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15 Incredibly Useful Mini Travel Size Products you Need for your Next Trip

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: October 3, 2021

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Whether you are traveling by air or by train (or even on a road trip) minimising the amount of stuff you take with you is always a useful thing to consider.

I am very much a carry-on kinda girl and will always try to get away with a small backpack rather than a suitcase.

If you are traveling Europe by train  or even traveling on a sleeper service like the Amtrak Coast Starlight in the USA for example I would recommend planning your packing list carefully.

Really consider exactly what travel-size toiletries, travel-size beauty products and other mini travel products you actually need to take with you on the sleeper train . 

Taking exactly what you need but in mini travel product size is the perfect solution when you have limited space or want to reduce weight.

In this post you will find a selection of 15 plus  useful mini travel size products  including travel toiletries, travel size makeup, travel size shampoo and other travel-size items to pack for your next trip, keep scrolling to read more!

 You may also find my post about 10 essential mini travel beauty products very useful when planning your travels.

15 mini travel size products

Best mini travel products.

Compact folding travel hairdryer

The Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Dryer has a full 1875 watts of drying power

Folding handle for compact storage and travel

2 heat/speed settings for styling versatility

Cool shot button locks in style.

Weight: 1.3 pounds

Dual Voltage for worldwide use.

Mini travel flat iron

Portable super mini travel size

Dual voltage design for worldwide use.

Mini travel curling iron

Want curls on the go? This is perfect for travels!

Mini cocktail kits

Perfect for those train and plane journeys - make your own cocktails with these perfect mini sets!

Tangle teezer wet/dry brush

Perfect size for travels I have a few of these brushes.

Mini cosmetics bag 

Can be personalised - the perfect bag for all your mini travel cosmetics!

Small packing pouches

These are SO useful. Great way to keep all your smaller items together. I pack one of these with my essentials on short flights so I don't have to keep getting items out of my carry on bag.

And they are clear so you can find things easily

Mini anti theft bag

I never travel without my theft proof bags and have them in a variety of sizes. This mini bag is absolutely perfect and so stylish too!

Mini Portable Chargers

The perfect size for travel - and an essential!

Mini travel adaptor

Everything you need in one travel adaptor - forget taking a load of adaptors for every country!

Mini clip pouch

Another fantastic product to keep smaller items safe when you travel.

Mini First Aid Kit

I don't travel anywhere without my mini first aid kit. All the essentials are included.

Disposable mini toothbrushes

Perfect for plane or train journeys to pop in your bag. Keep your teeth clean and fresh with these disposable toothbrushes

Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker

No battery/electricity needed - this is manual operation only!

Nanopresso is one of the best and most versatile espresso machines - perfect coffee wherever you are!

Mini collapsable kettle

For the tea drinkers amongst us!

Mini travel mug

Another great product to take with you - mini sized but perfect for hot drinks on on the go.

Mini travel mouse

If you use a mouse this is the perfect addition to your travel kit.

A great way to get to know your travel companions are with mini games and this Jenga set is perfect!

Mini travel fan (foldable)

I find a fan is an absolutely essential travel item and this is the ideal size to keep in your pocket or bag.

Perfect size for traveling I love my ipad mini.

Compression bags

Reduce the size of your clothes using these fantastic compression bags from Samsonite.

Mini silicone travel bottles

Fill with your favourite toiletries and save carrying heavy large bottles

Mini travel umbrella

For those not so sunny travel days!

Mini Jewelry case

Perfect for all your earrings, rings etc

Mini travel pillow

If you like to take your pillow with you when you travel this is the perfect compromise!

10 essential mini travel beauty products

A selection of mini travel sized beauty products.

Buying Guide to the Best Mini Theft Proof Travel Bags

This is a great selection of mini sized theft proof bags - I always have at least one with me when I travel!

More mini travel size products

I am confident you will have found the miniature travel toiletries and travel size products in this article useful.

You can find more recommended products in my store or through the links below!

