Packing for vacation doesn’t have to be complicated or break the bank! With Walmart’s budget-friendly options, you can easily find all your beauty products, stylish outfits, and must-have road trip essentials in one place.
Half the fun of getting ready for a trip is the prep. Picking up those little essentials that make you feel your best—like cute press-on nails, new skincare goodies, or some easy snacks for the road—really sets the tone for a great vacation.
And Walmart has become my go-to for exactly that! I always end up there the week before a trip (sometimes even a few times…) to make sure I have everything I need.
After my most recent travels, I realized just how many items I keep grabbing items from Walmart before every vacation, so I thought, why not put together a list of all the best finds?
These vacation must-haves are easy on the wallet, perfect for prepping at home, and super handy to take with you—no matter where your next adventure takes you.
So let’s dive into some affordable, practical picks that will make your trip planning a breeze!
This blog post may contain affiliate links. Please note these do not impact my review, and no extra costs have been added to the items mentioned.
Vacation Essentials to Grab at Walmart
Walmart Beauty Essentials
Walmart’s beauty section has seriously stepped up its game! They have so many great brands, I always find myself adding more to my cart than planned (but, hey, no regrets).
One of my absolute favorite items to pick up is the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish—it’s a total lifesaver when I want a quick manicure before heading out the door. And if I’m skipping the polish, I’m all about the KISS press-on nails. They last for days, look super cute, and are perfect if you want vacation-ready nails without hitting the salon.
For my last trip, I stumbled across this coffee and coconut body scrub by Frank Body, and I’m obsessed. It smells like a tropical getaway and leaves my skin so soft! I’ve already bought another because I’m hooked. When it comes to makeup, I always lean on my trusty NYX and e.l.f. favorites, which Walmart thankfully carries in full force. And right before a trip, I swear by acne patches (HERO is my go-to brand) to keep any pesky spots under control and a deep-conditioning hair mask to get my hair feeling healthy and ready for a change in climate.
Oh, and I have to admit—I’m guilty of buying new hair tools for trips, too. I love my Beachwaver for getting effortless, beachy waves! It’s so much fun to experiment with new looks on vacation. Here are a few beauty essentials I never skip before heading out:
- Body Scrub: Exfoliate and moisturize your skin before leaving with a good body scrub. It’s the best way to feel fresh and smooth, plus travel-sized options are great for saving space in your bag.
- Press-on Nails: No time for a salon appointment? Press-ons are a must for quick, vacation-ready nails that look just as good as gel.
- Makeup Staples: Stick to the basics—foundation, mascara, and a versatile eyeshadow palette you can use for both day and night looks.
- Face Sheet Masks: Keep a few in your luggage for a mid-trip refresh or to pamper yourself after a long day of exploring.
- Acne Patches: Perfect for those pre-trip breakouts. Just pop one on overnight, and they work like magic!
- Deep Conditioning Hair Mask: Your hair will thank you, especially if you’re heading somewhere with lots of sun or saltwater.
- Hair Tools: A new curling iron or waver can make styling fun, and it’s the perfect excuse to try something new!
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Accessories to Elevate Your Vacation Style
Accessories can take any vacation look up a notch, and Walmart has some great finds to complete your style without overpacking. I’m all about having options that keep things functional and stylish, so here are a few must-haves I always grab:
- Crossbody and Belt Bags: For hands-free convenience, a crossbody or belt bag is a game-changer. Perfect for carrying essentials on-the-go, whether you’re sightseeing or just don’t want to be weighed down.
- Bandanas for Music Festivals: If a festival’s on your agenda, a bandana is essential. It keeps the dust at bay and can add a fun little upgrade to your outfit.
- Simple Earrings and Rings: I’m all about finding jewelry that goes with everything. A few stackable rings or a simple pair of hoops add just enough polish for the everyday look.
Clothing Staples from Walmart
When it comes to vacation clothes, I’m all about comfort and versatility. Walmart has some great pieces that fit the bill, letting me mix and match without overpacking. Whether I’m road-tripping or relaxing at a beach resort, these basics make it easy to stay comfy and stylish without too much fuss.
