Click here for links to Toiletries: Toiletry aqua: bit.ly/3lpLd1R Backpack: bit.ly/3rnqUmR Fly pouch (pink): bit.ly/3LfDaAJ Eye drops: Systane preservative free Pill box: bit.ly/3EuDMkO Earrings: bit.ly/3Cpusfh Purple case: bit.ly/2SSJ53V Mesh pouches: bit.ly/3mSJmAJ Plane to see bag: bit.ly/3EzFp0n Peeps: bit.ly/3w7wqwj Curling iron case: bit.ly/3rHWGN9 Travel Toothbrush: bit.ly/3eikC6X Tide sink packs: bit.ly/2VjFSyl Toothpaste tablets: bit.ly/3eicu6i Shampoo bar: Lush Eyeshadow brush holder: bit.ly/2UpFBrB Black purse: bit.ly/3wTKHy5 Fingernail polish: Choose the Bora Bora color: bit.ly/36517qU Sweater: bit.ly/3EEVu59 My travel shirts: bit.ly/MyTravelShirts Download My Ultimate Packing List from my new blog: bit.ly/ReusablePackingList Other videos for this travel season: Long flight tips: bit.ly/LongFlightNOJetLag 4 hacks to pack less: bit.ly/BaggageFeesPackLightTips bit.ly/PackingHacksUnderseatBag (8 outfits in an under airplane seat bag)
I put toner-soaked cotton pads in a snack-size ziploc. Same with eye makeup remover. These are the 2 most likely items to spill in a toiletry case in a regular travel container. This way they don't need to go in liquids bag, and you have just the right amount.
Hi, only makeup that is liquid should be in the liquids bag. You would put that bag in the bins for the TSA. Here is a video to help: bit.ly/FirstTimeTSALine
And each liquid in that clear bag must be in a container that is 3.4oz/100mL or smaller, regardless of the amount that's in the container (e.g. can't take a bigger container even if there's only a tiny bit in it).
Hi! I talk about the rules here near the end with some tips. In carry-on bags, each passenger is allowed one quart sized clear bag that zips. If checking luggage, take as many as you like.
I use buttons to keep my earrings together. Either the stud or wore goes through the holes, keeping the pair together. I put them in mini ziplock bags, into the main bag. To keep chain necklaces from tangling. Loop them on safety pins. Don’t travel with expensive jewelry. It makes you a target.
I don't think I've ever seen this in your comments. I inherited my Aunt Rose's love for travel. When I was about 10, she told me "No matter how long you're away from home, all you really need are 3 pr of underpants and 3 bras - 1 to wear, 1 to wash and 1 for spare. She was right! Yippie! More space.
I really like putting creamy products in contact cases. The first thing I learned was to label them with permanent markers. The second thing I learned was to paint clear nail polish over the label. Touching the cream a few times accidentally dissolved my labels. Did you know that sunscreen, arthritis cream and toothpaste can look very similar? 😂
Thank you so much for all of the fabulous tips! I have one that my mom has done for years. I'm not sure it qualifies as a tip but it has saved me or someone in my family quite a few times-I have a safety pin looped through the zipper pull of all of my pouches. They are different sizes and they can serve so many functions.
Been doing this for years & not just for travel. Safety pins looped on the zipper of makeup bags has saved me in a pinch going to the office pre-Covid.
I always take at least one diaper pin! The size and strength are helpful in some situations where a little safety pin is too small and/or weak for the job.
One hack I use for liquids such as face wash, moisturizer, and serums is deluxe size contact lens cases. The nice deep ones from the drug store. I squeeze out the product and fill both sides of the case. Works great, it’s leak proof, and saves an immense amount of space in my TSA clear bag! 😁
I no longer use any cute types of travel bags- Although I love the idea of them. The sleekest and lightest "carry on bag" I use are Zip Lock bags. Like Laurie said, a separate bag for each use/routine. I love these tips. Thanks, Laurie.
I love the idea of using a carrot peeler to shave off just what you need from your shampoo bar! I was going to pack the whole bar for four day trip! Never would’ve thought of that!
Similar to your suggestion about the shampoo bar, I actually practiced with all of my decanted toiletries before a 12 day trip to London. I put things in smaller containers and then used them at home to make sure it would be sufficient for trip. This was good to do because I learned that one hair product didn’t fair well in the container (it liquified). Since I was visiting London, I knew I’d be able to get certain things there, if needed, but wanted to make sure I had my go-to products with me. Thanks for your tips and videos!
@@llwil2003 Yes, London is strict but I only had to deal with TSA on my return flight. The liquids I took on my trip were checked on departure from Detroit, so I packed what I needed in a quart size bag (similar to the one Laurie uses in the video). On the return flight from LHR London, they gave me a plastic bag to put my liquids in -- but by that time, I had pretty much used all of my items, so just had a few things to put in their approved bag. And, the bag they give you is much smaller than a quart size.
Excellent tip, I’ve been planning to do this for our month long trip to Europe. Especially as getting basic essentials over there wouldn’t be easy, expensive & interrupt valuable touring time. Hope you enjoy London!
This is an amazing tip. When I decant my products, I always doubt that it will be enough for the trip. To test this in advance never came to my mind. Thank you so much for sharing this idea! ❤️
I literally never thought to leave my hanging toiletry bag open to pack flat. As someone with allergies I pack all my own hair, skin, and beauty everywhere I go since I can’t bank on planes or hotels providing things I won’t react to. This is seriously genius thank you so much for the tip!!
Thanks for these tips Laurie. Whenever I travel I usually take soap instead of shower gel, leg shaving gel and laundry powder. I use the soap for washing myself and rinsing out undies and shaving my legs. It works for me and is so much easier than lugging lots of other things.