• Best mini travel beauty products
• Mini theft proof travel bags

Travel Size Products that Are Worth the Money (and Those that Are Not)

Toiletries , TOILETRIES

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

I have to be 100% honest with you. While certain travel size products are convenient others are a waste of money. Find out which items are essential and which you can save money on!

Travel Size Products that are Worth the Money (and Not)

As you can see in this article , there are several alternatives to packing a full size blow dryer. Before you decide to pack your own blow dryer I’d suggest to check with your accommodation to see if they provide them for guests.

If they don’t, stick to a travel size blow dryer and make sure it’s foldable! These gadgets are definitely a packing luxury so try to save space when you can and get the most compact version possible.  This foldable style is recommended by one of TFG’s previous guest writers in this article on dealing with high maintenance hair styles .

Straightener

This is one item where I’m going to have to vote full size. I have yet to encounter a travel-size flat iron strong enough to straighten tough curls. (Even regular size irons are a challenge for mine!)

Other female travelers I’ve spoken to tend to agree. They feel that they’re one inch irons don’t take up too much room and the benefits far outweigh the cons. I have to agree with them. While you can find blow dryers in many accommodation options flat irons are a rarity.

A hairbrush is similar to a blow dryer where it can be a weird cumbersome shape preventing you from making the most use of your suitcase space. Avoid the drama and buy a travel size hairbrush.

If you prefer top of the line products, many do offer travel versions as well including rolling brushes. For girls with low maintenance easy hair styles , a basic comb like this may work for you.

Having a foldable toothbrush is definitely useful for shorter trips however, for longer term, I prefer to use something more durable. Avoid those thick toothbrush containers and to save space just buy the attachment to protect the head from germs.

If you use an electronic brush definitely look into portable solutions. such as Interplak Rechargeable Power Toothbrush  by Conair. As a bonus, they come in several cute colors and prints! The last thing you want to do is drag around a giant toothbrush and charger especially on long trips. Some places may not even have plugs in the bathrooms. Battery operated travel size gets two thumbs up from me.

When it comes to toiletries, travel size products are hardly ever worth the investment. However, you cannot put a price on the convenience these little items offer you.

• For weekend trips, skip travel size and look for sample sizes. Try to decanter products into smaller reusable containers whenever possible.
• For one-two week trips , use a combination of travel-size and decantered products depending on the item and how much of it you use.
• For long trips , stick to travel size and buy along the way. Carrying full size products adds to much weight and for a few extra dollars a month you can keep minimal products in your bag at all times.

Whatever you do, just please never pack a full size bottle of shampoo, conditioner, or anything! The exception to this might be sunblock if you plan to travel an extended period of time. It tends to be very expensive abroad.

What travel size products do you recommend? Please comment below!

For more toiletry tips, please read:

• The Beauty Junkie’s Guide to Packing A Minimalist Travel Makeup Kit
• Packing List for RTW Trip: 5 Steps to Choosing Toiletries
• 14 Point Checklist: What Travel Beauty Products to Pack (and Leave Behind)
• 5 Must Have Beauty Products for Travel (and Why I Won’t Leave Home Without Them)

Hope you liked this post on travel size products that are worth the money. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

10 comments.

I was looking for a hair dryer for my mother and landed here. After that I searched for hair dryers and ended up with the babyliss one! My mother was not disappointed!

That’s awesome Diana! Glad you liked it 🙂

Hi! Thank you for the wonderful tips! Fyi the link to your favorite deodorant doesn’t work^ Please continue creating this amazing content!

Thank you Julieta!

I love the hairdryer you posted. It is my go to travel hairdryer! Love it!

I have found that the travel Chi works pretty well.

Glad you like it Lorri 🙂

I am loving all your tips – I even just purchased your ebook and read it all in one sitting!! For the shampoo and conditioner, bars are good options – they take up little room and last very long!

Hi Erica, thank you! I’m happy you’re enjoying the blog and the ebook too 🙂 Yay!

Solid shampoo is Lush’s gift to those of us that want to pack light!

A very popular choice!

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Best tsa approved travel size products.

December 21, 2020 by Joslyn Leave a Comment

Disclosure – This post contains affiliate links that generate earnings for That Traveling Chick at no additional cost to you.