First up, casual loungewear sets. These are my go-to for travel days—they’re comfy enough for long car rides or flights, but cute enough to wear when grabbing breakfast or lounging around the hotel. Plus, you can mix the top and bottoms with other outfits, so they’re basically double-duty essentials.
I also make sure to pack a few plain black and white T-shirts. These might sound basic, but they’re honestly lifesavers. You can layer them under a jacket, tuck them into a skirt, or pair them with jeans for a casual day out. They’re lightweight, take up no space in your suitcase, and can be dressed up or down depending on the vibe.
And if I’m heading somewhere sunny, a lightweight cover-up is always in my bag. It’s perfect for throwing over swimwear by the pool or beach, but it’s also nice to have as an easy layer if you need something to throw on when you’re out and about. It keeps things easy and breezy, which is exactly what I want on vacation!
- Casual Outfits: Pick up comfy loungewear sets that you can wear on travel days or for lounging around your hotel.
- Plain Black and White T-Shirts: These basics are super versatile and can be styled with any outfit—layer them under a jacket or tuck them into a cute skirt.
- Lightweight Cover-ups: If you’re heading somewhere sunny, a flowy cover-up is perfect for layering over your swimwear.
Related Post: Hotel Room Cleaning Essentials for Travel
Affordable Footwear
When it comes to vacation, comfy shoes are a must, and Walmart has some budget-friendly options that hold up all day. Simple sandals are perfect for beach days or casual strolls, and they’re easy to slip on and off whenever you need. I also love bringing a pair of basic black or white sneakers—they go with just about any outfit and are great for those long days spent exploring. With these two options, you’ll be ready for anything without breaking the bank.
- Simple Sandals: Great for beach days or casual strolls, look for a pair of sandals that are easy to slip on and off.
- Sneakers: A pair of black or white sneakers can go with almost any outfit and are perfect for long days of exploring.
On-the-Road Essentials
A few on-the-road essentials can make a world of difference for a smooth, stress-free trip. I always bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated without needing to buy drinks constantly—plus, the insulated ones keep things cool, which is a nice bonus. Having a snack organizer has also been a game-changer for me; keeping treats organized means no more digging through bags to find something to munch on mid-ride. And a bit of safety gear—like a mini first aid kit, an extra phone charger, and a couple of emergency tools—brings a lot of peace of mind, so I’m prepared for whatever pops up along the way.
Stock up on these items for a smoother, more enjoyable trip.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated wherever you go! Walmart has plenty of insulated options to keep your drinks cool.
- Snack Organizer: Use a small container to keep your favorite snacks neatly organized and accessible during the drive or flight.
- Safety Gear: Consider adding a mini first aid kit, extra phone charger, or travel-friendly safety tools like a whistle or small flashlight.
Ready-to-Pack Snacks and Drinks
Walmart’s grocery section is a goldmine for quick, travel-friendly snacks and drinks that make fueling up on vacation a breeze. I always grab ready-made snacks like protein bars, mixed nuts, and trail mix—they’re lifesavers when you need a quick bite on the go. Chips and dips are perfect for beach days or impromptu picnics, bringing a little something extra to your downtime. And for easy breakfasts or mid-day pick-me-ups, single-serve yogurts and bottled drinks are super convenient to have on hand. With these snacks, you’ll be set for any adventure that comes your way!
- Ready-Made Snacks: Think protein bars, mixed nuts, and trail mix—perfect for quick bites on the go.
- Chips and Dips: Ideal for beach days or picnic lunches.
- Yogurts and Drinks: Grab some single-serve yogurts or bottled beverages for easy-to-grab breakfast or mid-day snack options.
Walmart Travel Essentials
Walmart has everything you need to prep for an upcoming trip! I personally find myself running there a few times before I head out on vacation—I’ve even started picking up holiday goodies for our Christmas cruise! Vacations don’t have to be overly pricey or fancy; it’s all about keeping it simple and fun. Walmart makes it easy to grab what you need without breaking the bank, from travel-sized beauty essentials to snacks, clothes, and more. What are some of your go-to Walmart finds for trips? Are there any must-have brands I should check out? Let me know in the comments—I’m always on the lookout for new travel essentials!
XOXO,
Julia
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About the Author:
Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of traveling locally and beyond!
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