travel abroad toiletries

The Ultimate Guide to Travel Toiletries (with Printable Checklist)

TOILETRIES , Toiletries

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Packing toiletries is like an art form. You want to pack the essentials, but you don’t want to overpack and weigh down your suitcase. Follow our ultimate guide to creating the perfect travel toiletries list and master the art of packing!

Table Of Contents

Toiletries are a serious struggle for many travelers. How do you take everything you need especially if you’re traveling carry on only?

Store-bought travel size toiletries are convenient but they’re not always the best option. 

This article will help you plan what toiletries you should bring on your trip by giving you a step-by-step walk through of a suggested planning process.

It will also provide you with travel size toiletries examples, a printable checklist, answers to the most common questions, and will also show you how to downsize your favorite beauty products.

Photo Credit: E-bags Shop: eBags | Walmart

What is a toiletry item?

When I started traveling, someone took me by surprise when they asked me, “What are toiletries?” Before we get started, I want to quickly clarify what they are.

The toiletries definition from Cambridge Dictionary is: “articles used in washing and taking care of one’s body, such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste”.

To be as helpful and efficient as possible, we’re including a variety of items in our toiletries list including grooming items, beauty products, and other essentials.

The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide !

What toiletries can I take on a plane?

One of the most important things to know before you start planning for your trip is what you are allowed to bring in your suitcase. The toiletries you can take on a plane depend on whether or not you are checking your luggage.

Image Source: US Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

For cabin or carryon toiletries: airlines require that liquid products be no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and all bottles must fit in a clear quart size ziplock bag when traveling with a carry on. Products that need to be inside the quart size ziplock bag are liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. This is called the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule .

Clear Travel Toiletry Bag

For checked toiletries:  items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters (regardless of amount ) should be in checked baggage. Visit this TSA page to find out exactly what items are allowed in a checked bag. It’s actually an interesting read!

These guidelines are for US-based airlines. However, these tend to be the general guidelines across all airlines. For specific items, always check the website of the airline or contact them and ask them directly.

Shop Sea To Summit Toiletry Bag: Amazon |   Backcountry

What’s the best toiletry bag?

The two toiletry bags our readers love the most are the eBags Pack it Flat Toiletry Kit and the  Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag.

For more suggestions, read our article rounding up the ten best toiletry bags  and the best hanging toiletry bags .

Tip: Make sure that you keep the quart-size ziplock bag (storing your carryon toiletries) accessible when you get to the airport. Once you get through security, place them back into your toiletry bag.

How do you keep your liquids from leaking?

Here’s a tip I shared on Oprah to help you prevent liquids from leaking in luggage: remove the cap from the bottle, place a small square of plastic wrap over the opening, and replace the cap.

The reason your bottles leak or explode on a flight is due to changes in air pressure. As the plane goes up, the pressure causes the bottle to compress (as if you were squeezing it with your hand). The plastic wrap acts as a seal to prevent leaks.

YAMYONE Leakproof Travel Bottles

This is the reason why store bought travel size toiletries are never completely full. You need to allow a little bit of extra space so the liquids don’t get pushed out by the changes in pressure. (This is also the reason why your ears get plugged while flying.)

The solution: Don’t fill your bottles all the way to the top. Instead, only fill them by 2/3 or 75%.

How to Pack Toiletries for Travel

Follow the below step-by-step guide on how to pack toiletries to determine what you will and will not need to bring along with how to downsize items.

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

Step 2: eliminate, step 3: downsize, step 4: travel containers.

Start by laying out all the grooming and beauty products you use on a day to day basis. Which of these can you take on your trip and which will you need to leave behind? Choose anything and everything you think you may need.

Then, place each item into one of these categories:

• Not required
• Not applicable

Safehaven Products – 8 Piece Hygiene and Toiletry Set

There are certain things you might find non-negotiable such as your favorite brand shampoo or premium face moisturizer. You can save a lot of space and weight in your luggage by minimizing toiletries and eliminating certain items altogether.

Round Clear Jars

Would you be willing to use the shampoo and body moisturizer provided by your hotel for a few days? A few weeks? If not, don’t worry. There are tips in the next steps in the article that will provide a solution to this problem. (Hint: Reusable travel containers !)

If you’re unsure whether your accommodation provides complimentary travel size toiletries, check their website or better yet, send them an email. Want a faster response? Call them.

To help you determine the products you may or may not need, you’ll find a list of toiletries examples below:

Sample Travel Size Toiletries List:

(Click any item for product suggestions)

• Conditioner
• Body Wash/Soap/Oil
• Face Wash/Scrub
• Feminine Wash
• Shaving Cream
• Face Moisturizer
• Body Moisturizer
• Body Powder
• Leave in Conditioner
• Dry Shampoo
• Anti-heat Spray
• Styling Gel/Mousse
• Hair Smoothing Cream
• Hand Moisturizer
• Hand Sanitizer
• Nail Polish
• Nail Polish Remover
• Hair Removal Cream
• Makeup Remover
• Styling Brush/Styling Comb
• Flat Iron/Straightener
• Curling Iron

Are there any additional beauty products you use such as other shower essentials ? If so, add them to your initial list.

Printable Toiletries Checklist

• You can write in an item’s weight (lighter items mean less overall baggage weight)
• You can note if you need to purchase something or if you already own it
• And most importantly, you can organize where you’ll pack each item including suggested packing organizers like these

Read this post for a  printable packing list  that includes clothes, shoes, and more!

Now that you’ve gone through the entire list of every possible beauty product you own, create two piles: one for items you don’t need to take and one for items you absolutely do.

AmoVee 2 in 1 Flat Iron – Dual Voltage

For example:

• Do you need five hair styling products or can you choose just one? Use something like  this  2-in-1 curling/flat iron duo
• Instead of razors and hair removal creams, how about a wax before your trip? I like no-heat strips like these
• Can you leave behind your nail polish and get a gel manicure instead? Read this post on making your vacation nails last
• Do you need several items to comb or brush your hair or can you use just one like this  foldable wet brush with a mirror?

Is it possible to temporarily hold off on using any products? If so, do it!

TRAVEL BEAUTY TIP:   Find out if your accommodation offers products such as shampoo, shower gel, hair dryer, etc. Some hotels even have additional complimentary items at reception such as razors, toothpaste, and other small essentials. Just ask!

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps

One of the best ways to minimize toiletries is to choose multi-use products or items.  Determine if there are any products you already own that can work double-duty. Choose between two products that serve the same purpose.

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps  and  Sea To Summit Wilderness Wash  are two of the most popular travel all-in-one travel products.

Other items to consider:

• Is it possible to pack 4-in-1 facial cloths like these instead of taking face wash, scrub, and  makeup wipes?
• Can you use a 2-in-1 shampoo plus conditioner like these ?
• Would you consider a tinted moisturizer or BB cream? This one’s my fave.
• Can you use your straightener as a curling iron? Better yet, choose a 2-in-1 curling/flat iron duo like this
• Have you ever seen double ended makeup brushes? Save space with these

There are various multi-use products on the market, or you can use a few long-term travel hacks like I do, such as:

• Baby powder as dry shampoo
• Shampoo as shower gel (only for short periods of time)
• Conditioner as shaving cream
• Face scrub as body scrub
• Body moisturizer to smooth hair flyaways

Nars Multiple | Eco Tools Brush Set

You’d be surprised at how many products can be used for multiple needs. Things like coconut oil  or other natural oils can be used as a body moisturizer, shave gel, and split end treatment! Tip: The best coconut oil is cold-pressed, unrefined, and good enough to eat.

There are also various multi-use makeup products  such as my all-time fave:  Nars The Multiple !

Read these tips on how to minimize toiletry products for even more tips!

Have you ever paid attention to how much shampoo you use? I only wash my hair every other day, so a 3 oz. travel size can last me a week!

How long is your trip? Make note of how much product you use for the duration of that time. Now that you know what items you absolutely have to pack, it’s time to determine how much of them you actually need.

Essentials such as shampoo, toothpaste, and moisturizers are particularly important. Don’t forget to test out bath, skincare, and makeup products. Make note so you can refer back when you’re ready to make the final plan.

Tip: avoid taking liquids in your carryon by replacing them with solid toiletries and travel wipes !

Editor’s Favorite Reusable Makeup Remover: Kiki & Josie

Once you have a better idea of what you actually need then consider other ways to downsize such as:

• Instead of taking nail polish remover, can you take a few individual wipes like these instead?
• Do you need an entire bottle of foundation or can you use a small container like this to take only what you will use?
• Mini-nail polish bottles like these are a good choice, if you can’t stand chipped nails.
• Read these travel makeup hacks for more ideas!

Skincare tends to be more personalized, but try not to bring more than three skincare items: a cleanser, treatment (for acne or wrinkles), and moisturizer. If you use a skincare system different from this one, try to cut it down to three products.

To downsize your makeup routine, read The Beauty Junkie’s Guide to Packing a Minimalist Makeup Kit and How to Create a Capsule Makeup Collection !

Empty Lip Gloss Balm Container

Choose appropriate travel containers. Many times, 3 oz bottles are too big for a one or two-week trip, so buy various sizes and take only the amount you will use.

Instead of immediately buying “travel-size” containers in 3oz or 100ml bottles, get a range of sizes including 1oz , 2oz , and smaller jars like these , too.

Tip: Replace glass containers with plastic to minimize weight and avoid breakage.

Read this post on the best travel containers  for more info!

Do a test run to see if everything fits in your toiletry bag. If your belongings don’t fit, consider using multi-use products such as a shampoo/conditioner combo, using conditioner as shaving cream, or baby shampoo for your hair and body.

Travel Toiletries Comparison Chart

Watch this video for more tips on how to fit all your toiletries into a carryon:

TRAVEL BEAUTY TIP: For long-term trips, don’t pack full-size toiletries. Purchase travel-size products as you go. Some local drug store brands are common around the world. Here are more toiletry tips for long trips!

And for every single trick in my packing book, read my full course “ Stop Overpacking “. I created the STOP OVERPACKING program to teach you my exact packing process. Every secret, every detail, nothing is spared.

Learn more about Stop Overpacking here !

What items are a must have on your toiletries list? Share in the comments below!

For more tips on travel toiletries, please read:

• 10 Best Travel Toiletry Bags
• The Ultimate Guide to Hair While Traveling
• Ways to Fit All Your Toiletries into Your Carry-on
• The Simple Guide to Essential Travel Beauty Products

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69 Comments

Probably the biggest impact on my packing has been the tips to reduce and decant toiletries. I have followed this website and FB page for several years and the first thing I realized was that my toiletry footprint in my suitcase can be much smaller. This, in turn, makes for more room in small bathrooms (I typically cruise). Thanks for all your great info!!!

This is a great post, very helpful for thos of us that think we need to bring it all with us. Thank you for helping us travel lighter!

Sort of in the toiletries category, if traveling to South East Asia, I highly recommend getting a small pack of toilet seat covers and travel toilet paper (or carry tissues). No guarantee that there will be any available in locations other than your hotels. Otherwise, there is a hose with a spray handle for you to use, and that’s it. :0

I struggle with packing toiletries and overpacking things. I really appreciate this step by step guide that holds my hand and walks me through every step of packing so I don’t get overwhelmed, confused, or frustrated trying to figure everything out.

This is the most helpful travel blog, as I have always struggled with my liquids leaking when I fly. Thx for posting your excellent resources!

I love the compass rose packing cubes and look forward to taking them to Paris and Amsterdam the end of October.

This article has been a lifesaver as my toiletry bag is out of control! I learned many new ways of pairing it down and found some great containers to make that happen. The tips will also help my clear liquids bag be more manageable! Thank you for the great ideas.

I love all of these suggestions! I now have the flat-it pack it from eBags and also the lip balm containers which are genius! Thank you!

Lots of good tips, but beware of local restrictions when traveling; e.g., many African countries are very restrictive about plastics. Plastic bags are bad for the animals… If the plastic bag could be a 1-use bag, it might be prohibited even though you plan to use it multiple times during your trip. Some countries prohibit the shopping bags from the duty-free shops. There could be fines and imprisonment. Just a reminder to check restrictions in your designation country.

Very good point, thanks for sharing Dot!

I find it very informative to see what everyone says about downsizing toiletries. Thanks for sharing a great post. And the comments!

So glad you found this guide helpful!

Minimizing my toiletries and my toiletry case is the challenge I must overcome. I just came back from a 16 day trip to Austria. Individual zipper pouches not only create more bulk but also more weight. Reading your well written articles will assist me in this challenge.

I used those round clear jars on my last trip, but I couldn’t really get a grip on the lid and base to separate the two 🙁 I’m going back to using old empty jars of product and decanting into them instead.

I just want to thank Travel Fashion Girl and everyone that is part of this community for the inspiration and know-how for successful travel when abroad and also when dreaming from home. Taming toiletries remains a challenge! Using multi-purpose (lips, cheeks, eyes) make-up helps minimize make up, and sample sizes (like tiny mascara) are helpful, as is repotting items into much smaller containers versus buying travel sizes. Thanks for all the tips!

Great tips. Toiletries are the most challenging for me.

Great info – toiletries are always a challenge for me!

I loce the tips and be learned from following TFG and pass it a long to friends often! Thanks for the tips

Unbelievably thorough! Thank you for these hugely helpful tips and examples. I’m so excited!

This is the most thorough and well-written toiletries packing article out there! Thank you 🙂

Suggestions for toner bottle? Everything pours out too fast!

Packing now for my first trip carry on only … and I am finding toiletries are the most challenging part! Thank you for all the info, tips, and tricks!

The empty lip gloss containers … life changing! Thank you!

Another great lesson from Alex at TFG! I have more toiletries and medicines than clothes to take on my 15 day trip to the UK. I leave Thursday and am still refining my packing. These toilette tips are sooo helpful! In fact, all of Alex’s blogs are so helpful! I’m so glad I found this group!!

We first started traveling internationally in 2013 and were determined to do carry-on only. I thought it was impossible until I discovered TFG. Toiletries were the most difficult for me to figure out. 9 years later I still use all the tips I’ve learned from here.

Thanks to your tips I was able to downsize my toiletries and pack in a carry on only for my recent 11 day trip to Europe. Never did I ever think I could make this happen!

I got so much helpful information! I never thought of downsizing from Travel size for my liquids. This has been a game changer for me when packing my toiletries! Thanks!

Such great information! Can’t get enough of TravelFashionGirl!

My first trip traveling with only a carry on suitcase was an epiphany! Easier to pack and unpack. I wear all the pieces during the trip and there is less stuff to deal with while traveling.

Great blog – so many tips (with links) to help pair down toiletries especially for carry-on only – especially buying different sizes to decanter products! Using these tips for trip next week – thanks!

These tips are great! Honestly, in past trips, I have done fine packing with limited clothes but my toiletries have taken up half my suitcase! Looking forward to using these tips to scale back and miniturize.

So many great tips for toiletries. I learned alot and will be applying these ideas on my next trip. Thanks for the great info.

Thanks for this great post. Details very helpful! And practical!

Great information. Used these tips on recent flight to Maine. Worked great!

These tips saved me on my recent trip to Italy! Thanks for all of the great advice.

A packing list! I will totally use this and hope to whittle down further. Thank you for another great resource!

I’m so scared to travel with a checked bag theses days and my toiletries are the thing that I was most concerned about fitting into a carry on. I love all the downsizing tips and can’t wait to use them for my next trip in October! Thanks Alex.

I like shopping the travel size section in my drug store and at Target. I find lots of different size containers there. I sometimes buy items just for the containers and then fill them with my products.

This post helped me so much when I was packing for my trip to France in April 2022. I think I was fairly successful in packing only the toiletries that I needed and was planning to check my bag, anyway. I also watched the video again when packing for a shorter trip to NY and was able to take even less toiletries on that trip! Thanks for all of your tips and tricks on safety too in the Paris 2022 Packing Guide!

It’s amazing how little I actually need when I travel—I use lots of products but a tiny amount goes a long way and helps so much with both volume and weight. I decant into a combination of the tiny “lip gloss” tubes and have the tiny deodorant sticks as well for solids (perfect for using up the end of a large stick that wouldn’t have come out anyway). Feels good to not purchase more throwaway plastic for travel sizes since I just refill when I get home and then I’m ready for the next trip! Also I highly recommend lotion bars.

Oh my goodness! This has helped me so much. Packing my liquids was my number one worry about consolidating to a carry on.

What a helpful post! I’m just going to be traveling stateside, but this gave me some great ideas as our space is limited. Thanks TFG!

I have learned so many great ideas for decanting makeup etc. I now have lip gloss tubes, contact lens cases and travel size. It makes traveling so much easier – thank you!

We all have such different needs and non-negotiables, but this article really takes us through the steps to figure out what works for us. Using these tips (and with some trial runs) I’ve been able to get down to a small Sea To Summit toiletry bag. Still refining with each trip….

Downsizing my toiletries is my biggest challenge! Thank you for these great tips.

Wow this information is so helpful. I will use many of these tips.

thank you for these tipps. I always feel very accomplished after I pack my clothes but than comes everything else, like toiletries and electronics and my backpack is bursting.

Your suggestions and tips have been so helpful when preparing for an adventure. Thank you!

Every article you write is helpful, but packing toiletries is my biggest struggle. So thank you for this one!

Using contact lens cases were a game changer on my recent Safari. We were limited to a soft -sided duffle and we wanted to carry on due to Heathrow so this was the way to go. It is amazing how much product fits in each case and how much product you actually use on a trip. I then used the cases on our recent road trip to Arizona. Never had a single spill either trip.

This is my all-time favorite post. Life -changing, making carry-on travel the only way to go now. Huge eye-opener!!!

This post is incredible. So much useful information! Thank you!

I have sliced up solid shampoo and conditioner bars into smaller pieces, to make ones the right size for a weeklong trip.

Thanks for the list!

There is now available shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, soap, laundry detergent in sheet form, and mouthwash and toothpaste as tablets, lotions in bar form,

Hi Vicki, thank you for sharing your great toiletries tip with us! ?

We love solid toiletries and have a range of options here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/solid-toiletries-for-travel/

One trick I found on the web that works great is to use contact lens cases. You can put a few days/week supply in them, mark them with a black sharpie, and put in your toiletry bag.

Hi Rick, thank you for sharing your great travel hack for packing your toiletries with us! Happy travels! ?

Someone on your blog had mentioned she uses plastic paint cups from Michaels to put her make up in. What a great idea! I just purchased (16) 1/6 oz cups for $2 ( with 50% off coupon) and put my eye cream, under eye concealer, blush…. in them. They are awesome! And they are airtight, so the product won’t dry out! Thank you, whoever you are!

Wow, that is amazing Barbara, so happy to hear it worked so well with packing your toiletries!! Thank you for sharing! Happy Travels!

I wear contacts and somehow have loads of extra contact cases. I use them for putting my face moisturizer, BB cream, salve (in case of cuts or infections) in for trips up to a week. I just use a sharpie to mark something on the outside of the case so I know what is inside.