Packing for a vacation can be exciting and stressful, especially if you don’t plan to check luggage and need carry on approved stuff. The airlines are pretty strict and you surely don’t want to have to throw stuff away at the security counter.

Per TSA guidelines Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

Items like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Here is the best TSA approved travel size products for men and women that fit in your carry on luggage.

Facial Travel Products for Women

One way to stop your face from becoming very angry when you travel is to bring with you quality face care products. Either travel sizes of what you currently use at home , or a quality product that comes in a travel size.

Six Gldn is an amazing line of skincare that your face will love you for when you pack these nice travel size bottles in your carry on bag. If you like products that are clean, natural, botanical, vegan, and cruelty free these are for you.

This mini set includes:

• Botanical Cleansing Gel 15ml 0.5 fl oz
• Botanical Toner 15ml 0.5 fl oz
• Daily Vitamin C Radiance Serum 15ml 0.5 fl oz
• Essential Moisturizer 15ml 0.5 fl oz
• Nourishing Face Oil 15ml 0.5 fl oz
• +  FREE  On the Go Bag

All for one price, and best part is it’s perfect for your carry on bag for quick trips, or you can grab the full size bottles for home and the mini set for all your travels.

Travel Products for Men – Facial

Jack Black – Skin Saviors Set is a perfect travel size kit for men. Nice and handy 4pc set that has the basics to keep a mans face looking and feeling great. 

• Facial Cleanser: 2-in-1 liquid cleanser and toner that removes dirt for clear, shave-ready skin.
• Energizing Scrub: A pre-shave cleanser and facial scrub in one that exfoliates for a closer shave.
• Face Moisturizer: Advanced facial treatment & broad-spectrum sunscreen in one easy-to-use product.
• Lip Balm: Mint and Shea Butter, with an SPF 25.

All in a the perfect size for your carry on, or for any kind of travel you do.

Best Travel Size Products for Hair and Body

There are always tiny bottles of shampoo and conditioner in hotels and bars of soap but it’s always nice to bring quality products or products you are already using if you can. Men and women can use the same hair products most of the time.

Bringing shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, deodorant, shaving cream and sunscreen in travel sizes means you’ve got all your personal care needs covered. Sun Bum Travel kits are great and there are 3 to choose from.

• Travel Tripper : Shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen and calming lotion and lip balm.
• Everyday Essentials : Dry shampoo, tinted facial sunscreen, SPF lip balm and regular lip balm.
• Mineral Tripper : SPF sunscreen, face stick and lip balm.
• Hair Tripper : Shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo and leave in conditioner.

There are also many other kits you can get that have a little bit of everything in them.

Build Your Own TSA Approved Kit

If you are one of those people who has specific skin care needs or likes certain brands or scents of things than you might be better off just getting the TSA approved size bottles and filling them with your products from home.

This kit from GlobeGear is super nice and has 2 different kits to pick from. PACETAP is another of my favorites to use when traveling. Check out some of these other nice kits with containers of all shapes and sizes.

No matter where you travel, or what you bring, the main thing is to enjoy yourself, make memories, stay safe and soon as you are home start planning your next adventure!

Check out some of the travel destinations for great ideas on where you might want to travel next.

About Joslyn

Female Travel Blogger Sharing Travel Tips, Work and Travel Tips, Budget Travel Tips and general daily life from a travel chicks point of view!

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Personal Care : Mini & Travel Size Products

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A quick dash to the airport for a weekend getaway or business trip requires one to pack efficiently. Packing travel-sized toiletries, makeup and essentials is the way to do it. A toiletry bag can have anything from soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, body wash, sunscreen, body lotion, dry shampoo, face wash, makeup remover and cleanser. Your carry on bag can even have band-aids, sanitizers, sprays, creams that act as a first aid kit when necessary. Packing toiletries for your on-the-go travel and adventures no longer have to be a hassle. Using travel-friendly essentials that come in travel size will help you stick to your beauty routine even when you’re a thousand miles away from home. You can also try these mini must-haves when you don’t want to commit to a full-size product of any kind. Explore a whole range of miniature-sized hair care, makeup, skincare, bath and body, sunscreen, gift set, deodorant, oral care, bags and organizers to add to your kit.

