Summer means it's time to get away and relax in the sun. Packing can be challenging, whether it's a long-awaited vacation or a weekend trip. You have to decide what the essentials are and how to pack them.
A well-packed toiletry bag can make all the difference in your travel experience. This bag does everything from keeping you refreshed after a long flight to having what you need for a day at the beach. We're going to explore what to put in a toiletry bag for your summer travel plans so you can start enjoying your trip without the stress or hassle of missing an essential.
What Essential Toiletries Do I Need To Pack?
Whether heading to the beach, embarking on a road trip, or simply spending time by the pool, you must pack certain toiletries to keep you comfortable and protected in the summer heat.
Here are some must-have toiletries to add to your packing list:
- Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss
- Deodorant
- Face Moisturizer
- Face wash or cleanser
- Razor
- Makeup remover
- Hairbrush/comb
- Prescription Medications
- Hand sanitizer
These items go on any toiletries packing list, no matter the season. However, summer means a few more products also become travel must-haves.
Sunscreen and SPF Lip Balm
Sunscreen is crucial when going on vacation during the summer. Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is important to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. Nothing can ruin the vibes, like a severe sunburn that makes wearing clothes painful.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and apply it every few hours. Remember your lips because they can get a serious sunburn too. Look for a lip balm that includes SPF. It will keep them moisturized and prevent them from becoming chapped or sunburned.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is a lifesaver if you are prone to sunburns or have sensitive skin. It won't cure your sunburn, but it has cooling qualities that help soothe your skin after a sunburn. The aloe vera gel helps keep the burn less irritated while it heals. You'll want all the relief you can get if you get a sunburn on vacation!
Body Lotion
Even if you don't get a sunburn, you'll still want to apply a daily body lotion. The sun, salt water, pool water, and sweat can all strip your skin of its natural oils. Keeping your skin hydrated and glowing all summer long is essential. Choose a nourishing body lotion that includes ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.
Dry Shampoo
Summertime means you may be sweating or spending your days in high-humidity environments. Dry shampoo can keep your hair looking fresh and clean. It absorbs excess oil and sweat to help you avoid that greasy-hair look. This product will also keep your hair smelling fresh if you don't have time to wash it every night.
Are There Any Other Toiletries I Should Consider Adding?
Certain items may not be essential for everyone but will be for you. It's easy to forget everything you use every day. Here are some travel essentials to consider adding to your toiletry kit as needed:
- Hair care products: Depending on your hair type, you may need to pack certain styling products, hair ties, and hair sprays. Look for TSA-approved travel-sized bottles that will only take up a little space in your carry-on luggage and won't be flagged by airport security.
- Feminine hygiene products: Try to track your period in the months leading up to your vacation. It will help you determine whether you'll need to pack menstrual products or other feminine hygiene items.
- First aid kit: Accidents and illnesses can happen while traveling. It may be smart to pack a small first-aid kit with items such as band-aids, pain relievers, nail clippers, tweezers, and Q-tips. These items may or may not be available depending on where you're going.
- Contact lens solution: A contact lens solution is a must if you wear contacts. You may also want to pack a few extra pairs of contacts even if you don't use daily contact lenses.
- Insect repellent: If you're going to be spending time outside, mosquito and insect repellent are also essential during the summer months. Mosquito bites can be itchy and uncomfortable. Some bugs are even responsible for spreading diseases. Bring a repellent that contains DEET, as this is the most effective ingredient for keeping insects at bay.
Look For Multi-Purpose Products
Space and efficiency are key when it comes to packing your toiletries bag. One way to streamline your routine and make the most of the limited space in your bag is to look for multi-purpose products that can serve multiple purposes.
These types of products can save you time, money, and valuable space in your bag. Instead of packing separate items, you can find a product that serves multiple functions. For example, a tinted moisturizer with SPF can provide hydration, sun protection, and a little coverage. It eliminates the need for three different products.
Conditioner and shampoo bars are another great multi-purpose option for your travel toiletries bag. These solid bars can cleanse and condition your hair all at once. Plus, they are lightweight and take up less space than traditional liquid shampoo and conditioner. You also won't have to worry about spills that can occur with liquid products.
Speaking of products that make a mess, your body wash can be another culprit. Avoid a spill and bring a travel-size buffer infused with body wash. This Spongellé product combines the two products you need to cleanse your body. The travel size is suitable for a minimum of five washes.
In addition to saving space and streamlining your routine, multi-purpose products can also be more environmentally friendly. Choosing products with multiple functions reduces the amount of packaging and waste resulting from these items.
How Should I Organize My Toiletries?
Once you have gathered all your toiletry items, it's time to organize. It can seem challenging, especially when traveling using a small suitcase. However, organizing your bag can be much easier with the right techniques.
The first step is choosing the right toiletry bag to hold your items. Toiletry bags are made with these smaller items in mind. Consider the size and shape of your toiletry bag based on your travel needs. However, you may need a larger bag if you are traveling for a more extended period of time.
Some travel bags even come with travel-size containers. You can decant your full-size products into smaller containers to pack. They will save you a lot of space and prevent you from carrying unnecessary weight.
This method is also helpful for skincare and makeup products that come in large and bulky packaging. You can find small containers at most drugstores and online retailers. Spongellé offers a travel bag to protect your body buffer.
Using packing cubes can be a game-changer when it comes to organizing toiletries. These cubes are made to help people pack efficiently. They also keep your items separated. You can sort your items into groups, such as skincare, hair care, and makeup.
This packing technique makes it easier to find what you need quickly without rummaging through your bag. Packing cubes are a great way to protect your toiletries from spills and leaks.
Tips for Packing Toiletries in a Carry-on Bag
Packing your toiletries in your carry-on bag keeps your essentials with you during your journey. However, knowing the rules and guidelines for bringing toiletries in a carry-on bag is important.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines for bringing toiletries in your carry-on bag. The TSA's 3-1-1 rule states that all liquids, gels, and aerosols can't be larger than 3.4 ounces, and all containers must fit in a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag. Keeping this liquid rule in mind is going to save you the hassle of getting stopped by security. If you have products over 3.4 ounces, they must go in a checked bag.
When packing toiletries in your carry-on bag, separate all liquids and gels from other items, and place them in a clear plastic bag. This step will make it easier for TSA agents to see what you have when you take them out. Try to keep your toiletries bag separate from any clothing or important items. Packing this way will prevent any spills or leaks from damaging your other items.
The TSA rules comply with most security and airline requirements worldwide. The 3-1-1 rule is a standard in almost every country, so it's important to follow. However, if you travel internationally, it's a good idea to look up the rules for the countries you travel to and through.
Travel Ready
These travel tips will ensure you arrive at your destination with all of your toiletry essentials. Bringing sunscreen, personal hygiene items, and hair products can help you stay protected and fresh throughout your trip. Spongellé has multi-purpose products perfect for travel that will keep you clean and nourished.
Sources
Sun Damaged Skin: Sunburn, Melanoma, Carcinoma, and More | Web MD
Aloe Vera for Sunburns: Does It Help? | Cleveland Clinic
Liquids Rule | Transportation Security Administration | Transportation Security Administration
