Updated December 6, 2024

Shopping for a travel adventure doesn’t have to be a purse-emptying experience. It’s surprising how many items you’ll be able to scratch off your packing list by visiting a dollar store. And if you love travel gear hacks, feed your creative spirit by figuring out new uses for stuff as you cruise dollar-store aisles. Looking for inspiration? Let’s get started with these 31 cheap travel essentials on dollar-store shelves.

 

Travel essentials on dollar-store shelves

Many products on the shelves of your local dollar store are of questionable quality and need to be assessed for quality and durability. An umbrella, flip flops, or electronic accessories may be cheaper than trusted brands but if they don’t last and need to be discarded and replaced, your purse and the environment both suffer.

1. Hair clips

These little beauties keep electrical cords organized. No more fighting with twist ties, as a simple release provides access. Leave the clip attached to the cord while in use and it’ll never go astray. Placing a different colour on each cord makes it easier to grab the right one at a glance.

2. Notebook

A notebook and pen are ‘old school’ but ideal when using paper is preferable to using a phone to make notes. It’s especially useful as an alternative to handing your phone to a stranger. As I leaf through my little notebook, I see recommendations from other travellers, and names and email addresses of people I’ve met. There are directions to a difficult-to-find hostel deep in a Moroccan medina, mud maps of cycling routes, and notes made during conversations with locals. Seeing handwriting of countless individuals brings back fond memories of each and every encounter. Electronic devices are great for making notes but sometimes, good old pen and paper can’t be beat.

3. Hair elastics

Elastic bands are handy, but their life expectancy is far too short. Hair elastics come in different lengths, widths, and colours. They’re sturdy aids for keeping something contained, or when bundling things together.

4. Folding scissors

I’ve carried one of these handy little tools on many trips, and had a pair confiscated just once at an airport screening checkpoint in Singapore. It doesn’t hurt as much to lose the dollar store variety.

5. Stretch utility straps

With Velcro at both ends, stretch utility straps compress rolled clothing beautifully, or bundle items together to take up less space. The removable backpack straps of my hybrid travel bag, an Osprey Daylite Carry-on Wheeled Duffel 40, consume much less space when they’re compressed with utility straps and stored in a long side pocket.

Tighten wide sleeves at the wrist to keep out the cold. Tame long trousers at the ankle to keep the fabric free of a bicycle chain. Strap pants to boots to keep out insects or leeches. They’re so versatile, you’ll want to pack a couple for every trip. At Dollarama they’re located in the automotive section. Each pair comes in a choice of lengths — 12 or 18 inches (30 or 45 centimetres).

6. Three-ply tissues

Travel packs of tissues (they have to be three-ply) double as emergency toilet paper. I was pleased to see that my local dollar store stocks tissues created from 100% bamboo pulp, a sustainable, fast-growing plant. Keep a pack in your purse or in the comfort pack in your day bag.

7. Currency sleeves

Durable closeable sleeves the size of banknotes can usually be found in dollar stores. Or, make your own non-closeable variety by cutting the desired size from one of the corners of a plastic page protector, also available in dollar stores. These keep banknotes organized by currency, and notes remain dry when they’re close to the body in a security pouch.

Another option comes from Jim Meek who posted in the comments below.

I had a thought about your plastic currency sleeves. Snack-size plastic bags are shaped kind of like US and Canadian bills. I did a quick survey of a number of currencies (Australia, NZ, UK, Euro, Japan, and a few SA countries): the largest bills I found were Euros at 6.3 x 3.2 in (160 x 82 mm).

Snack bags conveniently measure 6.5 x 3.25 in (not including the zipper)—just right! Trim off the zipper and voila, a 6.5 x 3.25 currency sleeve! (Or keep the zipper, if you may be somewhere wet.) Sandwich-size bags are also 6.5 in, and quart-size freezer bags are sturdier and 7 inches (though there’s more plastic waste with these taller bags). I like that these are cheap, something lots of people already have, and make sleeves that are closed on three sides (like a little pouch).