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AllTravelSizes.com, a division of Weiner’s Ltd., is a family owned and operated business located in Madison, Wisconsin. Weiners Ltd., was founded in 1991 by Alan Weiner, to provide travel size products to local hotels. Since then, Weiner’s has grown to become a trusted nationwide wholesale supplier of travel size products. Since 2006, AllTravelSizes.com has focused on providing one-stop shopping for consumers to find their favorite products and brands in convenient sizes for travel and every day life.

To offer a one-stop shopping experience for specialty travel size, sample size, and travel related products with quick turnarounds and competitive prices. We take great pride in our company, our commitment to customer service and in the products we sell. Our online store is designed to provide you with a safe and secure environment to browse and purchase our products.

Our Products

Our extensive inventory includes over a thousand travel and trial size products ranging from personal care items, single-serve foods, convenient travel accessories, to many other miniature and single-use items delivered right to your door or your travel destination! In addition, we are constantly searching for new products to make your everday life as pleasant and hassle free as possible.

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Our customers range from individuals planning their next business trip, vacation, or celebration, to groups involved in charity or special events.

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With more than 20 years of customer service, we recognize how important it is that you receive high quality service in a timely manner.

Travel Sizes Aren't Just For Travel Anymore!

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The best packing cubes to save space and keep you organized

These travel cubes will keep your suitcase in order, whether you’re going on a short getaway or a round-the-world adventure.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or planning an around-the-world adventure, packing cubes can help streamline the packing process. Packing cubes are bags that come in different sizes in a set. They can help organize clothing and save room in your suitcase. Frequent traveler Kayli King uses packing bags daily to keep clothes organized in her van while traveling. “Honestly, after traveling so long, I can’t imagine not using them,” she says.  

After talking to King, we compared packing bags, looking for durable travel cubes with functional designs and a wide variety of sizes. Our top overall pick is the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes. Compression zippers, handles, and a low price tag make this set the best all around.

Our picks for the best packing cubes for travel

The best packing cubes for travel, best overall: gonex compression packing cubes.

Buy it now on   Amazon

Why we like it:   The Gonex Compression Packing Cubes are our choice for the best overall packing cubes. Despite being one of the more affordable travel cube sets on this list, these compression bags have plenty of features, including ripstop nylon, reinforced seams, and handles. They compress via double zippers that pull the edges of the travel packing bag together. The packing cubes can hold everything from socks to jackets and are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. They’re also available in over 10 colors.

Keep in mind:   These packing cubes unzip only halfway, so you have to stuff your clothes inside rather than lay them flat. Some reviewers note that the compression zippers are difficult for people with arthritis or reduced mobility.

Product details: Size: 4-piece set: 9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches (small), 11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches (medium), 14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches (large), and 17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches (extra large) | Material:   Ripstop nylon | Weight: 12 ounces (set)  

Best for traveling light: Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set  

Buy it now at   Backcountry

Why we like it: At 4.2 ounces, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Cube Set is half the weight of other packing cubes on this list, but they’re far from flimsy. They’re made of ripstop polyester and have “self-repairing” zippers—if a gap opens in the chain, you can slide one of the zippers over it to close it. Eagle Creek also offers a warranty that covers fabric tears and zippers. Because they’re lightweight and sturdy, these travel cubes are great for hikers and campers who want to organize their backpacks.  

Keep in mind: The set includes only three smaller-sized travel cubes. While great for backpacks and carry-ons, you may want bigger packing cubes for checked luggage.

Product details: Size:   3-piece set: 4.5 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches (extra small), 7.25 x 10 x 3.25 inches (small), and 10 x 14.25 x 3.25 inches (medium) | Material:   Ripstop polyester | Weight:   4.2 ounces (set)  

Best for overpackers: REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set

Buy it now at   REI

Why we like it:   The packing cubes in the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set are the opposite of compression bags. Each cube has a second zipper that, when unzipped, increases its width to six inches—double the size of other packing bags on this list. They’re designed to last with ripstop polyester treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. The packing cubes also meet the Bluesign criteria, the highest environmental standard for sustainable textile manufacturing.