For bar soap, how do you prevent it from getting very messy after being wet? Any tricks to get the bar to dry really well or keep dry before re-packing?
@@roshee86 To tell you the truth I have never had a real problem with that. I guess I am never constantly on the road. I go to another country and stay usually in one spot and launch out about the countryside from there and then perhaps go somewhere else for a while. I leave my soap in the soap box with the lid off and turn it wherever I am staying. I try to buy a hard soap because some brands do go mushy very fast.
@@roshee86I use a mesh bag like an organza favor bag to hang the soap in. I keep it out of the water stream and larther up with my wet hands or exfoliating glove (easy with the mesh bag). That way it doesn't absorb too much water. The drier you keep it the less mushy it will be. Also give the bar as much drying time as possible.
For years my husband kept his toiletry bag fully packed, as a grab and ready to go. Finally, I thought I’m doing this too. There are so many items that we take on every trip (and over the years we have weaned this down to fewer and fewer) yes, I did pack carry on only for ten days in Europe and was very proud!
Way to go! So for a future video, what items do you keep in there (or have multiples of)? How would you title a video about what you keep in your bags inbetween trips?
I have a tip for packing if you use liquid facial toner! Those plastic zip top pill bags are the perfect size for square cotton make up pads.. For a short trip last week I stuck 6 dry squares in one bag and added just enough toner so they were wet but not dripping.
So glad I found you, Laurie! I haven’t flown in eight years and I leave tomorrow morning on a domestic flight. I’ve been so anxious the past few days, but watching your wonderful tips has really helped decrease my stress! Really appreciate you!
It seems I could NEVER travel without a "Checked" bag!!! After watching as many as possible of your videos with tips on how to travel and pack a carry-on and a personal item I took the plunge!!!! I felt like I "left something behind" not visiting that luggage carousel, but at the same time felt so liberated to be on my way not waiting for anything!!!! Thanks for all your great tips....no more checked luggage for me!!!!
Hey there - I'm new to your channel and just love all your ideas! Wow the Easter egg ... love it so much! I have so many things I pack in ziplocs but I've recently been keeping the plastic bags I get stuff (clothing items) in from Amazon. They are usually a pretty heavy plastic with a zipper closure. And it makes me feel better about spending a gazillion dollars when I get a free "travel bag" to boot!
You nailed it about asking what is essential. My methods: Use the same SPF 30 moisturizer for day and night. Use eye make-up remover on eyes and face. Small bottles of shampoo and conditioner and a small jar of hair gel. A jar of body cream (I use Nivea Soft). Minimal make-up: 1 small one eye shadow duo, mascara, eye brow powder, 1 eyeliner, liquid makeup (no sponge - use your fingers and put a tissue over your face afterward and press gently for a nice finish), 1 lip balm and Black Honey Almost Lipstick because it goes with everything from day to night), powder compact, 1 small blush, and 1 blush brush (doubles for powder), and 1 eye shadow brush. As long as it looks good, you can wear the same colors throughout the trip. This save space and weight. Sunscreen, small toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss. I can fit all these in my vintage Louis Vuitton 28 trousse and I still have room left. As for jewelry, I wear an inexpensive watch on trips and wear the same necklace and earrings every day. This way I don't have to worry about necklaces getting tangled or my jewelry getting stolen. I have a huge collection of all the above at home.
Great tips! I’m good at minimizing my toiletries when I travel but I love the idea of separating into morning/evening or category and having a few smaller pouches instead of a “main” toiletry bag. One thing I do is save nice small cosmetic jars and wash-reuse them in my travel bag (like an eye cream jar for hand lotion, etc) so I don’t need to bring the whole container with me. And since they were already cosmetic jars I know they won’t leak.
I’ve learned to pack by zones….all my shower supplies together bc sometimes the shower is a separate room than the rest of the bathroom. ( soap, lotion, razor, shampoo & conditioner) Then makeup & skincare together, then haircare..brush, hairspray & iron together. Also, if anyone loves IT Cometics, their annual “look book” packs all my makeup except mascara & foundation. It’s blush, powder, lipstick, eyebrows, eyeshadows….so many steps, one small book. Also, if u get free sample size mascaras, save them for a trip!
My fave travel hack is for shorter trips where you’re only going to need to wash your hair 1-3 times, go to a salon and ask if they have any shampoo/conditioner samples. The packs are good for one wash (2 if you have short hair) and they’re flat so they take up next to no space in your liquid bag.
For the shampoo, I just use the hotel, but not for the conditioner. Most shampoo is the same, at least that what my dermatologist said unless it’s a medicated or dandruff one.
These are great tips! One medication hack is to ask your pharmacist if your medication is available in a smaller size, especially if you have cream or liquid meds. I also carry my prescriptions with me, especially when traveling internationally. Then, if you run out or have a medical emergency, it's easier for the foreign pharmacist to track down what you're taking. A second hack--I carry hair bands and elastics around the base of my hairbrush! They never get lost! For barrettes and clips, I put them on a card or sheet of paper--makes them flat to carry and easy to find the one I need!
Remember to fit any carry-on liquids, gels, lotions, and aerosols in a single QUART size ziploc bag. Keep them separate from your hairbrush, toothbrush, etc. to make the security checkpoint easier and faster. Large bottles, lotion jars, and hairspray cans need to go in your CHECKED bag!
Technically a spraycan is a weapon in teams of airport safety ..... always make sure your Carry on lotions liquids are filled 90% of the total bottle... if its too " empty" gass can expand your container/ bottle....
