Introduction
The importance of travel
For many people, traveling is not just a different place to relax, but also an important way to relieve stress and broaden their horizons. Data shows that more than 1 billion people around the world travel across cities or countries every year, and nearly 60% of travelers say that a comfortable trip can increase their productivity by 30% after returning. Whether it’s a short weekend trip or a long-distance cross-border trip, being prepared for details can make your journey more secure.
The role of the toiletry bag
And among all travel equipment, the Toiletry Bag is definitely the “invisible hero”. It’s not as conspicuous as a suitcase, but it holds key items for everyday comfort and personal hygiene. I have seen friends who missed important creams during security checks due to scattered skin care products, resulting in poor skin condition throughout the journey; There are also colleagues who use ordinary bags for toiletries, and as a result, shampoo leaks and stains clothes – a suitable toiletry bag can perfectly avoid these troubles.
Purpose of the article
This article will sort out for all travelers: what are the core functions of the Toiletry Bag, what are the seven must-pack items, and how to choose the Toiletry Bag that suits you. Practical tips are shared in plain language throughout the process to help you avoid the pitfalls of travel washing.
Basic functions of the toiletry bag
Organize personal care supplies
The most basic function of the toiletry bag is “classified storage”. Without it, toothbrushes, creams, razors and other items will be mixed in the suitcase, which is not only troublesome to find, but may also contaminate each other. For example, if liquid shower gel is placed directly in the suitcase, it is very easy to leak due to extrusion and stain clothes and electronic products; The toiletry bag with a layered design can place liquids, solids, and small items separately, which is clear at a glance.
Easy to carry and store
Most high-quality toiletry bags are made of lightweight materials and are small when folded, so they do not take up much space, whether they are placed in the side pockets of the suitcase or carried by hand on short trips. The last time I went on a business trip to a surrounding city, I brought a foldable toiletry bag, which folded to the size of the palm of my hand after use, which perfectly saved space in my suitcase; On the other hand, the ordinary cosmetic bag I used before was made of hard material and could not be folded, and it took up storage space when it was idle.
Improve travel efficiency
Time is precious when traveling, and a toiletry bag can help you save a lot of time on organizing and finding your belongings. Especially when catching an early flight or changing hotels, you don’t have to rummage through the entire suitcase, you can directly pick up the Toiletry Bag to wash up; During the security check, you can also quickly take out the toiletry bag containing the liquid separately to reduce the waiting time in line. Data shows that travelers who store toiletry bags can reduce the average time they spend organizing personal care items by 40% each time.
Seven essential toiletry bag items for travelers
The following seven items are recommended to be included in the core of the Toiletry Bag for both short and long trips, each of which has an irreplaceable effect:
1. Toothbrush and toothpaste
This is the most basic oral care combination, no matter what time it is. It is recommended to choose a folding toothbrush or a travel-sized toothbrush with a small bottle of toothpaste (≤ 100ml, which is convenient for passing through the security check). I take a folding toothbrush with a dust cover with me on every trip to save space and prevent the toothbrush head from getting dusty; Toothpaste is provided directly by the hotel, and if you are sensitive to the toothpaste brand, you can bring your own small bottle.
2. Shampoo and conditioner
Most of the shampoos and conditioners provided by the hotel are of average quality, especially for people with sensitive hair or special needs (such as oil control and repair), it is more reassuring to bring your own. It is recommended to buy travel bottles (clearly marked), filled with commonly used shampoos and conditioners, and the capacity is controlled within 100ml. Key reminder: Choose a bottle with good sealing performance to avoid leakage – I once used a cheap bottle and leaked a whole pack of shampoo, staining other skin care products.
3. Shower gel
As with shampoo, bringing your own body wash ensures a cleansing experience and skin comfort. In addition to the commonly used models in separate packaging, you can also choose solid shower gel, which is small in size, has no risk of leakage, and can also avoid capacity restrictions during security checks, especially suitable for long-distance travel or people who like to travel minimally.
4. Facial cleansing products
When traveling, the skin is prone to dust and sweat, so it is important to clean it well. For dry skin, an amino acid cleanser (mild and non-irritating) is recommended, and for oily/combination skin, a foaming cleanser with moderate cleansing power, also in small bottles. In addition, it is recommended to use 1-2 makeup remover wipes, if you just simply apply sunscreen or light makeup, you can quickly remove makeup, saving you the trouble of carrying makeup remover water and makeup remover pads.
