When they’re spread all over your bathroom counter, it may seem impossible to narrow down exactly what to pack (and what not to) in your travel toiletries kit. But it’s not as complicated as you might think. Here are smart tips on what to bring along for trips, both short and long.
Why a Well-Prepared Travel Toiletries Kit Is Essential
Besides taking up less space in your luggage, a well-prepared travel toiletries kit makes the journey easier. You won’t worry about being without your essentials, you’ll be able to get through TSA faster, and you’ll stay comfortable no matter where you are. COCOON offers sturdy travel toiletry kits that make it simple to bring along all your favorites.
Convenience and Efficiency While Traveling
A great travel toiletry kit keeps all your essentials organized and easy to pack. It slips into a carry-on so you can keep your stuff close, and it’s also handy when TSA needs to check things out. At your destination, the kit ensures you have everything at hand and won’t leave anything behind.
Staying Fresh and Comfortable on the Go
No matter how much of a minimalist you may be, you still need things to ensure you look and feel your best. Keeping key items at hand – deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, and the like – makes your adventure more comfortable.
Must-Have Items for Every Travel Toiletries Kit
There are some basics every traveler needs to pack. Those items include things to keep your hair and body fresh, and your teeth clean, plus medications and basic first-aid supplies just in case. The good news is that most of these things come in convenient travel sizes that easily fit into your travel toiletries kit.
Travel-sized Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash
Slip travel-sized bottles of your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and body wash into your kit. After a hot day of hiking or sightseeing, you’ll want to clean off the grime. If you have a special face cleanser, find a travel size or transfer some to a small liquid bottle. Same goes for sunscreen. And add a razor to keep skin neat.
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss
Good dental hygiene never takes a vacation! Pack a small travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss to keep your smile ready for all those selfies.
Deodorant and Personal Hygiene Products
Your travel companions will appreciate your use of deodorant. Of course, personal hygiene products are a must.
Basic First Aid and Medications
Keep your medications at hand, portioned out if needed in individual cases. Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, sterile wipes, and bug repellent will come in handy, especially for outdoor travel.
How to Customize Your Toiletries Kit for Long Trips
Besides the basics, the right travel toiletries kit allows you to bring along extras to make a long trip more enjoyable. These can include things like more makeup or hair styling items, dry shampoo, or a small manicure set. Depending on your destination, you may want some to include some specialized products to handle the weather or local conditions.
Adding Extra Supplies for Extended Stays
Longer trips may require you to bring along some of your must-have items. A manicure set keeps nails and cuticles healthy and tidy. Extra hair care products or additional makeup can give you a fresh look for a special night out. Again, think small and either purchase travel sizes or transfer your stash to downsized containers (3.4 ounces or smaller for TSA rules).
Including Specialty Products for Different Climates
Depending on where you’re headed, some extra products may come in handy. These can include items like hand sanitizer, heavy-duty sunscreen, bug repellent, anti-nausea medications, earplugs, and the like.
Short Trip Essentials: Packing Light and Smart
One of the great things about toiletries today is there are many that do double-duty, saving you time and space in your carry-on. For a quick trip, take advantage of multi-use products that you can toss into your travel toiletries kit. Looking and feeling good has never been easier.
Prioritizing Multi-Use Products
Consider a body wash that can double as a face cleanser. Or a shampoo that also contains conditioner. Also, a body lotion can serve as a face moisturizer, too.
Minimalist Toiletries for Overnight or Weekend Trips
On a short trip, you can get away with less. A lot less. Keep your toiletries to an absolute bare minimum. For example, use the same cleanser and lotion for both face and body.
Travel Toiletries Kit Organization Tips
The beauty of a travel toiletries kit is in how organized it keeps you during your journey. Everything is in one place, easy to get to for a TSA check or as you move from hotel room to hotel room. Take advantage of every compartment or use a few Ziploc bags, and group things to make it easier to find what you need.
Using Compartments or Ziplock Bags for Easy Access
Compartments or quart-sized Ziploc bags keep liquid items tidy and prevent leaking on your stuff. Plus, keeping liquids in one place makes it easy for any TSA checks.
Labeling and Grouping Items for Better Organization
Arrange your toiletries in color-coded packing cubes for easy identification. Or label a Ziploc bag to better note cleansers, makeup, haircare, and the like.
TSA Guidelines: How to Pack Your Toiletries for Air Travel
Keep your toiletries in a carry-on for easy access. Label containers to identify the contents, and tape the bottle tops to prevent any leaks. The TSA still requires liquids to be checked, and the easiest way is to store them in a bag that can easily be taken out for inspection according to the 3-1-1 rule.
Understanding the 3-1-1 Rule for Liquids
The “3-1-1” rule translates as gels, liquids, and aerosols that must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. Those containers must fit into a single one-quart bag, and each passenger can only bring along one of those bags in their carry-on.
Tips for Avoiding Security Check Delays
Purchase travel-sized toiletries and pack them either in a clear plastic bag or one of COCOON’s travel toiletry kits that can be easily removed from your carry-on for the TSA inspection. If you need to carry bigger items, pack them in your checked luggage.
Eco-Friendly Travel Toiletries Kit Options
Eco-friendly travel toiletries include those products that are multi-use, biodegradable, and use less packaging. These can save you space, time, and money as well as being kinder to the planet.
Refillable Bottles and Solid Toiletries
Eco-friendly packing can encompass using refillable bottles or solid products like a bar cleanser that can take care of your face and body, or one that serves as both shampoo and conditioner.
Choosing Sustainable and Biodegradable Products
There are so many great toiletries on the market that are crafted to be sustainable and with packaging (like recycled paper) that breaks down easily. Choosing them allows you to enjoy quality results from products that are eco-friendly.
Top Travel Toiletries Kit Recommendations
A great travel toiletries kit should be waterproof and tear-resistant. Many feature smart compartments to keep things organized. For kits that specifically contain liquids, it should be transparent for easy TSA inspection. And the design should slip easily into your carry-on so you can keep your essentials easily at hand. Check out COCOON line of smartly-built travel toiletries kits.
Conclusion
A few smart moves – like downsizing your toiletries into travel size and stashing them in a good travel toiletries kit – can instantly elevate your travel experience. You have everything you need, right at your fingertips, and in a form that moves easily between your destinations. You’ll stay comfortable, fresh, and looking your best. So take an extra moment to consider the smart packing of your toiletries and fully enjoy the trip!