I always have my travel bag ready to go. Yes it has required owning two of each makeup brush, curling iron, brushes, etc. but we go away often enough that it has saved me tons of time and I don’t forget things anymore! If I need a new mascara at home I always grab the already started mascara out of my travel bag and out the new one there in its place so I am sure to always have fresh products in my travel bag. I use the Mary Kay travel bag - the individual zippered pouches are TSA approved and because of their unique shape I can fit a lot I to them! Even a zip top quart bag is a better choice than a flat quart bag because of its pleated bottom.
Laurie, I wanted to thank you for all the travel tips you gave me when I was going to Greece on vacation. I had never flown international. I will admit I watched some of your videos more than once. I bought a swimsuit that you recommended plus shoes, and the list goes on and on. Thank you again for all of your help
Thanks Laurie, so many great tips! One thing I do is to not finish off my eye cream tube. I use the unfinished one for travel. Unfortunately it doesn’t work for toothpaste or larger items as they look at the original size of the product!:( I regularly check the trial/travel size shelves for products I use, not just when I have a trip coming up. I forgo many of the things I ‘normally’ use at home. I use 1 eye shadow pallet with 3 colors, period. The pinky color doubles as my blush. I do bring a colored eyeliner for the days I want to change it up. I have wavy hair - my conditioner is the most important product. I don’t apply and rinse in the shower, rather put a small amount in my hands and work through after. I am able to get by for weeks with a travel size refillable bottle. Minimalist is better for travel. So freeing and enables you to see/do so much more. Take time to figure out how to embrace your natural beauty and work with that, using as little product and tools as possible.
I always like to carry a little laundry detergent with me to wash out bras in the sink especially in hot sweaty weather. I have purchased those laundry soap leaves but i never feel like my things get clean. I took an old towel and cut it up into 3x3" squares and rub some liquid laundry soap on each one. I stack them and put them in a sandwich bag and voila !! .... laundry soap and it doesn't count as a liquid.
That is so cool about shampoo bars. I've never heard of them before, but will give them a try. I always bring a travel size of liquid shampoo because I don't want to depend that a hotel will have shampoo that I like. - Also, warning about the mesh travel containers. I love them too, but they aren't good for carrying liquid or oily bottles. On one of my last trips, I had a travel "size" container of hair products and twice the cap popped. I was so glad I had that in a solid plastic cosmetic bag because it only got my toiletries greasy and not my clothes. (Note to self, don't trust the little popup caps. I'm putting liquids in bottles with screw caps.)
I just got back from vacation and my hair product that was in its original mini pump spray bottle got all over ALL my makeup and makeup brushes. Another time a sunscreen spray went off in my checked luggage. Thankfully I had it in a plastic bag that contained 90% of the damage and most of it went on the lining of the suitcase and not the clothes, but it was like the entire can was emptied. Triple bagging any liquids from now on.
I just returned from a European cruise & while I still do check a bag your videos have enabled me to pack a LOT smarter. Compression cubes (2.5 wks/3 climates!) & the mesh pouches are game-changers: I use Daily disposable contacts & separated them into 2 pouches by R & L eye. And I now evaluate the toiletries/cosmetics at the end of each trip & eliminate anything I didn’t use more than 3 times. Thanks for all of your wonderful tips!
@@TravelTipsbyLaurieI packed them in the small rolling carry on I use for my camera & “emergency clothes.” TBH, I never even thought of those little individual packets as fluid, but I do have my solution in the TSA liquids bag. Going forward I’ll check the TSA website about the daily contacts!
I am hooked and can't get enough of your travel tips. Thank you so much. I live in Australia and will soon be visiting family in the US for almost 3 months over Thanksgiving, Christmas and into the New Year. At last!! So I am a long-hauler and applying your advice on packing a carry-on to my checked-in suitcase. Flying from summer to winter is making it interesting. I have bought 3 items you recommended and can't wait to start packing. The striped backpack - how much room is in there!! - the compression pack set - although I haven't mastered that art as yet, and the 3 piece toiletries kit. It's so light and compact and I can't believe how much I can get into it. In one of your videos, you asked what we thought the two straps on the back of the toiletries kit could be used for. Where will I find the answers?? I am sure you/your subscribers will have a brilliant idea or two and I just have to know! Incidentally, do you by any chance know what the pocket in the seat in front of you on the plane measures across? More or less. Gotta run. I spy another video I haven't watched. 😃
Thank you so much! I am glad these videos have helped. I would pack slippers in those 2 straps or a book. Sometimes you can research the interiors of airplane sizes, but I cannot remember how.
You are the best. I never want your videos to end. Random but I always love the pic of you three in the car and your son hiding his face. Lol A while back I also bought that striped backpack you have and love it!!! Thanks. Such good ideas for toiletries. I always take sooooo much I never even use. It is mental, I guess. Hah. I’m flying to Miami from PHX for a cruise the end of month. I am excited to use these tips! Will let you know how I do. 😉 Thanks again. ❤
I've watched many of your videos and get something new out of each one. Love this new one! Dividing my list by time of day, then checking which ones are liquid - so smart! This is the best tip ever. I'm traveling next month and will refine my packing list yet again. Thanks!