Hi Jessica, thank you for sharing your great travel tip! 🙂

Love your tips! They have helped me to be a more confident traveler!

I do the same because I know how much I need for products compared to others.

Two products worth the money (and I’m a cheapo). Blinc mascara. Order online. It is water-proof and rub-proof. To remove, rub with fingers and warm water. No remover required.

ColoreScience sunblock, SP 50. It’s a powder, with the brush built in. No need to pack powder. And who re-applies gloppy lotion every 2 hours? My dermatologist says the best sunblock is the one you use.

Hi Kay, thank you so much for sharing your travel toiletries! 🙂

🙂 sounds great! Thanks.

I have found that some doctors offices have small and very small bottles that you can get for free, if you ask nicely. One example is eye doctors, who have these bottles for sample eyedrops. I’ve gotten 6 in this way….for free. And they are the perfect size for travel!

Hi Connie, thank you so much for sharing your great travel tip for toiletries! 🙂

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The Complete Travel Toiletries List – Pack Right Every Time!

Looking for a travel toiletries list to help you organise your packing? If you’re traveling soon, I’ve put together a helpful list of toiletries that work for any trip. As someone who travels very frequently, I’ve narrowed down exactly which toiletries for travel are actually essential. I also know of a few toiletry items that you might not have heard of before or thought you needed. This is the only toiletries packing list you’ll ever need!  I’ve put together a printable toiletries list for travel that you can download as a PDF and print off at home to make packing easy every time.

I’m also going to share a few tips for packing toiletries , how to lighten your load and share some of the  best travel toiletries I’ve come across over my years of packing toiletries for flying, cruising, road tripping or backpacking. You’ll know exactly what toiletries to pack for a trip by the end of this post!

What You'll Find in This Post

The Complete Travel Toiletries List

Essential toiletries.

These are your travel toiletry essentials. Most of this stuff will feature on everyone’s toiletry bag checklist. If there are any things on this list of toiletries items that you don’t use at home then they’re probably not essential travel toiletries for you. A few of these items are personal preference only like hand cream or cotton buds. For guys, this is basically you whole toiletries list for men.

• Shampoo – Packed in  GoToob Travel Bottles if you’re traveling less than 2 weeks or traveling carry on only.
• Conditioner  – Packed as above
• Hair brush / comb
• Soap / body wash
• Toothpaste – Get a travel sized toothpaste if you’re traveling with carry on only
• Toothbrush – Folding toothbrushes like this are great for travel
• Dental floss – Pick a small travel size one
• Deodorant – Make sure it’s under 3oz if you’re traveling carry on only
• Facial wipes / cleanser – Wipes are easy and less messy than a liquid cleanser
• Facial moisturiser – I use Rosehip oil as it’s small, easy to pack and lasts a long time but whatever you use at home is right for you
• Body moisturiser – You can leave this out if you’re staying in hotels but bring it if you’re using Airbnb, cruising or prefer a specific brand
• Hand cream – Great for the flight!
• Lip balm – Great for the flight, sun or skiing
• Coconut oil – One of my top essential toiletries for traveling! Packing in a  GoToob , it is so useful for travel as a moisturiser, after sun, shaving gel, hair treatment, make up remover etc. If you plan on using this, you can omit other items on this list as necessary.
• Razor – I use this small women’s travel razor
• Shaving gel / oil – Shaving oil is more space efficient and is a an essential for a men’s toiletries list
• Small mirror – I use this small magnifying mirror which has suction cups so you can use it on a hotel room window or mirror
• Nail clippers
• Cotton buds / cotton pads

Nice to Have / Trip Specific Toiletries for Vacation

These items are either things that are just nice to have or depend on the type of trip you’re taking. Here are some of the extra toiletries to take on vacation:

• Sunscreen – This sunscreen smells amazing!
• Insect repellent spray
• After sun lotion / aloe vera – For sunburn or  moisturising your skin after sun exposure, toiletry bag essentials if you’re at the beach!
• Anti-chafe balm / powder – Get this anti-chafe balm if you’re traveling somewhere humid, doing a lot of activity or walking a lot.
• Foot powder – Pick up a travel size foot powder if you’re doing lots of hiking or walking around cities, you can also use anti-chafe balm for this.
• Tiger balm / Deep heat – If you’re on an active vacation like a ski trip this is great to have.
• Hand santizer
• Menstrual cup / Tampons / Sanitary pads – An essential part of any female toiletries list depending on what time of the month you’re traveling!
• Personal lubricant
• After shave / beard oil
• Contact lenses and solution
• Essential oils  – If you need them, pack them in these small travel bottles for essential oils

Hair & Beauty Toiletries for Women

A lot of these are women’s toiletries. Mens travel toiletries are a little more simple so guys can skip this section almost entirely. Most of these are toiletries to pack for vacation, when you’re going on a cruise, to a nice resort or on a weekend city break. If you’re backpacking toiletries like this probably aren’t necessary.

• Hair ties  – Wrap your hair ties around the handle of your hairbrush and then slot your bobby pins in over the top!
• Travel Flat iron – If you have hard to control hair, consider bringing a flat iron. Here’s my list of the best travel flat irons.
• Travel hair dryer – Most hotels have a hair dryer in the room but bring your own if you’re staying in an Airbnb or at a friend’s house. Here’s my list of the best travel hair dryers on the market.
• Dry shampoo – Get a travel size dry shampoo spray
• Hair styling products – Travel size versions of hairspray and styling gel  are easy to find or put your gel into a GoTubb
• Shower cap – If you’re staying in a hotel, it’s not necessary but if you’re in an Airbnb or staying at a friend’s then it’s useful
• Make up brushes
• Make up remover
• Eye cream – You can scoop some into a little pot like this for travel
• Solid perfume – These are great for travel! The Pacifica brand has some lovely Hawaiian scents in their range.

First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit is a very useful addition to your travel toiletries list. I pack mine into a Ziploc sandwich bag and just tuck it away until I need any of the items. You don’t need to bring the whole box of Bandaids or rehydration sachets, just a few of each item is enough.

• Bite / sting cream
• Immodium – Anti-diaharreal tablets for any emergency situations!
• Pain relief  – Ibuprofen, panadol or asprin
• Antacids – These are so useful if you’re going somewhere that has spicy food!
• Rehydration salts – In case of any Delhi belly, important for kids.
• Vitamin C sachets
• Throat lozenges
• Digital thermometer – This should definitely be on your toiletries travel bag list for any families traveling with small kids.

The 10 Best Travel Toiletries Items

Add these to your toiletries shopping list! After many years, I’ve worked out these are some of the best toiletries for travel . Pack your favorite items, of course, but give these items a try when putting together your toiletry kit list.

Folding toothbrush

One of my latest travel toiletries essentials is a folding toothbrush. Not only do they take up less space and fit into a Ziploc bag but they also protect your toothbrush bristles from germy surfaces or cross-contamination.

One of my favorite travel kit toiletries for packing light! These squeezey silicone tubes are perfect for shampoo, conditioner, coconut oil, body wash or any liquid you want to turn into travel mini toiletries. It’s easy to squeeze the liquid out and they don’t leak at all. They come in 2oz or 3oz sizes so are ideal for traveling carry on only.

The tub version of GoToobs, a GoTubb lets you put an thicker creams or gels into smaller containers for travel. Very useful for things like eye cream or hair gel. You can also use them for pills, vitamins or even snacks.

Coconut oil

One of the most useful toiletries to take travelling! You can use coconut for so many different purposes. It’s one of the toiletries travel bloggers most often recommend. It does just about anything! I use mine in lieu of eye make-up remover, body moisturiser, shaving gel, massage oil, hair oil and after sun cream.

Solid perfume

I love having a little pot of solid perfume to travel with because it’s such a nice pick me up when you’re feeling travel tired, smelly or just want to juzz yourself up for a night out. This Pacifica one comes in lots of great travel themed scents also!

Ziploc bags

Ziploc bags are so useful for packing toiletries for plane trips as they make it easy to pull your liquids out for security checks. If I’m traveling carry on only then my toiletries for air travel go into a Ziploc bag. You can also use Ziploc bags to tip vitamins into and leave your bulky bottles at home. Just write the contents and dosage on the outside of the bag.

Magnifying mirror

A small magnifying mirror like this one is so useful for travel because it has suction cups so you can stick it to a hotel window or mirror when you’re doing your eye make up or using your tweezers.

Small brush

A decent travel size hair brush saves a lot of space in your travel toiletry bag.

Menstrual cup

For all the ladies, if you haven’t tried out a menstrual cup then you should definitely give it a go as it’s so useful for travel. A menstrual cup is a reusable tampon alternative that gives you 12 hours of protection and can simply be rinsed and reused. This collapsible one saves a lot of space and comes in a neat little travel container.

Another one for the ladies, BB cream is for your travel make up kit! It gives light coverage which is great for wearing make up in hot climates and also contains a sunscreen. I love this Tarte BB cream because it is very light and dries to almost a soft powder. Plus it comes in a 1oz travel size so is perfect for traveling light.

Tips for Packing Toiletries

Using my travel tips packing toiletries is easy! Here are a few of my best tips for traveling with toiletries and avoiding spillage or overpacking.

• Packing toiletries for flight – I always pack my flight toiletries in Ziploc bags in case of spillage as the air pressure of the plane can cause bottles to squeeze in and push the contents out, even if the lid is screwed shut! To avoid messy situations pack anything that might leak into a Ziploc bag and then put it inside your toiletry bag. You’ll notice that my toiletries list for air travel includes packing shampoo and conditioner into GoToobs. This is because these won’t leak. Still, be careful with any liquids.
• Packing toiletries for international travel – Unless you’re going somewhere very remote or off the beaten path, you will be able to buy most essential toiletries for travel when you’re abroad. You might not be able to get certain brands you love so if you’re picky, bring them with you.
• Packing toiletries for carry on luggage – When packing toiletries for air travel you need to adhere to the guidelines of items under 3oz or 100ml. It’s easy to purchase travel-size versions of most ladies toiletries and mens toiletries. Or you can decant your larger shampoo/conditioner bottles into GoToobs. Another alternative is to use a solid shampoo bar although I personally don’t like these and many of them require you to rinse your hair with vinegar afterwards anyway.
• Pick the right toiletry bag – When picking a toiletry bag, look for one that has good waterproof/spill-proof fabric in case of any leakages. A hook for hanging is also really useful so you can hang up your toiletries when there isn’t a lot of counter space. I really like this eBags flat toiletry kit because all the items lay flat in one layer so it’s very easy to find what you’re looking for in your bag. Here’s my full review of the eBags Pack It Flat Toiletry Kit.

Printable Travel Toiletries Checklist

You download my complete toiletry items list here and print it out to pack for your trip. Now you can get organised and get all your toiletries to bring on vacation together. packing list toiletries

>>>>>Click here to download the printable PDF toiletries list for vacation here <<<<<

Any questions or comments on what toiletries to pack for vacation?

I hope you’ve found my list of toiletries for travel useful. As it’s written from my perspective it’s obviously more a women’s toiletries packing list, but guys can definitely adapt it to a list of travel toiletries for men by cutting off the hair and beauty items and all the fancy creams. For families, these travel essentials toiletries are all the same so you’ll just need to add in your kids’ toothbrushes and make sure you have child suitable pain relief and a digital thermometer.

Here’s a quick summary: When you travel pack toiletries that you use at home, go for mini versions or put them in GoToobs, bring any trip specific items as needed and then use the best way to pack toiletries for air travel by putting them in Ziploc bags or a great toiletry kit bag.

What’s on your toiletry bag list? Do you have any trips on what toiletries to take on holiday? I’d love to hear from you if you have any great products or ways of packing them.

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Home » Gear » toiletries

THE ULTIMATE Toiletries Packing List: Hygiene Travel Essentials

Toiletry packing lists are a real pain in the patootie. Figuring out all your toiletry essentials and then compacting that down to a travel-ready state is nothing short of a gargantuan task!

Not too long ago, I was a young professional preparing for my very first backpacking trip. I scoured the internet in search of advice from nomads and wise travelers. And all the toiletry packing lists I found… well… they just didn’t cover my needs.

You can, of course, pick up some travel toiletries on the road, however, that’s really not the best call. The prices stack up quick and constantly going shopping for something you already have at home is really just a nuisance.

Plus… they might just not have your favorite brand!

So, I got to writing my own list of travel toiletry essentials. While this list is going to vary depending on your gender, hygiene maintenance, preference, and more, I’ve listed the most important travel-size items to add to your toiletries packing list.

At the end of the day, there is no magic one-size-fits-all list for the best toiletries for travel, but traveling with the essentials is key. As a woman, I’ll be including many woman-specific toiletries, but I’m also not ignorant to the needs of men since I live with one. So I’ve got you boys covered too. 😉

So let’s hop to it!. This is the ULTIMATE list of toiletry packing for travel for  both  genders and keeping Mama Nature in mind.

What are toiletries? (For the purpose of this packing list.)

Travel-size toiletries packing list – the essentials, other nice-to-have toiletries, women specific toiletries packing list, tips for packing less & better, faq about the best travel toiletries, final thoughts on my travel toiletries packing list.

Let’s call them ‘hygiene products’. Toiletries are anything used to maintain your hygiene: soap, toothpaste, hairbrush, nasal douche… (For the record, nasal douche is NOT on this toiletry packing list, but I just really wanted to say ‘nasal douche’.)

Generally, as a rule of thumb, if they make you cleaner or prettier than it’s a toiletry. The difference here is that this is a toiletry list primarily for backpackers . That means two things:

• They need to be travel-size appropriate i.e. not too heavy, compact, and good for airport security.
• Ideally, they need to be eco-friendly. Now, I know that doesn’t matter to everyone but it’s something we take seriously and we try to impart on the glorious globetrotting masses. Take care of Mother Nature: you only get one mom.

I feel that sums it up best. That’s the general view of what is considered toiletries and what items you’ll find on this packing list. Ready then? Let’s get clean!

Toiletries can be heavy and take up a ton of space, and it’s important to try to eliminate anything you won’t be using daily from your packing list . Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable, lightweight alternative toiletries designed for travel.

You should also be aware of how to pack for flying when it comes to liquids and powders, especially for carry-on luggage.

Below, I have listed the essential toiletries everyone should bring on their trip. Don’t forget these when you’re crafting your own personal toiletries packing list!

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Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0

The above hanging toiletry bag is a good all-rounder; it’s not too expensive and does the job nicely. However, for those who do mess around with their toiletry packing, there can be only one toiletry bag: the Nomatic Toiletry Bag (2.0).

It’s a toletry bag so serious it got a second edition.

It still hangs from walls, but it also comes in two sizes, is made of incredibly durable and water-resistant material, and the interior pocket setups is supreme (top-notch organization is Nomatic’s homeboy). It even has a dedicated toothbrush pocket to keep your toothbrush separate. I’m so in love with this feature!

If you’re travelling with a Nomatic Travel Bag , the thing slots in like a dream. Really, the only caveat to this toiletry bag is the premium pricing, however, you get what you pay for. And in this case, that’s the best of the BEST! It’s size also make it ideal for packing light and one bag travel .

Travel-Size Silicone Bottles

I suggest carrying your travel toiletries in your carry-on luggage for a couple of reasons. One, you may want to freshen up mid-flight or after you land. Two, exploding shampoo bottles tend to be a regular occurrence in check-in luggage.

For this reason, you’re going to want to invest in a few reusable travel-sized bottles. Buying one-time use travel-sized toiletries is a low-key waste of money and a waste of plastic .

Soap – Dr. Bronner’s

I never travel without Dr. Bronner’s. If I am checking in my luggage I make sure to bring a good-sized bottle because it can be used as non-toxic laundry detergent and dish soap too! Dudes, you can even use it as your shampoo as my boyfriend does.

Dr. Bronner’s is a godsend company doing good in this world. Their products are entirely bio-degradable, and their soaps smell and feel amazing! No more having to travel with multiple types of soaps or buying expensive ones on the road. Just use this all-in-one soap and go minimal.

You can also get their soap bar. I love traveling with bars because you don’t have to deal with liquid restrictions, and they last way longer for backpacking trips! You can still use the soap bar for those days you do your laundry at the hotel room.

Shampoo (+ Conditioner)

If you’re traveling for a few months, then I highly recommend a shampoo and conditioner bar! They last 3+ months and take up way less space. Plus, you don’t have to worry about liquid restrictions. If you go this route, invest in a soap bar container too.

Dental Health Toiletries

ALWAYS use a toothbrush cover to protect your toothbrush .

Toothpaste can be slightly annoying to pack as carry-on regulations are strict. You may have to get paste in a 3.5 oz bottle, though many times I’ve been able to carry-on my half-used paste.

Another suggestion is to try out “ Unpaste Zero Waste ” toothpaste! I haven’t used these tablets yet (because I just discovered them), but they sound like another solution to long-term travel + less plastic waste. A win-win and perfect for toiletries packing!

While not a toiletry essential, a small roll of floss and heck, even a tongue scraper fall onto this list since they barely weigh a thing.

You’ll want to go for the solid kind rather than the spray to avoid those liquid restrictions and spills! Generally, you never have to worry about running out, which your new friends will thank you for.

Travel Towel

In a nutshell, microfiber travel towels were created for backpackers and travelers. I typically travel with a large towel for drying off after a shower and a smaller face towel.

Facial Cleanser and Moisturizer

Having a facial cleanser and moisturizer is KEY, especially to refreshen after long layovers and flights. Don’t bother bringing your entire bathroom routine. Leave the toners, serums, and fancy kits behind as they take up way too much weight and space in your bag.

Hand Sanitizer Spray

While I’m not a germaphobe or crazy about it at home, hand sanitizer easily makes the list of necessary toiletries. There will be plenty of times you’ll come across soapless bathrooms, or less-than-hygienic bus and train stops. Trust me on this one.

Reef-Safe Sun Block

If you’re going to be spending hours and hours in the sun, then you’re going to need protection. While I’m a fan of high-tech modern inventions, such as the hat, long sleeve shirt, and shade, I always bring sunblock in my toiletry bag.

Bear in mind, places like Hawaii, Key West, Florida, and Palau are banning many sunscreen brands because they harm and bleach coral reef and aquatic life.

Furthermore, there is a lot of research on endocrine disruptors and carcinogens found in sunscreen… YIKES! Generally, a Non-Nano Zinc Oxide is perfectly safe, effective, and doesn’t harm aquatic reefs, which is why I’m recommending Raw Elements.

Ear Plugs and Eye Mask

I always add a few extra pairs of earplugs and my favorite eye mask to my toiletry list for a vacation. You’ll use earplugs and your eye mask in noisy hostels, on flights, bus rides, getting shut-eye in cities, etc. I never leave home without them.

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Medication + First-Aid Kit

You need to check each country’s rules and regulations for traveling with medication. CBD might be federally legal in the US, but you would NOT want to end up in an Indonesian jail cell because of it. Get all the necessary Doctor notes and prescription refills you may need too!

