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Making a Toilet Bag Travel List
Three years ago, I watched my sister unpack an entire pharmacy from her suitcase at our Barcelona Airbnb, full-size everything, backup bottles, and “emergency” products she never once touched.
That moment changed the way I pack forever.
Since then, I have refined my toiletries routine across dozens of trips through Europe, Asia, and beyond.
I have made every mistake possible, exploded shampoo bottles, confiscated liquids at security, and bags so heavy my shoulder ached before I even reached the gate.
So believe me when I say, I have done the hard work so you don’t have to.
This post is your complete, no-fluff guide to building the perfect travel toilet bag.
Whether you are heading away for a long weekend or three months in Sicily, the same smart principles apply.
I will walk you through exactly what to pack, what to leave at home, and the simple decanting trick that means you will never check a bag just for toiletries again.
Here is what most packing guides get wrong, they hand you a generic list and call it done.
This one is different.
You will get my tried-and-tested product picks, the TSA liquid rules explained plainly, honest advice on solid toiletries versus liquid, and my go-to medical kit that has saved me more than once on the road.
For mature travellers especially, getting your toiletry bag right is not just about saving space.
It is about arriving feeling like yourself, fresh, organised, and ready to actually enjoy the trip rather than spend day one hunting for dry shampoo in a foreign pharmacy.
With those basics covered, here is everything you need to know.
Shower
- Shower Gel or soap
- Shampoo (liquid or solid)
- Conditioner (liquid or solid)
- Face wash
- Sponge
- RAZOR (or wax before you go)
After Shower
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Skincare basics (toner, moisturizer, sunscreen)
- Deodorant
- Perfume or aftershave (Refillable)
Daily Essentials
- Leave-in hair oil or treatment spray
- Lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Hand cream
- Dry shampoo
Extra Pamper Luxuries
Laundry Must Haves
- Laundry Sheets (My secret weapon, compact and effective)
Looking at this list you would think my suitcase would just be full of toiletries but no, wait for my decanting tips. We all have our non-negotiables. For me, it’s my hair oil and moisturizer. What’s yours?
TSA Rules for Toiletries
Flying with toiletries? Don’t forget TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule:
- 3: Each item must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
- 1: All liquids, gels, and aerosols must fit in one quart-sized resealable bag.
- 1: Each passenger gets one bag.
Double-check the rules for international travel too, as they can vary. And remember, if it’s not compliant, customs will confiscate it.
What to Take in Your Carry-On
I’ve whittled my in flight essentials carry on’s down to five products that earn their place in my carry on every single time. Hand sanitizer tops the list because let’s face it, airplanes aren’t exactly known for their cleanliness, and I touch far too many surfaces between boarding and landing.
My toothbrush and toothpaste come out on any flight over three hours, there’s something about freshening up that makes me feel human again, especially before we land.
Lip balm lives in my pocket because cabin air conditioning is brutally dry, and I reapply it constantly throughout the flight.
Finally, hand moisturizer saves my skin from that tight, uncomfortable feeling that sets in about halfway through any journey.
That’s it. These aren’t glamorous products, but they’re the ones that actually make the difference between arriving frazzled and arriving refreshed.
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm
- Small toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand cream
These are lifesavers on long flights.
Decanting
Packing full-size toiletries is a rookie mistake. I bought these silicon travel 90ml travel-sized bottles for my last trip to Greece.
They’re super cute as well as being really easy to fill. They have a valve on the lid that stops them leaking, which I love.
Nothing worse than opening your bag and it’s full of shampoo. A 100ml bottle of shampoo can last months with moderate use!
Decanting shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel into small silicone containers is a total game-changer for travel.
They’re lightweight, leak-proof, and take up way less space in your bag. Plus, you don’t need to lug around a full-sized bottle for a short trip, or worry about TSA liquid rules! Just squeeze in what you need, and voilà.
I love how easy they are to refill, and they’re super durable, so no mid-flight spills. Bonus tip: only fill about 80% of the bottle leaving little space at the top because air pressure can make them expand.