8. Craft bags

Zip-top craft bags are perfect for keeping small items organized and protected: microfibre wipes, tablet towels, cord clips, or coins categorized by currency.

9. Self-sealing padded envelopes

These can be handy as packing materials for souvenirs. Or, pack a few pre-addressed envelopes if you expect to be mailing things home. They could also be used for protecting and camouflaging a tablet or laptop.

10. Duct tape

Pack a small amount. Make a key fob, or wrap some tape around a plastic hotel key or depleted gift card. Check out 31 Practical uses of duct tape when you travel  for the many uses of duct tape when travelling, and how to make a key fob or card.

11. Pill organizer

Keep track of medication, vitamins, or toothpaste tablets with a daily or weekly pill organizer. Or use it to store earrings, studs, or small pieces of jewellery.

12. Self-laminating cards

Make your own luggage tags with a kit containing self-laminating cards and silicone straps.

Or look for the version for laminating business cards. In my local dollar store, a pack of 50 costs $3. These are perfect for creating your own emergency contact cards, or laminating an existing card. For example, I can download a credit-card-sized card with the contact information of the nearest embassy or consulate. My emergency medical insurance provider has a downloadable card for carrying with me on my travels. Both of these will last longer if they’re laminated. But most importantly, I like to create my own emergency contact card. It contains:

• my name
• my phone number and email address
• country of citizenship and passport number
• emergency contact numbers for consular services, financial institutions, and ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts
• emergency medical insurance policy number and toll-free number

On my last trip, I carried five copies. One was in each of my two bags next to the laminated copy of the information page from my passport. Another was in my wallet, one in the pocket of my wallet phone case, and the other in my passport sleeve. Overkill? Perhaps, but chances are one of these will always be accessible to myself (or others if I’m not in a position to speak for myself).

For larger laminating projects such as laminating the information page of a passport, look for letter-sized versions of the self-laminating cards.

13. Emergency cash stash

Create hiding places with secret pockets in bags or clothing. Or hide cash in plain view in unlikely containers. For each place, choose a single undamaged note in a currency and denomination that will be easy to change in an emergency. Protect notes with a craft bag or cling wrap if they’re likely to come in contact with moisture, or residue from the container’s original product. Look for possibilities on dollar store shelves. Dental floss? Band-Aid dispenser? Lip balm? Travel-sized deodorant? There are lots of possibilities.

14. First-aid supplies

Assemble a basic first-aid kit for carrying in your day bag. Pick up over-the-counter medication such as Advil or Tylenol in travel sizes. You’ll also find alcohol wipes, surgical tape, plasters, cough drops, and miscellaneous items. When updating your kit, discarding expired items hurts less if they’ve been purchased at dollar-store prices.

15. Soap leaves

Travelling with soap leaves fills a need in situations demanding bar or liquid soap and there’s none available. These are so handy that a small case of 50 soap leaves has earned a permanent place in my purse and the comfort pack in my day bag. At travel stores, packs of 50 soap leaves can be expensive. Coleman soap sheets are available at my local dollar store for a little more than a dollar.

16. Tablet towels

These little babies are about the size of two Life Saver candies. Add a little water and watch it explode into a durable washcloth. Travel with tablet towels for freshening up, wiping spills, or cleaning cuts and scrapes. Before venturing out, have one or two fully expanded in a small reusable zip-top bag ready for instant use. They’re durable enough to be used over and over.

17. Country-specific souvenirs

Pencils, erasers, and stickers make great gifts for children. Any item displaying an easily recognized country-specific emblem facilitates conversation and positive contact. You’ll be rewarded with a smile and a great photo.

As an aside, Canadians can obtain a supply of maple leaf lapel pins from the office of their local Member of Parliament. They’re a hit with people of all ages. In Türkiye, after pinning one on a child doing her homework in her family’s restaurant, the rest of the family seemed just as pleased to receive one.

