Packing for a trip (as a woman) is difficult enough. What with the clothes options you have to bring, footwear choices, and accessories to add a little glam to your outfit. Add to that your toiletries and well, you’ve just got one heck of a packing feat in front of you. But don’t worry, I’m here to make things easier for you as I share what’s inside my ‘Grab-and-Go’ travel toiletry kit.
Grab-and-Go Toiletry Kit: noun; a bag filled with your must-have toiletry travel essentials
STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Choose the right toiletry bag for you. I suggest picking one that has a hook so you can hang it in the bathroom, a net so you can easily see what’s in it, and one that has a waterproof lining in case of any spills. I went with an all-black, tri-fold toiletry kit from Storage Solutions. It’s handy, roomy, extremely affordable and just the perfect size to store in my carry on if I’m only traveling with a backpack. It’s also a Proudly Pinoy product which is bonus points in my book.
TRAVEL-SIZE 100ml or less
Keep your products to 100ml or less. There’s nothing worse than having to take up precious storage space and consume luggage weight because of bulky and heavy toiletry products. Buy travel-friendly sizes (Human Nature carries products in 50ml bottles) or simply re-fill travel size bottles with your existing favorite brands that you already have at home. Don’t forget to put it in a ziplock bag as it not only helps when it comes to spills, but is also required in the airport especially when you’re taking it as carry-on.
Traveling for more than 4 days? Just head over to the local supermarket in your country of destination and buy your bathroom essentials there.
WORD OF ADVICE: Whatever you do, do not exceed 100ml when taking it as carry-on. It doesn’t matter if it’s half-consumed, security will still throw it out. They will only go with what’s written on the bottle so unless you’re willing to let go of your favorite body spray or sunscreen, keep it within the allowed amount.
BETTER THAN TISSUE
Wet wipes are way better than tissue as they get you out of sticky situations pronto. They’re very versatile and can work double duty — your body, surfaces, hands, etc. Personally though, I choose to carry around a separate set of wipes to remove my makeup. They work great and are especially handy in times where there isn’t any water available.
In need of a shower? Certain wipes are made especially for the body; not only to cool it down, but to also get rid of bad body odor. Gatsby Deodorant Body Paper is highly recommended!
RESCUE 911
Medicine, band-aids, and alcohol/disinfectants are extremely important! You never know when you’re going to get sick so you best be prepared. Flu, allergies, Delhi belly, cuts, open wounds — so many things can happen. Be a walking pharmacy if you must, but for the most part, just bring the basics.
Got a deep cut? Clean out your wounds with cotton instead of tissue as they’re more gentle and can absorb more disinfectant. After which, patch it up and head over to get it checked by a doctor immediately.
MISC.
Contact lens wearer? Invest in an all-in-one contact lens case (contact lens solution, contact lens case, mirror) to make your life a whole lot easier. Mine is from Evriholder and has gone with me everywhere! I never leave home without it. Get yours here or at the knick knacks section of True Value.
Getting some shut-eye when in transit can be a little challenging so make sure to bring an eye mask with you. It’ll help keep the light out and give you that much needed sleep.
Going out to a nice dinner while on a vacation? Don’t forget to style your hair. Section it off with hair clips to get the styling done in no time! Hair clips also work great to keep your hair out of your face when applying makeup or washing your face.
Lastly, DO NOT FORGET YOUR TOOTHBRUSH! Need I say more?
There you have it! A quick check-list of travel essentials so you won’t forget anything next time.
A Closer Look: What’s In My ‘Grab-n-Go’ Toiletry Travel Kit (not in photo: sunscreen; usually bought at country of destination or squeezed into refillable travel-size bottle days before departure)
