Pack Smart: Must-Have Travel Essentials You Can Thrift

Sunshine, spontaneous road trips, summer festivals, and weekend getaways—travel season is officially in full swing. Whether you’re heading to Flagstaff for a cool mountain retreat, Sedona for some soul-soothing hikes, or jetting off from Phoenix Sky Harbor for an out-of-state adventure, packing smart can make or break your trip. But here’s the best part: you don’t have to break the bank.

With a quick stop at your local Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona, you can score some of the travel essentials you need at a fraction of the cost. From secondhand suitcases to carry-on essentials and travel-friendly clothing, we’ve rounded up the must-have items to pack for your next adventure, plus tips for traveling light and thrifty.

Affordable Travel Gear Starts at Goodwill

Let’s start with the big-ticket items: luggage. Rolling suitcases, overnight bags, and thrifted travel bags often pop up on our shelves in great condition. Don’t forget to check zippers, wheels, and handles before purchasing. You can often find stylish weekend getaway essentials like vintage duffels or sleek laptop bags for business trips.

Whether you’re packing for a long-haul flight or a summer travel essentials Arizona road trip, secondhand doesn’t mean second-best—it means smart.

Pro Tip: Stop by your local Goodwill location using our store locator to find one near you before your next trip!

Thrifted Carry-On Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed

When it comes to carry-on essentials, it’s all about function, size, and comfort. Luckily, Goodwill can often be full of handy finds you can grab on a budget. Here are a few favorites to look for:

• Neck pillows and eye masks: Many are donated in excellent condition.
• Tech accessories: Chargers, headphone cases, and even tablet sleeves.
• Books, crossword puzzles & journals: Perfect for long waits at the gate or cozy reading by the pool.
• Reusable water bottles and snack containers: Stay hydrated and eco-friendly in style.

These travel staples help keep you comfortable and organized without the hefty airport price tag.

Travel-Friendly Clothing for Every Adventure

The secret to a smart suitcase? Travel-friendly clothing that you can mix, match, and wear multiple ways. Think wrinkle-resistant fabrics, neutral colors, layers, and easy-to-pack materials.

At Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona, you can find racks full of:

• Lightweight jackets and cardigans
• Breathable cotton tops and tees
• Maxi dresses and skirts
• Athletic wear and hiking clothes
• Comfy sandals and travel shoes

Shopping secondhand means you can refresh your vacation wardrobe and keep your budget intact. And if you’re headed somewhere hot (hello, Arizona summer!), linen blends and sleeveless layers are a must.

Packing Tips for Families, Students & Weekend Warriors

Whether you’re heading to Grandma’s with the kids, backpacking across campus, or getting away for the weekend, packing efficiently is key. Here’s how Goodwill can help:

Travel Essentials for Families

From kids’ backpacks to strollers and toys, Goodwill can be a goldmine for budget-conscious families. Keep an eye out for:

• Children’s books and games for road trips
• Cooler bags and insulated lunchboxes
• Umbrellas, ponchos, and mini fans for desert heat

Travel Essentials for Students

Students heading home for break or prepping for a semester abroad can snag:

• Dorm-sized suitcases or rolling duffels
• Stylish but practical backpacks
• Power strips, chargers, and travel-size personal care items
• Seasonal gear—like coats or boots—when returning from or heading into colder climates

Weekend Getaway Warriors

For those last-minute road trips, Goodwill can offer weekend getaway essentials like:

• Overnight totes and canvas bags
• Camping gear (think lanterns, utensils, folding chairs)
• Swimwear, flip flops, and sarongs for a lake or poolside escape

The Thrill of the Thrift: Why It Pays to Shop Secondhand

Besides saving serious money, shopping for your travel items at Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona supports your local community. Every purchase helps fund no-cost career services, job training, and education programs. That’s what we call packing with purpose.

And let’s not forget—thrifting is better for the planet. Reusing gently loved items keeps them out of landfills and reduces the need for new manufacturing, making your trip even more eco-friendly.

Arizona Travel Tips (And What to Pack for Them)

Planning to stay local this summer? Arizona adventures call for a few location-specific essentials you can thrift:

• For Sedona hikes: moisture-wicking shirts, hats, daypacks, and hiking boots
• For tubing the Salt River: waterproof shoes, sun shirts, dry bags
• For Grand Canyon trips: lightweight jackets, sturdy footwear

With desert temps rising fast, smart layering and sun protection are non-negotiable—and you’ll find plenty of both on the racks at Goodwill.

One Last Thing Before You Go

When it comes to packing, smart travelers know that less is more, but it’s even better when “less” costs less too. The next time you’re gearing up for an adventure, stop by your nearest Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona and explore the endless possibilities.

From secondhand suitcases and affordable travel gear to Goodwill travel finds that surprise and delight, we’ve got what you need to hit the road in style—and on budget.

So go ahead. Pack smart, pack light, and pack with heart.

Find a Goodwill location near you today: goodwillaz.org/locations