Also, having a small first-aid kit is necessary for travel! You may only need to bring tape (an absolute necessity), moleskin if you’re hiking, a couple of gauze pads, alcohol wipes, a few band-aids, and Neosporin. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

If you have long hair, then this is probably a necessity for you. Consider grabbing a Tangle Teezer if you’re hair is manageable because they are so tiny. Remember, small and lightweight is the key!

Although not a necessary toiletry for all travelers (you may wax or just let it all hang out), for many, this is still essential toiletry packing for any trip. Grab some high-quality razors that’ll last several weeks while you travel. Or better yet, get a reusable razor like the Weishi for the closest shave you’ll ever get from a hand razor.

While you can find razors pretty much anywhere in the world, picking up disposable razors can be annoying. Another alternative is to bag yourself an Electric Travel Shaver .

Moving along to the next section; this part of the toiletries packing list aren’t strictly necessary items but they are creature comforts. Sometimes, when you’re on the road, all you need is your baby blanket!

Uhh, I mean favorite nail clippers.

Mosquito Repellent

This may be considered part of your first-aid kit, but since you put it on your skin, I’m including it in the toiletries list! Depending on where you are visiting, you are going to NEED repellent . Don’t forget to get a travel-size bottle for your carry-on!

Nail Clippers

Another multi-purpose item! And don’t worry – these are fine to carry in your carry-on.

Some people can’t live without chapstick, so this might be essential for you. If you’re going anywhere with extreme cold or hot weather, then it’s good to have.

Tooth Picks

Not a necessity, but it’s nice to have several and they don’t take up much space. I’m a fan of the tea tree oil and mint ones.

Same explanation as above: not a necessity, but it is easy to pack a few and they don’t take up much space.

Roll of Toilet Paper

Carrying toilet paper is a necessity if you’re backpacking… less so if you’re only staying in hotels. If you are traveling in places like Pakistan, Southeast Asia , and so on, you will come across bathrooms without TP. Pull out the cardboard roll if you want to save space.

TP is also great to have on hand to clean a quick spill, blow your nose, or for getting a campfire started. Tissue paper is obviously more plush and fancy.

Contacts and Prescription Glasses

If you need ’em, don’t leave them at home! That being said, daily contacts can take up a lot of space if you’re traveling for more than a month! I don’t like using monthly due to hygiene, so if I’m traveling for a long time, I just pick up contacts every couple of months with my prescription on hand.

Health Supplements

There are a few supplements I choose to travel with that help me on the road to keep my immune system in check! Vitamin supplements are also awesome toiletries packing for countries where you may be eating a more meagrely spread diet then you’re used to, however, generally in sountries like that, buying supplements can be super cheap.

For the ladies and the men packing for their ladies, this is the list of toiletries you’ll either definitely need (see below) or at least want to consider.

Feminine Care

Stock up on your feminine care products before your trip because they can be hard to find in some countries.

Consider a Menstrual Cup . I used to travel with tampons because they are pretty difficult to track down in certain countries. I finally made the switch to the Diva cup a few years ago and never looked back. It’s WAY better for the environment and they take up way less space!

Honestly, my cosmetic bag has shrunk significantly over the years. If you’re on a long backpacking trip, I can guarantee you’ll stop wearing most of your make up.

When you’re traveling in humid countries, lounging on the beach, hiking in the mountains, or taking overnight buses, the last thing on your mind is blending your foundation.

That said, it’s nice to dress up once and a while, so feel free to add your go-to mascara and blush to your list of toiletries. Just remember that it will be difficult to replace your favorite brands on the road. It’s the perfect excuse to give your skin a break and go au   natural .

Make-up Remover Pads

But if you do bring make-up you have even more toiletries to pack. My life changed when I realized I started to use carrier oils (like argan and coconut oil to remove my make-up.) Now, I just carry a couple of bamboo make-up remover pads (less waste, better for the environment), and use whatever oils I have on hand.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Extra Hair Ties

I guess this one goes out to you long-haired men too.

I tried to keep this list short and sweet. The toiletry essentials should cover most people’s bases, and then from there, you can add a few things depending on your type and length of the trip.

As someone who has packed for more trips than I can count, I am so happy that my toiletry bag has shrunk over the years. Toiletry packing truly takes up so much space and weight, and then you rarely end up using half of them when you’re on the go-go-go.

Here are my top tips for packing less!

• Go through your daily routine and make note of each thing you use. Pack nothing else.
• Always choose multi-purpose items. Dr. Bronner’s is a great example of this.
• Girls, ditch the make-up and straighteners. I promise you won’t use any of these things (unless you are on a business trip or weekend out on the town).
• Invest in a versatile toiletry bag to keep your things organized. If it doesn’t fit in this, it doesn’t come on your trip!
• Use liquid containers for carry-on but also checked bags to save space and weight
• Choose solid over liquid whenever possible. This includes soap and deodorant.
• Plan accordingly!

What NOT to take in your toiletry bag

• Unsealed Liquids
• Bottles larger than 3.5 oz in your carry-on
• Anything you don’t plan to use every day.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What are the most important toiletries to pack?

These toiletries should be in everyones bag: 1. Shampoo and Conditioner Soap 2. Travel Towel 3. Nail Clippers 4. ChapStick

What is something that should not be missing in your toiletry bag?

Very simple: Deodorant . It won’t just make you smell fresh and clean, but it’s also great for everyone around you. You don’t want to stand out due to a smelly body odor.

How do you store your travel toiletries?

A toiletry bag is the perfect way to store all of your bathroom essentials. The Nomatic Toiletry Bag 2.0 is our favorite one.

Can you take all toiletries on an airplane?

Toiletries like liquids, nail clippers, scissors and other forbidden objects can be carried in a suitcase, but not in your carry-on luggage.

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I have covered all of the essentials you should include on your toiletries packing list and then some!

My main advice remains this: take a hard look at your daily routine and bring ONLY those items.

Furthermore, bring your favorite essentials with you, for the most part. Many areas may offer convenience and cheaper local prices where you can buy things on arrival. On the other hand, many destinations won’t carry your favorite brands, or pricing can be far higher.

For example, buying that sunscreen you forgot in an airport or a small island store will be more expensive!

Do a little bit of research before you go – which you’re doing right now (yay for you) – and pack your travel-size toiletry essentials in your toiletry bag. Heed my advice and you’re well on your way to traveling efficiently and comfortably!

Oh and one last tip for any toiletries packing list: write that sucker down!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ana Pereira

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Essential Travel Toiletries Guide for Your Trip: Carry-On Approved

Hi! I am very excited to share another packing guide , this time focusing on essential travel toiletries!

Finding the perfect travel sized toiletries for a trip can be a challenge. There are so many to choose from and it can be difficult to know exactly what you need for a trip.

That’s where this guide comes in! In this guide you will find all of our favorite travel toiletry products and packing tips! These toiletries are essential for any trip, no matter the length, and won’t take up too much space in your suitcase.

As some of you may know, Kate and I almost always pack only in carry-ons, so most of the products mentioned below will be travel size (under 3.4 ounces) in order to comply with TSA regulations. However, if you are packing in a full size suitcase, I recommend bringing whatever size products you have in order to reduce waste and money spent purchasing new travel size ones.

Ready for your essential travel toiletry guide? Keep on reading!

Essential Travel Toiletries – Overview

Toiletry bag, reusable containers, moisturizer.

• Facial Mist / Spray

Refreshing Wipes / Spray

Dry shampoo, chapstick / lip oil, storage + packing.

Per TSA regulations, airline passengers are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. The easiest, and most common, way to accomplish this is by using a Ziploc or other brand of disposable plastic baggie.

A more sustainable way to travel is to purchase a clear toiletry or makeup bag. For some clear, TSA-approved makeup bags, check out this affordable 3-pack from Amazon !

If your products are too large to bring, consider investing in some reusable travel bottles ! This will help to reduce waste and allow you to bring all of your essential travel toiletries from home! Amazon has lots of great options with varying prices, sets, and sizes!

Skincare products are some of the most important items you can pack for a trip. When traveling, your skin can be exposed to different germs, climates, and water. In order to help your skin adjust, make sure to bring along the skincare products you use daily. Below are some of my favorites!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CeraVe Skincare (@cerave)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Differin US (@differinus)

When packing for a trip, make sure to throw in your daily facial cleanser. My personal favorite brand of face wash is CeraVe . Their Hydrating Facial Cleanser is great for dry skin, while the Foaming Face Wash works wonders for oily and acne-prone skin. This cleanser is affordable and comes in full-size , travel-size , and eco-friendly bar options .

Facial moisturizer is an absolute must, especially when traveling. Personally, I use a lighter daytime option and a heavier cream for nighttime usage. That being said, when going on a trip, I often will only bring one moisturizer to keep my packing light.

For a light, oil-control moisturizer I highly recommend Glossier’s Priming Moisturizer Balance . This product looks great on its own, but it also allows for makeup to apply seamlessly on top.

For a more heavy-duty product, Differin’s Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30 is a great option. Its versatility makes this product awesome for traveling. However, it is 4 ounces, meaning it is not TSA compliant for carry-ons. After a few weeks of using, I had used enough product to bring it through airport security in my backpack and had no issues. Additionally, you could always transfer to a reusable TSA-compliant toiletry container , such as the ones recommended above.

Sunscreen is arguably the most important product on this list. From anti-aging/wrinkle prevention to reducing your chances of sun-related illnesses, make sure to use sunscreen all over your body, including your face and neck. Check out our post on the best travel sunscreens here!

When choosing a sunscreen, make sure to check that it’s reef safe and eco-friendly !! This is essential for protecting and preserving our oceans.

Facial Mist

While I do not use a facial mist or spray daily, I do find them useful for traveling, especially when flying. Facial mists are great for refreshing your skin and leaving it glowing. Check out Vacation’s Super Spritzer calming and soothing mist that is made for use with water-resistant sunscreens! If you’re going on a tropical vacation, definitely check out Vacation’s full line of paraben, sulfate, cruelty free and reef-safe products!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vacation® (@vacationinc)

Personal Hygiene

Before any trip, be sure to pick up some multi-purpose wipes! Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes and Cottonelle’s Flushable Wipes are two of my recommendations. The latter also is great for traveling in countries that do not provide toilet paper in public restrooms, but be sure to know if flushing toilet paper/wipes is allowed.

For a pick-me-up, Love Beauty and Planet’s Showerless Cleansing Mist is perfect for traveling. Just spray this on to feel refreshed during a long travel day.

Dry shampoo is an absolute must when traveling! R+Co’s Dry Shampoo works wonders on second (or third) day hair. Plus, their travel size options are perfect to throw in a purse or backpack. Batiste is a tried and true dry shampoo, and it’s very affordable.

You never want to be caught with dry, chapped lips on vacation! Glossier’s Balm Dotcom is an essential universal salve – great for lips, hands, dry patches, and more. Plus, the flavors are to die for. And, of course, for a classic chapstick, Burts Bees is always a great choice.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Glossier (@glossier)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Burt’s Bees (@burtsbees)

Additional Essentials

• Hand Sanitizer
• Toothbrush / Toothpaste (we recommend bamboo for a sustainable option)
• Makeup Remover
• Deodorant (Native is all natural and awesome!)
• Razor + Shaving Products
• Perfume / Body Spray

I hope you enjoyed my essential travel toiletries packing guide! As a disclaimer, the products I recommended are from personal opinion and experience. Before using any of these, check with a doctor or dermatologist, read the ingredients, and swatch test for allergies/sensitivities.

Let me know your essentials and favorite products in the comments below!

This post also includes affiliate links. Read our disclosure  here .

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24 comments.

Dry shampoo is a necessity! This is such an important list, I must refer to it on my next trip!

Great recommendations..esp about keeping skin hydrated… esp during summer months, my skin gets so dry when I don’t bring my favorite products with me.

Great list. I’ve always wondered what facial mists are actually for, but can imagine on a long haul flight that it could be nice on your skin.

Great idea on the TA approved makeup bags, I thought the plastic bags were a requirement, but it’s great to know a sustainable alternative is acceptable!

Packing your toiletries in a carry on always adds a lot more consideration. I have not yet tried a facial mist so might want to add that to my kit. And I am definitely on the search for a good dry shampoo.

Awesome list! We are slowly learning how NOT to overpack and travel just by carry-on. We have already invested in some smaller bottles for travel, as well as a small toiletries bag for carry-ons. But no matter what way you travel, this list is awesome.

I sometimes travel with a big toiletry bag that I check, but it is so much more convenient to carry on my luggage (and my husband appreciates not checking). It requires a lot more thought on my part for sure!

This is a great list of basic toiletries to always have with you while traveling. It took me years to decide to get the refillable bottles, but so glad I did – I now use them all the time!

This is such a great article, I always forget something so this is a great list to have! I’ve never thought about facial mist but it sounds like something I should get into when flying.

Chapstick is definitely a must when travelling, especially if you’re on a plane. I like the idea of carrying some dry shampoo around too.

Awesome! Thanks for putting these together! Reusable containers + a toiletry bag definitely help to keep everything well organized. I like the TSA-approved makeup bag — yay for sustainable options! :]

Awesome list! So many great sustainable products too, definitely going to purchase some of these when my current ones run out!

Will use this as a check list for my next trip! It’s so useful to have a list like that because we always forget something haha. Well done!

Great tips! I started using solid soap and shampoo for sustainability reasons but it has also made carry on luggage so much easier!

Love your suggestions. I have been thinking of switching to a bar shampoo and bar conditioner.i love the sustainability and decreasing my bulky liquids.

Great travel packing tips, and I love your choice of skin care products! (I’m a dermatology nurse). Our skin gets so dry when we travel, moisturizer and facial mists are key!! 🙂

Great list! I’ll be honest, I don’t use half of these. But I think refillable containers are for sure a must have

Such a great! it’s so expensive and hard to buy these things in other countries. Wipes is such a great idea for long flights too.

Great list! I always forget at least one thing on my list when I travel. And then going out and buying it is such a pain.

Great list! I’m annoyingly good at overpacking my luggage. I could share a medium luggage with my partner and his stuff will only take up 1/3 of the space while I use the remaining 2/3, a small hand carry luggage and a backpack. Will try out your list when I travel in May.

Great blog and so many helpful tips and links! Dry shampoo saves me every time when travelling!

What a great list! I’ve been looking for a decent sized travel dry shampoo, I’ll be sure to look into this one 🙂

I always tend to overpack but I love the idea of mini travel size EVERYTHING. Definitely going to use some of these recommendations for my next trip to Houston

I’m sure an amateur when it comes to packing toiletries. All of my skincare products leaked on our December trip. Thanks for these handy tips!

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The 7 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Avoid spills and score style points with these liquid containers

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Leticia Almeida

There’s nothing worse than arriving excitedly at your destination to find that your toiletries have spilled all over your suitcase. Or to be the person who holds up the line at security while the TSA agents discard your oversized liquids. Both of these scenarios are easily avoided by investing in a set of appropriately sized, 100 percent leakproof travel toiletry bottles. There are lots of options out there in terms of bottle quantity, size, and design, with the right one for you depending on factors such as how long you’ll be traveling and the complexity of your beauty routine. 

To help you narrow down the choices, our team of travel experts put 14 toiletry bottle sets to the test. Each one was scored for ease of use, quality, design, performance, and value, with average scores used to determine the winners of categories ranging from “best budget” to “most durable.”

Final Verdict

How we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, liquisnugs premium leak-proof silicone travel bottles.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5

Very secure, with no leaks during testing

Stick to vertical surfaces

Easy to stay organized

Lack of variety

The LiquiSnugs Premium Silicone Travel Bottles offer flawless performance at a price so reasonable our tester was shocked by it. The set includes two 2-ounce bottles and two 3-ounce bottles, both of which adhere to TSA carry-on regulations. We liked the flexibility afforded by the two different sizes since there are always products we need more and less of on vacation. We were able to easily fit all four in a quart-sized Ziploc bag simultaneously without placing pressure on any of them. All bottles are made of flexible, food-grade, BPA-free silicone, making them easy to pack and dispense. 

With a dripless valve and bottleneck design, the bottles are advertised as 100 percent leakproof—a claim we can support, with no spillages even after being dropped and thrown around repeatedly during testing. We liked that the bottles’ wide mouths made them simple to fill, empty, and clean as needed. Other highlights include the suction pad on the back of each bottle (great for attaching them to the bathroom wall) and the changeable labels. Options for the latter include shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, soap, and lotion, enabling you to switch up the uses on each trip. 

Number of Bottles: 4 | Sizes: (2) 2-ounce, (2) 3-ounce | Materials: Silicone

TripSavvy / Tamara Staples

Best Budget

Vitog travel bottles kit.

• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Performance 4.5 /5

Multiple dispensing methods

Comes with several functional extras

Good value for money

Capacity could be larger

Retailing for half the price of our already affordable overall winner, the Vitog Travel Bottles Kit is a no-brainer for budget-conscious buyers. It includes six 1.4-ounce bottles and two 0.4-ounce bottles. The larger ones consist of two pump bottles with a removable clip to prevent accidental deployment, two spray bottles, and two flip-cap bottles. The smaller ones are miniature cream jars. All eight are made from clear PET plastic, which we found durable yet lightweight enough for travel. We also liked that we could easily see how much product was left.

We appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of a pipette, a funnel, and a spatula to help with decanting products from their original containers. They made the bottles relatively easy to fill, although we did experience some spillage when decanting thick body lotion. Nevertheless, there was no leaking or visible wear and tear after our intensive testing process. The set also includes a sheet of labels and a clear plastic toiletry bag. The only real drawback? None of the bottles are particularly big, making this option suitable for short trips only. 

Number of Bottles: 8 | Sizes: (2) 0.4-ounce, (6) 1.4-ounce | Materials: PET plastic

Cadence The Originals Set

• Design 4.5 /5
• Performance 4 /5

Unique design

Performed well throughout testing

Customizable

More of an investment than others

Limited capacity

The Originals from Cadence are small, hexagonal capsules with screw-top lids that connect magnetically together in any shape or configuration you like. Aesthetics are at the forefront of this brand, as you can choose different colors for each capsule as well as printed, switchable, magnetic labels. In fact, they look so cute that you could even buy toiletries in bulk and decant them into these capsules for use at home. Sustainable practices like these are reinforced by the fact that the capsules are made from 20 percent recycled ocean-bound plastic. 

We love that the capsules’ wide mouths and rounded interiors make them effortless to fill, use, and clean. They’re also 100 percent leakproof, waterproof, and airtight, as proven by our testing process. We found them incredibly durable and can’t imagine a scenario that would result in them being punctured or crushed. They are small (each one carries just 0.56 ounces), which could be a drawback. However, a capacity calculator on the brand website suggests you can carry approximately a week’s worth of products, depending on how regularly you use each one. 

Number of Bottles: 6 | Sizes: (6) 0.6-ounce | Materials: Hard plastic

Most Durable

Mrsdry travel bottles.

