16 Spring Break Essentials: Top Picks From Walmart [With Free Shipping]

Walmart is one of the most ubiquitous stores in the U.S. and can be a great place to shop for affordable spring break essentials. You can even get free shipping through Walmart+.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express and the American Express^® Business Gold Card both offer statement credits for Walmart+ monthly membership, so cardholders can enjoy the benefits of Walmart+ while offsetting the monthly cost with statement credits.

Let’s dive into the details, including how to get Walmart+ and what spring break essentials you can find at Walmart.

What Is Walmart+?

Walmart+ is a paid membership program that offers exclusive benefits to Walmart shoppers. The benefits include free shipping with no order minimums on online orders and grocery deliveries, free same-day delivery on many items, early access to sales and product releases, free or discounted subscriptions to streaming subscriptions such as Paramount+, and fuel discounts.

How To Get Walmart+ for Free

While Walmart+ normally costs $12.95 per month, the Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Gold card offer a monthly statement credit of up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes).

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• With American Express Global Lounge Collection^® you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion^® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club^® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express^® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Business Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

American Express^® Business Gold Card

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$375

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Business Gold Card is excellent at racking up rewards for your business spend.

The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categories each month up to $150,000 each calendar year in purchases; categories include:
  • Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
  • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
  • U.S. purchases at gas stations
  • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
• 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
• Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection

Cons

• $375 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.49% to 27.49% variable APR.*
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.*
• Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
• The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
• *Terms Apply

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

These statement credits can offset the monthly cost of a Walmart+ membership. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to sign up for Walmart+, using the monthly credit from the Amex Platinum card or the monthly credit from the Amex Business Gold card is a great way to try it out.

Bottom Line:

If you have an Amex Platinum card or an Amex Business Gold card, be sure to sign up for Walmart+ since you’ll be eligible for a statement credit that offsets the monthly cost. For more information and to sign up, head to the Walmart+ and Amex Platinum card landing page or the Walmart+ and Amex Business Gold card landing page.

Top Spring Break Essentials at Walmart

1. BAGSMART Extra Large Travel Toiletry Bag Set – $27.99

A good toiletry bag is essential for airport travel and road trips. The BAGSMART Extra Large Travel Toiletry Bag is spacious at 12.2 x 4 x 9 inches and can hold items such as toothbrushes, makeup, and deodorant. This makes it a great option for any trip, and the TSA-approved transparent cosmetic makeup pouches make it a smart option for air travel.

2. CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick – $8.97

CeraVe SPF 50 sunscreen is a great choice for avoiding sunburns while you’re out and about. It’s in a stick format, making it easy to apply and convenient to carry. Plus, it’s water resistant (up to 40 minutes), which makes it a great option for a day out at the beach.

3. Set of 9 Packing Cubes – $15.99

Do you have trouble keeping your luggage organized? If so, this set of 9 packing cubes can help. They can keep you organized while fitting more into your luggage. This set comes in multiple colors, so each member of your family can choose their own color to keep everything separate.

4. Ozark Trail Basic Quad Folding Camp Chair With Cup Holder – $8.98

If the woods are more your cup of tea, the Ozark camping chair may be more practical for you. It comes with a mesh cupholder and is available in 20 different colors. The steel tube frame provides plenty of support. These chairs are affordable enough to easily pick one up for everyone in your family.

5. DAKIMOE Travel Duffel Bag – $22.99

A duffel bag is a perfect choice for a weekend trip when you don’t want to carry a bulky suitcase. They’re typically smaller and have more pockets than regular suitcases, making them an outstanding option if you want to travel light. The DAKIMOE Travel Duffel Bag is a high-quality bag that comes with a separate wet pocket, shoe compartment, and adjustable strap that allows you to also carry it as a shoulder bag. It’s available in multiple colors to compliment any style.

6. 27-Piece Beach Toy Set – $27.99 [SALE]

If spring break for you means a day at the beach with the kids, check out this 27-piece beach toy set. With sand shovels, buckets, and plenty of molds, it has everything you’ll need to keep budding architects entertained building sandcastles and more at the beach.

