Going on Vacation? Thrift These Travel Essentials First at Goodwill

Save Money on Your Next Trip by Shopping Secondhand

Vacation season is here, and whether you're heading to the beach, exploring a national park, visiting family, or taking a weekend road trip, travel expenses can add up quickly.

Before you spend hundreds of dollars on new luggage, vacation clothes, and travel accessories, make a stop at your local Goodwill Industries of Wayne and Holmes Counties. You may be surprised by how many travel essentials you can find at a fraction of retail prices. From suitcases and backpacks to beach gear and vacation outfits, Goodwill stores are packed with affordable finds that can help you save money while supporting programs that strengthen our local community.

Here are some of the best travel essentials to thrift before your next trip.

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1. Luggage and Suitcases

One of the most common travel items donated to thrift stores is luggage.

Whether you need a carry-on bag, checked suitcase, duffel bag, or weekend travel bag, shopping secondhand can save you a significant amount compared to buying new. Many donated suitcases have only been used a handful of times and remain in excellent condition.

Goodwill stores frequently receive donations of:

  • Carry-on luggage
  • Large suitcases
  • Rolling bags
  • Duffel bags
  • Weekend travel bags

Many are in excellent condition and ready for their next adventure. Before purchasing, simply check the wheels, handles, zippers, and interior compartments.

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2. Travel Backpacks and Daypacks

A good backpack is essential for many trips, whether you're exploring a new city, hiking a trail, or carrying items through an airport.

Thrift stores often carry:

  • Hiking backpacks
  • School backpacks
  • Laptop bags
  • Daypacks
  • Sling bags

A secondhand backpack can be perfect for carrying snacks, water bottles, travel documents, and souvenirs during your adventures.

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3. Vacation Clothing

Why spend hundreds on new vacation outfits when you can find great options secondhand Goodwill offers affordable clothing for every destination and season.

Beach Vacations

  • Cover-ups
  • Sun hats
  • Sandals
  • Lightweight clothing

Mountain Getaways

  • Jackets
  • Hoodies
  • Hiking pants
  • Flannel shirts

City Travel

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Casual outfits
  • Layering pieces

Shopping thrift stores allows you to build a vacation wardrobe without breaking your budget.

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4. Travel Accessories

Small travel accessories can make a big difference.

Keep an eye out for:

  • Neck pillows
  • Travel organizers
  • Toiletry bags
  • Sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Crossbody bags
  • Packing cubes

These items often cost a fraction of retail prices when purchased secondhand.

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5. Books and Entertainment for the Trip

Long flights, road trips, and beach days call for entertainment.

At Goodwill, you can find:

  • Best-selling novels
  • Travel guides
  • Children's books
  • Puzzle books
  • Magazines
  • DVDs and games

For just a few dollars, you can stock up on enough entertainment for the entire trip.

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6. Beach and Pool Gear

If you're heading somewhere sunny, check Goodwill before buying new.

  • Beach towels
  • Tote bags
  • Flip-flops
  • Sun hats
  • Coolers
  • Beach chairs
  • Pool toys

Many of these items are lightly used and perfect for seasonal vacations.

Why Shop Goodwill Before You Travel?

Save Money: Travel expenses add up quickly. Purchasing secondhand travel essentials allows you to spend less on supplies and more on experiences.

Travel Sustainably: Choosing secondhand items helps extend the life of usable goods and keeps items out of landfills. Sustainable travel starts before you leave home.

Find Unique Items: You never know what you'll discover while thrifting. From vintage travel bags to unique beach accessories, every visit can uncover something special.

Support Your Community: When you shop at Goodwill, your purchases help support programs that strengthen individuals, families, and communities through education, training, and employment services.

Support Local Programs

When you shop at Goodwill Industries of Wayne and Holmes Counties, your purchases help support local programs that provide training, employment services, education, and opportunities for individuals throughout our community.

Your vacation shopping can help someone else take the next step toward achieving their goals.

Start Your Vacation at Goodwill

Before you spend full price on travel gear, visit your local Goodwill store. You may be surprised by how many vacation essentials you can find for a fraction of retail prices.

Whether you're planning a beach vacation, road trip, cruise, camping adventure, or international getaway, thrifting your travel essentials first can help you save money, travel smarter, and support a good cause. Stop by your local Goodwill and start your vacation shopping adventure today. New items arrive daily, and you never know what travel treasures you'll discover.

To learn more or donate today, visit GoodwillConnect.org.

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