• Ease of Use 3.5 /5
• Design 4 /5

Soft yet rugged silicone construction

Effective leakproofing

User friendly

No diversity in size or design

If your primary concern when packing liquids in your hand luggage is leaking, you’ll love the Mrsdry Travel Bottles Set. It consists of four 3-ounce bottles, each made of thick silicone that feels ultra-durable, and they stood up perfectly to our squeeze and drop tests. We were particularly impressed with the bottles’ no-drip valves, which successfully prevented leaks. All four bottles use the same shape and dispensing method—a pro for those who want lots of capacity for fewer products, and a drawback for those with a more complex personal care routine. 

Having said that, we did feel that this set is so reasonably priced, there’s nothing to stop you from buying multiple sets if you have more products to pack. Instead of labels, the bottles come in four separate shades to distinguish between them. We also liked that their wide opening makes them easy to fill, even with thicker liquids and gels. And when it comes to cleaning them, the bendable silicone easily accommodates a bottle brush. All colorways include a transparent carry case. 

Number of Bottles: 4 | Sizes: (4) 3-ounce | Materials: Silicone

Best Variety

Morfone 16 pack travel bottles.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.5 /5

Good array of containers

Burly silicone handles rough treatment

Jar lids are weaker than expected

Multicolored style may not suit everyone

The Morfone Travel Bottles Set caters to travelers with an extensive beauty routine. With 10 containers in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and dispensing methods, you can take a broad range of products in just the right quantities for your time away. Options are as follows: two 1-ounce spray bottles, two 3-ounce squeeze bottles, two 2-ounce squeeze bottles, two 1-ounce jars, and two 0.3-ounce jars. We were impressed by the capacity of the largest bottles, which we felt could easily hold at least four washes’ worth of shampoo and conditioner. 

The bottles are made of durable yet flexible food-grade silicone, with wide mouths for easy filling and cleaning. We appreciated the inclusion of two scoopers, a funnel, and a cleaning brush to help with these tasks, as well as a sheet of labels. Most of the containers held up well to our durability tests with no leaks or spills. The only exception was one of the jars, which suffered a broken lid. The set comes in a transparent carry bag and could fit into a quart-sized Ziploc (a TSA requirement) with some skillful maneuvering, although it was tight. 

Number of Bottles: 10 | Sizes: (2) 0.3-ounce, (4) 1-ounce, (2) 2-ounce, (2) 3-ounce | Materials: Silicone

Best for Larger Capacities

Insfit tsa carry-on approved containers.

Great value for money

Well-designed lids

Choice of cute color palettes

Can be finicky with certain products

The INSFIT set is ideal for those who like to keep things simple with only a handful of essential products but also tend to travel for longer and need as much capacity as TSA will allow. It features four identical 3-ounce silicone bottles large enough to hold at least one to two weeks’ worth of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and sunscreen (or similar). The bottles are squeezable, which makes dispensing simple, although we found that thicker lotions and gels were easier to squeeze if the bottle was at least half full.

Other highlights include fully removable caps and wide mouths for mess-free filling and easy cleaning, and three-layered lids that are essentially leakproof. Even during our pressure test, caps remained securely in place, and afterward, the bottles still looked brand new. In fact, we were shocked to find out how affordable this set is given its evident quality. We also liked the stylish, see-through carry bag and the fact that there’s a special place on the caps to stick the included labels so that they adhere properly. 

Best for Backpacking

Matador flatpak toiletry bottle.

Ideal for reducing heft and bulk

Thoughtful design elements

Proved durable during our testing

Difficult to fill with thicker consistencies

Made of waterproof 30D Cordura ripstop nylon with proprietary welded construction, the Matador FlatPak Toiletry Bottles are by far the most technical option on this list. With their flat-pack design and sturdy quality, they’re designed especially for adventures and expeditions where saving on space and weight is a priority . With a capacity of 3 ounces each, they’re five times lighter and 3.5 times more compact than standard silicone bottles, and pliable enough to fit into tight spaces: the ultimate backpacking companion. 

We found them easy to fill with any liquid that was the consistency of shampoo or thinner. Thicker gels and lotions were tricky since the mouth wasn’t as wide as that of standard travel bottles. Still, any mess is easy to clean off the waterproof exterior. They fit easily into a quart-sized Ziploc, and we love the snap hook for attaching to the outside of your backpack for on-the-go use. The loop also features a spot for writing a description of the contents with a permanent marker. As expected, the packs survived all our tests with zero leaks or signs of damage. 

Number of Bottles: 3 | Sizes: (3) 3-ounce | Materials: 30D Cordura ripstop nylon

Our overall favorite was the LiquiSnugs Premium Travel Bottles set. These bottles stood out for their durable, leakproof silicone construction and thoughtful extras including adjustable labels and individual suction pads. For the most budget-friendly option, choose the small yet sturdily versatile Vitog Travel Bottles Kit .

Upon receiving the bottles, our first step was to examine their overall quality and design and note any unique features. Then, we filled at least three of the bottles in the set: one with lotion, one with micellar water, and one with shampoo. For each one, we noted how easy it was to fill without spilling, how easy it was to clean if spillage did occur, and how appropriate each bottle would be for holding different types of liquid. We also tested how easy it was to open the bottle and dispense the product inside. 

Next, we compressed the bottles in our palms to mimic pressure. We shook them, rolled them, squeezed them, and threw them to stimulate rough handling in transit, noting how well they withstood this treatment. Our final test was to put all of the bottles from the set into a quart-sized Ziploc bag, and then inside a toiletry bag. Then, we dropped them from waist height three times, always from different angles, to see whether any breakages or leaks occurred and whether the bottles showed any signs of wear and tear. 

Each set was scored on a scale of one to five for ease of use, quality, design, performance, and value. Average scores were used to determine our category winners.

Other Travel Toiletry Bottles We Tested

GLOBEGEAR Travel Bottles : This nine-piece set features a solid range of containers and tools made of hard plastic that doesn't feel flimsy. We deducted points for the skimpy capacity of the bottles, which would only last a few days or applications (and made filling the bottles difficult), though the affordable price makes this a good option for the infrequent traveler.

Kitsch Travel Containers : Fans of variety will appreciate the range of products included in this compact kit. It won't set you back much and, accordingly, we feel it also won't last long. We like the idea of the flat containers but found them somewhat difficult to fill.

Cosywell Travel Containers : The Cosywell Containers are all the same shape in 10- and 20-milliliter capacities. We found the plastic and silicone jars easy to fill and well-designed, but they're more suited to thick liquids such as gels and creams.

What to Look For in Travel Toiletry Bottles

Durability is key when choosing travel toiletry bottles since containers that are easily punctured or cracked will result in a mess that’s at best inconvenient and at worst potentially expensive or upsetting depending on how much product is wasted and whether any other items in your carry-on are affected. Look for options made out of sturdy hard plastic or thick, flexible silicone, then check user reviews to get an idea of how the construction holds up under real-life travel conditions. If you’re planning an extreme adventure, technical options like the waterproof flat-pack bottles from Matador may be worth the extra expense.

Leakproofness

A bottle doesn’t have to break for leaks to occur—all it takes is a poorly constructed seal or lid. Look for bottles with a triple-layered leakproof cap and jars with a secure screw top. Pump bottles should come with a removable clip that prevents them from being deployed accidentally. Again, user reviews help check how efficient these measures are (it’s easy for a brand to advertise their product as leakproof, even if it’s not). Some brands, like Cadence, actually guarantee the efficacy of their leakproof design. Just in case, we always recommend storing toiletry bottles in a waterproof bag or Ziploc as a second line of defense. 

If you plan on packing your toiletry bottles in your carry-on bag, you must make sure that none of them exceed the TSA-approved limit of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Some sets are made up of identical large bottles of around 3 ounces, giving you the maximum allowable capacity for each of your products. However, because all bottles must fit in a single quart-sized Ziploc bag, this limits the number of bottles to around four. 

If you have more products to pack, you may prefer a set that divides this capacity between a greater number of smaller bottles and containers—especially if you only require some of your liquids in very small quantities. The length of your trip will also dictate how big you need your bottles to be unless you only plan on using your carry-on liquids as a backup in case the full-size versions in your checked luggage get delayed. 

Toiletries can be stored in opaque, translucent, or transparent bottles of any color as long as each individual bottle does not exceed the maximum capacity limit. For carry-on bags, most authorities including TSA set that limit at 3.4 ounces. Liquids can be in their original container or decanted into any container of your choosing (even one that’s labeled incorrectly), as long as these size restrictions are adhered to. 

Most airport authorities—including TSA—rule that bottles containing liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes cannot exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) if you wish to pack them in your carry-on luggage . In addition, all of these bottles must fit inside a quart-sized Ziploc bag and be screened separately from the rest of your luggage at security. Containers that exceed this limit will not be permitted, even if the volume of the product inside is less than 3.4 ounces (for example, if you have a half-used bottle of conditioner). Note that these restrictions do not apply to checked luggage.

Although toiletry bottles don’t have to be labeled from a legal perspective, many people like to do so to ensure they don’t end up brushing their teeth with expensive moisturizer, or vice versa. Some travel bottles come with waterproof stickers, especially for this purpose, and you can also purchase them separately online. This is a better option than writing on a standard office label by hand since toiletry bottles frequently get wet and ink can run and cause staining or become illegible. Alternatively, a permanent marker applied directly to the bottle could be an option if you’re always going to use the same container for the same product.

Jessica Macdonald is a regular contributor of travel-related commerce articles. She has visited more than 50 countries across six continents and lived out of a backpack for several months on many occasions. As such, she knows firsthand the value of travel bottles that allow you to reach your destination without any spillages. Products featured in this article were chosen according to tests carried out by TripSavvy’s team of travel experts.

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Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

The Best, Most Surprising Travel Minis

Perusing the travel-toiletries aisle is a very specific kind of joy, whether you’re at a Duane Reade near your home or a pharmacie in the 5th Arrondissement. There’s the visual pleasure of something big made small as well as the chance to try a pricey item for a fraction of the cost of the full size. (Finding out that a shampoo makes your hair frizzy instead of fluffy is far less painful when you’ve spent $10 rather than $25.) It makes packing your Dopp kit or toiletry bag feel like a little treat instead of a crazed puzzle.

So I’ve rummaged through the metaphorical travel aisles to find minis of dozens of Strategist-approved brands. Everything is either under 3.4 ounces or a solid so that you can take it through TSA. I’ve mainly focused on stand-alone products (many of which are from brands you might not have realized make travel-size products), but I’ve also included some sets that are particularly good value. From skin care to shampoo, it’s a treasure trove of tinies.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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The 13 Best Toiletry Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep all your beauty and grooming essentials in one place when you're on the road.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Other Bags We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

There are a few things every traveler needs, no matter where in the world they're going — and a toiletry bag is one of them. The humble case might be an afterthought to some, but these helpful bags are crucial to keeping your travel essentials organized.

We tested 52 toiletry bags and cosmetic cases (and continue to do so for a period of at least six months) in order to bring to you the best of the best, evaluating capacity, design, portability, and value. We also considered the overall quality of the bags, as well as their ease of use on real trips.

Taking our test results into consideration, we've put together a list of the best toiletry bags across various categories; you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Best Overall

Away large toiletry bag.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

This bag holds more than you'd expect from just looking at it.

The limited edition colors often sell out fast.

You might be most familiar with Away for its selection of hardside luggage and weekender bags, but the brand carries travel accessories, too, including this large toiletry bag that earned high marks across the board during our tests.

Though we found the bag to be even roomier than expected, there are so many individual compartments including a clear cosmetic bag, a zippered pouch, two mesh linings, and an exterior pocket, to name a few. You won't be reaching into a bottomless pit, rummaging around for individual products here. We also love that the bag zips open wide enough for you to reach inside with ease. We packed it with both large and small items, from travel-size liquid bottles to makeup brushes, and there was still room for more.

We also noted the durability of the water-resistant nylon, which is lightweight without feeling cheap. The interior of the bag is coated with an easy-to-wipe material, allowing you to clean up any spills quickly. The bag comes in five color options (with limited edition colorways offered on occasion), as well as a smaller size option and a hanging version of the bag.

The Details: 10.2 x 3.7 x 5.9 inches | 8.8 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Compact

Dagne dover mila toiletry organizer.

Dagne Dover

• Capacity 4 /5

It might be small, but it can still fit full-size makeup brushes.

The dividers take up valuable space.

If you're a toiletry minimalist, this is the case for you. The highly compact Dagne Dover Mila keeps all your products neat and organized in a tiny, plush drum made of water-resistant recycled poly. Unzip the lid and you'll see a grid created by a removable insert — use the insert to keep your products separated from one another, reducing their impact if the toiletry bag is jumbled around. There's also a zippered mesh pocket in the lid, as well as four elastic loops to hold items like makeup brushes and lip balm.

We did notice, however, that the insert takes up quite a bit of space in the bag, and you'd be able to squeeze quite a few more items inside if you remove it instead. Of course in that case, you wouldn't have much help in terms of organization. Ultimately, we love the flexibility — you can customize the bag to suit your needs.

The Details: 5.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches | 6 ounces | Material | Recycled poly

Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

Best Waterproof

Matador flatpak zipper toiletry case.

Back Country

• Design 4 /5

It's extremely lightweight — just over an ounce.

There aren't any extra pockets or pouches for organization.

While many toiletry kits are water-resistant, this one is fully waterproof, and that makes all the difference if you're on an outdoor adventure like camping or a multi-day kayaking trip. It's made from a special nylon that has a secret superpower: "dry-through" technology, which allows moisture to escape from the bag without letting any in. That means your toiletries (like a wet toothbrush) can dry while they're in the bag.

We found this bag to be deceptively spacious, given that it looks like a simple pencil pouch at first glance. The bag expands at the bottom, allowing it to stand alone on a flat surface while giving you the space to fit larger items in with ease. That said, there aren't any useful organizational tools to keep your products in order — this is a fairly bare-bones bag.

The Details: 9.5 x 6.75 x 3.5 inches | 1.1 ounces | Nylon | Waterproof

Best Organization

Peak design wash pouch.

Peak Design

The bag is lined with high-density foam for extra protection.

It's a fairly pricey bag.

When you have a large number of toiletries to bring with you on vacation, the best thing you can do is choose a toiletry bag that helps you keep everything organized. This is that bag! Though it appears small from the outside, the bag is so thoughtfully designed with organizational tools — we found that there's a pocket for just about everything. The main compartment is large enough to fit small bottles, while mesh pockets of various sizes line the walls. There's also a separate pocket for your toothbrush, which keeps it nice and clean.

Other highlights include a wide opening to access each pocket easily, and the ability to stand on its own thanks to the bag's layer of high-density foam that also helps protect the items inside. It also has a handy hanging hook if you'd prefer to keep some counter space clear.

The Details: 10.2 x 6 x 4.4 inches | 8.7 ounces | Nylon

Best Dopp Kit

Dare to roam steward dopp kit.

Dare to Roam

The material is antimicrobial and antibacterial.

Organization is limited to three pockets.

What are dopp kits, anyway? Though the term can be used interchangeably with "toiletry bag" today, the dopp kit was originally a durable toiletry bag devised by German leather maker Charles Doppelt that was popular with military personnel in the 20th century. It typically takes the silhouette seen here in this bag — a large main compartment, sometimes with side pockets.

What dopp kits are great for is space; we were amazed by how much could fit in this bag, especially because it's expandable with side clips and adjustable webbing straps. As such, it's ideal for longer trips where you'll need as much space as you can get. We also love that it's made from an antimicrobial and antibacterial nylon (yes, it's water-resistant), though we think it could use a little more organization beyond two interior pockets and one exterior one.

The Details: 4.5 x 8.7 x 4.7 inches | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best Small Hanging

Sea to summit hanging toiletry bag.

Small and lightweight, it's perfectly portable.

It has to hang as it won't stand up on its own.

When it comes to hanging bags, this one is perfectly balanced. It's made from an ultra-thin, water-resistant nylon and takes the shape of a saddlebag, which is ideal for hanging. We found that no matter how many items we stuffed in there, the bag never really felt weighed down; all the products were perfectly situated and easy to access, thanks to a plethora of pockets.

This bag also comes with a detachable mirror, which makes it great for outdoor adventures when you don't have access to a vanity, as well as handles for easy transport. Ultimately, it is perfect for people limited on space and weight, whether they're on a multi-day trek that requires them to carry all their gear or traveling for an extended period of time with limited storage space. The toiletry bag comes in two sizes (we tested the smaller one) and four color options.

The Details: 10.2 x 3.9 x 8.9 inches | 0.3 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant

Best Large Hanging

Bagsmart hanging toiletry bag.

This is an excellent value if you need to store full-size items.

The material is difficult to clean.

Bagsmart is known for making convenient travel products at affordable prices, and that's certainly true of its hanging toiletry bag. Before it's opened, the bag looks just like a little quilted briefcase; inside is an extraordinary amount of storage. Unzip the perimeter and the bag unfurls into four panels of hanging storage for your toiletries, which we found perfectly capable of storing just about every toiletry in the book save for full-size bottles of shampoo and body wash. While most of the storage compartments are variously sized zippered pockets, some actually have elastic bands to help hold your items in place.

The quilted material is made of polyester, which we found to be a little difficult to clean. It is water-resistant, though, and the texture adds a nice visual quality. Plus, it comes in ten colorways.

The Details: 12.6 x 9.1 x 4.3 inches | 15.2 ounces | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best for Cosmetics

Béis the cosmetic case.

The brush holder and mirror are removable.

The main compartment is pretty much just one big open space.

The clean, minimalist design that Béis is so loved for comes through in its cosmetic case: a sturdy bag with plenty of space for makeup aficionados. For starters, it's offered in eight elegant earth tone hues. But then there's the simple rectangular shape, which feels almost handbag-like in its sculptural form, as well as luxe hardware that adds to that handbag quality.

Though this bag can carry all types of toiletries, it's specifically designed with cosmetics in mind. That's evident from the removable mirror and brush holder, which has PVC material where the brush heads will go for easy cleaning. There are also a few slip pockets, which we found especially helpful for palettes. One thing to note, however, is that the main compartment of this toiletry bag is simply a vast space without any dividers to organize individual products. That said, we can report that nothing broke or spilled during evaluations.

The Details: 9.5 x 4 x 7 inches | 1.38 pounds | Polyester | Water-resistant

Best for Men

Bagsmart toiletry bag for men.

It opens wide with a double zipper.

It's made of canvas, which may be hard to clean but is water-resistant.

Fun fact: dopp kits were originally designed for men so it makes perfect sense why this one is designed to fit shaving and grooming products in particular. It's made of canvas for a rough-and-tumble look, and it's offered in seven colors (mostly neutrals, but also light pink) and two sizes. Though we consider it sturdy enough to stand on its own, we also found it flexible enough to be stuffed into a packed weekender.

