I’m not a constant traveller or a digital nomad – I travel only during when I have vacation time, so i find that some of the best tips that i see in YouTube videos or on blogs or Instagram posts just aren’t for me as they are tips from constant travellers to other constant travellers. But there are still so many helpful tips for those of us who only travel during vacations. So whether you travel once or twice a year, or can only travel on those infrequent bucket list trips – these tips are for you!
1 Save the ends of your toiletries and bring them instead of full ones
Travel-size toiletries can be great, but i’ve found that they don’t always make travel-sized in the toiletries i use. And travel containers are good, too, but good quality leak proof ones are an investment that isn’t always worth it for occasional travel. So i’ve come up with this great toiletry and makeup tip.
When you get close to the end of an item (about two or three weeks left), save it and instead open a new one to use at home. Then when you are packing for your trip, pack all the toiletry ends – they’ll contain just enough for your vacation, be lighter than a full new one, and if you need to toss them at the end of your trip to make space in your luggage you aren’t losing anything. This works for toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo and conditioner bars, mascara, lipstick, lip balm, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen and shave cream. You can use this tip for anything that comes in a smaller size container already or can be condensed as it empties (like rolling down a toothpaste tube) and won’t be empty wasted space in your bag.
2 Use ziploc bags as packing bags
You don’t have to invest in packing gear like toiletry bags, soap dishes, and wet bags if you don’t travel often – just use ziploc bags. They are usually strong enough to be reused several times, they can be packed down as they empty unlike tins and hard side containers, and they can be such an affordable choice!!
You can even reuse them on the trip. Bring trail mix in one for snacks on the plane, and then when it’s empty save it to store your wet soap bar. I pack tea and granola bars for the plane in a 1L or larger one and then use it to hold wet face cloths or shower sandals in my backpack after. If you don’t buy ziploc bags for home, but you want to try this tip, save ones you get from buying things or buy one or two from a friend or neighbour.
3 Use multi-tasking items
Don’t be afraid to use multitasking items, even if you wouldn’t use them at home. Especially if you are only travelling for a short time. You may not love that shampoo and shave bar for long-term use, but if it saves you from bringing shampoo and shave gel on your trip, it’s probably worth the compromise!
At home, i use argan oil on my face and a hair oil on my hair, but when i travel i just bring the argan oil and use it on my hair, too! And when i travel i just pack my black athletic socks – they can be worn for hiking or walking and they look neutral when i wear them with nice outfits or sightseeing! Multi-tasking items can be such a great pack light option!
4 Reuse travel size containers from product samples
One of my favourite tips is instead of purchasing travel size containers, reuse small containers you receive for free from product samples or small version promos or even buying other products!
I decant my argan oil into a 10mL dropper bottle leftover from a sample i received with Sephora points. Before I decided on my current moisturizer i purchased a travel size version and now that i buy the bigger one, i still put some in the small one for travel. I keep my toothy tabs from Lush in a little container i received a sample of Lush mouthwash tabs in. The small piece of facewash bar i use for travelling is in a metal body lotion container that i kept and cleaned after it was empty. So keep an eye out for reusable free travel size containers!
5 Don’t worry if you forget something or even run out
Unless you are travelling to a remote area, there will likely be a variety of stores where you are going. So don’t worry if you forget something or run out (or even choose not to bring something and need it or don’t have quite enough room to pack it) as you can likely buy it or something similar where you are going!
When i travelled to Vietnam, i thought my travel towel would be enough, but it turns out it was too small and i used it too often to work well – so i picked up an inexpensive bath towel at a grocery store in Tra Vinh. And when i studied in The Netherlands i forgot to bring ibuprofen but i was able to pick some up at a tiny little Coop near my dorm. During the same trip when i quickly ran out of eye drops (from all the studying and partying!), i was able to pick up an even better European brand at a pharmacy. I’ve been able to pick up anything I’ve forgotten, run out of, or chosen not to bring with no problems and so i never worry if i forget one or two things.
Did any of these travel tips help you? Do you have great pack light travel tips for occasional travellers like me? Comment below!