A short road trip with a good friend and late night wine fueled girls cruise planning prompted me to share not only packing light in general (you know I never check a bag) but more specifically, my toiletry kit. It’s small, packed with ALL the necessities, fits ridiculously well in between shoes in a carry-on suitcase, and it’s pretty (not necessary, but nice)!
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Let’s start with the actual bag, because size matters. I’m a huge fan of Vera Bradley and love the quality and durability of their products. I don’t use their train cases or toiletry bags, instead I favor their cosmetic bags. Mine is Vera Bradley Iconic Large Cosmetic, Signature Cotton, Pretty Posies. It’s lined in plastic and has a front zipper pouch. Isn’t she beautiful?
I know travel size items are more expensive per ounce than what you’d normally use at home. It’s absolutely worth the cost to buy those items specifically for travel, and replenish after trips. I like to swipe hotel shampoos, lotions, and soaps and stock them up in a plastic shoe-box at home. Technically you paid for them. If you’re dead set on specific brand products that do not come in travel sizes (like I am with my hair gel) buy travel size bottles! I like Nalgene Storage Bottles (2-Ounce) for those special liquids.
I’m also a huge fan of Ziploc Freezer Bags (Quart) for the types of items in my toiletry kit…because travel happens, and things inevitably leak. I keep all my liquids in one bag, which is very handy for carrying on through TSA, another bag for non-liquid things that go in the shower, another bag for dry toiletries, and another bag for face wipes and contacts.
My brush and toothbrush get thrown in the bag by themselves. I also use a small carabiner to attach my bath sponge to the outside of the bag on the return trip (so it can dry). My favorite biners are Nite Ize S-Biner Slide Locks. Since I’m sharing odd products you may not have considered, drop this Poo-Pourri Bathroom Deodorizer in your cart…you’re welcome.
My bag looks and feels big, but it fits well in that weird space between the luggage bars flanked by my shoes. Little items like jewelry bags and underwear can be packed around it. I highly recommend packing the kit far in advance of a trip, and replenish items when getting home. I store my bag packed-and-ready under the sink and that makes packing so much faster. For the actual items in my kit, see my packing list posts below! Happy traveling!
More Packing Lists and Travel Tips:
Carry-On Suitcase Packing List (Packing Checklist for the Overhead Bin)
Carry-On Bag Packing List (Packing Checklist for Under the Seat)
Cruise Packing Lists: Backpack & Rolling Suitcase Packing Checklists
My Cruise Kit: The Practical & the Ridiculous
A Dirty Souvenir for Dogs: You Travel, They Sniff
Don’t forget a corkscrew (read about my TSA-compliant Carry-On Corkscrew here)!
You are the absolute BEST! Going to give this a try for my trip to NYC in May.