As for storage capabilities, there's a main compartment that's accessible via a double zipper, which means the kit opens nice and wide for you to be able to access your items. That main compartment can fit bulkier items, while smaller items can fill the pockets along the sides. There are also two separate side pockets, one of which is designed to hold wet items.

The Details: 10.2 x 5.9 x 6.3 inches | 6.4 ounces | Canvas | Water-resistant

Best for Short Trips

Tumi response travel kit.

It opens like a clamshell.

It's not water-resistant.

Luxury brand Tumi doesn't only make high-end suitcases and travel bags — they also make high-end toiletry bags. Made from ballistic nylon (and offered in three colorways), this is one of the most durable toiletry bags out there, and it wouldn't be surprising if this bag lasted years, even with regular use.

Its best feature is the fact that it opens like a clamshell, with two distinct compartments in each half. That makes it easy to access everything in the bag, whether you're laying it flat on a countertop or you're hanging it via the attached hook. There are four pockets, including one water-resistant one, and two elastic loops to hold products like toothbrushes or razors. We think it’s a reasonably spacious bag, but only for travel-size products — that's why we recommend it for short trips rather than long ones.

The Details: 6.3 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches | 0.9 pounds | Ballistic nylon

Best Leather

Cuyana travel beauty case.

• Portability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

This is a true luxury item with exquisite craftsmanship.

More care will need to be taken so spills don’t damage the leather.

Take one look at the Cuyana Travel Beauty Case, and it's clear that you're dealing with a luxury item. Made from Italian pebbled leather, this toiletry bag is extremely elegant in each of its three colors: ecru, soft rose, and black. We found that this is high-quality leather that's not so delicate you have to worry about damaging it when stuffing it in your backpack or weekender.

As for storage, there are two main compartments: one with an internal elastic pocket for storing larger items and another that has elastic straps to hold items like makeup brushes in place. They open like a clamshell, and between them is a detachable pouch for smaller items. The pouch is ideal for a few items that can be used to refresh your makeup on a travel day, but it can't hold enough products for a full face.

The Details: 6.2 x 10.2 x 3.1 inches | 1.6 pounds | Italian pebbled leather

MZ Wallace Mica Cosmetic Case

It's a no-nonsense bag — simply stash your stuff and go.

There's only one main compartment with a smaller zippered pocket.

The best thing about a pouch like this one is that it's very straightforward — all you have to do is toss in your items without giving much thought to organization. We loved this particular toiletry bag because it's more spacious than it seems at first glance. That's particularly true of the one zippered pocket inside: it was able to hold seven makeup brushes.

By the same token, the lack of organization might be frustrating to some. Depending on your preference, you might wish there were a few dividers or additional pockets to keep things a little tidier inside the bag. Still, the amount of space it has for items is impressive, and for some travelers, that might be just what they're looking for.

The Details: 9.49 x 4.02 x 5.98 inches | 0.23 pounds | REC Oxford

Best Budget

Wandf toiletry bag.

• Portability 4 /5

It comes in nearly 20 colors.

The main compartment only has one zipper, which makes it a little tough to retrieve items.

As you're probably well aware by this point, toiletry bags can get quite expensive — but they don't have to be. This is a particularly budget-friendly model, yet it accomplishes just about everything you'd need a toiletry bag to do. For one, it has multiple compartments. And for another, it's a water-resistant case, which means it can handle being splashed on a bathroom counter.

The compartments are both the success and the downfall of this toiletry bag. We were beyond impressed with the amount of space inside the main compartment, as well as with the two side compartments with mesh pockets. But we found that the main compartment was almost too spacious and could benefit from another divider of some kind. Given its size, it could also benefit from a double zipper opening, which would allow you to access more items throughout the bag than the existing single zipper.

The Details: 10.24 x 4.72 x 5.91 inches | 3.53 ounces | Nylon | Water-resistant

Other Toiletry Bags We Liked

• Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag : We love the soft, water-resistant neoprene material of this bag, as well as the two detached pouches for easy organization. (And did we mention the colors? Those are beautiful, too!) Unfortunately, we found it to be a tight fit to squeeze both of the detachable pouches into the main bag when all three had items in them.
• State Bags Bensen Dopp Kit : This is a spacious bag with a detachable pouch for additional storage — there's not much to not like here. But we think it's a bit too expensive, and we found the hook to be too small to use in many cases. Because it's so spacious, it's best for longer trips, as we think it might take up a bit too much room in a carry-on bag.
• L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag, Medium : A favorite for decades, this bag is the king when it comes to storage space and organization — there are pockets for just about everything. Some might find the sheer number of storage spaces to be overwhelming. But others, particularly those going on long trips or families who might be sharing a toiletry bag, will love the roominess.
• Baggu Dopp Kit : This bag packs flat, which is great when you need to store it somewhere. But when you expand it, you'll find that it's large enough to carry all of your toiletries and then some. The only thing we worried about was the durability of the materials. Though it did not fail any of our rigorous tests, we suspect it may wear out over time.

We tested 52 toiletry bags and cosmetics cases in our lab to determine the best products.

Testing started with an analysis of the bag when it was empty; we examined the materials, the construction, and the overall design.

Then we packed the bags with common travel essentials like toiletry bottles, makeup, and dental products, among other items. We then re-evaluated the design of the bag, noting overall capacity; convenience and security of organizational compartments, pockets, and pouches; closure functionality (such as zippers, magnetic clasps, and Velcro tabs); and overall sturdiness and stability of the bag.

Next, we put the bags into weekenders, carry-on luggage, and backpacks to see how they'd fit. We also carried around the larger bags to evaluate the feel of the toiletry bags in them.

Finally, we rated each toiletry bag on its capacity, design, portability, and value, all the while considering extra characteristics like the material's water-resistance, ease of cleaning, and any extra features, such as hanging straps or built-in mirrors.

Testing of the toiletry kits then continues for a period of six months on our real-world trips, and we will continue to update this article based on the results.

When the bag was fully packed, we placed it inside a large weekender bag to get a sense of its weight by carrying it around our lab. We also checked how much space the bag took up inside the weekender bag to determine if there was ample room to store other items, such as clothing and accessories. We then determined whether the bag would be suitable for weekend trips and/or longer vacations.

After rating for all attributes, we checked each bag's price to rate the overall value.

Tips for Buying a Toiletry Bag

Look at the design of the bag.

Some toiletry bags are voids — they have one cavernous space to fit all your items. But others are separated into compartments with pockets and pouches to keep your items in place. Depending on what you're storing in your toiletry bag, you might prefer more organizational tools than a single open space. Also consider the material; more durable, water-resistant materials are ideal for toiletry bags, since they'll be getting quite a bit of use on the road.

Consider capacity and the items you pack

What do you plan on putting in a toiletry bag? If you're a minimalist who carries very few toiletries — say, just face wash and toothpaste — you might only need a small case But if you have an extensive skincare routine — including sunscreen and after-sun lotion — and you travel with all your makeup, you'll need a bag with enough space for everything.

Think about portability

If you plan on taking your toiletry bag in your carry-on, you'll want it to be as compact and lightweight as possible to save room for everything else in your bag. And if you're packing liquids, gels, or aerosols, make sure your items’ sizes comply with the TSA's 3-1-1 rule . If you're checking your toiletry bag, though, you might have more flexibility with size and weight.

While a clear bag is not explicitly stated on all sections of the TSA website , this is the common practice and can speed things up at the security checkpoint. Toiletry bags that don't hold any liquids, as well as toiletry bags that will be checked in your suitcase (regardless of their contents), do not need to be clear.

Since toiletry bags frequently come into contact with liquids — either from leaking products or from the bathroom counter — water-resistant or waterproof materials are best. Another factor to consider is durability. Toiletry bags are typically fairly heavily used when you travel, so it's best to look for tear-proof fabric that will hold up over time.

A TSA-approved toiletry bag is one that meets the TSA's requirements for the 3-1-1 rule regarding liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes packed in carry-ons. These products must be 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less, and they all must fit in " 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag ."

You can pack just about anything in a toiletry bag, from hair products to body washes to makeup. Depending on what you plan on putting in your toiletry bag, you may want to look for ones with special pockets — many toiletry bags have designated spots for items like makeup brushes or palettes to keep them secure.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance travel writer with a decade of experience. For this article, she incorporated tester feedback and used her own experience with toiletry bags.

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20 Essential Toiletries for Travel You Should Never Forget

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Assure any trip away runs smoothly by packing these essential toiletries for travel , freeing up your time and energy to focus on having fun and making memories while away.

Essential Toiletries for Travel

You need a good travel shampoo for your hair. You can go with your regular brand of shampoo and just pack it in a leak-proof travel bottle .

If you already have too many liquid products, you may want to go with a solid shampoo bar . And you get bonus karma points if you go with an eco-friendly brand!

A great addition, if you have more space, is a dry shampoo , which will reduce the number of liquid toiletries you need to take. 

2. Conditioner

As with the shampoo, you can bring conditioner in a leak-proof travel bottle or choose to pack a solid conditioner bar .

3. Body Wash

To cut back on liquids, bring a travel-size bar soap which will save you some space. I really prefer body wash to bar soaps, but you can jazz up the bar soap by picking something like this Bali soap scented with coconut, papaya, vanilla, lemongrass, or jasmine.

If you’re going on a short trip and don’t need a whole bar soap, you can always cut a bar soap in half and bring only half with you, saving space in your bag.

4. Deodorant Wipes

These wipes can help you clean whenever you feel sweaty during your trip but don’t have immediate access to a shower. Great for those trips to warm climates or active trips that involve hiking and other sweat-inducing activities.

There are many types of deodorant wipes nowadays, but it’s probably the best to choose the type which doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or leave a sticky residue after use. These alcohol-free deodorant wipes from Dove will leave you smelling fresh like cucumber and green tea.

5. Facial Moisturizer

Pick a moisturizer with SPF for the best protection while traveling.

6. Toothpaste and Toothbrush

Toothpaste is the most commonly forgotten toiletry item among travelers. So, make sure you don’t forget it together with your toothbrush.

You can go green and choose an eco-friendly toothbrush .

When it comes to your toothpaste, you can pick toothpaste, toothpaste powder or even toothpaste tablets to cut back on weight and space.

7. Dental Floss

Besides being important for your oral health, floss can also help tie bits and bobs together.

8. Nail Clippers Set

You should know not everyone around the world follows the same rules as the TSA. In Cambodia, one of my friends had to throw away her nail clippers when going through airport security (despite having gone through multiple countries and airports already with the same nail clippers). So, bring them in your carry on at your own risk.

9. Deodorant

You’d be surprised how hard it can be to find your favorite deodorant in some places. My personal favorite is Secret Clinical , and it’s impossible to find it when traveling in certain countries outside the U.S.

Therefore, bring your favorite deodorant with you, and if you want to cut back on liquids, pick the solid version of your favorite deodorant.  

You can now find travel-sized razors that are just as good as their larger versions.

11. Cotton Pads and Q-Tips

Versatile and useful for removing makeup, fixing makeup, cleaning your ears, and more — make sure to pack a handful of cotton rounds and q-tips. You can even find eco-friendly cotton rounds and cotton swabs .

12. Travel Bottles

You can use flexible, leak-proof travel bottles to bring some of your products at home, such as shampoo, body lotion, or body wash, instead of buying travel-sized products. They are travel-sized, easy to pack, fill, and squeeze the product out.

They are easy to clean as well, so you can reuse them for all your trips. 

13. Hand Sanitizer Spray

This product can be very handy when traveling and not being able to wash your hands whenever you want, or when traveling with kids. You can choose a spray, foam , gel, or wipes sanitizer.

Bring a portable travel mirror with you, preferably one made of metal or thin acrylic. Although this type of mirror material is heavier, it’s less prone to breakage than glass. 

15. Sunscreen

Make sure you pack sunscreen to keep your face and skin protected from the harmful sun rays. You can buy powder sunscreen you can apply with the built-in brush.

16. Hairbrush

You don’t want your hair messy during your entire trip, so find a travel-sized hairbrush, like this small wood hairbrush , and bring it with you. 

17. Hand Lotion

Even though this may be an extra toiletry item for many people, others can’t go a day without a hand lotion. If you belong to the second group of people, find a travel-sized hand lotion you can carry with youu.

18. Feminine Hygiene Products

In Hoi An and Da Nang, Vietnam, it was practically impossible to find tampons. So, if that’s what you prefer to use on your period, definitely bring them with you on your trip.

19. Toiletry Bag

Pick a toiletry bag with room for all your makeup as well. If you bring beauty products, including makeup on your trips, you’d want them safe while traveling instead of getting them crumbled or ruined.

20. Travel Towel

Pack an absorbent microfiber travel towel , which can fold up super small and dry quickly. This type of towel is great for hostels, the beach, or anywhere you go. It may cost a little more than a regular towel, but it’s definitely a smart decision. 

Don’t leave things to chance when leaving home to go on a trip, be it domestic or abroad.

A little planning and forward-thinking can go a long way to keeping you comfortable and safe, particularly if you’re traveling somewhere remote where pharmacies and supermarkets are hard to find.

Pack these essential toiletries, and never have to worry about finding these important items while away. That way, you can enjoy every minute of your trip, the way it was intended to be.

Related: Packing Hacks: The Top 10 Mistakes You Need to Avoid

Keep this essential toiletries packing list for safekeeping, ready for an upcoming trip, by saving this article to one of your boards.

How to Pack Toiletries for Air Travel

John Parker

Toiletry products can be very messy things if they spill so the last thing you want is them leaking all over your clothes and other things in your baggage.

There are things you can do to not only ensure that your toiletries arrive at your destination without spilling everywhere but also how you can get around the carry on liquid rules by taking solid equivalents or decanting shampoo etc into travel-size bottles.

Hopefully you will find a few useful tips here to help you pack toiletries safely and also not get your toiletries confiscated at the security checkpoint.

How to Pack Carry on Toiletries

You cannot just scatter your toiletries around in your carry on bag and expect to get through the TSA security checkpoint at the airport without experiencing delays and problems.

Any toiletry items that are considered a liquid under the TSA liquid rules must be placed in a one quart size bag. This is basically a toiletry bag that is both transparent and resealable plastic bag. Your liquid toiletries must go in this together with any other liquids you may be carrying.

However, you cannot pack liquid toiletries that are in a container that is larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) as they are not permitted through airport security at all. Note that it is the size of the container, not the amount of liquid it contains, that is important.

What this means is that you cannot take a 7-ounce bottle that only contains 3.4 ounces of liquid as this would be confiscated by security agents.

You can carry as many liquid toiletries and other liquid items that are below this size as you can pack in your quart-size bag. Only one quart-size bag containing liquids is permitted per passenger.

Toiletries that must go in a liquids bag

The following is a list of the most common toiletry items that are considered to be a liquid so must go in a liquids bag. It is not an exhaustive list so if you have any other toiletries which can either be poured or spread then they will probably also fall within the liquids rule and will also need to go in the quart-size bag.

• Deodorant /antiperspirant – this includes aerosols , roll-on and spray but not solid stick types
• Dry shampoo
• Shaving cream
• Body lotion

Read my post 9 things considered a liquid when flying that really aren’t!

Toiletries that can stay in your carry on bag

You can take solid versions of most toiletries in your carry on bag without removing them or placing them in a liquids bag including:

• Solid deodorant/antiperspirant
• Solid bar soap
• Solid conditioner bars
• Solid shampoo bar
• Any other solid toiletries

How can you take full sized bottles of toiletries in carry on bags?

As you now know you cannot pack full size toiletries in your carry on bag and take them through airport security. So if that is the case, how can you actually take larger bottles of liquid toiletries on a plane?

The answer is, if you are traveling from a reasonably large airport that has stores in the lounge area after passing through the security checkpoint, you can purchase toiletries from there. Those stores are not limited to simply selling travel size products but can also sell regular size too.

Any size of toiletry you can buy in one of these stores can be taken on board the aircraft with you in your carry on bag.

How to pack toiletries in checked luggage

The checked baggage liquid toiletry rules.

Firstly, the regulations on what toiletries you can pack in your checked bag are must less restrictive than those that apply to toiletries and liquids in carry on bags.

The 3.4 ounce rule does not apply to liquids in checked bags so any liquids, including toiletries, can be larger full-size versions and not travel sizes. The one restriction that applies to aerosol toiletries is that the container cannot be larger than 18 ounces and the total no more than 70 ounces.

This is the rule on the TSA website:

“The FAA limits the total amount of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, including aerosols, in checked baggage. The total aggregate quantity per person cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces). See the  FAA regulations  for more information.”

Also , liquid toiletries do not have to go in a zip-lock quart bag so you can just pack them in your normal toiletries bag if you wish.

Don’t worry about your aerosols as they will not explode in checked bags .

See my post How much liquid can you take on a plane in checked baggage? for full details.

How to pack your toiletries

The most important thing to prevent when you pack liquid toiletries is that the containers do not get squashed and the toiletries leak out.

You can try and stop this by stuffing them into shoes and other items that will protect them.

You can also pack toiletries in a rigid toiletry bag with your other toiletries kit. This will offer them some protection and also protect items outside of the toiletry bag as the bag will be quite leakproof.

Resealable sandwich bags make a great deal of sense to use too . Pack each toiletry item that could leak in individual bags, so should one leak it will not damage anything else in your bag.

Toiletries packing tips

Buy travel-size toiletries.

Some toiletry manufacturers are aware of the TSA liquid rules so manufacture small bottle versions of their products in what is referred to as travel sized bottles. These are 3.4 ounces or less in size so are permitted in carry on luggage (in your liquids bag). Hunt them out in your local store or online.

Buy refillable bottles

Decant each of your favorite liquid toiletry products into an individual refillable bottle that is designed for air travel and as they (normally) hold 3 ounces each. This way you should be able to take enough for a week-long trip if traveling with carry on only.

You can purchase them together with a TSA approved toiletry bag on Amazon here – TSA Approved Travel Bottles with TSA Approved Toiletry Bag

Buy solid equivalent toiletries

Since there are no restrictions on the size of solid toiletries you can take on a plane it makes sense to consider substituting your normal liquid toiletries if going on a trip, particularly if you are only taking hand luggage.

They are also easier to pack too and can save space, particularly if you dispose of any unnecessary packaging.

As well as soap there is a whole range of solid toiletries you can buy, some of which I had never heard of before researching this article, such as:

• Solid stick deodorant – Dove Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick (for women) or Degree Deodorant Stick (for men)
• Solid shampoo – Solid Shampoo Bar And Conditioner Effect Hair Soap
• Body butter – NATUREWELL Shea Body Butter Variety Pack
• Perfume – Jasmine & Clary Sage Fragrance Solid Perfume by Roots Rose Radish
• Cologne – Calamity Jane Solid Cologne
• Even solid mouthwash! – Listerine Ready Tabs Chewable Tablets

Share space with a partner

If you are traveling with someone, it may be that they will not be using all of the available space in their liquid bag (particularly if they are male) so you could put some of your additional toiletries that qualify as liquids in that too.

