The Essential Travel Toiletries Kit – Day 17 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag

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Welcome to Day 17 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag.

Today’s post is pretty much the culmination of the last few days of topics, so if you haven’t done so yet, we suggest reading about travel size hair products and how to pack liquid toiletries. 

Now’s the part where we give you the list of items you absolutely need to take with you, the essential toiletries kit, along with a little advice on how to pack them all up all nice and neatly in your luggage of choice.

Essential Toiletries Kit Basics

Shampoo and Conditioner: You’re going to need a shampoo and conditioner of sorts for your hair. If too many liquids make you worry, look into a solid shampoo bar or solid conditioner bar. Dry shampoo might also be a good addition that can help you cut back on the amount of liquids you need to bring.

Remember to take only what you need to conserve space and weight.

• Consider cutting out shampoo with the “No Poo” method or choose a concentrated shampoo that you can pack less of.

Body Wash: We recommend going with a bar soap, like Dove, to clean that travel grime off from time to time — and to cut back on liquids. If space is a worry, try hacking a normal sized bar in half instead of paying more for those special travel size bars in the shops. If you’re staying in a hotel, some sort of soap will most likely be provided.

Facial Moisturizer: Every lady needs a facial moisturizer of some kind. You’re going to want to make sure you get one with SPF built-in since you will probably be spending more time in the sun on your travels than usual. Try to go with a moisturizer that you can use both day and night.

Face Wash / Cleanser: Bring along your favorite facial wash or acne cleanser. With new diets, changes in sleep patterns, and more public transportation use than normal, breakouts are sure to happen when you travel. Keep them at a minimum by keeping your face clean. Depending on your skin type, facial wipes might also be a good option. (Brooke calls these her “bath in a bag” since they can be used in a pinch to wipe down your body if you don’t have time to shower before your next activity.)

• To further reduce your liquids, check out the best toiletry items for carry-on travel.

Toothbrush: This is a no-brainer! If you want to go minimal, go for a brush that is travel sized, or one that folds in half.

• Find all our travel-friendly toothbrush options in this post: Travel-friendly Toothbrush Options That Take Up Less Space.

Toothpaste: Just like a toothbrush, toothpaste keeps you fresh and clean and is a no-brainer in your essential travel toiletry kit. Go with travel size tubes, or try something like toothpaste sachets or toothpaste tablets (you can even DIY your own toothpaste dots).

Floss: Floss is a must-pack. Not only is it vital to your oral health, but it can also function as string in a pinch to sew up holes and tie bits and bobs together.

Razor: If you can handle going a few days without shaving, perhaps waiting to buy a disposable razor until you arrive is an option especially if you’re traveling carry-on only. Or, get a good wax before leaving home and ditch the razor if you can.

• Check out these other hair removal options for travelers.

Deodorant: Go for the solid kind to cut back on your liquids. If you want something that lasts several months, the crystal deodorants will do the trick. Grants of Australia also makes a long-lasting crystal deodorant.

Q-tips and Cotton Pads: For cleaning your ears and removing makeup or dirt. Just put a handful in a ziplock bag before putting in your toiletries kit.

Period Products: No one wants to deal with their period while they are traveling but unfortunately there’s not much you can do about it except come prepared. We prefer traveling with a Diva Cup because it’s reusable and takes up hardly any room in your bag. But pack whatever product works for you. More on this on Day 20: Health and Hygiene Packing Considerations.

• Check out our ultimate guide for traveling on your period.

Contact Lens Solution: If you wear contacts and are planning on using them on your trip, you have to pack your contact lens solution. Choose a travel size option rather than decanting from the original bottle for hygiene reasons.

• Read how to successfully travel with contact lens solution. 

Hair Brush and Hair Ties: Choose a travel size brush (like we discussed in our travel size hair products post) and bring any hair accessories necessary.

Essential Toiletries Kit Extras

Hair Items: Leave-in conditioners, hair oils, hair sprays, and dry shampoos.

Skin Items: Body lotions, cuticle creams, and body sprays.

Items Specific to Your Destination: Mosquito repellent, sunscreen (necessary for a beach holiday but not really for a winter destination. ALWAYS pack SPF for your face), etc.

Tips for Packing Toiletries

1. Go for the smallest toiletry bag possible when packing your essential toiletries kit.

Just like choosing your luggage, having a toiletry bag that is large just means you are more likely to fill it with things you don’t really need.

• If you’re worried about running out of toiletries, check out this post: How Long Do Travel Toiletries Last?

You’d be surprised what you can fit into a smaller bag. This holds:

• Dr. Bronner’s Soap (shampoo and body wash)
• Conditioner
• Facial cleanser
• Facial moisturizer + SPF
• Eye cream
• Leave-in hair oil
• Toothpaste sachets, floss, and toothbrush
• Razor
• Crystal deodorant stick. 

And there is still a little room to fit something else if needed!

2. Plan your toiletry packing according to your packing goals.

Are you checking your luggage or going carry-on only? If going carry-on only, your liquid toiletries will need to be in a separate bag that can be scanned at security. We have some great carry-on toiletry bag alternatives to a Ziploc.

Remember: compartmentalizing your toiletries will help you to stay organized on the road, as well as keep potential mess and leaks confined to a single space in your bag or suitcase.

• If you need a bit of inspiration, take a look at this downsizing story: Dramatically Downsizing My Toiletries and FINALLY Packing Light
• Perhaps you want to learn how to get free travel-sized toiletries?

We’ll be talking about an essential beauty kit and an essential travel medical kit in the coming posts!

Let us know if there is anything you’d add to this essential toiletries kit in the comments below. Or, let us know your favorite toiletry bag.

• PREVIOUS – Day 16: How to Pack Liquid Toiletries
• NEXT – Day 18: The Essential Travel Beauty Kit (for light packers)