Reading Time: 5 minWhen it comes to air travel, I avoid checking bags at all costs. I hate waiting around at baggage claim for my luggage, and I’d rather not gamble with my suitcase getting lost along the way. Even on a two-week trip, it's all carry-on bags for my family.
Of course, that means no full-size toiletries, and every liquid we bring has to be 3.4 ounces or less. That makes me a big fan of travel-size toiletry bottles that let me bring my favorite products from home in my carry-on without breaking TSA rules.
So with this minimalist approach in mind — and a desire to avoid wasting time shopping after I land — here are some of my other favorite travel-size toiletries that I take with me on my adventures.
These individually wrapped Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes make it easy to pack only what you need. You can also easily throw a few into your backpack or purse for quick access on the go.
Forget about liquid shampoo and conditioner — opt for a bar instead. With the compact Ethique Shampoo & Conditioner Bar, you'll save a ton of space, as each bar lasts between 80 and 120 washes, which is equivalent to more than three bottles each.
There are also bars for many hair types, so pick the one that works best for your personal needs. And if you're moving between hotels or want to take the bar home with you, you might find a Bar Holder Travel Case to be helpful.
Leave your toothbrush and tube of toothpaste at home. The cleaings Mini Disposable Toothbrushes come pre-loaded with toothpaste, so you can keep your teeth clean on the go without any hassle.
With these one-time-use toothbrushes, you don't have to worry about your toothbrush picking up dirty germs. And best of all, each toothbrush also doubles as a toothpick.
If you prefer a real toothbrush with your own toothpaste, this travel toothbrush with its own built-in cover is perfect for traveling. The toothbrush folds into itself, making it more compact, while keeping the germs away.
I'm a big fan of Native deodorant, since it's all natural with clean ingredients. And to save space in my toiletry bag, the Native Deodorant Mini is the perfect travel companion.
If you prefer wipes, the Lume Acidified Deodorant Wipes are made of aluminum-free ingredients and perfect for the whole body. I'm also a big fan of this brand, and find it handy when it comes to deodorizing other parts of the body that aren't the pits.
Be smooth on the go with the Gillette Venus Travel Razor Kit. Featuring a mini handle and case, this razor takes up less space in your toiletry bag, while offering a pivoting 5-blade head design.
The Wet Brush Squirt Detangling Brush is the travel version of the well-known Wet Brush brand. At just 5.51" in length and 2.28" in width, this small, yet mighty brush can detangle all hair types while your hair is wet or dry.
If you're going on a camping vacation or to a bug-filled destination, bug spray is a must. But as we all know, bug spray is typically big and bulky — and not very travel friendly.
Fortunately, you can bring bug spray with you in a small and lightweight tin with the Badger Bug Repellent Tin. It's lab tested to keep mosquitos and flies from biting for 3 1/2 hours.
Since sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 80 minutes, a sunscreen stick is a travel essential. Toss one in your backpack or purse, and you'll never have to worry about goop spilling out of a regular sunscreen tube again.
For kids, my personal favorites are the BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide and the Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Clear Face Stick Sunscreen. For all-over protection, the Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 is a great pick for both face and body.
Keep your favorite white t-shirt looking fresh on vacation with Tide To-Go Stain Remover Wipes. They're individually wrapped, so you can slip one into your wallet or purse and tackle stains the moment they happen.
Leave the iron at home, and get rid of wrinkles in your clothes with the Downy Wrinkle Release Spray. This wrinkle spray will smooth out your clothes after they’ve been stuffed in your suitcase, making them ready to wear immediately.
Keep your clothes looking fresh and clean while you're on the road with the Scotch-Brite Mini Travel Lint Roller. Since this lint roller is small in size, you can store it in your backpack, purse, or even computer bag.
Do you have a credit card with American Express, Discover, or U.S. Bank? Check to see if you’re eligible to get a discount on this and many other products by using your credit card points.