Buy toiletries at the airport

Particularly if you are flying from a larger airport, there are likely to be some stores after you pass through security where you can buy full-size toiletries. There are no restrictions on actually taking these on the flight with you if purchased after the security checkpoint.

You will probably need to use them up and perhaps throw away some that are partially used though as you will be unable to take them through security for your return flight.

Buy at your destination

Believe it or not, if you are flying to most other countries, particularly in Europe and other developed countries, they actually have these items for sale there too!

So just save weight and space in your carry on bags and buy them when you arrive.

What is the 311 rule?

The 311 rule is what the TSA refers to as the liquids rule – no larger than 3 ounces (actually 3.4), in a 1 quart liquid bag and only 1 liquid bag per passenger.

Do toiletry bags have to be clear?

A toiletry bag that is being used to take liquids through airport security must be a clear plastic bag that is resealable with a capacity of no larger than 1 quart.

Is deodorant allowed in flight?

You can take deodorant on a flight if it is no larger than 3.4 ounces (or you buy it after the security checkpoint) and you can use it during the flight.

Does stick deodorant count as a liquid?

Stick deodorant is not considered a liquid for the purposes of TSA security liquid rules so its size is not restricted and it does not have to go in a quart-size liquids bag either.

Can I take full size toothpaste on a plane?

You can take full-size toothpaste on a plane in checked bags but not in carry on as it will be larger than the maximum size of 3.4 ounces.

Is Vaseline a liquid TSA?

Vaseline does fall within the TSA’s liquids rules so to be carried through security in carry on it can only be in a container that is no larger than 3.4 ounces and must be in a toiletries bag (quart size resealable liquids bag).

Is mascara considered a liquid when flying?

As surprising as it may seem, mascara is considered a liquid under the TSA’s liquids rules so to be carried through security in carry on it can only be in a container that is no larger than 3.4 ounces and must be in a toiletries bag (quart size resealable liquids bag).

Do wipes go in liquid bag?

Wet wipes do not need to go in a liquid bag as the TSA does not consider them as being liquids even though they are wet.

Can I bring full-size shampoo in checked luggage?

You can bring a full size shampoo container in your checked luggage as the carry on liquids rules do not apply to liquids in hold baggage.

I have been traveling around the world by air since the early 70s and living overseas too. I worked for British Airways for a number of years and I am also a private pilot. About Me

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• Travel Packing

Packing Toiletries: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated: January 23, 2024 References

Making a Packing Plan

Saving space in your bag, keeping your bag neat, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS . Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years. This article has been viewed 41,525 times.

When it comes to packing for a trip, finding the best way to bring the necessary toiletries along is a challenge. It's easy to overpack, and following proper security protocols if you're traveling by air can make the process even tougher. Bringing the fewest products possible is always a good strategy, but finding the right way to pack them so they don't leak all over your suitcase can save you a headache when you reach your destination. Keep reading for our full guide on how to pack and organize your bag for the smoothest travel experience.

• Don't forget to include tools that you might need, such as cotton balls or cotton swabs.

• Keep in mind that most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap, so you may not need to pack those items.

• Check with the airports that you’re traveling through to determine their guidelines to ensure that you pack your toiletries appropriately for security checks.

• Many skincare, bath, and makeup companies provide free samples when you buy from them, so it’s a good idea to have a drawer in your vanity to keep them organized. That way, you can just go through the samples to find what you need before your trip.
• Many stores sell travel size versions of common toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and toothpaste, so you can buy smaller versions of the products you use.

• You can also save smaller bottles and jars from samples and other products as you empty them throughout the year. Rinse them out well, and add your favorite toiletries for your trips.

• Just be sure that you bring enough of each item for every member of the party. A travel size tube of toothpaste isn’t going to be enough for a week long trip with 4 people.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://blog.tortugabackpacks.com/how-to-pack-toiletries/
• ↑ Archana Ramamoorthy, MS. Chief Technology Officer, Workday. Expert Interview. 26 February 2019.
• ↑ https://herpackinglist.com/2013/09/how-to-pack-liquid-toiletries/
• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/videos/travel-tips-3-1-1-liquids-rule
• ↑ https://www.tripsavvy.com/packing-tips-for-air-travelers-2973049

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The Ultimate Packing List

Christine Sarkis

Ashley Rossi

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis .

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times , Conde Nast Traveler , and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008 . She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : The Trtl Pillow . It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto : Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at [email protected] .

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Packing mishaps range from inconvenient (heading to the Caribbean without a swimsuit) to disastrous (discovering you left the country without your wallet), but most are preventable. We’ve created this ultimate packing list to help you pack well every time.

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

To see the ultimate packing list, scroll down the page or click here for an editable PDF version that you can save or print out. To customize the list, simply download or print it, then edit for your specific needs. You can also download the editable, mobile-friendly checklist here .

Clothes to Pack

• Dress Shirts
• Casual Shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Laundry Kit
• Leisure Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Dress Shoes
• Collapsible Tote

Shop Our Clothing Packing List

Toiletries to Pack

• Dental Floss
• Conditioner
• Styling Tools
• Facial Cleanser
• Face Lotion
• Moisturizer
• Contact Lenses
• Contact Solution
• Shaving Supplies
• Makeup Remover
• Menstrual Products
• Birth Control/Medication
• Nail Clippers
• Hand Sanitizer
• First-Aid Ointment
• Insect Repellent
• Pain Relievers

Shop Our Toiletries Packing List

Miscellaneous Items

• Laptop/Tablet
• Film/Memory Card
• List of Medications
• Banking Contacts/Information
• Electronic Chargers
• Emergency Contacts
• Copy of Passport
• Plug Adapter

Shop Our Miscellaneous Items List

What to Pack in Your Carry-on

• Books or E-Books
• Travel Blanket
• Travel Pillow
• Disinfecting Wipes
• Change of Clothes
• Empty Water Bottle
• In-Flight Medications
• Passport/Visa/ID
• Credit/ATM cards
• Insurance Cards
• Maps/Directions

Shop Our Carry-On Essentials List

Packing Tips for Clothes and Other Items

When packing for a vacation the most important things to keep in mind are the length of your trip, the weather, and any non-standard clothing or gear you might need.

Your first step when packing is to decide if you’ll be checking a bag or only taking a carry-on and then curate the amount of clothing you’ll need based on that decision. Typically, you should avoid checking a bag in situations where you have a layover since the likelihood of your bag going missing goes up with every connection . You might also want to avoid checking a bag if you absolutely need items in your bag on arrival—for example, if you’re going on a cruise.

If you’re packing more minimally, focus on packing layering clothes in more neutral colors. That’s not because we don’t like fun colors and patterns; it just means that neutral-colored clothing is more versatile, so you can wear these items more than once when you’re tight on space.

How to Pack in Just a Personal Item Sized Bag

Also invest in clothing that does double duty, like multi-use wraps , crushable hats , self-cooling and heating fabrics like merino wool layers , bug-repellent clothing , wrinkle-resistant shirts, quick-drying activewear and undergarments, casual sneakers, UPF-proof clothing , and compressible jackets … just to name a few. Look toward popular athleisure brands like Lululemon , prAna , and Athleta for comfortable yet stylish travel clothing.

When curating your packing list, you should keep in mind the length of your trip and decide on quantities from there. For a shorter trip (three to five days), you can probably manage with the following: one pair of underwear and socks per day, one pair of pajamas, one to two dressier outfits, one to two activewear or athleisure outfits, one to two casual outfits, and one to two pairs of shoes. For a longer trip (over a week), you can manage with one pair of underwear and socks per day, two pairs of pajamas, three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two pairs of shoes, and two activewear or athleisure outfits.

And if you’re able to do laundry on your vacation, you can probably manage with even fewer items. Just don’t forget to pack a travel laundry kit .

Scrubba Untouched Review

Also make sure to bring along accessories like a money belt, scarf or sarong (can be used for things like an airplane blanket , coverup at the beach, or to throw over your dress on a cool evening), and a collapsible tote or day bag for any extra items you might acquire on your travels. If traveling to a city or destination that is prone to pickpocketing, make sure to pack some pickpocket-proof clothing and gear .

Depending on the type of trip you’re going on, you may need to invest in some special travel gear. We’ve tested out everything from waterproof baby carriers to interchangeable heels , so you can trust our recommendations. If you’re headed out on an organized group tour , you’ll most likely get a packing list from the tour provider, which should make your trip planning easier. If not, do your research online (one tip is to look at locations on Instagram and see what people are wearing) and consult this story for other handy lists of tips.

For more active trips, make sure you have a sturdy pair of hiking boots, quick-drying clothing, a day pack, snacks, and any necessary equipment. Check out our specific packing lists for hiking trips and camping trips .

The 5 Most Crowded National Parks (and Where to Go Instead)

Another type of trip that you may need to pack slightly specific items for is a cruise . Make sure you pack non-standard items like seasickness remedies, formal wear, dress shoes, and your bathing suit. Beach vacations also require different items like water shoes, towels, sunscreen, and maybe even snorkel gear. Luckily for you, we also have a specific cruise packing list and a beach vacation packing list .

Lastly, you need to consider the weather. For warm-weather destinations like jungles and Caribbean islands, you can obviously skip the coats and gloves, but if you’re headed out on a ski vacation then you’ll need a whole slew of things like goggles, a neck gaiter, snow boots, and more. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a specific Caribbean vacation packing list , a Mexico vacation packing list , and even a ski trip packing list .

The Best Ski Hotels in the US

To help keep things organized, we love using packing cubes and/or compression sacks. They’re especially useful for when you’re traveling to multiple destinations in one trip.

Wondering how to pack all of your items? Enter the great debate of the rolling vs. folding method! While this is definitely a personal preference, we put two editors to the test to find out which method is in fact, more space-saving. Watch the video below to see the answer.

How to Pack Toiletries and Medications

Whether it’s important medication or your favorite lipstick, forgetting any type of toiletry can range from being mildly inconvenient to becoming a serious problem. For toiletries, make sure to pack your essentials, like medication, contacts, and any other items that you might not be able to purchase or replace during your travels. (Put them in your carry-on bag, not your checked suitcase.) However, if you forget items like a toothbrush or razor, you can typically call the front desk at the hotel for a spare.

We also recommend traveling with some type of a travel first-aid kit , which includes items like tweezers, first-aid ointment, bandages, travel-sized hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Make sure to check TSA guidelines if you’re traveling with medication , as well as the policies and regulations at your destination.

Packing Tips for Everything Else …

Traveling without tech items like your phone, laptop, tablet, or camera can be a major bummer. For those traveling abroad, you’ll also want to remember to pack electronic adapters and converters . Other tech-related items for photographers to pack are a sturdy camera bag , backup batteries, and memory cards, as well as lens cleaner. And don’t forget smartphone essentials like a backup charger, waterproof case if you’re headed out on the water, and a phone stand or tripod for photos.

A travel packing tip we’ve learned the hard way? Travel with a copy of your passport, credit card, and bank contacts, as well as a list of medications and your emergency contacts.

If you are traveling abroad, we have an entire checklist for you, but the most important thing to note here is your passport and visas . Make sure that your passport is up to date, has as least six months of validity, and has enough blank pages for any stamps. Another tip for international travel? Give yourself plenty of time to apply for any visas that you might need and to arrange for a visit to a travel clinic if any special medications or vaccines are needed. You should also familiarize yourself with any remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions at your destination.

There are also some items that you may not think to pack, but should, like an electronic tracker , duct tape , toilet paper, a decoy wallet, or a whistle.

The 10 Best Expandable Suitcases

What to Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

In case you’re separated from your checked bag or other items, you should always make sure that you have your ID, wallet, house keys, medications, valuables, camera, phone, laptop, tablet, pen, cash and cards, glasses, and copy of your itinerary with you on the plane.

Other items that you might want to have handy with you include entertainment for your flight, comfort-promoting items like a blanket or pillow, as well as an empty water bottle to fill up post-security (here is a list of our favorites ), a change of clothes (just in case your luggage is lost or delayed), snacks, and gum.

If you’re looking to pack carry-on only, you guessed it: We also have a separate packing list and tips for that, as well as the best bags to use for carry-on only .

What to Pack to Stay Healthy While Traveling

The pandemic has significantly changed the way we travel and, by extension, the items we prioritize in our luggage. While many destinations have loosened or entirely lifted COVID-19 restrictions, some venues and events may still require a mask or proof of vaccination/negative COVID test to enter. Plan ahead to see if any activities on your itinerary have restrictions in place.

Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer , while always a good idea to have on hand at the airport , have become absolute carry-on musts. Wiping down areas like your tray table, airplane seat armrest, and hotel television remote can spare you from a variety of common travel bugs.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ashley Rossi contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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"I Had 10 Minutes Until My Flight, Only To Discover..." 19 Unfortunate And Avoidable Travel Mishaps That Actually Happened To People

"It was one of the first purchases I made on Priceline back when you’d buy the airfare online, and they’d send paper tickets in the mail..."

BuzzFeed Staff

1. Travel is many things — eye-opening, magical, exhilarating, and, at times, stressful. For example, there's nothing quite like the anxiety-inducing feeling of racing through security just as your flight gate is about to close. Well, Redditor u/yankeevandal asked , "Everyone has a travel blunder; what's yours?" Here are the stories people shared.

2. "put my keys back through the airbnb letterbox, as requested. a few minutes later i realized i needed the keys to access the garage where my rental car was parked. it took an hour and a half for someone to come and let me in. i got to the airport just in time to see my plane take off.".

— u/RedundantSwine

3. "My dad once made reservations for a very nice hotel in Spain in a central location. He couldn't believe how cheap the rooms were and what a good deal it was. He and my mother went to check in, and the hotel said they didn't have any record of the booking. My dad pulled up the confirmation email to show them and realized he had somehow booked a hotel with the exact same name...but in Chile."

— u/gentlybeepingheart

4. "When I was in my early 20s, I went to a nightclub in Istanbul with my girlfriend. Throughout the night, I stupidly ordered several of these half-bottles of champagne that were on the menu with no price listed. Of course, when the bill came, it turned out they had brought me the most expensive bottles, and I could not afford to pay for them. After a long standoff, the club eventually believed I couldn't afford my tab or just gave up and settled the bill for some reasonable amount that I had on me. Obviously, they were trying to take advantage of me, but it was also very stupid that I didn't ask for the price upfront."

— u/Orange_Kid

5. "The plane I was on hit turbulence, and I dislocated both hip replacements. I had to lay in the center aisle for 45 minutes while passing out in pain until we could make an emergency landing."

— u/JonnyP3283

6. "I needed to take a train to the airport in Rome to catch my flight home. So I got on the track where the train to Roma Fiumicino was announced. The train was fast, but it took way longer than I thought it should, and I started to worry a bit about being late for my flight. Then we arrived at the next train station....which was Florence! Somehow I had taken the wrong train (for which I did not have a ticket), and I also missed my flight. I explained the situation to the conductor, who kindly let me stay on until the next stop, Milan, without paying for a new ticket. By the time we reached Milan I had already booked a hotel room and a new flight home the next day. I had never been to Milan, and I had a good time there, so in the end, it worked out."

— u/sumpuran

7. "I made hotel reservations for the wrong weekend. I had to find a new hotel 30 minutes away. The original reservation was for a hotel where I could walk out of my room and directly onto the beach."

— u/mook1178

8. "Booked a train ticket from Rome to Venice and drank way too much the night before. I rolled into the train station with about 10 minutes to spare — only to find out that it was daylight savings time, and I was actually 50 minutes late."

— u/Snazzypants11

9. "I missed my flight home from Ghana to California on a layover in Rome. I told everyone I fell asleep and missed the flight, but in reality, I was sitting at the wrong gate reading a book and didn’t hear my name being called (apparently, the airline was calling my name forever and then left me behind). In my defense, it was a really good book, and I was exhausted from a long travel day."

— u/zeebette

10. "I booked a holiday to Ibiza from the UK while out at a rave. The next day, I discovered that instead of flying from Southampton to Ibiza, I was actually flying Southampton to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Madrid, and Madrid to Ibiza. What should have been a two-hour flight took most of the day. Whoops."

— u/Ok-Topic-6971

11. "I once read the flight arrival time as the departure time. My girlfriend had to be home for a class by the next morning, so the only option was to make the six-hour drive. She wasn’t stoked with me."

— u/twankyfive

12. "I booked a flight to Manchester, NH, when I was supposed to go to Manchester, UK. I was proud of myself at first for finding a great deal. In my defense, this was years ago, in the early days of the internet. It was one of the first purchases I made on Priceline when you’d buy the airfare online, and they’d send paper tickets in the mail."

— u/HeatherAnne1975

13. "In Portuguese, gasolina means gas, and gasoleo means diesel. Despite the confusingly similar names, these two things are still not interchangeable. I learned this the hard way."

— u/c322617

14. "I missed a flight because I was eating a Big Mac. And my buddy just got on the plane without me."

— u/Gigahurt77

15. "I mixed up AM and PM for my flight time and showed up at the airport 12 hours late. Had to book a new one."

— u/dude341387

16. "I booked a flight to Santiago, Spain. Months later, when checking into my flight, I realized I had booked for Santiago, Chile. I repacked my bag and went to Chile six hours later with zero itinerary or reservations. I ended up in Patagonia and had an awesome trip."

— u/AccidentalTourista

17. "My husband passed a kidney stone on the first night of our honeymoon."

— u/TinyBunny88

18. "Turns out SJC is NOT the airport code for San Jose, Costa Rica. Rather, it's San Jose, California. I figured this one out too late."

— u/Frodosear

19. "A hotel I was staying at gave me the key to someone else's room. When I opened the door, there was some random guy lying on the bed without a shirt on. We both sort of jumped. I slammed the door shut and walked away. I got a free (and vacant) room after that incident."

— u/DJAlaskaAndrew

20. "I traveled for over ten hours for a sold-out festival in Vegas. All major hotels were sold out because of it, and I realized I booked the hotel for 2024 instead of 2023."

— u/smolperson

So, what's a travel mishap you'll never forget and never live down? Tell us your story in the comments or drop it into the Google form.

Share this article.

US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• Trinidad & Tobago
• El Salvador
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

barneyabroad

My third year abroad travels – grenoble to krasnodar.

Leaving is no fun

My five months in Grenoble are coming to an end, and although the temptation to make a largely pointless statement about how quickly it has gone is strong, I will try to resist. I will fall to the fairly unoriginal method of list making to summarise how I feel about leaving la belle France after this first part of my Year Abroad…

What I will not miss a whole lot:

• Cycling in the rain to work when I forgot to check the forecast and am wearing a non waterproof coat, no hat and have my handbag open in my basket.
• Postbox full of PUB after PUB after PUB. For those not in the know, I don’t have a letterbox full of cosy-beer-drinking establishments. Pub is French for Adverts, flyers, endless sheets of wasted paper informing me of deals for things I do not need, and will never want.