Also, you can cut a plastic straw, (or fill a whole one, up to you how big) seal the end with a lighter, fill it with makeup, moisturizer, sugars etc and seal the other end with a lighter, & it’s super convenient and small. MAKE SURE U LABEL THEM IF U USE THEM FOR MORE THAN ONE ITEM, LOL 😂
Thank you so much for your fantastic packing tips, Laurie! I’m going to follow some on my next trip to the US later this year. If I could recommend, there’s this Victorinox NailCare card which takes no space and packs a bunch of tools (scissors, nail-file, tweezers, more) and it should be travel-safe as it doesn’t contain a blade. I also try and replace as many liquids with solids as possible (packing wax perfumes, toothpaste pills, sunscreen stick, deo stick, and a good old soap ☺️). I’m not sure if my spare contacts will count as liquid, so i’ll pop them into the see-through bag with my eye drops. Love your content, thanks so much, travel safe and sending greetings from Poland 🌈🧍🏼♂️🧳
Thank you for yet another helpful video. I use empty contact lens containers for creams, toothpaste, etc especially if I’m just going away for a weekend. You can even pack different creams in each side. Just label with a sharpie.
I Travel all the time, mostly cruising. You tips are so helpful, easy to follow and I just ordered the Peep eye glass cleaner as I had never heard of them. awesome thankyou
These videos are fabulous! I travel from the US to Mexico several times a year and I'm getting so much better at the whole carry-on thing because of Laurie's tips. Thank You!
When I travel by car for vacations I have a small "shower only" bag. Some motels have the shower & toilet in one room & the sink in another. My "shower only" bag fits perfectly on the toilet tank. It contains a shampoo bar, razor, bar soap (also used to shave legs), sm. container of face cleaner & my own wash cloth in a waterproof bag. No digging for shower necessities. Just grab &go.
I recently started using Lume deodorant. I ordered deodorant wipes as my second product. If I’m going on a short trip, I’ll pull out a few and put them in a zip-lock bag, if a longer trip, I’ll pack the package. Way better than a whole plastic deodorant (even a travel size one). Plus, this is the best deodorant I’ve ever used, and it will last 72 hours, if necessary!
As usual, great tips! Hope to make it to Lush (with Stella) The horizontal packing for liquids is essential & when I first did that on an international trip I took a pic of all my packing (until I had enough practice) You might not believe this, but your tips are helping with the packing of the Airstream. Also I keep my underseater with me, in case I'm too far from the ATL airport & need to get back to mom. 🤗
Thanks so much for all your travel tips. They were very helpful on our recent Hawaii trip. I use old prescription bottles for Bobbi pins and hair elastics. They hold the right amount but are small and don’t take up a lot of room.
I love to travel with less and less stuff everytime I go. My biggest tip is to look at the amount of space your pouch takes in when it's empty. Some can get very bulky and takes the same room as a clothing item. I like to use a fabric sunglass pouch for my make-up, it's so thin. I never travel with a toothbrush charger, I charge it before I go. It will be charged for a long time and after that I just use it as a regular toothbrush. My newest thing is to pack clothes in an XL pencil pouch / laptop sleeve. You can compress it a bit. Because it's so flat I can travel with only a canvas tote for a long weekend away. If you keep everything as flat as possible, the bag is closer to your body. It feels way less bulky than when the bag is sticking out. ETA: you can put liquid deodorant in a perfume diffuser for a short trip or if you're going out. Hair conditioner doubles as a shaving creme.
Love to see someone as obsessed with planning and list making as me! My biggest issue is fitting my liquids in the quart bag. I think all I can fit for my upcoming cruise is conditioner, leave in conditioner, antibacterial ointment, toothpaste, facial sunscreen, poopourri (lol), and wrinkle release spray. But I would like to bring more ☹️
I’m going to try Lush but for my upcoming trip I found sample size shampoo and conditioner packs for just a few dollars on Amazon. I bought an assortment - they pack flat on one side of my quart bag hardly taking any space; I get to have fun trying new products I might fall in love with; and I don’t have to mess with decanting these items (I will with others). Thanks so much for all you do! I’ve been binge watching your videos for about a week now. Each one I’ve learned something - and you know planning a trip is also half the excitement!
Thanks, Laurie! I have incorporated so many of your travel items into my daily life. I use the mesh pouches to organize my pocketbook and makeup bag. My husband uses them in his Dopp kit. I have shallow vanity drawers, so I decant most of my creams & lotions into the small plastic containers. Then I just take them out & drop them in my makeup bag for road trips. I leave larger containers in cabinet underneath. No fall trips for us - it’s football season only in our house. Unfortunately our winter trip was cancelled due to hurricane. (Those poor people. 😢) Already have next summer’s planned though. LOVED your pics of Canada!!
I also use the cosmetic brush holder for hair tools such as comb, pick, travel brush, mirror, clips, etc. It all fits nicely and stands up so I can see what I want to use easily. Also, Walmart has a pencil case that is similar to this brush holder. It is cheaper and works well. Thanks for all your tips.
Love your work! I travelled a few times a year to archaeological sites in the Yucatán and shuffle around between hotels and homes. I often forget items in the bathroom or on the bed. I now travel with a bright square scarf and pick an area either on top of drawer or table and place all my items either in pouches or items that are not in a pouch on the scarf jim. This way, I keep everything within that zone (except for bathroom items) even my version of the peanut butter lid goes on the mat/scarf. etc. This way I visually have everything in one spot. So I would place my pouches, organized as you suggest, on the square scarf. This way shen I pack up things are more contained and often times stay in the individual pouches. As I often lose my earrings and the back of earrings. On my last trip at the equivalent of a dolliar store, I found a small round container with an attached lid (so just like your peanut butter lid to place your jewelry, but with a lifscarf on any handbag or my beach bag if I really needed to. Thank you for all your tips and experience!
Great idea! Cool job!!! I also just heard a travel hack to use the paper under the hotel room glasses as your bedside table essential fabric to help you not forget
Hi Laurie, I'm a big fan of your channel. One thing I've noticed is you have not mentioned is TSA Pre Check, Clear and Global Entry with regard to packing.
