Reader Lisa asked: I struggled with getting all my liquids (shampoo, face cleanser, sunscreen, etc. in 3 oz travel containers) into 1 quart sized ziploc bag. Any tips for what to bring and what to leave home?
Lisa, my solution to that struggle is to “travel size” everything you can. This is a photo of my “quart sized bag.” In it I have travel-sized basics, like shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, deodorant, contact lens solution and toothpaste. Many of these are smaller than the 3.4 oz carry-on limit for liquids. Many can be found in the amazing travel-sized aisle of Target.
To this, I add tubes of travel-sized facial cleanser and moisturizer/sunscreen my dermatologist hands out as free samples. I also carry a small tube of SPF 70 sunscreen to use in case of sunburn. Finally I pack an old travel-sized Clinique bottle filled with Basic H, which I use to launder clothes.
If we’re heading to a beach, I wait to purchase larger bottles of sunscreen at our destination.
Here’s what I leave home and what I take in its place:
- Body Lotion => Almost every hotel has an acceptable bottle of this, so I never pack it. Shampoo and conditioner are also generally available, but I’m currently pretty picky about what I use so I pack that.
- Liquid Make-up => I take sponge-on foundation in a compact
- Liquid Eyeliner => I take a crayon eyeliner
- Bottle of Perfume => I have a couple of perfume sample vials I can stick in the quart bag if necessary but I usually leave it at home
- My favorite leave in hair conditioner which comes in a 7oz tube => A tiny bottle of Moroccan Oil is a good enough replacement for vacation
I hope this helps and let me know if there are any additional substitutions you make when traveling light.