18. School supplies

School supples are a luxury in some countries. My travelling companion and I signed up for a bicycle tour in Zambia that included a stop at a school supported by the tour. Unfortunately, the tour didn’t take place but we found a school in Zimbabwe that willingly accepted the erasers, pencils, rulers, and other school supplies we’d purchased at a dollar store. The visit to the school was one of the highlights of the trip.  

19. Child’s activity kit

If you’re travelling with children, a surprise activity kit may be just the ticket to keep them occupied and entertained during a flight. Look for a colouring book, pencils, crayons, playing cards, games, puzzles, and story books.

20. Crossword puzzles

Long-haul flights, cruises, bus, or train trips are more enjoyable with a wide selection of entertainment. Download a variety of podcasts, music, audiobooks, and movies. If you enjoy crossword or Sudoku puzzles and prefer the print versions, check out what’s available on dollar-store shelves.

21. Packing organizers

For packing-organizer devotees, check out pencil cases, plastic filing envelopes, and bags designed for cosmetics, electronics, and laundry. Some of them have loops or clips that can be handy for connecting to O-rings or other attachment points within a bag. They can be viable alternatives to the more expensive versions from travel stores.

22. Reusable zip-top bags

Resealable, reusable zip-top bags are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use Ziplock bags. They’re available in various sizes to store a variety of items such as snacks, tech accessories, and printed materials.

23. Denture cleanser tablets

Cleaning a refillable water bottle can be a challenge when travelling. Denture cleanser tablets are a viable substitute to the more expensive water bottle cleaning tablets. Wash out a water bottle with warm, soapy water as often as possible and at least once a week, sanitize it with an effervescent denture cleanser tablet. A 30-minute treatment (or follow the directions on the product) will kill bacteria. 

24. Travel-sized toiletries

Many of the travel-sized toiletries and beauty products are from recognizable brand names. I love finding travel-sized versions of products I use at home because it means travel-sized toiletries are a more economical and environmental choice if the container can be reused and filled with liquids decanted from larger supplies. Or purchase travel-sized containers of products such as mouthwash, lotion, or hand sanitizer with the plan to refill them with similar products. I find these containers are usually more robust and functional than the empty ones in kits.

25. Bamboo toothbrush and interdental picks

The American Dental Association recommends replacing a toothbrush every three to four months. Over a person’s lifetime, that’s a lot of discarded plastic toothbrushes.

A bamboo toothbrush is an eco-friendly alternative. Bamboo is a highly sustainable, biodegradable material. It’s abundant, grows quickly, and provides a long-lasting, non-petroleum-based material with endless applications.

Interdental picks are effective for removing unwanted debris between teeth. Unfortunately, most are made of plastic and designed for single use. For a biodegradable alternative, look for products where the handles are made of cornstarch or other plant-based materials such as bamboo.

26. Bar soap

You undoubtedly have a favourite brand and will pack a bar from a multi-bar pack. If you find yourself in a position of needing a single bar, check out what’s available on dollar-store shelves.

27. Lip balm holder

A lip balm holder improves accessibility and reduces the chances of misplacement or loss. Attach the holder to a keychain, lanyard, belt loop, bag, or purse. Use the holder to carry lipstick, a ChapStick, or lip balm.

28. Oral care mist

Listerine pocket mist is lightweight, portable, and easy to use. One spritz is all that’s needed as a breath freshener or to ease dryness.

29. Travel bottles and jars

Look for the kits with a variety of containers of different shapes, sizes, and functions for decanting your favourite toiletries and cosmetics. Many kits contain adhesive labels.

30. Self-adhesive labels

Blank adhesive labels are handy for creating labels for organizing travel gear at home or labelling decanted toiletries and cosmetics in smaller containers.

