Carry-On Only Travel Guide: Toiletries
I will let you in on a little secret: Whenever I go on a trip, I always travel with just a carry-on! Our family's summer adventure is taking us on a month-long trek through Africa this year. I set myself the challenge of fitting everything I'll need for the entire journey into ONE carry-on duffel bag—toiletries for my family of four included!
I often get asked how I manage to pack so light, especially when it comes to toiletries. Trust me, squeezing everything into a single bag can seem daunting, but it’s absolutely possible with the right approach. And today, I’m sharing all my secrets! From space-saving techniques to must-have travel-friendly products and tools, I’m here to ensure you’re prepared for any adventure without the excess baggage. Let’s dive in!
I pack mini hair tools and a simplified makeup routine for trips!
Packing Within TSA Regulations
According to the Travel Security Administration website, you are permitted to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. Each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
If you aren’t able to stay within those limitations, remember that full-size toiletries can always be purchased upon arriving to your destination - don’t inconvenience yourself and waste money by checking a bag if you don’t have to!
Simplify Your Beauty Routine
When you're traveling, the last thing you need is an over-the-top beauty routine weighing down your luggage and wasting your mornings. Let’s be honest…are you really going to wear a full face of makeup every day? Probably not! Whether you’re heading to a tropical beach destination or planning a trip full of activities like swimming or hiking, you won't want to spend time doing your makeup only to sweat it off. Embrace a minimal makeup look and focus on letting your skin breathe - less is more when it comes to your beauty routine while traveling!
One of my favorite things to do when packing my toiletries is to find products that serve multiple purposes. For example, a tinted moisturizer with SPF combines hydration, light coverage, and sun protection in one step. I also love packing makeup essentials like bronzer and blush that can double as eyeshadow!
Simplifying your beauty routine not only saves you time, but also allows you to fully enjoy your travel experience while looking and feeling your best with minimal effort!
All the toiletries needed for our family of four!
What Not to Pack
The key to packing light is to take advantage of all hotel amenities! I never bring anything that I know I can use for free wherever we’re staying.
Here is a list of items I almost never bring on a trip with me:
Shaving Cream - Shampoo or soap always does the trick!
Body Wash/Soap - Hotels always have this available.
Body Lotion - In a pinch, a bit of face lotion will work, but it's easy to purchase if needed. Hotels usually have it available as well.
Perfume - Not only does this simplify your routine, but perfume is also a special (and useful) souvenir to bring home!
Hair Dryer - Every hotel and AirBnB should have one.
Nail Polish - One of my favorite "tourist" activities is to go to a local nail place and get a pedicure and manicure when needed!
For buggy locations, stick with liquid free sunscreen sticks & insect repellant wipes.
My Favorite Travel Toiletries + Tools
As a seasoned traveler, I think it’s safe to say I’ve mastered the art of choosing travel-friendly toiletries and tools. Through years of trial and error, I’ve curated a list of essentials that ensure I have everything I need without the extra bulk.
Here is a list of my favorite travel-friendly (and TSA-approved!) essentials:
Hanging Toiletry Bag - This is one of the best toiletry bags out there! The quality is amazing, the swivel hook let’s you hang it anywhere, and it takes up such little space.
Mini Hair Brush - Small but mighty! This mini hairbrush can do anything your full-size hairbrush can do!
Travel Toothbrushes - These toothbrushes can fold into themselves, not only making them more compact, but protecting the brush heads at the same time!
Mini Hair Straightener - This flat iron is compact and lightweight, making it easy to throw in your carry-on.
Compact Curling Wand - Compact in size but still full of power!
Shampoo & Conditioner Bars - One bar is equivalent to 3-5 bottles, saving you so much space and weight.
Soap Case for Shampoo Bars - Keep your shampoo & conditioner bars fresh with this soap case that contains a draining layer!
Stain Remover - I never leave home without a Tide To Go pen, and vacations are no exception!
Dry Shampoo Powder - This concentrated dry shampoo powder lasts longer than an aerosol can and saves essential space in your bag.
Travel Medicine Organizer - I always bring a small medicine cabinet along with us to ensure we have everything we could possibly every need.
Insect Repellent Wipes - You never know what kind of bugs you’ll encounter when traveling. Repel insects without the big spray bottle!
Face Sunscreen - This is great for all skin types and can be used by the whole family!
Sunscreen Stick - I love using sticks like this because they don't count towards the liquid toiletry limit!
Travel Size Toiletry Bottles - Rather than buying travel-sized toiletries, save yourself some money and decant your face wash and toothpaste into these reusable leak-proof bottles.
Travel Makeup Brushes - These mini makeup brushes are perfect for on-the-go!
Mini Travel Razors - Everything is cuter mini, and these razors are no exception!
This simple approach to packing allows you to focus more on enjoying your destination, rather than worrying about all of your belongings. By simplifying your beauty routine and packing versatile products, you'll maximize space in your luggage while still ensuring you have everything you need!
Do you have any tips on how to pack light? Toiletries and tools you can’t live without? Comment your travel secrets down below!
