The Complete Toiletry Packing List: with FREE Printable
When you begin packing for your trip one of the things you know that cannot be left behind is your toiletry bag.
You may think packing a travel toiletries bag is easy. But as you stand in front of your bathroom cabinet at home the prospect of packing your entire grooming supplies into a toiletry kit can be daunting.
You begin to question yourself. Do I really need all these products? Should I buy speciality travel toiletries? How do I fit such large bottles into my bag?
I’m here to help. I have put together this holiday toiletries checklist to help guide you with the essentials you need, what not to pack and how to make it all fit in your grooming organiser. Plus you can get access to the printable toiletries list that you can edit to use again and again for each trip.
In this Article on What to Pack in Your Toiletries Travel Kit You Will Learn:
- How to create the right size toiletry kit
- Essential items to put on your toiletries list
- Extra luxury items you may like to add to your toiletry checklist
- Travel packing tips to pack a lighter toiletry kit and for taking toiletries in carry-on luggage
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Creating a Toiletry Packing List
A few weeks before you travel, start looking at your travel toiletries list (you will find a full toiletry packing list further down and the opportunity to download a free PDF copy). Identify any items that you need to purchase. Next, consider the length of time you will be on vacation, this will help determine the size of the toiletry product that you need to buy.
For example, when I travel for just a couple of days I use what is in my bathroom to create my own travel size toiletry items. To do this I fill empty travel bottles and containers*.
However, if I am travelling for longer I will buy a new tube of toothpaste, new shampoo and conditioner. But not the jumbo economical size. I buy the smaller versions eg 300ml/10oz shampoo. Ok, I could buy all this once I arrive at my destination, but I don’t want to be thinking about this whilst on a trip.
When you create your travel toiletries kit pack all these items into a waterproof bag. You could just use a plastic shopping bag. However, the best way to pack toiletries is to use a specifically designed toiletry bag, like these toiletry bags* is stronger and provides compartments for you to easily access the desired toiletry item required. This will also ensure the remainder of your travel luggage will stay dry when you repack.
Learn how to choose the…
The Essential Travel Toiletries List
No matter your travel style, or holiday preference, whether you’re male or female, even if you are travelling with the kids you cannot do forget to include these on your list of toiletries. Some of these toiletry products can be shared eg. toothpaste. Others you will need to buy specifically for each person eg. the toothbrush. Basically, think about what you do at home and plan to do the same on your trip.
Pack into your toiletry bag:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower gel (you may not need to pack this if your accommodation provides some.
- This is one of my handy hints on how to pack light)
- Hairbrush/comb
- Hair ties
- Shaver & shaving lotion
- Sanitary items (for women)
You will also find this as part of our…
More Items to Add to Your Toiletries List for Holidays and Vacations
These items aren’t absolutely necessary, they are more personal preference add-ons. Packing these toiletry items may depend on the style of travel and activities you have planned for your trip.
You may like to add these into your toiletries kit:
- Facial cleanser, toner and moisturiser
- Body lotion
- Make-up
- Perfume or aftershave
- Tweezers
- Nailfile
- Scissors
This toiletries packing list is also included in the Ultimate Trip Packing List
You may wish to compliment this with the…
Top Trip Tips: Packing Toiletries for Travel
- If you are travelling with young kids don’t forget to add in their child-friendly versions of these toiletry items.
- You can even get them their own children’s toiletry bag*
- When buying new toiletry products consider how much you will use during the course of your holiday and try to buy the size/amount to match.
- Use travel bottles* to create your own set of mini toiletries
- Only pack one toiletry product for any item you can share eg. toothpaste. This will save space and help you to pack lighter.
- More tips on How to Pack Lighter HERE
- Stay healthy and only use bottled drinking water when brushing your teeth overseas.
- A hanging toiletry bag* is great for use in communal showers. It prevents everything from getting wet.
- If packing toiletries in your carry-on hand luggage ensure each bottle is no larger than 100ml/3.4oz and placed together in a clear zip-lock bag.
With your complete toiletries packed for your trip, you will be looking and smell great throughout your vacation.
Complete your travel packing with these…
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Good list! A couple of things we’ve recently tried are shampoo and conditioner sheets, and toothpaste tablets. They save a bit on room, and are dry, so they don’t have to come out of your bag at security. The sheets are different than dry shampoo, though: once wet, they dissolve into shampoo/conditioner. Good idea, but you have to use a few to get enough shampoo/conditioner to do the job. The toothpaste tablets are great though! Chew on them a bit and then brush as normal. Biggest drawback is that they’re kind of hard to find unless you have a travel store nearby, or shop on Amazon. #TheWeeklyPostcard
I hadn’t heard of these, I had seen laundry washing sheets through. It’s good to know they work Rob and Ann – even if they do take a little getting use to.
My toiletries bag is always very big but I do think you’ve covered the necessities. One thing I would add is sunblock! They sell those in little bottles too, I think. I’m currently carrying a tiny 35g one with SPF130 (SPF50 is fine though!).
Totally agree on the sunblock Michelle. I have it in my Medical packing list (coming soon). But I think I may add it to this list as well as it is so important.
Great list. I have a few of those soft silicone bottles and really like them. My beloved toiletries bag is getting worn out, but I can’t find a replacement that exactly fits all my requirements. My daughter prefers kid toothpaste, but it’s so difficult to find in the travel size. I mentioned that to my dentist, and she luckily gave me a few for free.
That was kind of your dentist Michele. Yes here in Aus you can only get kids toothpaste in one size. Fortunately, it is smaller than the large adult versions.
Nothing missing fro your list of essential toiletries, Sally. Sometimes, depending on the kind of hotel where I’m going, I may not take shampoo and conditioner for my husband (he doesn’t care too much what kind of shampoo he uses). Body lotion is essential however when you have a very dry skin. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Hi Anda, I totally agree about not packing the shampoo and conditioner if the hotels supply some toiletries. I often don’t pack soap or shower gel if they are supplied by the hotel.
I usually always manage with travel size containers and keep them in the plastic bag to make it easier to go through security. The one toiletry that really makes my life easier is dry shampoo, I always bring that along.
I haven’t tried the dry shampoo Anisa. Great to hear that it works. Do you have to then use it every day and how long can you keep going before you really need to wash your hair?
I always pack all my toiletries in a plastic baggie! Best tip I could ever recommend! #TheWeeklyPostcard!
The zip lock bags are great for stopping those spillages through your luggage. Thanks for the tip Lolo 🙂