Keep in mind:   REI Co-op recently updated its packing cubes, and some buyers believe the quality has suffered as a result. Third-party reviews mention thin material, unreinforced zippers, and mesh that snags.

Product details: Size:   3-piece set: 8 x 6 x 3 inches (small), 12 x 8 x 3 inches (medium), and 14.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches (large) | Material:   Ripstop nylon, polyester mesh | Weight: 8.3 ounce (set)  

Best upcycled option: Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle

Why we like it:   The brightly colored Cotopaxi Cubo Packing Cube Bundle is an upcycled option you can feel good about. The packing bags are made of 100-percent repurposed nylon and mesh. Kayli King likes that the mesh panels allow your things to air out and that you can hang them up by their handles.

Cotopaxi’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond its packing cubes. The company says that 94 percent of its products use repurposed, recycled, or responsible materials. They also offer programs to repair items and trade them in to avoid landfills.

Keep in mind:   Despite its competitive price, this bundle comes with only three packing cubes. The size range is small compared to other packing cube sets. However, King prefers this set for longer trips.

Product details: Size: 3-piece set: 7 x 8 x 2 inches (2-liter bag), 6 x 11.5 x 3 inches (3-liter bag), 10 x 11.5 x 5 inches (10-liter bag) | Material:   100 percent repurposed nylon and mesh | Weight: 9 ounces (set)

Best style: Calpak Packing Cubes Set

Buy it now at   Calpak

Why we like it:   While many packing cubes seem to favor function over fashion, the Calpak Packing Cubes Set balances both. The packing bags come in over 20 colors, with patterns like “cheetah” and “lime viper.” They’re durable, with thick polyester sides and mesh covers that let you see inside. Each packing cube has a zippered pocket for smaller essentials and an ID tag to write down the contents. If five travel cubes aren’t enough, you can buy additional Calpak travel organizers, like shoe bags and laptop totes.

Keep in mind:   The Calpak Packing Cube set is by far the heaviest and most expensive option on this list. You may want lighter packing cubes if you travel with just a carry-on or are concerned about overweight luggage.

Product details: Size:   5-piece set: 13 x 10 x 1.5 inches (envelope), 12 x 8.8 x 3 inches (small x 2), 5 x 11 x 3 inches (medium), 17 x 12 x 3 inches (large) | Material: Polyester and mesh | Weight: 1 pound, 12.8 ounces (set)  

Best set: Tripped Checked Bag Set

Why we like it:   The Tripped Checked Bag Set has a travel cube for almost every packing need. The set includes seven packing bags, including two extra large sizes, a slim cube, a shoe bag, and a roll-top laundry bag. Mix and match the travel cubes to fit your suitcase and packing needs. Most of the packing cubes in the Checked Bag Set also have a compression feature. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and an illustrated set featuring national parks.  

Keep in mind:   While the packing cubes are made from a ripstop blend, reviewers mention that the material and stitching feel thin and flimsy. Some of the travel cubes don’t unzip all the way, making packing more difficult.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 12.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches (shoe bag), 12.5 x 4.5 x 3 inches (slim cube), 21 x 11.5 x 0.1 inches (laundry bag), 10 x 7 x 4 inches (small), 14 x 10 x 4 inches (large), 16 x 12 x 4 inches (extra large x 2) | Material:   Ripstop nylon-polyester blend | Weight:   15.5 ounces (set)  

Best budget: Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes

Why we like it: The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes come with six packing cubes, including a laundry bag and a shoe bag. They cost less than half the price of most other packing bag sets on this list. The low price doesn’t mean low quality, though. The Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes are made of thick polyester, with sturdy zippers and mesh panels to help keep clothes fresh. Plus, they come in 12 colors.  

Keep in mind: The laundry and shoe bags are small. The polyester is not ripstop and can melt if dried on high heat.

