I am amazed at what people carry with them in their as toiletries. Most, if not all of us take too much.
The more toiletries you take means the more space they take and the more weight they create. You have to carry that weight. These days airlines
are tightening up what you check in . If you are paying for your luggage then, you are paying for those toiletries. Should, you try and take them on board the plane, you may find yourself throwing stuff out because you cannot get the items past security courtesy of the 3-1-1 rule that applies to all US domestic flights and many international flights across the world. This rule limits passengers to
- Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers three oz/ 100 ml or less,
- Items being in one, clear plastic zip-top bag, and
- Only one zip-top bag per passenger.
So my goal and suggestion is to cut back on toiletries. Taking none is impossible. . Here are my 4Rs for travelling with toiletries:
- Reduce what you take to one of every item. Do you really need three body washes, perfumes or aftershaves?
- Remember shampoo, soap and body wash are available in your hotel. The stuff they give away in most 3, 4 and 5 star hotels is perfectly acceptable. No, it may not be the brand you are used to but the point of travel is to try and new things.
- Reassure yourself that most toiletries are available universally around the world. If you are going to backpack in Cuba or Togo, that may be a different proposition. I used to carry around a roll of toilet paper – for years- I never used it.
- Restrict yourself to only buy toiletries that will be allowed on board lanes. 50ml of toothpaste for a trip. Often people buy larger sizes to decant. My experience is most people do it once and give up!
Any tips?
Thank you for this amazing post. I never though that I could use the shampoo in the hotel! Before I read this I thought I needed to take full size bottles shampoo, conditioner and body wash. How foolish do I feel that I would bring 18 different scents to wear for a two day trip. The toilet paper idea is the best. I guess I am such a moron that I would bring an 8 pack of TP with me every time I went on a plane trip!
Does the TSA have a formula to convert ounces by weight into liquid ounces? I’m wondering if my 3 ounce jar of sunscreen will pass.