31. Boxes for storing travel gear

Being travel-ready means having designated places to store items destined for a travel bag. For ‘dedicated travel stuff,’ travel drawers or shelves work for many people. Or use a tote box or two, each one with a lid. Shelf space can be expanded by stacking labelled containers. For inspiration, see 20 Travel-ready packing tips for travelling on short notice.

32. Contact lens cases

Contact lens cases are ideal for easy-to-lose items such as small pieces of jewellery. Or use one for medication to be taken while out and about. I also like them for products where a little goes a long way (e.g., nasal moisturizer or skin gel). Cut the case into two separate containers and they’ll squeeze perfectly into a corner of your 3-1-1 toiletry bag or comfort pack.

33. Eyeglasses case

A neoprene pinch pouch offers protection for eyeglasses with easy access. It could also be used to store comfort items such as lipstick and other small cosmetics, in-ear headphones, charging cables, and keys.

34. Disinfectant wipes

Disinfectant  wipes tend to dry out in their sealable travel packs. Just before your next trip, stock up on supples to wipe armrests, tables, and handles on planes and TV remotes and the other ‘germiest’ spots in hotel rooms.

35. Carabiners

Carabiners are used to securely attach two or more objects. They can clip objects such as shoes, a water bottle, or damp clothing to a bag, hang a purse, bag, or jacket, or create an impromptu clothesline.

36. Luggage tags

A luggage tag attached to the outside of a bag quickly identifies the owner. A colourful tag helps distinguish one bag from another.

37. Luggage locks

A TSA-approved lock is recognized and accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a U.S. agency in charge of airport security.  The Travel Sentry logo has worldwide acceptance at security screening locations.

38. Water bottle, mug, and cutlery

My local dollar store has recently stocked several Camp-brand products including refillable water bottles, collapsible bowls, metal mugs with a handy carabiner that doubles as a handle, and a lightweight cutlery set.

39. Reusable straw

Many people use straws as a matter of hygiene to avoid contact with the rim of a cup, can, or bottle. Others prefer that their teeth not come in contact with the liquid because they’re sensitive or susceptible to staining. For some people with physical disabilities, straws play an essential role in helping them eat and drink. For others, it’s a matter of convenience to avoid reapplying lipstick. If you’re a ‘straw person’ or expect to drink from a coconut, check out your dollar store for reusable straws with a cleaning brush.

40. Small flashlight

A flashlight is indispensable for finding your way in the dark, searching for missing items under furniture, or reading in conditions where lighting is limited. The flashlight on a phone might work in some scenarios but it’s handy to have an inexpensive backup.

41. Backup reading glasses

If you rely on eyeglasses, a backup pair can be indispensable in case your expensive prescription glasses are lost or damaged.

42. Emergency sleeping bag

For backwoods hiking or long-distance road trips, an emergency sleeping bag is light and compact, an essential in a survival kit. The water-and-wind resistant aluminized fabric offers up to 90% heat retention to ensure optimal warmth. It can also be pressed into service as a shelter or tarp, and the reflective metallic fabric can be used as a reflector or signal in case of an emergency.

43. Paracord zipper pull

Paracord is an essential item in a survivalist’s kit, stored in hiking gear, hooked to keys or worn as a bracelet. For travellers, a paracord zipper pull serves a dual function. Paracord can be used as a clothesline, replacement shoelaces, luggage handle wrap, eyewear retainer, camera wrist strap, or to attach something to a bag. 

 

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. How have you used dollar stores for travel purchases? What additional products or uses have you found? Please add your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.

 

Might you be interested in the following related posts?

• Are you travelling with expired toiletries: 15 tips to avoid doing so
• 12 Tested examples of packing cubes and other organizers
• Create a travel comfort pack of self-care essentials 
• Travel with tablet towels: a multipurpose essential every traveller should pack
• No soap? No problem travelling with soap leaves
• 16 Tips on how to assemble a perfect travel first-aid kit
• 31 Practical uses of duct tape when you travel
• My favourite travel gear hacks
• How to make a traveller’s emergency contact card in 5 easy steps 

 

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