Product details: Size: 6-piece set: 4.7 x 17 inches (shoe bag), 14 x 20 inches (laundry bag), 11 x 6.75 x 4 inches (small), 13.75 x 9.75 x 4 inches (medium), 13.75 x 12.75 x 4 inches (large), 17.5 x 12.15 x 5 inches (extra large) | Material:   Polyester | Weight:   10.4 ounces (set)  

How we chose the best travel packing cubes

We weighed the following qualities when curating the best packing cubes:

Third-party reviews:   We considered reviews from sources other than company websites and spoke with seasoned travelers to find out what they liked.  

Brand reputation: Anything you use for traveling should be functional, long-lasting, and, preferably, good for the planet. We looked for brands that value high-quality gear and sustainability.

Quality of material:   We chose travel cubes that were made to last, with durable materials like ripstop nylon and polyester, reinforced seams, and strong zippers.

Size range: Different-sized packing bags make for an easier packing experience. We chose packing cube sets in a range of sizes, from extra small to extra large.

Compression options: Some packing cube brands offer compression bags, which can be a nice feature if you’re tight on space.  

Tips for buying packing bags

Here’s what to consider when picking your own packing cubes:

Brand reputation  

Choose a trusted brand with a proven reputation. Brands with zipper and fabric warranties or repair programs will also help you get as many vacations as possible with your travel organizers.

If you only use carry-ons or smaller luggage, choose a packing cube set with fewer, smaller travel cubes. If you prefer to use checked luggage, go for a packing cube set with more travel cubes and bigger sizes.  

If you travel with just a carry-on or want to use packing cubes for hiking, choose an ultralight packing cube set. Every ounce counts when packing light, and some travel cube sets are nearly 1.5 pounds lighter than others.

Packing cubes are typically made of polyester or nylon, both strong synthetic fabrics. If you need something even more durable, look for ripstop nylon or polyester, which has extra threads to prevent tears from becoming bigger.

Some brands offer compression bags, which can save space. However, King finds that compressed bags can be awkwardly shaped, making them harder to fit together in your suitcase. If you are a heavy packer, travel cubes for shoes or laundry can help keep the rest of your luggage clean.

Frequently asked questions

Are packing cubes worth it?

Packing cubes can help save space in your suitcase and improve organization, reducing stress while traveling.

Does TSA allow packing cubes?

Packing cubes are TSA-approved, provided everything inside is within the regulations. Check with your airline on what is allowed in carry-on and checked bags.

How many packing cubes do you need for a suitcase?

How many packing cubes you need depends on the length of your trip and the size of your suitcase. Four to six packing cubes is a great starting point. You can adjust the number as needed.

How much does a packing cube cost?

The packing cube sets recommended here cost between 20 and 70 dollars. Some companies may sell individual packing cubes for less.

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A Guide to Plus-Size Traveling, With Tips From 2 Experts

E veryone deserves to explore the world, regardless of size. Yet many plus-size travelers struggle to find inclusive and comfortable options while vacationing.

Whether it's cramped airplane seats , travel excursions that don't account for diverse body types, or hotel rooms that lack the necessary accommodations, traveling while plus size does not come without its challenges. With the right preparation and research, however, traveling does not have to be an anxiety-inducing experience simply because of the size of your body.

Below, PS spoke with two plus-size travel experts to help all vacationers feel more confident traveling. With their first-hand experience and guidance, you'll be ready to take on your next vacation with ease.

The Best Travel Tips for Plus-Size Travelers

The first thing you should do before booking a vacation anywhere is research. "Investing time in research helps you feel prepared, save money, and minimize potential challenges for a more enjoyable journey," plus-size travel expert and content creator Jae'lynn Chaney says. Prior to your trip, she recommends looking into the location you want to travel to, the airline, the hotel, and any activities you may be interested in. To make things more comprehensive, here are some key components to consider for every part of your trip.

When Deciding on Location

Unfortunately, not all destinations are plus-size friendly, Chaney says. "Many destinations feature uneven terrain, steep hills, or unpaved paths, which can pose challenges for plus-size individuals - especially those with mobility issues," she adds. Some places with older infrastructure may also lack modern accessibility features like ramps or elevators.