I have been watching your videos for a while now because they are so helpful but this one is a standout which I’ll save and watch again any time we travel in the future. So many tips that I would never have thought of! This is the best one yet so thank you so much for the work you put into it, it is much appreciated.
I pack my toiletries in a simple 8 1/2"x8 1/2" drawstring nylon bag (lays flat when empty) that my mom made for me when I was in college, which fits flat, rolled, or scrunched in my suitcase, depending on the shape of the available space. When I travel, I put in it only what I would need actually en route and for staying one single overnight somewhere (either overnight on a 2-day road trip, or stuck overnight on a layover), so: -travel size Wet Brush (works great on my waist-length thin fine hair without breaking even wet hair, eliminating the need for a comb - I don't care if my part is slightly crooked) -travel size toothbrush (got mine at the dollar store) - the most recent one I got is a little hard to pull apart, so I braided and attached a little string finger loop so that I can still get it apart when my hands are weak or hurting -travel size tube of toothpaste - already had one lying around, so I emptied and rinsed it super well since I'm allergic to fluoride, then used a cheap oral syringe to easily fill it with the toothpaste I use (filled the syringe from the wide end with the plunger removed, then used the plunger to squirt it into the tube - lots faster and easier than trying to draw it up through the tip then squirting it back out, since it's so thick); lasts me up to 6 weeks when full (been using the same little tube for travel for 10 years and it's only just now starting to fall apart a bit) -binder ring with one or two extra hairbinders (I always have my hair pulled back in either a ponytail or a braid when traveling, so the one or two are in addition to that) -a couple flossers (the ones I have came with a little pocket thing that holds 2) -tweezers -microfiber washcloth (used to use a Packtowl brand one, but prefer the edged 12"x12" ones from The Rag Company) -snack bag with Qtips (my parents sometimes run out while I'm there, so I bring my own just in case) -chapstick (plus an extra if the one I'm on is running low; I make my own using Humblebee & Me's "Better Than Burt's" recipe) -lotion in a 2oz Eagle Creek silicone travel bottle (only because I sometimes need it en route) - the Eagle Creek bottles that I got 5 years ago have never leaked on me, and (when standing on their cap) they take up less horizontal space than even the 1.25oz GoToobs, of which I have both the old style and the new -Good For the Sole foot balm by All Things Herbal (they sell it on both their website and their Etsy shop, in case anyone's interested) - has worked better for me than anything else I've tried to heal the painful cracks in my heels that have been there for almost 3 years, and one stick has lasted me almost 2 years of using it twice a week (got it as a Christmas present 2 years ago); I'm going to ask for 2 this Christmas so that I don't have to pack it when I travel (one to have at home, one to keep at my parents' house) -feminine hygiene product (if needed) - been using the same one for 5 1/2 years and it's still holding up great -Branch Basics travel size All Purpose Spray (in case of stains while traveling, since I'm allergic to all chemical cleaners, so a Tide-to-go pen isn't an option - fun fact, Branch Basics is, no joke, strong enough to pull the formaldehyde out of plywood yet still gentle enough for those with severe chemical allergies) -Branch Basics travel size hand soap (if I will be staying overnight somewhere other than my parents' house, since they have full size ones in each bathroom, so I always bring my little one on road trips) - basically use this only for cleaning my nebulizer My medical stuff goes in its own packing cube(s) - if I'm using my 17" suitcase, they go in one or both of my 2 smallest, which are a medium slim and a small slim from eBags, and if I'm using my 19" suitcase, I put all of my medical stuff (meds, equipment, etc.) in my biggest one, which is an eBags medium (the long side of the filled cube fits the short side of my suitcase perfectly), and I divvy out my meds into rectangular snack size ziplocs according to each day (I'd use those little pill pocket bags if I was on fewer meds), adding one extra day in case I get stuck overnight on a layover on the way home (it has happened before, so it can happen again). Haven't used my 23" suitcase (the only other suitcase I own) for flying in over 4 years. On the winter road trips for Christmas every year, I generally keep my meds in their bottles (b/c I don't always know exactly how long I'll be gone, so I can't always just bag up a set number of days; might try bagging them for trips where I know exactly how long I'll be gone and know that there's no chance that that will change, though), and all my medical stuff goes in one bag that can be easily brought inside overnight so that the cold temps don't damage anything. All the solids (except the chapstick) stay in the drawstring bag, and the liquids go in my TSA-approved bag from Bagail (got it on Amazon 2 years ago - they don't still sell the exact item I got, a pack of 3, but the TSA size comes in some of Bagail's other sets) for security, then I put them in the drawstring bag once I'm through (lotion goes in my backpack, though, because that's something I'm likely to need en route). I will note that I keep a full set of full size toiletries (including a comb) at my parents' house, because that is home base for essentially all trips I take these days. If I were to take a trip that didn't include their house at any point, I would take enough flossers in a snack ziploc for the number of days I'll be gone, my razor (either the travel-size handle or regular-size handle, plus a blade cartridge), maybe my face serum (depending on where and the time of year - it backfires if it's too humid), and use my old (b/c the old style ones are more compact) 1.25oz GoToob bottles for shampoo, conditioner, shower gel (mine doubles as face wash), maybe aloe vera gel (I only use it after I shave my legs, so only if I'll be doing that), and possibly an ACV mix that I use (I also use H2O2, but I would buy a small bottle of that wherever I'm going - it's a little too hard to fly with); I would also take a little tube of Curoxen (a neosporin equivalent). My little tube of toothpaste lasts me up to 6 weeks when full, so there's no reason for me to bring more than that (I get homesick at 1-2 days shy of 6 weeks - college was different story (I now live in the town my college is in because I've always loved it here) - so I can't see myself going on a trip longer than that anyway). I haven't tried them yet, but if I needed to do laundry in a washing machine (I use shampoo or shower gel if washing by hand in the sink, but if I was low on both of those, I might use it for that, too) and my parents' house wasn't home base, I'd probably use those little all-natural dissolvable detergent sheets (I forget the brand name - "earth" something, I think) instead of the borax, baking soda, and powdered Charlie's Soap that I normally use. I don't use makeup or hair tools (other than occasionally borrowing my mom's extra hair dryer when visiting there if I need to dry my hair really fast for one reason or another), and I basically never wear jewelry (my watch w/medical ID on the band on one wrist, my wheelchair motor controller on the other wrist when I'm using my chair, a necklace-type thing that I wear 24/7 except when swimming and showering, and sometimes one particular necklace for church (sturdy and durable enough that I actually just throw it in with my toiletries when traveling, since it can't get snagged or broken, and it won't snag or break anything else), but that's it; my ears aren't pierced, so no earrings (I have a couple pairs of little clip-on studs that used to be my grandma's, but it's always a toss up whether or not they'll trigger a migraine, so I rarely ever wear them), and no rings or other bracelets because they get in the way when wheeling; I occasionally wear bracelets and necklaces for certain special occasions, but I don't take them when I travel), so those aren't a factor for me.