What I will miss massively:

• Contary to the first above, cycling generally. Especially on nights out, narrowly avoiding death by car/tram/lampost due to alcohol induced decision making.
• The friendliest gym ever, 3 minutes from my flat. I thought the university gym was fairly entertaining, this place tops it. Never will I forget the Body Pump teacher telling us he was Father Christmas and was going to bring us ‘jolies fesses’ for Christmas. I’ll leave you to look that one up…
• Nice inexpensive wine. The French really do win at this.
• Mountains, everywhere. Sadly at this moment the mountains are not visible due to the rain-filled fog.
• French supermarkets. You’d think my love for them might have decreased given now a French supermarket is not so much a novelty, but rather just the place that sells the food that I eat. Nope, not really.  Still love’em.
• That leads nicely onto missing the food. See Sunday night’s meal for proof that they really just do it better than we do. I don’t even make an argument for the UK when the French and Italians are battling it out for supreme culinary nation…
• Speaking French… as obvious as it may be, I will seriously miss being here surrounded by the language and culture.

This is the ingredients of our Raclette from the greatest fromagerie in Grenoble (according to everyone ever.)

What I am excited for in the next few weeks:

• As my re-departure will be imminent, I will make it my mission to eat as many creme eggs, mini eggs and hot cross buns as possible.
• The winter olympics – much time will be spent with the above, watching obscure sports and getting ever more concerned about going and living only about 300km from there. According to trusty GoogleMaps, such a walk would take a mere 57 hours. (Seriously, how did we live before we could find out such useful information so easily?!)

I am sure there are other things to add to all three of these lists, and I of course haven’t mentioned all the great people I’ve met. Inevitably, in my last week, I’ve decided I do quite like my job, having been rather unkeen at other points in the 5 months. But excited for the next stage!

Gotta dash, only 3 more days to fill with cheese and croissants…

With only 2 and a bit more weeks left here, I thought I would post some of my other photos from the last few months. I have taken a lot on the iPhone which is great for amusing sights such as meals made with mad Russians and packs of Rohypnol on tram floors (yep.) but sadly not great for general memories to cherish forever…. Thankfully my aged DSLR and ancient OM10 also got a few trips out, and here are a few of my favourites.

Maria at the Croix-Rousse, with free city tour gathering a huge crowd in the background…

This fellow was being harassed at the Christmas market. One child would not stop asking his father what would happen if he were to fall in to the pen…

Could a building be more French…

Also from Lyon – the Yoko Ono installation mentioned in the previous post!

Last weekend I ticked off something else from my list and went up the Bastille (along with all the rest of Grenoble and their children and dogs) to see the snow capped mountains yada yada. However I had forgotten that a beautiful day in Grenoble means HAZE everywhere, but it was a nice trip nonetheless….

Seriously hazy

Slightly creepy shot of this couple. They’ll never know…

I am going to miss this. (I can see part of this view from my room)

Lyon x2 and List

After not having visited Lyon for the whole of the first 3 months, and having accepted  I was probably too disorganised to get round to it (/would inevitably prioritise going skiing), I suddenly found myself going to France’s second city twice in just over one week.

The first was a Friday night to Saturday early morning without sleeping club kinda deal… the second was the Fête de la Lumière, where millions descend on the centre of the city for 3 days to see all sorts of kinds of lights and art. The first probably requires less explanation but involved a German, a Frenchie and 2 Brits drinking very unclassily and mistaking a person’s house for a bar, and essentially crashing a party to go to the loo. And when we got back into Grenoble in the morning, it was snowing like mad. Thoroughly confusing.

This did mean I had an opportunity to refresh my mind about the layout of the centre of Lyon, after having visited during interrailing 2 and a half years ago. This was very useful for the Sunday after, when Maria and I arrived via co-voiturage at one of Lyon’s main rail stations, having been told that trying to get the metro during the Fête de la Lumière was literally the worst idea ever, and we would be stuck/crushed/die etc etc. So we spent from 12 to 9 on foot, walking around the city. After wandering around the Christmas market (where they charged the big city price of €2.50 for their vin chaud as apposed to Grenoble’s modest €2) we found a hot dog in one of the squares, Bellecour. We then tried to find some of the Lyon Biennale art work…. we weren’t overly impressed as all we could find was some photos of rotting apples and an odd Yoko Ono installation. But then super modern art is generally lost on me anyway…

We walked up to the Croix Rousse, which I was, as I remembered, very hipster… I’m talking ‘English pub’ with DJ, vintage pop up shop outside and the oh so classic name of ‘The Dog’s Bollocks’. We spent a while in one of the many bookshops and then went in search of seating and heating…. which obviously proved weirdly difficult to find once you start looking for it. After walking across the river we found the Old Town and the Museum of Miniature which was probably the best thing I saw in the whole of Europe when I interrailed in 2011. (Am I exaggerating? You decide…) It was ludicrously touristy though, and you could barely move for people. But it was starting to get dark so we went searching for all these mysterious lights. The first thing we saw was a sort of story about a boy and all sorts of magic, all projected on the beautiful Musée des Beaux Arts… Fairly impossible to describe, so I’m afraid I won’t try… But they post the videos on the website! http://www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr/Galerie-Video-2013?nom_tech=galerie_video_2013&page=Galerie-Video-2013

After many hours of being outdoors and pushed around and walking past about 300 stands selling crepes/waffles/marrons/tartiflette, we went for…. Fish & Chips. Proper English Fish and Chips. No shame, it was amazing.

We eventually managed to find our return co-voiturage and I slept all the way back to Grenoble… I don’t know if that is good co-voiturage behaviour but I really didn’t have a choice… Overall it was a brilliant day and I am very glad we actually made the effort to go… plus, it meant I could well and truly tick off a few things from my LIST of THINGS to DO before I LEAVE. This was because I realised I only have 3 more weekends in Grenoble before I leave at the beginning of February, so I need to get cracking…

To do before leaving Grenoble 

• Travel by co-voiturage
• Drink chartreuse
• Eat a Tacos (no, not a Mexican tacos)
• Go back up the Bastille to see it in winter
• Eat a raclette (or 5)
• Go out to a restaurant to eat
• Go to the cinema and see a French film (so far been to cinema twice…once to see an Italian film, once to see an American film. oops)
• Cook up an enormous fried breakfast (and persuade my housemate that chips do NOT form part of an English breakfast… but I can’t imagine I’ll find hash browns here so maybe we’ll allow it)
• Do something CULTURAL (to erase the awful memory of seeing a ballet of Carmen that was just so. so. bad. and expensive!!)
• Go back to Pain & Cie and maybe even eat like all the meals of one day there. But that might be pushing it, both financially and just… generally)
• Go skiing at least 2 more times (its ok I’m going tomorrow.)

Well it doesn’t want me to post photos. So no photos. Next time!

Office life

As I have been here for 3 and a bit months now, I thought it was time to write a bit about my work. I am working for Kis Photo-Me Group in the oh-so depressing town of Echirolles, just outside Grenoble. Kis is a leader in the photo-finishing industry (eh? you say) which means they make machines for professional photographers, as well as being twinned with Photomaton (PhotoMe to us Brits) and so dealing with the cabins which take your passport photos… However, as everyone knows (particularly my colleagues…) the photography industry is changing, and less and less people want to buy what Kis manufactures. Hence the slightly confusing presence of things like industrial sized washing machines, wine storage and solar powered lamps around the factory.

But what is MY job?

An excellent question, with a never quite defined answer. I believe the word ‘marketing’ was used a few times around the start of the internship, but I haven’t got any clearer idea than that. However the lack of specific role does mean I’ve done a bit of everything, and learnt about pretty much every section of this endearingly disorganised company…

For example, tasks range from compiling excel spreadsheets analysing transport costs, creating presentations of products, writing a market research study and also a great deal of filing and menial folding tasks. I am still an intern afterall… 

Overall I am glad I decided to work here in France, but I don’t wake up every morning filled with enthusiasm for my job. My mentor/boss clearly loves her job, and once said the day she didn’t want to go to work was the day she’d look for something new; that approach to work is something I am determined to find in the future.

Due to lack of photos (as I am cheekily writing this from the office… its a slow day…) I thought I’d make some lists to summarise…

Things I like about working here:

• Everyone is very nice, and the initial awkwardness related to cheek-kissing has passed (yes it definitely took at least 2 months)
• I get some awesome mountain views on the cycle in (on the days when the cloud has not descended over the entirety of Grenoble that is..)
• I have already formulated some cracking CV phrases relating to team work, facing challenges in the workplace and other such valuable jargon.
• I’ve certainly escaped the Erasmus student bubble, meeting people who I would never have encountered otherwise.
• Office gossip is universal…sadly nothing hugely juicy happens here, but some cliques/tensions are visible nonetheless!
• Lunch. Weekends. Coffee breaks. Bank holidays. Working really makes you appreciate things you took for granted…

What it has taught me so far: (not the CV-appropriate version)

• Sales is not for me. I can not get past the fact that if someone does not wish to buy a thing, THAT IS THEIR RIGHT. Attempts to sell things have lead to much blabbering and feeling uncomfortable.
• I think I like black coffee with no sugar. But I’m not entirely sure…
• Evenings are PRECIOUS and WONDERFUL as are weekends.
• In the future I want a job which necessitates at least a bit of STANDING UP. I often go to the loo which is on the whole other side of the factory floor in order to move around.
• The French take very long lunches. Nothing is expected to happen between ‘midi et deux’ even though I’m pretty sure we’re only meant to have one hour, not two…

I’m sure there is lots more, but nothing springs to mind right now. I should certainly get back to doing work instead of writing about it…. This afternoon – spending some quality time with my good friend Excel….

Blogging is a nightmare. Is this thing that happened interesting?! Or was it a very much you-had-to-be-there event? Is my sense of humour shared by anyone else? However I realise one common feature is it is meant to be at least fairly regular, so here goes.

This week I left Grenoble – twice! And visited both the NORTH of France and the WEST. Having not left the bowl that includes Grenoble and its suburbs till now, it was all quite exciting to depart far and wide twice in one week. The first was to go to Paris! (Gasp of excitement! What glamour! Paris!!) However this was not the case. Oh no. I attended the Salon de la Photo at an exhibition hall in the 15th arrondissement. It was one day of setting up the Salon that my company was taking part in, and the next of trying to sell our products to punters and pros who came to the salon. The salon itself was ENORMOUS and every big player in photography had a stand – just opposite us was Canon and to the left was Nikon. Pretty cool. It was great for my French, and as a people watching experience. I did not figure the world of photography to be so full of weirdos, I must admit. Two instances…

1) My company is famous for making the photobooths for passport photos, and we have recently expanded to making photobooths for events. One of these was available to test by pros (cue me spending all day sending over excited teenage girls packing, after they tried to tell me they were actually professional photographers) around 4 o’clock (I was flagging) an elderly lady who would not have been the least bit out of place in the 1970s was having a mare with the machine. She did not comprehend the concept of a countdown, and was taking terrible photos…so she blamed the machine. And me. Apparently it is my fault that an untested machine was allowed to be displayed to the public… 

2) Theives. Many things at Salons are free samples. However if there is only one, and it is attached to the stand, it is probably not a free sample. I had to chase a man down who had stolen a small hemp tote bag and stuffed it very unsubtly into another very similar, but larger, bag from another stand. 

I left very glad that I wasn’t there for the whole Salon, and also even more convinced that my future does not lie in sales…but it was a great experience and I can now say I have been on a legit business trip! 

Then, I went WEST. At 4am on Saturday morning I cycled through the rain to the bus station, hopped on a bus to Lyon, flew to Bordeaux and was met by Zoe, all in all arriving on the other side of France before most people had woken up – had a lovely day eating Bolognaise and roquefort pizza, shopping for yellow face paint and disturbing Frenchies by talking all the way around a museum… Was great to see Jenny, Emma, Catt and Sara and catch up on life in Bordeaux. Saturday night was a great costume party mixing French and English, and managed a solid 24 hours between proper sleeping… Sunday was spent with my old French pen friend Zoe, with lunch in one of the 100-odd Irish/English pubs in Bordeaux (the French really can’t get enough of them) and more aimless wandering around the city. 

It really is an incredibly beautiful city, and as with the last time I visited, almost exactly a year ago, I found myself questioning why I hadn’t chosen to go there for my year abroad… BUT I returned to Lyon & Grenoble in beautiful but crisp sunshine after leaving a rainy Bordeaux, and there was snow on all the surrounding mountains. All was well, I am exactly where I should be… 

This looks very Parisian!

Cool cafe decor

Exciting new Bordelais bridge

I won’t leave it so long to blog next time! 

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Krasnodar travel guide

Krasnodar tourism | krasnodar guide, you're going to love krasnodar.

Krasnodar was founded in 1794 by Black Sea Cossacks to guard Russia's southern border. Today it is one of the most important cultural centers in Southern Russia, with a diverse population of 775,000. It has renovated tsarist-era buildings and pleasant streets lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars, earning the city the title of 'Little Paris'.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Krasnodar

Krasnodar has some great museums and galleries including the Krasnodar Regional Art Museum Of Kovalenko and Museum of Military Technologies Oruzhie Pobedy.

2. Monuments

The city's many monuments tell the tale of Krasnodar, from the Monument to Catherine the Great to the Monument to Kuban Cossacks.

Relax in one of the city's many green spaces, including Rozhdestvenskiy Park of Culture and Leisure and the City Botanical Garden.

4. Krasnaya Street

Take an evening stroll on Krasnaya Street, which closes to the traffic and comes alive with revelers, becoming the city's nightlife center.

5. Make a Splash

Take a dip at one of Krasnodar's water parks, Equator Aquapark and Aqualand Waterpark.

What to do in Krasnodar

1. a dazzling array of russian masterpieces.

The oldest art gallery in the Caucasus region, and still the largest, the Kovalenko is Krasnodar's artistic jewel. Its mission is fairly simple: giving a panoramic impression of Russian art from the early days of "the Rus" in the medieval era, to 19th century realism, Soviet Constructivism, and more recent post-modern innovators. This means that there are plenty of Orthodox icons and evocative landscapes on display, and much for fans of Russian art to discover.

2. A Serene Spiritual Survivor

The center of the Kuban Orthodox eparchy (essentially like a diocese), the beautiful cathedral of St. Catherine was built in the 1890s but has the feel of a much older building. Slated for demolition in the dark days of Stalinism to use its bricks for homes, the cathedral endured (while Krasnodar's other cathedral, the Alexander Nevsky, was flattened). Nowadays, it's a serene spiritual hub where visitors can expect to be warmly welcomed whenever they arrive. And, if you're really lucky, you may even get a chance to ring the church's bells.

3. Tanks For The Recommendation!

One of the more outlandish museums in the Caucasus, the Museum of the Weapons of Victory is located in Victory Park, right next to the River Kuban. Dedicated to the heroes of the Red Army during World War Two, it includes a bombastic collection of tanks and artillery - both vital tools in seminal battles like Kursk, which turned back the Nazi advance into Central Asia. A timely reminder of the pivotal role the area played in the 1940s, it's also great fun to clamber over the giant tanks, and educational, too.

4. Get Soaked In The Summer Sunshine

Literally translated as "Sunny Island", Solnechny Ostrov is where locals tend to go for relaxation, particularly when the Caucasian summers really take their toll. Part of the reason is the waterpark, which is the ideal place to cool off, especially if you have a few kids in your party. But the area is also home to Safari Park, Krasnodar's main zoo, where you can meet over 120 types of animal. And if that's not enough, there's also a monument to trailblazing cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.

5. A Small But Powerful Historical Attraction

Located in the center of Krasnodar and designed on a modest scale, the Felitsyn Museum provides an essential history lesson for anyone who wants to get to grips with the city's past. There's an arresting archaeological exhibition going all the way back to the era of nomadic tribes, information about the region's iconic Cossack warriors, as well as sections on the Russian Civil War, which took place right after the Revolution in 1917. You might think of Krasnodar as a backwater before visiting the Felitsyn, but its collections will set you straight. It's a city that has been at the heart of world history.

Where to Eat in Krasnodar

Borshberry on Krasnaya Street is a good place to sample the local borsch and beer, while Skotina Meat Restaurant on Suvorova Street serves excellent steak and meat dishes. You will pay around ₽400 for dinner in a budget cafe and ₽800 in a mid-range restaurant.

When to visit Krasnodar

Krasnodar has a humid subtropical climate but cold winters. Summer temperatures of around 75 degrees make it a good time to visit.

How to Get to Krasnodar

Krasnodar International Airport (KRR) lies around eight miles to the east of the city center. It has domestic flights from most major Russian cities and international services from Vienna and Dubai. A taxi into the city will cost around ₽500 and the number seven trolleybus costs ₽23.

There are regular train services from Novorossiysk, Rostov-on-Don, and Volgograd. The fare from Volgograd is ₽900.

The M4 connects Krasnodar with Rostov-on-Don to the north, while the E50 connects the city with the Caspian Sea to the east.

There are regular buses to Krasnodar from Novorossiysk, Sochi, and Rostov-on-Don. The fare from Novorossiysk is ₽350.

Airports near Krasnodar

Airlines serving krasnodar, where to stay in krasnodar.

Shukhov Hostel on Kalinina enjoys a central location and has modern dorm accommodation. The Hilton Garden Inn on Krasnaya Street offers luxury and good amenities.

Popular Neighborhoods in Krasnodar

Tsentralnyy Okrug - this is in the center of the city and has some of the city's best architecture and wide boulevards.

Prikubanskiy Okrug - this is a modern, mainly residential area to the north of the city center. It has good shopping and plenty of green areas.

Karasunskiy Okrug - this is a pretty neighborhood of parks on the banks of the Kuban River. It has some of the city's better hotels.

Where to stay in popular areas of Krasnodar

Most booked hotels in krasnodar, how to get around krasnodar, public transportation.

The city has a good network of buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Fares are from ₽30.

Taxis charge an initial fare of ₽52.50 and then ₽25 per mile.

Krasnodar has a decent road network and generally light traffic. Car rental costs from around ₽2,500 per day.

The Cost of Living in Krasnodar

Shopping streets.

The bazaar at Vostochniy Rinok is the place for local goods and produce, while Galaktika on Stasova Street is a large mall with lots of fashion, sports, and technology shops.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk in Krasnodar costs ₽44, while a loaf of bread is ₽25.

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My Secret to Weeks of Free Lodging in Europe

I wanted to stay in apartments or houses—but i was a brand-new college grad on a budget.

This is One Thing , a column with tips on how to live.

After I graduated from college, I knew I wanted to travel for a few months, so I secured a part-time job that could be done remotely. I didn’t want to do my work shifts from a hostel bunk bed or random cafés that stayed open late. (I’d be in Europe, thanks to an EU passport, and my gig was based in the states.) Paying for Airbnbs the entire trip would eat up way too much of my paychecks. It was kismet that just as I was starting to plan my travels, my friend sent me a video about a couple traveling the world and dog-sitting along the way, using an app called Trusted Housesitters .

