Travel essentials don’t have to cost a fortune and you don’t need an Amazon Prime account to get your hands on them either.
I’ve found some great travel essentials, including microfiber travel towels, dry bags, and water bottles, all of which are great for traveling near home (in Florida) and beyond, right at Walmart.
Check out my top recommendations for your travel bag or suitcase for local and international trips.
Discover My Top Walmart Travel Essentials
Lightweight Travel Towels
In 2023, I snagged my all-time favorite travel towels from Walmart right before a cruise. To this day, I use them just about every week to go to the pool, beach, camping, and on weekends and international trips. Here are a few similar options:
Exclusivo Mezcla Large Microfiber Quick Dry Beach Towel
Insulated Water Bottle
I never leave the house without an insulated water bottle, especially when traveling. It saved me when I visited Pearl Island in the Bahamas. While I tend to favor YETI, sometimes it’s nice to have a cheaper option when traveling, just in case you lose it. Also, YETI is a bit on the pricey side, so save some money with these options from Walmart:
bubba Stainless Steel Trailblazer Water Bottle with Straw, Rubberized Blue, 40 oz
Ozark Trail 24 oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Electrolytes
It’s easy to lose essential vitamins and minerals and risk dehydration when you’re traveling in hot climates, at the beach, or after a day of walking and sightseeing. I always carry some form of electrolytes with me just in case I need a little pick-me-up when traveling or exploring. Here’s a few of my favorite brands and flavors:
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Variety Sampler Pack
Ultima Replenisher, Sunsational Variety Pack
Sun Tent
Things heat up fast outside, so don’t get caught in the heat without shade. I bought a light sun tent on Amazon and it takes me 5 minutes to put up bymyself and is extremely easy to carry. I recently took it to Pearl Island and was extremely glad I did as the heat combined with the UV index, quickly made it seem like I was in an oven. Here’s a few tent options I rounded up at Walmart to keep you safe from the sun no matter where you’re traveling:
Beach Tent 10′ x 10′, Camping Sun Shelter UPF50+ with 8 Sandbags
Pop Up Beach Tent UPF 50+ Sun Shelter for 2-3 Person
Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Whether you’re hiking, camping, beaching, boating or bikingโsunscreen and bug spray are always great to pack with you to stay bug free and prevent sunburn. I love Sun Bum because of the mineral protection and coconut scent, but here are a few other great brands:
Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50, 6 oz
Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 50, Twin Pack
OFF! Clean Feel 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent I Aerosol, Fragrance Free, 5 oz
Waterproof Bags & Phone Cases
Don’t become a statistic and drop your phone or car keys in a lake or the ocean while beaching, boating, and sightseeing. Keep them dry as well as your wallet, snacks and towels with a dry bag. I’m a big fan of Geckobrands on Amazon, but I also have a few dry bags from Ozark that I picked up a long time ago from Walmart that also work great. Here’s a few other dry bag options to safely store your valuables:
Ozark Trail Waterproof Tritech 5L Dry Bag with Shoulder Strap
Sun Protective Clothing
Have fun in the sun longer by packing protective clothing that keeps you safe from UVB/UVA rays. While I love outdoors brands you may find at sporting good stores like Colombia, REI and other sporting good stores may not be accessible by location and budget. No sweat, here’s a few clothing options to protect yourself from the sun:
Charmo Rash Guard for Women Zip Front Long Sleeve Rashguard Top Sun Protection Swim Shirt
Snorkel Gear
Why spend $50 or more dollars per person to rent snorkel gear when you can pack your own and save time and money? Before a cruise in April of 2023, I was able to snag a one-piece snorkel set that I use to this day at home in Florida. Check out fish, coral, and other ocean life with these snorkel gear options:
U.S. Divers Dryview Adult Snorkel Full Face Mask
Hand Wipes
The worse part about traveling is others are usually traveling too and can leave behind their germs on tables, plane seats, and door handles. Wipe down surfaces and your hands on the go with disposable, germ-killing, yet gently wipes.
Equate Antibacterial Hand Wipes, Fresh Scent, 24 Wipes
Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Hand Wipes, Fragrance Free, 20 Ct Travel Pack, Hypoallergenic
Toiletry Bottles
Bottle all your lotions and potions you need while traveling in accordance with TSA restrictions. These toiletry bottles are good for shampoo, body wash, sunscreen, and are compact for your carry-on or travel bag.
Equate Grab-N-Go Bag of Plastic Travel Bottles for Toiletries, Color May Vary, 3 fl oz (4 Count)
Convenience Kits International, Womens Multicultural 10 PC Kit Featuring: Palmers Hair and Body Care Trial-Size Products
Men’s Get Away 10 pc Travel Kit
Insulated Cooler Tote Bags & Lunch Boxes
Keep alcoholic beverages, water, fresh fruit and food safe from the heat and ready to consume with a portable insulated cooler bag. These options will keep your snacks fresh without breaking the bank:
RTIC Everyday Insulated Tote Bag, 35 Ltr Cooler Bag, Leak-Free Interior, Fits 58 Cans
Coleman XPAND 22Qt Capacity 30-Can Soft Cooler Backpack
Solar Powered Power Bank
Never be without cell signal again! Whether you want to stay in touch while traveling or just have access to your phone to record memories or take pictures, these power banks will extend your phone battery until you can get back to your hotel room to charge your phone.
onn 8,000 mAh dual USB-C/USB-A port portable battery, Black
Mini First Aid Kit
Accidents happen, so it’s always a great idea to have a first-aid kit handy. You never know when you may need to clean or bandage yourself or someone you love while enjoying the outdoors or on the road. Here’s a few great options:
Johnson & Johnson First Aid To Go Portable Mini Travel Kit, 12 pieces
Johnson & Johnson Travel Ready Portable Emergency First Aid Kit, 80 pc
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What are your favorite travel essentials from Walmart?
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I try myself or similar product options, and all opinions expressed here are my own.ย This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting the Eat Well. Adventure Often. blog!