5. Shaving supplies
Male travelers need to bring a razor and shaving cream, and female travellers can bring a small hair removal knife if they need to remove hair. It is recommended to choose a disposable razor or a portable razor with interchangeable heads, which saves space and is easy to carry. Note: If the shaving cream is liquid, it needs to be bottled into portions; You can also choose solid-state shaving soap to make it easier to pass through security.
6. Moisturizer
During travel, the environment changes greatly (such as dryness on the plane, climate differences in destinations), and the skin is prone to lack of water and dryness. Regardless of skin type, it is recommended to bring a portable moisturizer (small or divided). For dry skin, choose a thick moisturizer, and for oily skin, choose a refreshing gel-like moisturizer. The last time I traveled to the northwest, the climate was very dry, and I relied on the small moisturizer I carried with me to prevent my skin from peeling.
7. Sunscreen
This is an item that is easily overlooked but extremely important! UV rays are present regardless of whether the destination is sunny or cloudy, especially in seaside and plateau areas, where UV intensity is extremely high. It is recommended to bring sunscreen with SPF50+, PA+++ and above, and small packs are more convenient to carry. Data shows that people who do not take good sun protection while traveling have a 72% chance of skin sunburn, which may also accelerate skin aging.
How to choose the right toiletry bag
Select a dimension | Core takeaways | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|
Size and capacity | Choose based on the length of the trip and the number of items | Short-distance (1-3 days) choose a small size (capacity 5-10L), which can fit basic toiletries; long-distance (more than 4 days) selected size (10-20L), which can accommodate more skin care products and cosmetics; For family travel, you can choose a large (20L or more) or a compartmentalized toiletry bag |
Materials and durability | Give preference to waterproof, wear-resistant and lightweight materials | Nylon and polyester fiber materials are recommended, waterproof and stain-proof, and can be wiped directly when dirty; Avoid choosing hard plastic materials, which are easy to break and bulky; Pay attention to check whether the stitching is firm and whether the zipper is smooth (inferior zippers are easy to get stuck) |
Design and functionality | Focus on layering, compartment pockets, and portable design | Choose independent liquid compartment (anti-leakage), small mesh pocket (for small items), hook design (can be hung in the bathroom, save countertop space); People who travel frequently can choose the foldable model to save storage space |
Yigu (Purchasing Agent) Perspective
As a senior purchasing agent, I recommend that when choosing a Toiletry Bag, prioritize “practicality + cost performance”. When purchasing in bulk, nylon toiletry bags are low-cost and durable, suitable for travel agencies and corporate employee welfare procurement; For personal purchases, you can pay attention to waterproof models with brand certification, especially those with independent liquid compartment designs, which can reduce a lot of trouble in the future. In addition, it is recommended to choose food-grade PET material for sub-bottles of travel-sized toiletries, which has more guaranteed sealing performance, and suppliers can be required to provide test reports when purchasing to ensure safety.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Do I have to bring a toiletry bag? Is it okay to replace it with a regular bag?
A1: Not required, but highly recommended to bring. Ordinary bags are not layered and waterproof, which is prone to leakage and mixing of items, especially when carrying liquid skin care products, which is a higher risk. A toiletry bag of tens of yuan can greatly improve travel comfort and is very cost-effective.
Q2: What are the restrictions on the liquid in the toiletry bag when flying?
A2: Domestic flights stipulate that the capacity of liquid skin care products (shampoo, shower gel, moisturizer, etc.) carried on hand shall not exceed 100ml, and all liquids must be packed in a transparent sealed bag (capacity not exceeding 1L); If you are carrying a large amount of liquids, it is recommended to check them in. Solid skin care products (such as solid shower gel and soap) have no capacity limit, so you can carry them with confidence.
Q3: What size is suitable for long-term travel?
A3: For long-term travel (more than 7 days), it is recommended to choose a medium-sized toiletry bag of 15-20L, preferably with a partition design, which can place skin care products, cosmetics, and personal cleaning products separately. If you need to carry more skin care products, you can add a small sub-pack to store small items in categories.