As an avid dog lover, I thought it was perfect. I paid a little over $100 to make an account, then started browsing housesits around the world. I adorned my profile with pictures of me and the various dogs in my life, and applied for opportunities across the ocean. Before I had even left the United States, I had three gigs set up: I’d spend about 10 days in Scotland and Wales, then three weeks in Amsterdam.

Just like when setting up drinks through a dating app, you do have to be vigilant and pay attention for red flags when talking to potential hosts. My stay in Scotland was less than ideal for many reasons—the situation could have been easily avoided if I had listened to my gut and declined that gig. (The app does do background checks, and there’s an opportunity for both sides to leave reviews, meaning you don’t go in completely unaware.) But the other dog-sits were fantastic. One experience went so well that last fall, I returned to Amsterdam to once again to dog-sit Pretzel, a lovely Maltipoo, while her parents got married and went on their honeymoon.

Although I opted for longer sits abroad, there is also the option to just watch a furry friend stateside for a weekend. (If you do go internationally, be mindful that you might potentially need a work visa.) I just checked the app, and as I’m writing this, there are opportunities available in cities that include Austin, Atlanta, and Boulder.

Of course, you have the responsibility of taking care of someone else’s dog—you need to do some planning and can’t just leave the pet alone all day, and the owners don’t pay you. But the free accommodations feel like a fair exchange to me. I also love that many of the dog-sit locations are in more residential areas, so you’re able to experience local life in whatever city you’re in. Plus, you get to hang with a cute dog. What could be better?

Update, April 29, 2024: This piece has been updated to clarify the documentation needed to housesit internationally.

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Krasnodar city, Russia

The capital city of Krasnodar krai .

Krasnodar - Overview

Krasnodar is a large city located in the south of European Russia, the administrative center of Krasnodar Krai. This city is a major economic and cultural center of the North Caucasus and the Southern Federal District, the center of the historical and geographical region of Kuban.

The population of Krasnodar is about 974,000 (2022), the area - 339 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 861, the postal codes - 350000-350921.

Krasnodar city flag

Krasnodar city coat of arms.

Krasnodar city map, Russia

Krasnodar city latest news and posts from our blog:.

13 September, 2021 / Park "Krasnodar" - one of the best parks in Russia .

4 April, 2019 / Cities of Russia at Night - the Views from Space .

14 April, 2018 / Parus (Sail) Rock - a natural monument near Gelendzhik .

21 December, 2016 / Flying over diverse Russia .

29 October, 2016 / Krasnodar - the view from above .

More posts..

News, notes and thoughts:

23 September, 2018   / Russian Federal State Statistics Service officially recognized Krasnodar as the 16th city of Russia in which more than one million people live. September 22, 2018, the symbolic certificate confirming this was presented to the head of the city at the concert dedicated to the 225th anniversary of Krasnodar.

History of Krasnodar

Foundation of yekaterinodar.

According to the results of the West Caucasian archaeological expedition, in the center of Krasnodar, in the area of the park “City Garden”, a large settlement of the Maeotians was discovered, which had existed here from the 4th or 3rd century BC. Also, near Krasnodar (on the territory of the village of Yelizavetinskaya), on the banks of the Kuban River, there was an ancient town of the Bosporan Kingdom (438 BC - 370 AD) with fortifications.

In 1792, Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, issued a Charter of Appreciation to the Black Sea Cossack Army, according to which the Kuban land, limited by the Kuban River and the Sea of Azov, was given to the Cossacks, who served and lived here. Cossacks began to move to the fertile Kuban land after the annexation of the Western Ciscaucasia to the Russian Empire as a result of the Russo-Turkish wars of the second half of the 18th century.

In 1793, the Black Sea Cossacks founded a military camp named Yekaterinodar (literally meaning “Catherine’s gift”). According to the census of 1794, 586 people lived in Yekaterinodar. The main street was named Krasnaya meaning “beautiful”. The second meaning of this word is “red”, which saved the street from renaming in the Soviet period. By 1802, the population increased to about 6,000 people.

But soon the growth of this fortified settlement practically stopped due to a decree prohibiting peasants, “newcomers and nonresident people, that is, not Cossacks”, from acquiring land and real estate in Yekaterinodar. The burdens of the Caucasian War (1817-1864) also impeded its development and restrained population growth. In 1830, near the Kuban, brick production began for the construction of different administrative buildings in Yekaterinodar. In 1856, the population of Yekaterinodar was about 8,900 people.

More historical facts…

Yekaterinodar - an important city of the Russian Empire

In 1860, according to the decree of Emperor Alexander II, the Black Sea Cossack Army was renamed the Kuban Cossacks. Yekaterinodar became the center of Kuban. In 1867, after the Caucasusian War, Yekaterinodar received the status of a town and its coat of arms. Resettlement restrictions were lifted.

In the 1870s-1880s, in connection with the construction of the Tikhoretsk - Yekaterinodar - Novorossiysk Railway, the town turned into a large commercial, industrial, and transport center of the North Caucasus region. Merchants began to settle here.

In 1888, about 43,500 people lived in Yekaterinodar. There were 8 churches and 1 cathedral, 7 hotels, 3 restaurants, 110 taverns, 250 shops, as well as 80 factories, 3 printing houses, and 1 tobacco factory in the city. In 1897, more than 65,000 people lived in Yekaterinodar. Connected by railway lines to the ports of the Black and Azov Seas, it became the railway center of Kuban.

The development of the heavy industry of Yekaterinodar began in the early 20th century. In 1911, a metal processing plant was built. In 1915, an iron foundry and other plants working on Donetsk metal and coal were commissioned. An oil refinery was established to process oil from the Maikop oil field discovered in 1909. In 1914, the population of Yekaterinodar was about 102,200 people.

During the Civil War in the territory of the former Russian Empire, Yekaterinodar de facto became the capital of the anti-Bolshevik White South of Russia.

Krasnodar in the 20th century and beyond

On December 7, 1920, Yekaterinodar was renamed to Krasnodar (literally “red gift”) with the following justification sent by local authorities to Moscow: “We consider the name Yekaterinodar to be reminiscent of slave times, completely meaningless in the republic of labor forever freed from the descendants of Catherine and their henchmen. In this regard, we ask to call the city Krasnodar.” In 1923, the population of Krasnodar was about 144,000 people.

The cultural life of Krasnodar noticeably changed in the 1930s. Gorky Drama Theater and the Operetta Theater were opened in the city. In 1933, an airport was opened in Krasnodar. On September 13, 1937, North Caucasus Krai was divided into Krasnodar Krai with a center in Krasnodar and Rostov Oblast with a center in Rostov-on-Don.

During the Second World War, Krasnodar was occupied by German troops from August 9, 1942 to February 12, 1943. Retreating from the city, German troops blew up and set fire to most of the central part of Krasnodar. After the war, the city was restored, the construction of new districts began, but the street layout of the central part of Krasnodar was preserved in the initial form of the early 19th century. In 1959, the population of Krasnodar was about 313,000 people.

In 1973, to ensure the implementation of production and land reclamation measures, a large reservoir was built in the southeastern part of Krasnodar, which also protected the city from spring floods. The population of the city exceeded half a million people.

In the 1990s, former pre-Soviet names were returned to a lot of the city’s streets, although some Soviet street names were also left on street signs. In 1993, Krasnodar celebrated its bicentennial.

After the collapse of the USSR, a decrease of urban population was observed throughout Russia. However, Krasnodar avoided this trend. After 1991, there was a constant increase in the number of residents. This growth has not stopped until now and in the coming years the population of Krasnodar is likely to exceed 1 million people.

Streets of Krasnodar

On the street in Krasnodar

Author: Shamil Khakirov

Traffic in Krasnodar

Author: Sergey Bulanov

Architecture of Krasnodar

Author: Sidorenko Alexey

Krasnodar - Features

Krasnodar stands on the right bank of the Kuban River (the largest river of the North Caucasus), about 160 km from the Black Sea and 150 km from the Sea of Azov, 1,350 km south of Moscow. Unofficially, this city is called the capital of Kuban, as well as the capital of the South of Russia. The City Day of Krasnodar is celebrated on the last Saturday of September.

The city has a favorable economic and geographical position in the Southern Federal District. It is located on the most important highways connecting the center of Russia with the ports of the Black and Azov Seas, as well as the resorts of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. The Krasnodar reservoir, the largest artificial reservoir of the North Caucasus, is located near the city.

The most interesting fact in the geography of Krasnodar is that it is located at the 45th parallel, in the middle between the North Pole and the equator. This latitude is also called the “life line”, since it is believed that at this latitude the climatic conditions are most optimal for people to live.

The climate in Krasnodar is transitional from mild continental to subtropical with long hot summers and mild, moderately warm winters. The average temperature in July is plus 24.1 degrees Celsius, in January - plus 0.6 degrees Celsius. The hottest time of the year is the end of July - the beginning of August, when the temperature can exceed plus 40 degrees Celsius, it is better not to come to Krasnodar at this time.

Among the cities of the Southern Federal District, Krasnodar ranks third in terms of population after Rostov-on-Don and Volgograd. Krasnodar is a city of Russia, which population is growing: the influx of economic migrants from all over the Russian North Caucasus and the countries of the Caucasus, as well as the resettlement of people from the regions of the Far North of Russia and other regions.

Krasnodar is one of the largest economic centers in Russia. Food and processing industries are the most developed in the city, including the production of foodstuffs, tobacco products, vehicles, equipment, mineral fertilizers, rubber and plastic products, printing and chemical products, oil refining. The export from Krasnodar is dominated by food products.

This city is a major transport hub in the south of Russia. The territory of Krasnodar is crossed by four directions of railways, two highways of federal significance. The Krasnodar International Airport offers regular flights to a number of cities in Russia, countries of near and far abroad. Urban transport is represented by buses, trams, and trolleybuses.

A lot of tourists consider Krasnodar as a transit point on the way to sea resorts, undeservedly ignoring city attractions. And it is completely in vain, since the capital of Kuban has a considerable number of rather interesting places. There are picturesque streets and squares that are pleasant to walk along, several parks, theaters, museums, magnificent cathedrals, and monuments.

Kuban cuisine combines several cultures: Ukrainian, Russian, Uzbek, and Caucasian. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants in Krasnodar offering such traditional dishes as borsch, pancakes, dumplings, pies, etc.

Main Attractions of Krasnodar

Krasnaya Street - the central street of Krasnodar with movie theaters, restaurants, museums, shops, monuments. Musicians and artists perform on this street, souvenirs and gifts are sold here. This is a great place to start exploring Krasnodar.

Art Museum named after F. A. Kovalenko - an exhibition gallery of the early 20th century, the oldest museum of its kind in the North Caucasus. This museum has about 13 thousand exhibits: paintings, objects of arts and crafts, graphics, sculpture. Iconography of various schools is also widely shown. Krasnaya Street, 13.

Historical and Archaeological Museum named after E.D. Felitsyn . The museum has collections of paleontology, numismatics, ethnography, black-lacquered and red-lacquered ancient Greek ceramics, examples of jewelry art, exhibits on the settlement of the Kuban Cossacks of the 18th century. There is also a collection of weapons from the Stone Age to the present. This museum has one of the best collections of Polovtsian sculptures in the world. Gimnazicheskaya Street, 67.

Museum of Retro Cars . In this private museum located in the south of Krasnodar, you can see dozens of unique vintage cars. Here you can also see perfectly preserved classic Soviet cars. Voronezhskaya Street, 124.

Museum of Military Equipment “Arms of Victory” - an open-air exhibition in the Park of Culture and Rest named after the 30th anniversary of Victory, which is a collection of military vehicles of the Second World War period and later period: the T-34 tank, the ISU-152 self-propelled gun, the M-261 submarine, BTR-40, BRDM-2, and other military equipment. Beregovaya Street, 146.

The Bridge of Kisses - a small cable-stayed bridge over one of the creeks of the Kuban River built to attract visitors to a remote part of the park of the 30th anniversary of Victory. Over time, it became popular with newlyweds and couples in love, which is why it got this name.

Ocean Park Oceanarium - one of the largest oceanariums in the south of Russia. Aquariums are located on an area of 3 thousand square meters, they are inhabited by about 200 representatives of marine fauna: stingrays, piranhas, sharks, turtles, lobsters, exotic fish, mammals. Uralskaya Street, 98/11.

The Krasnodar City Garden - the oldest natural and historical monument of the city, a landscape park with picturesque alleys, flower beds, walking paths, and fountains. The pride of this park is four 600-year-old oaks, miraculously preserved to this day. Postovaya Street, 34.

Sunny Island Park - the largest park in Krasnodar and one of the best places to rest in the city. It is a small island located in the eastern part of the city with a developed infrastructure, a large number of various rides, sports grounds. There is also a private zoo (Safari Park) here in which, in addition to animals, you can see sculptures of dinosaurs.

St. Catherine’s Cathedral (1900-1914) - the main church of the Yekaterinodar and Kuban diocese. It was decided to build this cathedral in 1889 - one year after the crash of the royal train, when members of the imperial family miraculously survived. Shortly before the crash, Emperor Alexander III visited Yekaterinodar with his wife and sons. In the 1930s, when a lot of churches were destroyed, Ivan Malgerb, the architect of the cathedral, convinced local authorities to preserve the building. Kommunarov Street, 52.

St. George’s Church (1903) - a picturesque church which, unlike other churches of Krasnodar, has never been closed. This five-domed church in the Byzantine style with traditional onion domes immediately became not only a place of worship, but also one of the main attractions of Yekaterinodar. Mitrofana Sedina Street, 170.

Holy Trinity Cathedral (1910). This majestic red-brick building crowned with green and gilded domes is one of the most beautiful buildings in Krasnodar. Frunze Street, 65.

The Shukhov Water Tower - a picturesque water tower designed by engineer Vladimir Shukhov as part of the city water system in the 1930s. The design is an openwork cylinder “woven” of inclined metal rods fastened with rivets. The height of the structure is 25 meters. Today, the tower is not used for its intended purpose. It is an object of cultural heritage located at the intersection of Volodi Golovatogo and Rashpilevskaya streets.

Krasnodar city of Russia photos

Pictures of krasnodar.

Krasnodar street view

Author: Leonid Yurchenko

Apartment buildings in Krasnodar

The Legislative Assembly of Krasnodar Krai

Author: Kudinov D.M.

Sights of Krasnodar

Monument to the defenders of the Kuban sky during World War II (2 MIG-21 aircraft) in Krasnodar (Turgeneva Street, 181)

Author: Vasily Afonin

Holy Trinity Cathedral in Krasnodar

Author: Evgeny Pertsev

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Krasnodar

Author: Evgeny Sheredeka

The questions of our visitors

The comments of our visitors.

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Cost of Living in Krasnodar, Russia

How much does it cost to live in krasnodar.

Krasnodar is one the most important historical and cultural centers of Southern Russian and it’s an important tourist destination.

All the tsar-era buildings that have been recently renovated are what makes the city very pretty, and most travelers only need a day or two to visit all important sights of the city.

Cost of living is cheap compared to Moscow , though the people living here have salaries up to twice lower than in many other cities, especially Moscow or St. Petersburg .

A decent, comfortable life in Krasnodar, without splurging on unnecessary things, would cost around 210$ per month.

Russia : Cost of Living by City

• Chelyabinsk
• Kaliningrad
• Nizhny Novgorod
• Novosibirsk
• Rostov-na-donu
• Saint Petersburg
• Yekaterinburg

RESTAURANTS

Krasnodar is developing fast, so there’s a huge number of eateries, bars, entertaining facilities at one’s disposal. A cup of good cappuccino in a downtown coffee-shop will cost you 3$. As for places to eat, you can chose from a variety of places to go to, plenty of restaurants are concentrated in a street called Krasni Partisan, where you can try local Russian dishes. The cheapest restaurants will offer meals for only 6$.

You’ll need around 45$ for food, per month, if you prefer buying groceries and cooking for yourself. Fruits and vegetables are cheaper than in most other cities of Russia. You can also find fresh produce and fish in open markets that pop up daily all throughout the city. It’s always fresh, and usually much cheaper than the produce in supermarkets.

TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation is rather bad in Krasnodar: there’s no subway, there are constant traffic jams and buses have a schedule that’s really hard to follow due to traffic conditions. However, since you’ll probably have to use public transport, the good thing is that it’s rather cheap. A one-way ticket costs only 0.40$, while a monthly pass is around 20$.

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

Utilities in Krasnodar are very cheap, probably cheaper than in most other Russian cities. For an apartment of 85m2 all basic utilities, including electricity, gas, garbage services, heating and cooling cost only around 87$. Calls to landlines from mobile phones are more expensive than calls to other mobile phones. The coverage is good in the city center and the tariffs very cheap. Internet works great in most houses and cafes.

SPORTS & LEISURE

The nature of the Krasnodar region is attractive for hiking, day or weekend trips and gateways with its two seas, mountains, lakes and forests. Here you can practice sports outside whenever you want to, especially because the weather is so nice here. But, if you’re more into inside sports, you can become a member of a gym or a fitness club for only 30$ a month. There are also many cinemas and other leisure opportunities throughout the city. A cinema ticket costs around 4$.

CLOTHING & SHOES

There are close to 20 entertainment complexes in Krasnodar that are open 24 hours/day. These complexes usually include bowling alleys, shopping centers, video arcades, casinos, and restaurants. They are all located in downtown, Krasnaya street. For instance, you can visit Galaktika mall, for a more Western-style shopping experience. This mall includes hundreds of clothing stores, where you can buy quality jeans for around 57$!

RENT PER MONTH

Rents can get pretty high in Krasnodar: a decent single bedroom apartment will cost you at least 250$ a month, though it does largely depend on your exact location and the size of your apartment. An apartment located in the city center will cost no less than 310$, while a one-bedroom flat somewhere further away can be found for 210$.

Cost of Living Averages Table for Krasnodar

How does the average person spend their money in krasnodar.

Like in most cities, the people of Krasnodar spend the biggest part of their incomes on food and groceries.

For the people living in Krasnodar, the biggest financial burden, apart from food is definitely rent.

Restaurants are on the third place on the list of biggest expenses here, and this makes sense too since many people eat there every day, three times a day.

Transportation is also an important expense for everyone since it has to be paid, whether you use your private car or public transport.

Apparel is the least of all expenses, like in most countries, but it’s very close in percentages to the utility expenses.

Average Costs Breakdown

Krasnodar: average salary, minimum wage & mortgages.

The average salary in Krasnodar is relatively low, taking into consideration the rents and the prices of utilities, transportation and other expenses.

However, the people that moved in here for work or other reasons, are usually excited and optimistic about living here, even though their salaries are twice lower in Krasnodar than in their home cities.

Minimum wage in Krasnodar is around 220$ which, although higher than in many other smaller cities of Russia, can definitely be a problem for the residents of this city, since it isn’t even enough to cover all basic needs.

Cost of Living by City in Krasnodar

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