17 Brilliant Dollar Tree Travel Hacks for Your Next Trip

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These Dollar Tree travel hacks are essential for a fantastic vacation!

sneakers in shower cap

Packing for some upcoming travel plans? Start at Dollar Tree!

Sometimes Dollar Tree can be a hit or miss, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at all the fantastic items in the store that are perfect for summer vacations! From packing to planning to playing, check out my favorite finds that are all just a buck!


Dollar Tree travel packing essentials:


1. Wrap shoes in shower caps.

shoes in Dollar Tree shower cap

This little trick keeps the dirty bottom of shoes from rubbing up against your clean clothes. Six caps come in a $1.25 pack, so pass them around to the whole family!


2. Get double use out of Dollar Tree mesh bags.

Dollar Tree mesh bag with beach toys

These are great for compartmentalizing outfits in your suitcase and for toting around beach toys (without carrying them around the sand). Get 3 Dollar Tree mesh bags for just $1.25!


3. Use vacuum storage bags for bulky towels.

Hefty Shrink-Pak Vacuum Seal Bags

These vacuum bags are AWESOME and way cheaper than their competitors. Compress bulky beach towels or chunky sweaters (if you’re traveling somewhere cooler) to save space in your luggage.

A quick tipYou don’t need a vacuum to compress the air! Simply take off the white cap, roll the contents, and the air will flow out through the one-way valve. Easy peasy!


4. Pick up cheap mini Dollar Tree travel bottles.

pouring shampoo in Dollar Tree travel bottles

Use these TSA-friendly plastic travel-size bottles from Dollar Tree to store your full-size toiletries instead of purchasing mini-sized products – the price per ounce on those mini versions can be so high!


5. Use toothbrush holders for accessory storage.

charging cables in toothbrush carriers

These are perfect for storing earbuds, charging cords, or any other slim electronic accessories you have.

Hip Tip: Straight from an ex-over-packer, these packing tips and hacks make filling your suitcase a breeze.


Dollar Tree travel must-haves:


6. Get more comfort (and sleep!) with earplugs.

dollar store travel hack to buy ear plugs for plane

In addition to blocking out unwelcomed snoring, you can avoid air pressure discomfort on the airplane by popping in some earplugs before takeoff and keeping them in until you land.


7. Don’t forget gel insoles!

dollar store travel hacks include buying cheap shoe insoles

As recommended by a team member who had walked 12 miles on the first day of her vacation, we urge you to pick up a pair of these. They will keep your feet happy while sightseeing or navigating huge airports. And at just a buck per insole/heel cushion, there’s really not much to lose and comfort to gain!


8. Stash a rain poncho in your luggage… just in case.

dollar tree ponchos

Boy Scouts always pack this essential item, and so should you! These come in handy when you end up dealing with unexpected inclement weather. Getting rained on (and then drip-drying) isn’t the nicest way to spend time on vacation.

Lina recommended these after her recent trip to Disney. Check out some other know-before-you-go tips for your next Disney vaca!


Dollar Tree travel goodies:


9. Stock up on cheap summer accessories.

sunglasses at dollar tree

There are a TON of cute flip-flops and sunglasses for the whole family at Dollar Tree, along with beach and pool toys! Plus, at $1.25 a pop, you won’t mind if they accidentally get left behind, dropped in the sand, or stepped on.


10. Keep refreshments cool without a bulky cooler.

buy insulated bags as another dollar tree travel hacks

Instead of lugging around a cooler on your beach vacation or on a long road trip, these insulated bags pack flat and can be tossed out before you return home.


11. Save money on basic health and wellness supplies.

medicine from dollar tree

Any type of trip needs emergency supplies in case anything happens. There are plenty of travel-size toiletries at Dollar Tree like hand sanitizers, antibacterial wipes, OTC medications, and bandages available in-store. Some locations may even have fully stocked mini first aid kits!


12. Purchase a multi-compartment pill case for a jewelry organization!

weekday pill organizer

It’s so easy to lose small jewelry, especially in your luggage. Use a pill case to organize earrings or bracelets to keep them from getting lost or misplaced.


13. Keep your necklaces tangle-free with a straw.

necklace in straw

I wish I knew about this hack before because it would’ve saved me a lot of time. 😄 All you need to do is unclasp a necklace, slip one end of your necklace through either open end of a straw, and then reclasp the necklace. This will keep all of your necklaces tangle-free!


14. Grab a clothespin or two for sanitary storage.

toothbrush on a clothespin

This DIY toothbrush holder is amazing because not only does it keep the toothbrush holder off the counter, but it’s also small and portable. Just stick it in your toiletry bag and you’re set.


15. Have dryer sheets on deck for fresher luggage!

person holding up outdoor fresh scented bounce dryer sheets

If you’re like me, fresh-smelling clean clothes are essential! A good hack is to stick a couple of dryer sheets inside your luggage to keep your baggage and clothing from absorbing other unpleasant odors while you’re traveling or in between trips.


