089 - Travel toiletries: slim down in 2009

Toiletries are one of the heaviest items you'll pack, and most of it is dead weight – you're carrying it, but you're not using it. Don't make the mistake of emptying your bathroom cupboard into your toiletry kit!

There are quite a few ways to cut down on your toiletries, but the most important is to be ruthless; don't carry anything you don't use regularly. Buy a smaller toiletry bag to help you cut down and if you have a travel companion, don't double up – have your own toothbrush and disposable razor, but share everything else.

Whatever you do, steer clear of electric items – they're bulky and you might have trouble finding an outlet. That means no hair straighteners, girls! Another bulky item is your towel – pick up a mini one at a camping store and you'll suddenly have a lot more space.

In terms of actual items, don't bother with mini-sized items, but don't carry more than you'll use. A mini shampoo is great for a weekend away, but if you're planning long-term travel, a 200ml 2-in-1 shampoo is a great investment – it's got enough in it to last a few weeks, but won't take up too much space. Plus, you can use it for everything – hair, body and clothes. And don't forget the deodorant – a roll-on one will probably be smaller and last longer than a spray-on. And you won't smell out the hostel dorm room!

So what do you actually pack in that toiletries kit of yours?

*Toothbrush
*Toothpaste
*Dental floss (this is really handy for other uses as well – think minty-fresh string)
*Camp Suds (or 2-in-1 shampoo)
*Razor
*Shaving gel
*Comb
*Roll-on deodorant
*Hair ties (for girls – don't underestimate the value of a hairtie. Even for guys, a few rubber bands might come in handy)
*Girls – enough sanitary equipment for your whole next period (but no more)
*Any other essentials (contact lens solution, moisturiser)



First Aid

And what about your medical kit? It's important to have a first-aid kit with you on any sort of travel, but adapt it for the circumstances. A mountain biking expedition in the Andes is going to need different gear than a city-hopping bus trip.

A general list then:

*Any medicine you personally need – enough for the whole trip if possible. If not, research availability in the places you're going and take enough for the first month
*Any medicine necessary for the destination e.g. malaria tablets
*A few band-aids
*Antiseptic cream
*A sewing kit
*Thick tape (for larger wounds or wrapping Christmas pressies)
*Hand sanitizing gel
*A small pack of tissues (to double as toilet paper if necessary)
*A few cotton pads for wounds
*One blister pack of ibuprofen (painkiller with anti-inflammatory properties) – don't take the extra-strong one with codeine as codeine is illegal in some countries (eg Greece)
*Four anti-diarrhea tablets
*One other item – we always have a few strepsils and eyedrops – maybe pack three or four of each of these items if they're something you use regularly but not often.
*Condoms