It’s such a simple way to keep things tidy and stress-free.
Another tip? Embrace solid toiletries like shampoo or conditioner bars. They’re TSA-friendly and won’t spill. Facial wipes or powder sheet masks are also handy for mid-trip refreshes.
Choosing a Toiletries Bag
Your toiletry bag should suit your needs. I prefer separating makeup and toiletries, so I go for compact, waterproof options.
I have just bought this super cute toiletry bag for our next trip to Croatia. It opens up wide, so it really easy to see what inside and you get the 2 extra purses. I;m going to use one for makeup and the other one for hair products.
It’s waterproof so the contents stay dry and if you have any spills, it’s easy to clean up.
https://amzn.to/3MSK9o0Hanging toiletry bags have their fans, particularly among people who hate dealing with cramped bathroom counters. The concept is simple: hang it on a hook, open it up, and access everything without unpacking.
Makeup
Keep it simple! I used to pack my entire makeup collection “just in case.” Spoiler alert: I never touched half of it. Now I stick to these basics:
- Primer
- Foundation (stick form avoids liquid restrictions)
- Mascara
- Blush or a combo blush/eyeshadow palette
- Lipstick
- Makeup remover (cloths work great for travel)
I always pack tweezers, nail scissors, and a nail file, but keep these in your checked bag.
Medical Kit
A small, well stocked medical kit can be a lifesaver, and the difference between a minor inconvenience and a ruined day often comes down to having the right supplies on hand.
I keep all my medical essentials in a small, hard-sided case (like those compact cosmetic cases or old sunglasses cases), it protects everything from getting crushed in my luggage and keeps pills from rattling around.
If you prefer soft bags, look for one with dividers or small mesh pockets to separate different items.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s waterproof and easy to spot in your bag. Here’s my tried and tested packing list:
- Painkillers (Advil, ibuprofen, etc.)
- Band-aids
- Antiseptic cream
- Diarrhea medication (Imodium)
- Multivitamins
- Magnesium powder (great for muscle cramps)
- Motion sickness tablets
- Any prescription meds (with a copy of your prescription)
With this small amount it is easy to pack into your toilet bag. Check the regulations for your destination, some medications may need documentation.
Laundry Sheets
Traveling light? Laundry sheets are your best friend. Give these Eco Laundry Detergent Sheets a good, I promise you won’t regret it. They’re compact, mess-free, and work wonders. Bonus: some say they repel bed bugs when placed under your mattress. I haven’t had to test this, but it’s worth a shot.
What I didn’t expect was how much easier laundry sheets would make my whole packing routine. Because they’re so lightweight and compact, I don’t think twice about bringing plenty, unlike shopping for detergent where you buy a whole bottle and leave the remainder behind.
They’re also brilliant for that inevitable moment when you spill something on your favorite shirt mid-trip; I just tear off a corner of one sheet, wet it, and use it as a spot treatment before properly washing later. And if you’re staying in vacation rentals with washing machines, you’ll appreciate that they work just as well as regular detergent without any measuring or pouring involved.
And if you’re staying in vacation rentals with washing machines (my #1 thing I look for in a rental), you’ll appreciate that they work just as well as regular detergent without any measuring or pouring involved.
Electronics
One thing I never travel without is my electric toothbrush. My latest favourite is the Phillips One Electric Toothbrush. It’s compact, battery-operated and perfect for long trips.
If you can’t live without your hairdryer or styling brush, I have a few great travel tools to consider. Three of my go-to products are:
Yes, I know I’m a bit of a BaBylissPRO fan but what can I say they’re small but mighty and mine have been around the world a couple of times and they haven’t failed me yet.
Extra Tips for Toiletries Packing
Avoid Spills: Use Ziploc bags for extra protection against leaks.
Plan for Refills: Most places have drugstores, so don’t panic if you run out.
Stay Minimal: You’ll thank yourself when you’re not lugging a heavy bag around.
Packing toiletries doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and these tips, you’ll breeze through your long holiday feeling fresh and prepared. Safe travels!
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