As an aviation reporter and wanderlust-driven traveler, I’ve navigated work and leisure trips across the globe. This year alone I’ve clocked nearly 60,000 miles, traveling around the U.S. and to places like Barcelona, Iceland, the Bahamas, Montreal and two cities in China.
That much time on the road means certain items are essential for my wellbeing and convenience. Inspired by my grandmother — who grew up during the Great Depression yet still appreciated creature comforts — I’ve learned you don’t need to pay premium prices for those necessities.
Instead, I pick them up at my neighborhood dollar store, Dollar Tree, which stocks many recognizable name-brand products. Below are the budget travel items I always grab before a trip.
1. Sleep Essentials
I remember when airlines handed out free eye masks, socks and earbuds on long flights — those days have mostly vanished.
For around $3 at the dollar store, you can buy a lined sleep mask, soft socks and earbuds that perform surprisingly well.
2. In-Flight Snacks
Airport food prices are steep on the ground, and aboard a plane you may only find tiny packets of nuts or pricey buy-on-board meals (which I avoid).
I always travel with my own provisions.
Dollar Tree carries a broad assortment of candies for a sweet fix, plus travel-friendly foods like trail mix, raisins, jerky, mixed nuts and granola bars — great alternatives to airport fare and perfect for flights.
If you’re looking for more affordable options, check out dollar store food for ideas on what to pack.
3. Travel Coffee Mugs
Onboard I like sipping coffee or tea, but turbulence or a neighbor’s elbow can lead to spills on me or my laptop.
To avoid disasters, I bring an insulated travel mug, which often holds more than the airline’s cup and helps prevent messes.
4. Refillable Water Bottles
If you’re not a coffee or tea person, grab an empty water bottle. Many airports now offer free refill stations where you can top up before boarding, or you can use a drinking fountain.
And if you’re courteous to the flight crew, they might refill it during the flight.
5. Zip-Top Bags for Liquids
The TSA insists that carry-on liquids be stored in a quart-sized bag.
I prefer using zip-top freezer bags, which are thicker and more durable than ordinary sandwich bags and leave ample room for all your liquids.
6. Travel-Size Bottles
I’ve seen TSA-compliant travel bottle kits priced from $4.99 to more than $20 at some stores. Big-box retailers also sell aisles of travel-sized deodorants and toothpaste.
But nothing beats getting a set of small bottles for $1 and filling them with the toiletries you already own at home.
7. First Aid Supplies
Nothing spoils a trip faster than getting ill while away. Pack health basics such as throat lozenges, allergy meds, cough syrup, cold/flu capsules and travel tissues.
Store pills like Aleve, Tylenol, aspirin and vitamins in a compact seven-day pill organizer that fits neatly in a carry-on.
Handle minor wounds and aches with antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, rolled gauze, adhesive bandages, hot/cold packs, medical tape and simple braces for arms or legs.
8. Toothbrushes
Dollar Tree offers many toothbrush options, but my top picks are a travel brush with a protective cap, toothpaste and a plastic zip travel case; and Crest Scope pre-pasted brushes with a built-in pick.
You can also buy dental flossers, breath strips and compact travel brushes.
9. Hand Sanitizer, Lotion and Lip Balm
You can feel fresh and look put together without overspending.
As someone who worries about germs, I never fly without my 2.8-ounce scented hand sanitizers sold in packs of three. I also bring Purell wipes, which double as a facial refresher and a means to wipe down grimy airplane surfaces.
Cabins can be very dry, so I swear by Udderly Smooth Udder Cream and Body Lotion for hands and face. For chapped lips, a three-pack of Chap Ice lip balm does the trick.
Your Turn: Do you grab any travel necessities from the dollar store? What would you suggest?
