How to Pack a Toiletry Bag
When traveling around the world, or just down the street you always need to know what to pack.
It becomes especially important how you pack when you are traveling internationally… or on a budget. As I frequently travel… and always on a budget, I’ve learned how to pack it all in… a carryon sized bag.
Now over the years the size and weight of the carryon changes. And well, as I travel further around the world I’m learning of the differences between what airlines call “carryons” and what’s truly included in your ticket purchase.
As I gear up for a possible trip to Europe I’m reminded of posts I had yet to share with y’all. So here’s some help with the ever important toiletry bag!
FIRST OFF, YOU NEED THE RIGHT BAG.
Finding just the right bag for your trip and for you can be challenging. I personally have gone through SEVERAL. And overall it hasn’t been the “pricey” or “snazzy” bags that have really done it for me.
I’ve tried:
eBags Flat Hanging Toiletry Kit:
I bought this bag for the “flat” aspect. I was packing for 2 weeks in Italy and hoping that this bag would help me stick to my “carryon” bag. However, I haven’t really used it since.
I didn’t hate it, but didn’t love it either.
Pros:
- It hangs – a plus when sharing space in tight quarters of AirBnB rentals!
- It has separate compartments – helps to keep things organized!
- It’s flat – helpful if you are trying to save space without having enough space.
Cons:
- It’s an awkward size. My quart sized ziploc required for TSA fits in there, but then I just felt like I had wasted space?
- It can only lay flat in your carryon, so if you planned to squish your toiletries down the side, no such luck
- Durability – Mine has already started to tear.
This bag I just got for Christmas, so I’m only just now testing it out. It’s vary similar to the one I was trying to replace, but has more zippers. SO we’ll see how this purchase works out 🙂
Gray Bag
London Hill Bag
NEXT STEP: REUSABLE BOTTLES
Love the products you have at home? Are you the type that just buys the larger bottles, and therefore has to check your bag? Unless you are planning a super long trip, just fill these $1-2 bottles with your favorite products and leave the regular sized bottles at home.
I beat the crap out of my toiletry reusable bottles, but they keep working so far. And as I need to I replace them. This way I can keep my favorite products in use, and not worry about the size of the bottle I’m bringing. I literally just refill the bottles before each trip.
SKIMP DOWN ON PRODUCTS:
Toiletry bags are meant to take the necessities with you. NOT your whole bathroom. Do you need 4 bottles of hairspray? NO. Three different lotions or perfumes? Nope.
So lose the excess. Make a list of what you truly use everyday. Travel light. I’m not saying to travel like a bum. I don’t even do that.
But I have my small travel size products and items that I use daily. It all fits in the quart sized ziploc:
I love Murad for my face. So I have the Essential C line for my travel skin care regimen. While I don’t always pack the City Skin sunblock, I do always wear sunscreen on my face. Luckily my moisturizer also includes SPF.
After creative packing, I’m always able to fit my travel toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, Dove, contact solution and face products into my quart sized clear bag.
Boom! Paired down to the necessities. *Notice my makeup is not included in this bag. I put that in a separate bag in my purse. I also pair that down on travel trips to what I truly need.
KEEP IT READY TO PACK:
I use my toiletry bag on the regular. Whether I’m traveling for work, family, or to get stamps in my passport, it’s always kept together. That way when I’m ready to get going I just have to pull it out, refill the bottles and get going. Saves on the time and money. I don’t throw away my travel items unless I cannot refill them.
Hope these reviews help you! Happy Travels!
Nattie