How a low-cost tracker can help with holidays, travel, and keeping an eye on the kids

Why low-cost trackers are worth considering for travel and family life

When you first hear about GPS trackers, it’s easy to assume they’re going to be expensive. They sound like one of those bits of tech that must cost a fortune to be useful, and as someone who writes a money-saving blog, that’s usually where my scepticism kicks in.

The reality is very different.

Trackers don’t have to be expensive to be useful. Some of the most practical options are relatively low-cost, and in the right situations, they can save you a lot of stress, time, and potentially money too.

Apple AirTags usually cost around £28 on Amazon, and you can sometimes find unbranded alternatives for closer to £10. That puts them firmly in the “worth considering” category, especially when you think about what they’re actually helping you keep track of.

How I actually use trackers in everyday life

I’ve been using a tracker with my own child for several years now. He has one in his school bag, which means I can see when he gets to school, when he gets home, and roughly where he is in between.

It’s not about watching his every move. It’s about reassurance. If he’s running late, if plans change, or if something doesn’t quite add up, I can quickly check rather than worrying or guessing.

That same tracker comes with us when we’re out for the day as well.

If we’re going somewhere busy, like a theme park, a shopping centre, a big event, or anywhere with crowds, we’ll pop it into his pocket, bag, or clip it to a keyring on a belt loop. Anyone who’s been to a theme park in the middle of summer knows how intense it can be. There are thousands of people around, distractions everywhere, and it doesn’t take much for someone to wander off or for you to lose sight of each other for a moment.

Having a tracker doesn’t replace paying attention, but it gives you a safety net. If something goes wrong, you’re not starting from zero.

Why I now put trackers in suitcases as well

Over time, I’ve started using trackers for travel too.

A few years ago, after a trip to the United States, my main suitcase didn’t come back with me. It simply wasn’t there. That’s worrying enough on its own, but what made it worse was that my laptop was inside it.

Luckily, the suitcase was eventually found and returned, but the whole experience was stressful. Lots of waiting. Lots of vague updates. Very little actual information.

Looking back, having a tracker inside that suitcase would have taken a huge amount of stress out of the situation. Even just knowing where it was, whether it was still at the airport, or whether it had gone somewhere else entirely, would have made dealing with the airline much easier.

More recently, some of our family members lost all their luggage while travelling, and it was a complete nightmare. Clothes, essentials, everything gone, with very little clarity on where it was or when it would turn up.

That’s why we now put trackers in our suitcases as standard.

They won’t stop luggage being delayed or mishandled, but they do give you information, and when something goes wrong, that’s often what you’re missing the most.

Cheap trackers vs spending a bit more

There are cheaper trackers out there, and for some people they’ll be absolutely fine. If you mainly want a basic idea of where something is in a busy area, a low-cost option can make sense.

That said, there are times when spending a bit more is actually the more money-savvy choice.

More robust tracking devices can offer:

• Better build quality

• Longer or unlimited range

• More reliable location updates

• No ongoing subscription fees
  

If a tracker helps you recover a lost suitcase, avoid replacing expensive equipment, or gives you reassurance when travelling with children or on your own, it can easily pay for itself.

Sometimes saving money isn’t about buying the cheapest thing on the shelf. It’s about spending a little more in the right place to avoid much higher costs later.

If you want to explore more advanced options beyond basic Bluetooth trackers, there are dedicated GPS Trackers designed specifically for travel, families, and everyday use.

Who GPS trackers tend to be most useful for

From my own experience, and from speaking to others, trackers tend to be especially useful for:

• Parents in busy places

• Families travelling with luggage they can’t afford to lose

• Solo travellers who want someone back home to know where they are

• People carrying valuable equipment

• Anyone who wants less guesswork when things don’t go to plan

  
  

They’re small, easy to carry, and once they’re set up, you barely notice them until you actually need them.

FAQs about using trackers on holiday

Do AirTags work abroad? Yes. AirTags work internationally, but their location updates depend on nearby Apple devices. In busy areas, updates are usually frequent. In quieter places, updates may be less regular.

Are trackers safe to use with children? Many parents use trackers as a reassurance tool rather than constant monitoring. They can be helpful in busy places if you get separated, but they’re not designed as dedicated child safety devices.

What’s the difference between an AirTag and a GPS tracker? AirTags rely on nearby phones to update their location. GPS trackers use mobile networks or satellites, which can offer wider coverage and more consistent tracking.

Do GPS trackers need a monthly subscription? Some do, and some don’t. Subscription-free options are available and are often preferred by people who want predictable costs.

Are trackers allowed in checked luggage? Small trackers are generally allowed in checked luggage, but airline rules can vary, so it’s worth checking before you fly.

Are trackers worth it for short trips? For many people, yes. Even on short trips, knowing where your luggage is or having reassurance in busy places can make the trip feel much calmer.

A small spend that can save a lot of stress

Trackers won’t stop bags from being delayed, crowds from being busy, or plans from changing at the last minute. What they do give you is clarity.

Knowing where your child is. Knowing where your suitcase is. Knowing that if something goes wrong, you’re not completely in the dark.

For me, that peace of mind has been worth far more than the tracker's cost. It’s one of those small purchases that quietly earns its keep over time.

If you’re already planning a trip, or even just thinking about busy days out, it’s well worth considering before you go.

If you do buy one, don't forget to get cash back on your purchase using cashback sites such as Rakuten, Quidco or TopCashback, as every penny you save can go towards a cheeky little holiday treat!