So, you want to start traveling but don’t have the basic necessities.
Don’t panic. There’s a simple solution: a trip to your local dollar store.
I was recently shopping at my local Dollar Tree store and noticed just how many travel-related items they have.
Since everything costs only $1.50 (despite the name), you can easily get yourself ready for your next trip without breaking the bank.
Here’s a list of some of the items you may need either to create or to supplement your travel gear.
TOILETRIES
- Cotton balls and Cotton Swabs
- Deodorant
- Hair Care
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Brush/Comb
- Hairbands
- Lip Balm
- Oral Care
- Travel toothbrush & toothpaste set
- Mouthwash
- Plackers flossers
- Skincare
- Lotion
- Puff sponge scrubby (mesh)
- Razors
- Shaving Cream
- Soap
- Tissues
- Travel Bottles
No matter where you’re going, you’re gonna need toiletries. Which of the items you’ll need will depend on what you already have, your personal preferences, and where you’ll be staying.
For example, if you’ll be staying at a hotel, you won’t need to bring your own soap, shampoo, conditioner, or lotion since they typically provide travel size bottles. However, if you’ll be camping, you’ll want to bring your own.
⚠️ NOTE: If you’ll be flying, your liquids MUST be 3.4 oz. or smaller or they won’t be allowed in your carry-on luggage; they’ll have to be packed in your checked luggage.
ENTERTAINMENT
- Books
- Puzzle books (crossword, word search, Sudoku)
- Coloring books
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Earbuds
GLASSES/CONTACTS
- Cases for Sunglasses & Eyeglasses
- Contact Lens Cases
- Readers – I get all my readers here and buy multiples so I have a pair in the car, in my packed carry-on, at home, at work.
- Sunglasses
If you’re like me, you “misplace” (i.e., lose) or accidentally break your sunglasses (and readers if you wear them). If you buy them from a dollar store and this happens, no biggie since the price is right.
FIRST AID/MEDICATION
- Antibacterial Wet Wipes – perfect for wiping down dirty surfaces on the plane, in your hotel room, etc.
- Bandaids – for cuts and burns
- First Aid Kit – basic first aid items
- Antidiarrheal – gross, I know but ___ happens when/if you eat something you’re not used to
- Pain Reliever – for headaches and muscle aches
- Tums – for upset stomachs
- Tweezers – great for getting out splinters
OUTDOORS
- Aloe Vera – in case you get burned (sunburn or otherwise)
- Bug repellent
- Rain poncho – I wish I had brought my own poncho when I went to New Orleans. I visited during a time when a tropical storm blew through town and had to buy a rain poncho covered with New Orleans logos. O.M.G. I looked like a total tourist! LOL.
- Sunscreen
- Travel-Size Umbrella
SNACKS & DRINKS
- Bottled Water
- Soda
- Sports Drinks
- Candy
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Gum
- Nuts
⚠️ NOTE: If you’re flying, you’ll have to buy a drink at the airport or take it another way. You cannot take bottled water or other beverages through airport security.
MISCELLANEOUS
- Earplugs – great for flying – or if you’re spouse keeps you awake with his/her snoring
- Hat/Visor
- Nail Clippers
- Sewing Kit – in case you get a rip in your clothes during your travels
- Sleep Mask – great to have on the plane; use in conjunction with the earplugs and you’ll be able to sleep better
- Tote Bag
- Ziplock Bags – Quart-sized ones are ideal for putting your liquids in so you adhere to TSA regulations; gallon-sized bags are great for keeping wet clothes/bathing suits away from your other belongings
Did I forget anything? Probably…but as you can see, you can stock up for your next adventure without spending a lot of money.