@@patticlark9548 If it's a tight enough fit, I'll put the nozzle of the big tube inside the opening of the small one, but I find that using the syringe is just faster and easier.
Hi Laurie! I just finished my very first international trip! Myself, my husband, and 8 of his family members went to Ireland for a week! I binge watched so many of your videos and learned so much! We each packed carry-on and personal item only, and the method was so successful I never want to check bags again! Even creating a capsule wardrobe took so much stress off of me, and I wore just about everything I packed! Laundry was super easy when we got home too! One tip I have is that if you are flying to or through the Paris airport, they made me transfer my toiletries from a clear, quart-size pouch to a quart-size baggie they provided. I lost it so it happened again on the way home! I used an even smaller clear pouch, and they still had me transfer my items. In fact their quart baggie was bigger than my clear pouch, but it did take time and caused me confusion and stress on the way there, and I ended up leaving my Fitbit watch in the gray bin!
Oh my that’s sad you left your watch. What I do whenever I travel is, I bring only 1 watch & it’s the one I wear, if I have to take it off I immediately put it in my purse (personal item). Hope that helps.
CDG agents are notorious for confiscating things a that are on the allowed list. Use only quart sized baggie for liquids and watch out for fingernail files, cuticle pushers or other small but sharp objects.
An additional question to ask: what can be multipurpose? For instance I buy Aveeno baby shampoo/wash and it becomes my shampoo, body wash and face wash. It is gentle enough for face and is a champ taking off eye makeup. 3 containers become 1. I like the idea of using small pouches. Every toiletry bag I've tried is just too bulky. My past few trips I have had a liquid pouch and a dry pouch and a makeup pouch. Meds and jewelry always in personal item bag. I do love the Bagsmart small travel jewelry "wallet" I bring a couple things and it is well organized and protective but stays small. It's also pretty.
Love your videos! Just got back from Ireland and your videos helped me so much! From going thru TSA, to packing carry on, what essentials to take etc.. are game changers. I was not stressed at all going thru TSA because of your vids! Wish the lady in front of me at Dublin TSA watched your vids. She held up the line taking everything out and putting in the grey bins because she didn't have anything in pouches or required quart size bag. Security had us go around her which was pretty difficult, but we did it. Otherwise the Trip going to Ireland and back home was smooth because of your tips! Blessings!
The older person is used to pack with bigger bottle. I tried to cut down with my neighbor for traveling 12 days. I had to read tsa rules to her plus the weight of her bags. She did get threw the line this time without holding up the line, plus there was no bottles taken away from her. She was very happy and enjoyed her trip. Thank you
As always, full of great tips. I esp loved the idea of pkg am and pm products separately. I always seem to be searching for a cream. I also refined my travel list by adding your category headings.
Great video! Never heard of Lush before…we are in Canada… will have to research them! Love the idea of smaller bags for different items rather than a huge ,bulky cosmetic bag.
I went to Sephora and asked for the 2-3 of the tiny containers they use for samples. They’re like little paint containers, diameter of a nickel or dime. Perfect for foundation, eye cream or Vaseline - where I only need a tiny bit for a trip. Take up a lot less space in liquids bag that way.
You can also get teeny clear containers at craft stores like Michael's, Hobby Lobby, even Walmart. They're made to hold beads with screw-on lids, which I like better than the pop-off lids on the ones at Sephora. Some are even made to screw into each other to form stacks, which is really efficient if you use multi-step skincare or just want similar items together.
Same. The best ones for liquid foundation are the Estée Lauder sample containers. Clinique has good tiny screw-on sample containers smaller than a contact lens case - perfect for cream blush or eye moisturizer where you only need a drop or two each use. Love the tiny Lancôme mascara also (spendy but great product)
All the makeup wipes were not getting my eye mu off so I opted to use one of the small round containers like you showed to put eye makeup rounds by the almay brand that worked but added a little of my own mu remover to be sure it would work. Also for shaving instead of the mini cans I opted for the Esos brand in the tube but also discovered that you can use the hair conditioner the hotel provides it's basically the same & you don't have to pack an extra item.
