Dollar Tree Travel Hacks + Genius Packing Tips
If you love to travel but don’t love spending a fortune on gear and supplies, you’re going to love these ideas! I’m sharing over 15 Dollar Tree travel hacks that make packing easier, keep your trip organized, and save you money — plus genius suitcase packing tips so you can fit everything into a single carry-on.
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Whether you’re heading on a road trip or catching a flight, these budget-friendly travel essentials and packing strategies will make traveling smoother and stress-free.
Dollar Tree Travel Hacks + Genius Packing Tips Video
🧳 Dollar Tree Travel Essentials You’ll Actually Use
1. Collapsible Crates for Car Travel
These are perfect for keeping snacks, games, and dirty laundry organized in the trunk. No more wrappers and chaos rolling around! When you get home, they collapse flat for easy storage.
2. Travel Games for Kids and Adults
Dollar Tree has compact games like Beat the Parents, Uno, Apples to Apples, and color form activity sets. They’re lifesavers for airplane layovers, long drives, or waiting for food at restaurants.
3. On-the-Go Laundry and Cleaning Supplies
- Oxy pens and stain removers are perfect for quick fixes.
- Laundry detergent sheets and Tide pods are lightweight and great for travel.
- Dryer sheets keep your suitcase and shoes smelling fresh.
- Mesh laundry bags help separate clothes while keeping your suitcase organized.
- Vacuum seal bags help with space saving.
4. Travel Journals + Planning Tools
I found a “Going Places” travel journal at Dollar Tree that’s great for jotting notes and memories.
👉 You can also download my FREE Packing List
And if you want to plan future adventures, check out my Reusable Travel Planner in my shop — perfect for organizing all your trips in one place.
5. Sanitizing Wipes and Cleaning Essentials
Grab Clorox or antibacterial wipes for sanitizing airplane trays, hotel remotes, and car surfaces. They’re compact, affordable, and a must-have in 2025 travel prep.
6. Comfort Items That Make Travel Easier
Dollar Tree has soft neck pillows and microfiber blankets for around $5. I always bring a cozy pair of flip-flops too — great for hotels, flights, or poolside.
While you’re there, grab:
- Collapsible bags for grocery stops or beach days
- Hot/cold bags that double as mini coolers for snacks and drinks
- Deodorant wipes and facial wipes — great for freshening up on the go
- Mini first-aid kit — small but mighty for travel emergencies
Did you know you can shop online at Dollar Tree and have items shipped to you your local store?
👕 Packing Hacks That Save Space
These simple folding tricks keep clothes neat, compact, and wrinkle-free.
1. The Military Roll
Fold, roll, and tuck — this classic method keeps shirts and bottoms compact and easy to stack.
2. The Outfit Roll
Bundle each outfit together (shirt, pants, socks, undergarments) so you can grab and go each morning — no digging through piles!
3. The Outfit Sandwich
Layer your outfit like a sandwich: bottoms, undergarments, tops. It keeps everything together and easy to unpack.
4. Keep Your Hat in Shape
Stuff your hat with pajamas or rolled clothing to hold its shape and save space.
🧴 Prevent Leaks + Pack Toiletries Smartly
Liquids can leak during travel, so try these hacks:
- Swap liquids for bar soap or solid toiletries
- Place cling wrap or tape under bottle caps before closing
- Always keep bottles in baggies to contain spills
- Protect razor blades with a binder clip to avoid damage
I like to toss all my travel toiletries into one large zip bag — it takes up less space than most toiletry kits!
If you’re flying you can check out the latest TSA travel-size liquid rules page
👟 Suitcase Packing Order
Here’s how I layer my carry-on for max space and cleanliness:
- Shoes on the bottom (soles facing down).
- Folded or rolled outfits stacked neatly on one side.
- Garbage bag tucked in for dirty laundry or wet clothes.
- Large scarf rolled for multi-use (blanket, pillow, or wrap).
- Toiletry bag and hat (stuffed with pajamas) placed on top.
- Wipes, chargers, and accessories tucked around edges for stability.
Pack snacks and flip-flops in exterior pockets for easy access. Keep small items like hair ties, drink packets, or gum in zip compartments.
🧼 Bonus Travel Hacks You’ll Love
Use shoes to store small items like sunglasses or chargers.
Bring an oversized scarf — it doubles as a wrap, blanket, or even a towel.
Use laundry detergent sheets in a sink at your hotel or Airbnb for a quick wash.
Carry a collapsible water bottle to refill after security.
Use a garbage bag to keep your dirty clothes in.
Dollar Tree Travel Hacks FAQ
Collapsible crates, wipes, and cooler bags are great for car organization and quick cleanups.
Use the military roll or outfit roll methods to maximize space and reduce wrinkles.
Use cling wrap under lids, tape bottles closed, and keep liquids inside sealed baggies.
Dollar Tree Travel Hacks + Genius Packing Tips Video on YouTube
Shop for My Recommended Travel Gear
- You can find my recommendations and favorites on my Amazon Storefront
✈️ My Carry-On Packing Recap
By using these Dollar Tree travel hacks, I was able to pack everything I needed into a single carry-on — with room to spare! From smart folding to space-saving organizers, these simple tricks keep me stress-free and organized on every trip.
If you’d like my FREE printable packing list, grab it [here — link to opt-in].
And don’t forget to check out my reusable travel planner [link] to stay organized for your next vacation.
You might also be interested in these:
- 25+ Genius Travel Hacks to Keep You Organized on the Road
- Awesome and Easy DIY Gadgets for Travel
- Must-Have Car Essentials from Dollar Tree (Plus a Few Bonus Items!)
Did you find this helpful? Share your favorite travel hack in the comments below!
For more budget-friendly ideas, visit Chas’ Crazy Creations.
About the Author:
Chas Greener is a DIY, organization and lifestyle creator behind Chas’ Crazy Creations. She’s passionate about helping people simplify life through creative, affordable solutions — from home hacks to travel tips. Her work has been featured on Hometalk, Parade, and multiple lifestyle channels.