For this reason, Chaney recommends "researching how easy it is to get around the destination, including public transportation, sidewalks, and attractions." You can also watch videos on TikTok or Instagram to get a "good idea of what to expect," Kirsty Leanne, the owner of the Plus Size Travel Too travel blog, recommends. "It's the most accurate way to see things in advance."

That said, don't let your size stop you from traveling to any location, even if it's not the most accommodating. It's your vacation, and you can tailor your itinerary by staying in a hotel that accommodates your size or picking activities that match your mobility level. In Leanne's experience, she notes, "a lot of places I didn't think would be plus size friendly actually ended up surprising me."

Chaney says the most travel-friendly places in her experience have been Las Vegas; Maui, Hawaii; Toronto; and Barcelona, Spain. "These destinations are just a few examples of places that are known for their plus-size travel friendliness, offering inclusive amenities, accessible facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere for travelers of all sizes," she adds.

Leanne, meanwhile, enjoyed Mexico. "Everyone was so friendly and welcoming," she says, "and I didn't feel like my size was ever an issue."

When Packing

There are a few key items Chaney recommends to always pack for your vacations:

Compression socks , to prevent swelling and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Epsom salt , which helps with pain relief and swelling

An anti-chafe remedy , like petroleum jelly or Megababe . Biker shorts also work!

Supportive shoes for walking

A seat cushion for extra support on your flight or drive

When Booking Your Stay

Inquire about room dimensions and bed-weight limits when choosing where you'll stay, Chaney says. You can call the hotel directly or look this up on the hotel's website. Also, if mobility is an issue for you, opt for a hotel, Airbnb, or other accommodation that either has a working elevator or sits on the ground floor.

If you have any concerns about booking a hotel room, advocate for yourself. "Communicate your needs and preferences to the hotel," Chaney says. Depending on what the request is, they may be able to help you.

When Flying

When booking a flight, Chaney recommends looking for airlines that offer a "customer of size" policy, like Southwest. The airline allows customers who "encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s)" to "proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat(s) is available." Per the Southwest policy, you can either pay for both seats upfront, and then, following the flight, contact the airline for a refund for one seat, or you can discuss your seating needs with the customer service agent at the departure gate. Just note that if the flight is full, a customer service agent may not be able to accommodate your request.

If you're looking to book outside Southwest, look into airlines with seat upgrades that offer more leg room, like premium economy seats or business class, Chaney says. If you don't want to spend additional money, however, Chaney recommends sitting in an aisle seat. Whatever you decide, most airlines will have their seat dimensions listed on their website if it's helpful to know what the space will look like before entering the flight.

Once on the flight, if you think you may need a seatbelt extender, ask the flight attendant immediately upon boarding the plane. "Asking when you board is easier, as they'll either hand it to you there and then, or bring it to you in your seat," Leanne says. Do not bring your own seat belt extender though, as it may not be FAA-approved.

Lastly, if booking a long flight, Chaney recommends choosing a flight option with layovers. If you're a plus-size traveler who can't fit comfortably in the plane lavatory, this allows you to have bathroom breaks when you need it.

When Driving

If you're renting a car, pick larger-sized vehicles since these "accommodate plus-size travelers better," Chaney says. Unlike when flying, you can purchase and bring your own universal seat belt extender if you want some additional comfiness while in the car. This seat belt extender on Amazon is easily adjustable and extends 14 inches.

If you're driving to your destination and using your own car, take as many breaks as you need during the trip to stretch and move your body.

When Planning Your Itinerary

Whether you want to do an activity like scuba diving, horseback riding, or getting a massage, look for activities that are suitable for people of all body types and abilities. "Find tours, attractions, and experiences that prioritize inclusivity and provide comfortable seating or equipment for everyone," Chaney says. She also recommends you "check the weight limits on activities and excursions beforehand to ensure a smooth experience."

If sightseeing is more your thing, understand your limitations and mobility restrictions. "While some individuals may be able to navigate challenging terrain or historic sites with ease, others may face greater difficulties due to their size or mobility challenges," Chaney says. For this reason, do some research on the sightseeing destination to know how far you would need to walk, how many steps there are, and what people's general review of the experience is.

