Putting Together the Perfect Traveling Kit
It’s the small things that can make or break a trip and determine whether you’re going to spend time hunting down the hotel gift shop or nearest drugstore. And it’s the small things that can have you feeling fresh or leaving a flight feeling somehow both dry and greasy. So, I present to you, my ideal traveling kit that captures all the things that have made my travel more smooth and seamless.
If you’re looking for gift ideas for the infrequent or new travelers among your friends, consider giving them the gift of comfort.
- Eye drops — whether you didn’t drink enough water on the flight or had to get up at the crack of dawn, eye drops help ensure only you’ll know it.
- Garnier Refreshing Remover cloths are like getting a hot/cold towel in first class whenever you want. Takes away the feel of travel grime.
- Disinfecting wipes or hand sanitizer — both are good, but I’ve developed a preference for wipes since I don’t have to include them in my bag of liquids and they’re easier to use on my feet for the days I forget socks for walking through security.
- Screen cleaners — Keep your ipad, laptop, and smart phone screens clean of greasy prints with individually wrapped eyeglass  cleaning tissues. I like Bausch & Lomb’s Sight Savers, but any will work.
- Tide Stain Pen — Tide To Go has saved the clothing and dignity of me and my colleagues many a time. It quickly takes out most coffee, tea, and even curry stains. Don’t leave home without it!
- Vaseline Lip Therapy — I still think that vaseline is the best chapstick for men or women. It moisturizes and leaves lips looking natural and even a little glossy. But who wants to lug around a pot of vaseline? They now offer mini .25 oz sizes perfect for tucking in your amenity case.
For ladies looking for some subtle color, I heartily recommend Jeanne’s favorite Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments (which you can often find for much cheaper on eBay). - Hand Lotion — this tends to be something where personal preference is best. I personally like Burt’s Bees or Eucerin intensive moisturizing products.
- Travel size packets of Pepto Bismol, Advil/Tylenol, Claritin, and Immodium — because when you need it most is when you don’t have time to go looking for it. 😛
- Facial Mist — I find spraying my face lightly multiple times a day tightens the skin and makes me feel less tired. Also, it can be used on top of make up, unlike the refreshing removers. These can be expensive, but I personally love the $5 organic mist made by my local massage therapy place. It’s just rose water, glycerin, and other natural scents.
Now for some of the more obvious “ingredients.” And if you’re looking for for an easy way out, Walmart actually has some pretty handy travel kits put together with all the basics packaged in a clear case that meets TSA requirements.
- Travel Size Deodorant — you don’t want to haul the whole thing just for a weekend.
- Toothpaste — avoid the really tiny ones that are gone in 3 days.
- Tissue
- Travel size shampoo and conditioner, especially if you don’t care for most hotel brands, or Go Tubes to conveniently bring your favorites.
- Mini shaving cream & razor
- Mouthwash, gum, or tic tacs
- Folding comb/brush
- Sewing Kit (if you’re feeling really inspired)
Full Disclosure: I may receive affiliate credit from links in this post or on this site which will help fund my travels. Thank you for your support!
another favorite of mine is fresh and go toothbrushes which actually have the toothpaste in the handle