised.”

Shoppers should check their luggage and the size requirements for any airlines they are travelling with in advance of travel.