7. TINHAO 2 Pairs Sunglasses for Women or Men – $13.99

Sunglasses are a spring break essential. This set of 2 sunglasses is not only practical but also very stylish. While Walmart sells a huge variety of sunglasses, this pack allows you to pick 2 pairs for the price of one. Even better, lots of fun colors and patterns are available.

8. Athletic Works Men’s Core Jogger Shoes – $14.98

Good walking shoes are important for any trip, especially when you’re doing lots of sightseeing and adventuring. The Athletic Works Men’s Core Jogger Shoes are affordable yet have a solid 4.5 stars out of 5.0. These slip-on shoes come in various sizes, colors, and styles.

9. Men’s No Boundaries Ocean Flip Flops – $6.98

While walking shoes are great, you can’t beat flip-flops if you just need a pair of shoes to slip on quickly. The Men’s No Boundaries Ocean Flip Flops are great for the beach, casual walks, or just hanging out.

10. Mainstays Cabana Stripe Beach Towel (4 Pack) – $19.98

This 4-pack of towels is an affordable option for your beach trip. It comes in 4 different colors (blue, orange, pink, or teal), so you can pick the one that best matches your aesthetic. Each towel is large (58 x 28 inches) and can work whether you’re headed to the beach, a festival, or the park.

11. Gelante Adult Unisex Baseball Hat Cap – $9.99

Everyone can use a baseball cap, no matter what you’re planning for spring break. This unisex baseball cap is a classic style that can protect you from the sun while keeping you stylish. It comes in 45 different colors, so everyone in the family can pick their favorite.

12. Repel Sportsmen Max Formula Insect Repellent Aerosol Spray – $4.97

Keep those annoying pests away with bug spray. Everyone hates mosquitoes, and you don’t want them to ruin your trip. This Repel Sportsmen Max insect repellent will help you keep mosquitoes and other bugs out of your outdoor activities. It’s an essential for any spring vacation.

13. Ziploc Brand Sandwich Bags – $3.98

Snacks are a must during road trips or airplane travel. You can keep your snacks — or other small essentials — handy with Ziploc bags. Walmart sells Ziploc bags in a variety of sizes and quantities, allowing you to get the right bags for all of your road trip needs.

14. Equate Grab-N-Go 3-Fluid-Ounce Flip-Top Plastic Travel Bottles, 4 Pack – $3.50

One of the most frustrating things about air travel is the limitation on taking large liquids in your carry-on baggage. One solution to this is using these Equate Flip Top Plastic Travel Bottles. You can transfer any liquid you might need into this 4-pack of 3-fluid-ounce bottles, allowing you to easily pass through TSA security without issues.

15. Ozark Trail 10-Person Modified Dome Tent with Screen Porch – $114

If you plan on camping during spring break, consider the Ozark Trail 10-person dome tent. It’s spacious, fitting up to 10 people, and you can divide it into 3 separate rooms. The front screen porch area allows bug-free outdoor enjoyment, and the 80-inch center height gives plenty of headroom to walk around. Each of the 3 rooms fits a queen-sized air mattress, allowing for a comfortable night’s sleep.

16. TAL Stainless Steel Ranger Water Bottle – $13.98

It’s important to stay hydrated, and the best way to do that is with a reusable water bottle. The TAL Stainless Steel Ranger Water Bottle is a great way to keep yourself hydrated without being too bulky. With a flip-up straw for easy drinking, durable stainless steel construction, and several color options to choose from, this water bottle is a great option for a spring break hike.

Final Thoughts

Spring break travel can mean something different to different people. Whether you’re planning a week at the beach, a road trip, camping, or jet-setting worldwide, you’ll likely find the spring break essentials you need at Walmart.

It’s easy to get ready for your vacation with Walmart+, especially if you can get it via a statement credit through the Amex Business Gold card or Amex Platinum card! We hope this list has inspired you to get what you need for your spring break trip.