Packing Toiletries for a Week or Weekend Away

Packing toiletries for a week or a weekend away

My favoured method is to use a bag that I can hang up in the bathroom of my hotel. This saves time on arrival, and is convenient when a vacation involves moving from place to place.

My bag measures roughly 53cm (21") top to bottom by 29cm (11 and ½") from side to side when it is opened out. When it is fully packed with my toiletries, and rolled up ready for the suitcase, it measures approximately 50 cm (19 and ½") in circumference - that's packed full.

I paid about £15 for my bag at an independent chemist (drug store). You could probably find something similar in a department store, or from Land's End or an on-line luggage shop.

Of course, you could just pack your toiletries in plastic bags and distribute them around your suitcase. Make sure that you have wrapped any liquids so that they will not leak and spoil your holiday wardrobe.

Because I travel frequently, my travel bag is kept packed and ready to go.

I save any free samples that might come in handy for my travel bag. (Try to stick with tried and trusted products.) I buy quite a few travel items from Liz Earle, because all of her products (at least the ones I use) are available in small sizes. See http://www.lizearle.com/

Many chemists (drug stores) have a large range of travel-sized products. They may also sell empty pots and bottles that are useful for decanting your favourite toiletries and beauty products.

When flying, it is best to pack your toiletries in the case that will travel in the luggage hold. If you are flying from the United Kingdom, I strongly advise that you check on the government's Department for Transport website: www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity/. If you are starting from another country, check with your airline to get up to date advice.

Knowing the rules (and following them) could save you a lot of stress on the day of travel.

Remember, if you are travelling to another country, the regulations that apply to your return journey may be different! I suggest that you try to find out what they are before you travel. If you cannot find the information on the Internet, your airline may be able to help.

Here's a list of what I pack, which you might want to use as a check list:

____ Toothbrush (in a case)

____ Toothpaste

____ Dental floss

____Stretch hair band (to hold your hair back while cleaning your face)

____Eye lotion or eye make-up remover

____Face cleanser

____Skin toner

____Moisturiser

____Body wash (I know - hotels provide soap -I like my regular product.)

____Eye cream

____Deodorant

____Contact lens solution and case, plus spare pair of lenses

____Shampoo

____Cotton wool pads

____Razor (I keep the blade wrapped)

____Disposable plastic shower cap (sometimes 2 or 3)

____Soluble aspirin

____Plasters (lovely if feet get blistered)

____Antiseptic cream

____Scent

____Emergency sewing kit

____Orange wood stick

____Cotton buds

____Sun cream (regardless of temperature - if its going to be sunny and snowy I take an extra-high SPF for my face)

You may want to add other hair products to this list.

When you get home

If you do not keep a travel bag packed, remember to put your toiletries back in their normal place. If you have decanted products into smaller bottles or pots, you may like to use these up at home, and then wash out the containers, ready for your next trip.

Make sure your bag is clean and dry before you put it away.

If you keep a bag packed, remove the contents and make sure that your bag is clean and dry. Take the toothbrush out of its case, give the case a wash and make sure the brush is clean and dry before repacking. If you have decanted products into pots and have been dipping into products with your fingers, it will be more hygienic to use up that supply, and then wash and refill the pot. Otherwise, repack your bag, making sure to top up items as necessary. Then you're all ready to go again!