16. In-flight snacks are a must… and much less than at airport convenience stores!

snacks at dollar tree

If you want any type of food item, it’ll probably be five times more expensive at the airport. Dollar tree has a huge variety of snacks in mini-bags to satisfy your cravings when you’re waiting for your flight.


17. Grab your glow sticks and light up the night!

glow sticks from dollar tree

Bringing your own glow sticks is a fantastic way to save money at Disney or any amusement park. The gift shops will charge an arm and a leg!


7 BRILLIANT Wedding Day Hacks Using Dollar Tree Items!


About the writer:

Kaitlyn has a Bachelor's Degree from St. John's University with 2 years of writing experience for LinkedIn, Celeb Magazine, and other various publications.


Join The Discussion

Comments 22

  1. Dawn

    My daughter applied sunscreen several times during the day and ended up with bad sunburn, I recommend spending a little more to help prevent cancer. Dollar tree also sells drink powders to mix into water.

  2. Annie

    Thanks for all these good ideas.

    • Jennifer (Hip Sidekick)

      You are very welcome, Annie!

  3. Anabel

    Thanks for the tips. I didn’t know those space saver bags worked without a vacuum!

  4. Jen S

    I will definitely pick up space saver bags there before our next trip! My kiddos like to go clothes shopping while on vacation… and there is no extra room in their suitcases to begin with! 😣

    • Jennifer (Hip Sidekick)

      Awww, I’m sure these will help a lot!

    • CJ

      I thought my kids were the only ones who liked to do that. Some times I think I should just pack an empty suitcase and let them fill it at the outlets! 😊. The funny thing is a few years ago they built a big outlet center near our home, so we don’t NEED to go on vacation, but the kids still love to go on our traditional outlet (stick the suitcase) shopping day!

  5. GAmommyof4

    These tips are great! Even Genius!!! #Hip2SaveHacks

  6. Jennifer

    I have mesh pop up hampers from Dollar Tree. They fold down really small and keep our dirty laundry from being strewn all over the hotel room floor by my messy children!

  7. Liv

    I put several bottled water in the freezer overnight. It slowly melts while you’re out in the water. By the time you’re done playing, u got a nice, cold bottled water waiting 4 u 😁

  8. Mama2Nine

    I really like the sunscreen. I’ve used it for years and never a problem. Bought brand name bc my store was out and two children currently have sun poison.

    • riepenhoff

      I agree- we have used the sunscreen for many years and have never been burned!

  9. sharon

    The cooler bags are a must for vacation and long trips from the grocery store. Keeps foods cold and/or frozen!

  10. Nee

    Great ideas, thanks!! I always toss shower caps away – no more!! 😅

  11. Susan

    I save the small Bath and Body Works lotion/body wash containers. When I’m done using them, I wash them out and use them to refill with shampoo, conditioner, body wash for the whole family when we travel. They are all the same size and easy to pack.

  12. Ng

    Those travel bottles leak every time. Don’t buy the dollar store ones unless you want to spend an hour cleaning up the mess

    • Kerianne

      I take a square of Saran Wrap and put it over the opening after filling them and then screw the lid on over that = no spills! Just unscrew and remove when you arrive & you’re good to go!

  13. Jenn

    Great ideas! I use several of them already and learned about some new ones. The shower cap over shoes idea doesn’t make sense to me though, no matter how many times I’ve seen it over the years – why pair for shower caps when you can use a plastic grocery bag? That’s what I do, and I can even store multiple pairs together, or if a pair gets wet or really dirty I can tie the bag tight so nothing touches the shoes.

  14. heidi

    My friend told me about these teeny tiny glass bottles that will hold a lot of tiny pills – they are in the craft section. I went recently and they had taller ones. They will break if dropped, but never had any problem with these on two 2 week trips. Great for those that need to take prescriptions. So many of those come in way too big bottles. Better for you to put your stuff in glass bottles than the plastic ones Dollar tree has. I doubt those are safe plastics.

    • Jessica (Hip Sidekick)

      Thanks so much for sharing about the glass craft bottles, heidi. Great to know this might be an option and they’ve held up on longer trips for you! ❤️

  15. Princess'Mom

    The clothespin on your toothbrush is a good idea if you have one handy and remember to pack it but I wanted to share that we have toothbrush covers with suction cups on the back. They just stick right to the mirror and they go right back into the cover while they’re hanging up so they stay clean. I got a pack of two for a couple of dollars several years ago, these are very similar https://www.amazon.com/VADOO-Toothbrush-Suction-Portable-Protector/dp/B07YV3RL9N/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=toothbrush+cover+suction+cup&qid=1690913271&sprefix=toothbrush+cover+suctio%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-5

    • Jessica (Hip Sidekick)

      Thanks for sharing those toothbrush covers, Princess’Mom! I also have a similar style for traveling – they’re definitely convenient! 🥰

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