Where exactly is that fine line between being prepared for anything and lugging around a suitcase full of unnecessary items? Yes, when we’re getting ready to jet off to far-flung destinations, we must walk that somewhat blurry line. To that end, today’s article deals with what you should be packing in your travel toiletry bag – and what you can leave behind.
Finding the Right Travel Toiletry Bag
If you don’t already have one, you will need to find the best toiletry bag for you – one that does exactly what you need it to do. Logically, men and women will pack differently, but ultimately we’re looking for something sturdy and convenient.
You know what you need from a toiletries bag, so take a look at the range of top-quality luggage accessories from Samsonite when you have a few minutes.
Toiletry Bag Essentials
While much depends on your destination, several items are essential no matter where you are. These include:
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush/comb
Additional must-haves for some people will include:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap or body wash
- Shaver
- Toilet paper or tissues
- Feminine hygiene products
- Face wash or facial wipes
- Contact lens fluid
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser or sanitising wipes
- Band-aids and antibacterial spray or cream
- Facial care products
- Make-up and hair care products
- Wet wipes
- Moisturising lotion
Do you take medication? If so, ensure you have the supply you need for the time you’re away. Additionally, it’s a good idea to pack headache tablets or painkillers, and Immodium – just in case.
Now that you have your basics in place for a well-stocked travel toiletry bag, you may have further questions.
Can I Put Liquids in a Toiletry Bag?
The rules for liquids differ for what can go in your carry-on luggage and what’s being checked in.
For example, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers an easy-to-remember rule of 3-1-1. They say, “Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.”
If your toiletry bag is being checked in with your luggage, then you are not limited to 100ml or less of liquids. If you’re travelling light and only have carry-on luggage, then you’ll need to take a little more care when packing. The liquids and aerosols that you carry with you will need to be 100ml or less and should all be able to fit into a clear, resealable bag. The “quart-sized” recommendation – approx 18 x 18cm – has a little wiggle room, but the main point is that it needs to be transparent and, therefore, easy to screen.
Special Notes on Contact Lens Solution
What happens if you need to carry your contact lens solution in a bottler that is larger than the 100ml allowable limit? If this is the case, the best thing to do is ensure that the bottle is prescribed and clearly labelled. Be sure to declare this to security personnel as you pass through so that they can inspect it if necessary.
How to Pack a Toiletry Bag
Whether you’re looking for hot tips for packing a toiletry bag or the rest of your suitcases, the basics remain the same.
Keep it organized
No one wants to start their vacation by rummaging through a mess of toiletries to find what they need. So, if you do have a fair amount of personal items that you need to travel with, then make sure you have a bag with enough compartments. If not, then a selection of small ziplock bags is a great way to keep things organised and stop leaks.
Pack light
Wherever possible, buy travel-sized bottles of creams, gels and soaps. Alternatively, decant the products that you already have at home into clearly marked smaller bottles with screw-on lids to save space.
Logical packing
Nobody knows your personal routine like you do, so take a little time to pack your items in a logical order. For example, you’ll probably need toothbrushes and toothpaste during your flight or pretty soon after you’ve landed, so it makes sense to have these within easy reach. Likewise, certain medicines, sanitising wipes, or tissues may need to be accessed quickly. On the other hand, your sunscreen and shaver are fine at the bottom of the bag.
Keep it together
It makes sense to keep your shampoo and conditioner together, perhaps alongside your flannel and body wash. Contact lens cases and solution would have their own bag, as would medication and makeup.
Ready to Fly?
Frequent travellers would definitely benefit from having a pre-packed toiletry bag, ready to go at a moment’s notice. That way, you don’t have to go hunting for your tweezers or bandaids when you’re already in a packing frenzy; you have a dedicated selection of items that live in your practical, versatile travel toiletry bag.
Wherever your next trip finds you, we’re sure that these simple, practical travel hacks will help to keep you organised and stress-free, and ready to enjoy your adventure.