When eating out, it's never a bad idea to call the restaurant beforehand to ask about their chairs. Prioritize restaurants that have booth options or chairs with no arms on them. (And if you decide to grab a bite to eat with no notice, don't be afraid to specifically ask the staff for a booth or chair with no arms.)

"By researching accessibility options, accommodation features, and activity suitability beforehand, individuals can make informed decisions about where to travel and how to plan their trips effectively," Chaney says.

Additional Resources

While it's normal to feel anxious or stressed planning for a trip, focus on how much fun you'll have discovering a new destination instead of thinking about the potential challenges, Chaney says. And if you're ever uncomfortable, don't be afraid to speak up for yourself. "For me, it's all about advocating for yourself. Whether that's asking for a more comfortable seat in a restaurant or asking for a different seat on a flight, the more you start advocating for yourself the easier travel will be," says Leanne.

For additional resources, check out Leanne's website, Plus Size Travel Too , which is a resource and hub for plus-size travelers, and Chaney's TikTok , which contains additional videos on plus-size resources and advice.

Do Travel-Size Hair Tools Actually Work? I Took Sutra’s Jetsetter Trio on the Road to Find Out

It includes a dryer, curling iron and straightener.

It should be stated up top that I am a sucker for small products. Make anything travel-size and I want it, so it’s not all that surprising that Sutra’s Jetsetter Trio of compact hair tools immediately caught my attention. With an impending trip to Iceland on the horizon and my no checked bags policy , I decided it was a good time to put the tiny tools to the test.

The trio includes a petite hair dryer, a dual-voltage curling iron and a straightener, all enrobed in lavender and housed in a holographic pouch that has enough space remaining to toss in a few hair clips and a scrunchie or two.

As you can see, each tool is small, with none exceeding the length of a moderately-sized banana. (I’m not smirking, you are.)

I don’t typically use a flat iron, but for the sake of this review, I tested it out on my bangs and a few of the longer face-framing pieces that tend to fly every which way. For touching up smaller sections of hair, I thought the straightener did a solid job, but if you’re trying to straighten all your hair and/or you have hair that’s thick or longer than a lob, I’d warn that this will be a time-consuming endeavor.

Personally, I was most curious about the mini curling iron. I have very thick and naturally wavy hair that I often have to finesse into neater ribbons using a large curling iron. Seeing the smaller barrel on this mini, I was skeptical that it could work on my mountain of hair, but I was proven wrong. It curled my hair exceptionally well—almost too well, in fact.

The smaller barrel meant I ended up with tighter curls that were a bit too defined for my liking. Thankfully, once I brushed out the curls and let them fall a little, they settled into the looser waves I usually go for.

All in all, the small tools pack a considerable amount of styling power, but I was particularly blown away—pun intended—by the dryer, which was just as swift at drying my bangs as any full-size tool. And unlike most blow dryers you find at hotels, this one also came with a detachable nozzle and cute lil’ diffuser for more directed air flow.

Sutra JetSetter Trio

• Dual-voltage
• Includes a travel pouch
• Cute colorway
• Lightweight
• Long cords can get tangled
• Smaller-size barrel limits curl size
• Smaller-size plates on flatiron

The Bottom Line

At $100 for three travel-size tools—a hair dryer, curling iron and flat iron—I’d say the trio is reasonably priced and does a pretty good job at styling your hair. However, when compared to my standby full-size curling iron (T3), I’m just not as impressed with the results.

To be clear, it’s not apples to apples here. My T3 is double the size of the mini iron in the trio; it has a much larger barrel and a wider range of customizable heat settings. I also have very thick, long and coarse hair that requires some manipulation to get it to a less chaotic state. If this isn’t an issue for you, I’d say the tools in this set should work just fine. (Also note that you can grab each individual tool for $40, in which case, I’d grab the blow dryer.)

I’m a Beauty Editor & These Are the 5 Products I Always Pack in My Carry-On

Beauty Director