I purchased the striped backpack that you have all I can say is love it love it love it I can get more in this small backpack that I’ve been able to get in a carry-on large purse I highly recommend this backpack
Love that toothbrush! I still bring my electric one that has a travel container and can stay charged for well over a week. So far it's compact enough that I don't have to go smaller. The idea of packing for morning/night toiletries- never thought of that! I'm always learning new things from you. I have such a liquids issue, i don't know how you do it with so little in your liquids bag! While I have recently conquered it, my Qt.bag is busting at the seams (even using tiny containers such as contact cases). I think i'm just a liquids-diva. BTW, I fly to HOU a lot (family) and am headed to AUS this weekend from DEN. I'm going to try out some new packing methods with my new carry-on hardside luggage (Samsonite Outline-Pro). Thanks again!
Haha a liquids diva! If only flying domestic, I live by the his liquids bag but hardly took any liquids to Canada so did not take it this one time. I’ve traveled with it for probably 4 years: rstyle.me/cz-n/gg9gumckgqp
I pack my toiletries according to where I use them, eg bathroom (shower), bedside table (meds, Vick’s (lol)), vanity (makeup). I found some clear long (almost like pencil cases) zippered bags that I like because they fit in between the hollows where the luggage handle is. I first pack my earrings in small (1.5”?) baggies (I seem to like collecting many sizes of baggies), then combine them with my rings in a small pouch. All my cords (I used to only take 3-6” cords because the first time I traveled with cords, I took what I had which were 6’ and took up way too much room!) go in one bag and I now take one 3’ cord in case I have to actually use my electronics while being charged. If going to a foreign country I buy a small USB plug in the foreign country (airport?) ... smaller than any converter you could buy here. I have even bought a 220v curling iron overseas so I don’t have to take a voltage regulator. (I don’t take a hair dryer because they’re available wherever you’re staying.). I keep a list of what I packed and make notes if I didn’t use everything (except my 1st aid kit, I would enjoy not having to use that! But it is worse to need meds and not have them!)
For meds/vitamins, I prefer the med pouches you find at Walmart for about 1.49. Find them in the pharmacy area. Bigger pills like vitamin c goes in a bigger bag. This works on a trip longer then a week. My favorite tip is taking the makeup wipes, the sanitizing wipes, and tide to go. Those sanitizing wipes help with sticky hands on a bus, plane, or just out. Tide to go helped when I took a sip of coffee that went south on my shirt. Later in that day, I ate a coffee flavored icecream. I was in Hawaii and loving the Kona coffee at the source. You don’t have to be a kid to have mishaps more then once in a day. My shirt was saved between the sanitizing wipes and tide to go.
These are great tips! Dr. Bronner’s castille soap can be used as a shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, dish soap, etc., and a little bit goes a long way.
I got the hanging kit and love it and think it will be great for my cruise this summer. No counter space. Thinking the smaller pouches won’t work in bathrooms with tight space like a cruise.
I use a plastic bag from a set of sheets for all my toiletries and other stuff that gets checked. Had it for years. Everything that could leak goes in a Ziplock bag as well. You can buy a large quantity of 1-2 inch zip bags for vitamins/pills/earrings/batteries other small things. Drop a necklace chain down a drinking straw and re clip, no tangling.
I save those free skincare and shampoo samples I get to use when traveling. I also pack my jewelry in a pill organizer, it works great. And I will always use packing cube things. Once I was running late to leave for a flight I just threw everything in my suitcase and couldn’t fit everything in my suitcase and had to Jam Pack my backpack and grab a plastic bag from the hotel as well. A day later I had to pack to fly home so I had a chance to pack thoughtfully and I used my packing cubes again (like my first flight) and everything fit back into my suitcase. It made a HUGE difference 4:54 to use them. With multiple destination trips I use a diff packing cube for each location so I don’t need to open everything up every night.
I pack in multiple pouches. Shower stuff (shampoo, conditioner, etc). Morning (toothbrush, qtips, hair clips for doing hair, etc). Skin care (am and pm) face wash. Have another pouch for all the other ramdom stuff (extra hair ties, finger nail clippers, tweezer, etc). Make up pouch. This works sooo well for traveling. Just grab the pouch I need for that time. Side note: I only do a checked bag.
Oh I cannot do too many small bags. It overwhelms me. I need it all in one bag. Great tips ! Def would save space! Love using contact lens cases and the mini go toob or tub.
Laurie- Thank you! for your wonderful tips. I binge watched your videos in 2019 when my husband and I went on a 15 day river cruise but did check a bag. We will be traveling in May on a Mediterranean cruise in May and I am already watching you to get myself ready. I have already ordered the mask cases and a new backpack. I am really going to try to pack carry on only. Now just to convince my husband!
That is awesome! If you need a mask that does not fog up your reading glasses, my lady is wonderful and not salesy. Her name is Patti and email is lesoules@gmail.com.
Ziploc bags are the best. They are almost weightless, you can see through them, wet spots on the sink are never a problem, and usually interior leaks aren't a problem either. You can mush them around to lie down pretty flat on top of your clothes so they are right at hand.
I use contact solution containers for short trips. Each contains day/night eye cream, d/n moisturizer, etc For longer trips I decant to snap down pods by humangear.
I am currently loving my Relavel makeup brush cosmetic organizer portable 2 layer small makeup pouch holder PU leather case with carry handle for travel. I like the structure and seems to hold everything I need for a long weekend
Thanks for this!! Packing for a road trip - FINALLY heading back home to TX!!!! - and I know I will have an overnight hotel stay on the way so using ideas for my personal bag that I use as my “hotel bag.” It helps so much to have everything thought out and packed efficiently so I don’t have to worry about having it all, things leaking, and any other issues. You’re ideas save me every trip whether it’s by car or plane. Thanks!!
