We’ve been on the road full time for a few years now, and there’s a lot I’ve learned about the best toiletries to pack for traveling. Our toiletries packing list will help you pack your toiletries for traveling with kids and make sure you are covered for the essentials like chaffing, tummy bugs, and products that are all natural and won’t damage the environment.
We travel with carry-on only so take limited toiletries when traveling. I don’t even take makeup – I get my eyebrows and eyelashes tinted and everything else is all natural. Remember if you’re traveling with carry-on only you’ll need to make sure liquids are 100ml or less or they’ll be confiscated in most airports.
Don’t stress if you forget something – you can buy almost anything you need in Asia and the big brands are all there too in pharmacies and shopping malls.
Before you travel:
VPN
A VPN is a secure network that directs your online connections through a secure anonymous server, so your data is always protected. Most travellers find this helpful to avoid blocked sites (by using servers in other countries to access the sites you want), keeping data safe and watching your favourite shows from home. Here’s why you should use a VPN while traveling, and if you join here you’ll get three months free.
Insurance
Always get your insurance before you travel – in fact you should get it as soon as you book so you’re covered in case you need to cancel your trip. We love CoverMore for health and medical coverage, but they let us down when we were robbed in Spain, so if you’re setting off on a driving holiday I’d suggest using someone else.
Here are our favourite toiletries for travel:
Chaffing cream – Neat 3B Action Cream
Yep, this is my number one item, and if you’re heading where it’s hot and humid then it’s a good idea to pack a chaffing cream in your toiletries bag – no matter your size. If you’re not wearing long pants you can get a little hot and sweaty – and so can your kids – and this cream is the best for preventing chaffing. I just chuck in on before I head out – and sometimes carry it with me if it’s going to be a long day. I bought mine in Priceline in Australia.
Shampoo with a Purpose shampoo bars
These shampoo bars are perfect for traveling – they’re vegan, plastic-free and organic and fabulous for all the family. They smell divine and I use them for hair, body and face. You use so much less product, they’re easy to carry around, they’re all natural – and you can choose the bar for you based on the condition of your hair. Make sure you pack at least one in your toiletries bag when you travel – or have them at home.
They’re made in Australia and you can choose from delish combos like seaweed, rosemary, sage and ginseng.. Each one lasts about one month with both of us using it – and they’re so safe for kids and all family members. Buy them here.
Conditioner
At the moment I have whatever goes but I do need a thick and moisturising conditioner. If your hair isn’t dry and frizzy like mine it should be fine just with the shampoo bar. I’m going to try some of these all natural conditioners and see what works for me and I’ll let you know.
Clean & Pure lip balm
We love love love these lip balms. Lovingly made in Australia from all natural ingredients they really are the best I’ve tried and I think a lot of that comes from peace of mind that I’m not putting lots of nasty stuff in my body, AND I don’t have to worry if Emmie uses it. The flavours are delicious and the peppermint really tingles.
Buy them here at Clean & Pure.
Amazing Oils Roll-On Magnesium Gel
After a long day of hiking or a night on a hard-as-nails bed you’ll be happy to roll on this incredible magnesium oil. It’s so good for tired muscles and aches and pains and is so easy to carry.
It really helped me with all my aching joints, and is definitely worth being added to your kit. You can also get the spray and they’re both under 100ml so can fit into your carry-on too.
Sun Bum Sunscreen
It’s so important to always have your sunscreen on when you’re out and about. This awesome sunscreen is non-toxic, paragon free and super importantly when you’re in the tropics – REEF SAFE! We first found them in Hawaii when we were staying at the amazing Grand Hyatt Kauaii. It’s super safe for kids and the whole family.
We also love Wotnot for kids – and they have a whole range that is also reef safe as well as being all natural.
Mosquito repellent
We use natural mozzie spray unless we are heading into a big malaria or dengue area and then I use a high DEET repellent like Off or Bushmans ) but sparingly as these are not great for you.
For day-to-day use we love Biologika Bug Another Insect Repellent Spray and Bug-grrr Off Natural Insect Repellent – Jungle Strength Formula Spray because they’re all natural.
I’ve also picked up sprays along our travels. Whenever I find one that says all natural I grab it, usually from massage centres or little stores with locally made products. You can find a whole bunch of non-toxic mozzie and bug sprays here.
Deodorant
My favourite deodorant is the Black Chicken deodorant paste. You just rub it on and it lasts all day. It’s all natural, non-toxic and cruelty free. I love it. Black Chicken has a whole range of products – you can check them out here.
Other excellent deodorants are No Pong – in an easy to carry tin – and Ethique solid deodorant in a bar. Check out all the natural deodorants here.
Skin Care Travel kits
I am terrible at taking care of my skin so I’m currently testing out some travel kits that will take up little space and make it easy to cleanse and moisturise.
I’ve used these Black Chicken products before and I loved the cleansing oil and face routine. They come in a travel kit and are so easy to take along on your adventure.
These kits are all natural, Australian made and good for your skin.
Hand cream
I love Enbacci hand cream. It’s all natural, and the brand was developed by an Australian mum to help her and her family’s sensitive skin. You can find it here.
Nail files
Make sure to take paper files (especially if traveling with carryon) and clippers and metals ones could be confiscated if you forget to pack them into your check in luggage.
Hair elastics
You can never have too many hair elastics especially in the heat, and using zero waste hair ties is the best way to protect the environment from synthetics.
Coconut oil
I use this as my face moisturiser and chuck it in my hair when it gets super dry. Carry in a ziplock bag though as when its hot and the oil is runny it can escape its bottle and seep through your bag. I buy it in a glass bottle at stores in Asia.
Tiger balm
Tiger balm is great for everyting – sore muscles, mozzies, bites. Pick it up at home or overseas.
Tweezers
Don’t forget your tweezers! I have a few pairs and I make sure I have them with me. Of course you can buy tweezers overseas but if you have a favourite most effective pair make sure to bring them.
Tampons
In some countries, like the Philippines, it’s almost impossible to get tampons (if you’re desperate try a five star resort shop). The best option is to bring them with you. Try these natural tampons, or try out period undies from Thinx, Juju or Modibodi.
Ear plus and ear drying drops
Definitely pack earplugs for everyone if you’re going somewhere topical. If all of a sudden you’re in the water all day it’s pretty likely you’ll get an ear infection. You canals buy sprays that remove water from your ears after a swim which will help a little, like Ear Clear and Aqua Ear. You can find them at chemists.
The basics:
Of course we also have the below:
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss
- Hairbrush
- Nail clippers
- Of course well also pack a bunch of medicines, including:
- Pandol
- Bandaids
- Betadine
- Plus we try to get scripts in advance from the doctor and fill at least one antibiotics, but its easy to get anything you need OTC in Asia.