One of the greatest inventions I recently discovered is the Makeup Eraser. You only need the cloth and water! It eliminates the need for all makeup remover, eye makeup remover, wipes, etc. They also make a set of travel sized ones. It has one for every day of the week but I just take one on a trip and wash it out well after using. They dry easily overnight. This is all I use now, even at home. With all the money I'm saving by not buying makeup remover wipes I can buy MORE makeup!! LOL
Wow! I'm so glad I found you! We haven't flown since 2004 and I didn't know about all these new requirements - like packing all the mini liquids together in one pouch. You're a life saver and I'm going to watch more of your videos for all the traveling we're going to start doing. Thank you!
Hi, Laurie. I'm enjoying your videos very much. I was used to travel more than I do now, but hope to take it over in the future. When I went trekking in Patagonia, south of South America, I'm from Brasil, a friend who travels a lot, suggested that I keep the toiletry in simple plastic bags, ziplock or not. They are soft, moldable, non bulky, you can accomodate anywhere easily, and are transparent - you can readily see what is inside. I do this, but I also take the pouch that can be hung, the szme as one of yours. It's nice to hear all of your explanation and the details. Thank you!
Laurie, thanks for your tips and ideas! I shared them with my son and his girlfriend when they went to Florida in mid September for a week. It was her first time on a plane. They had a wonderful time! Although there flight out was delayed for HOURS and there were storms out was a wonderful experience. 👌😊 Thank goodness they miss the hurricane.
I love all your tips and recommendations and I put them to practice. I am visiting my daughter and I will have to check a bag for everything I am bringing her. Let’s see how that goes. I will only carry an overnight just in case (I have two legs 1 1/2 hours in between). Very light! Thank you for always sharing your wonderful tips. I relay in them. Plus, your bags and different articles that make packing interesting and beautiful! God bless you and your family!
Before I found places to order them online, I used to have to always check a bag when visiting my parents because some of the toiletries I used weren't available in stores where I live but they were where they live, so I'd pack them in there for the flights home. Good on you for packing an overnight bag - I've been stuck overnight on a layover before without my suitcase (volunteered to check my carryon at the gate), and the toiletries and change of clothes I had in my backpack saved me (learned that trick when preparing for my first international trip 7 years ago, since that was the first time I ever had a layover). To this day (that was 5 1/2 years ago), even though I have a full set of toiletries at my parents' house (always home base on every trip since then), so I technically wouldn't need to bring any except the couple things I would use while actually traveling (lotion and chapstick), I still bring the few absolute necessities, just in case I get stuck overnight again - I figure it has already happened once, so it could always happen again.
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Thank you so much. Still on my way to Seattle (2nd leg). New machine on SJU you don’t take liquids nor meds out. Incredible!!! Will write back soon!
I realized, while watching your video, that a lot of the jewelry I take on vacation would fit in a 7 day pill container. Each item would be separate, therefore protected. Proctor and Gamble has a new line of cleaning products that has shampoo, laundry soap, etc in flat one use form. They are also mainly hypoallergenic. I haven’t tried them, but P&G makes a lot of familiar products like Tide, Cascade, Pantene. I think they might be worth checking out
Over the counter just-in-case meds each go in a snack size zip lock. I write the item name (antihistimine, pepcid, laxitive, etc) on a small slip of paper to put inside the bag with item. All those snack bags go into a bigger ziploc to be my "drugstore" baggie. I am going to Africa for the 3rd time in a few weeks - in the bush on safari - NO towns to pick up a forgotten item. Makes you think HARD when packing!! :) So worth it though!
For many years, I have used an empty toilet paper tube to corral the cord for my curling iron, blow dryer etc! I have a curling iron fabric holder my grandma made me with a gray heat-proof liner inside that can easily be packed when it is still a little warm! I just leave the cord and tp tube on the outside of the holder in that case!
I take Ozembic, so if I'm gone more than a week, I have to take my injector pen, which has to be refrigerated. I have a thermos designed for diabetic pens that has a specialized ice pack. Need to pack my testing kit, needles, and alcohol pads, too
Hi Laurie, Love this video. In the majority of videos about packing carry on luggage, everyone is talking about packing more into the bag. No one is addressing the strict cabin bag weight limits set by the airines. Whilst I love the video contents, not addressing the weight limits bothers me. Many economy seats permit a cabin bag weighing no more than 7kg. Are you perhaps able to address this please? Sincere thanks.
I linked a video near the end about packing light. It’s also in the paragraph below the video. We in the US flights do not have to worry about weight, but some connecting intl flights are super strict.
I have a tip that might be useful: I purchase new tennis shoe socks and underwear before traveling but leave them home and take the older ones on my trip. After wear, I toss them in the trash rather than having to pack them dirty.
Thank you so much for all the tips to organize my suitcase. I used to pack all in Plasticbags- horrible looking-for-whatever all day! Will organize my bag next time with your tips. Thanks ❤
I am allergic to eucalyptus and just happened to check the ingredients in the shower gel in the dispenser on a recent trip. Good thing I did. I then had to find a CVS and ended up buying a bar of Dove soap since I didn't need a huge bottle of shower gel. I now keep that bar in my travel bag. More and more hotels are using the shower gel and shampoo dispensers on the wall of the shower and I've encountered some that don't allow you to see the ingredient list. The nice thing about the plain, unscented Dove soap is that I can use it as face wash or to hand wash items if necessary.
Hello…. I enjoy your travel tips….Have you tried Cadence travel containers (magnetic) l need something absolutely leakproof but can’t justify the prices. Any thoughts?
Great video! You asked if there was something under heath we'd want to include as well. About 10 years ago I found out I was allergic to Sulfa drugs. This means I can't use Neosporin or any triple antibiotic ointment for cuts/burns because 2 of the ingredients are sulfa antibiotics. I have to carry bacitracin around when I go anywhere.
