Getting ready for an international trip? Whether you'll be exploring new and beautiful places for just a few weeks or a few months, these travel-size products should definitely have a reserved seat in your bag.
If you've traveled around a lot, then you probably know what your essentials are and what you can do without. But, if this is one of your first times going abroad, and you really have no idea what you'll need and what you won't, we're here to help you out! International Language Programs has decades of experience sending volunteers to other countries every semester, so we've definitely learned a few things. And this is our compiled list of the travel-sized items you shouldn't get on a flight without!
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There are several things that you should definitely have in your carry-on bag, especially if your flight is long. Or if your luggage gets lost, which obviously no one can predict so it's just better to be safe than sorry. I don't know anybody who likes that "haven't-brushed-my-teeth-in-twenty-hours" feeling. We'll also give you a heads up on the travel-sized items you should pack in your checked luggage that you won't need for your flight but will want for later. A lot of these basic, universal items can be purchased once you arrive at your destination, so you don't need to pack more than the travel size.
But remember, all liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on need to be under 3.4 ounces and packed into a quart-size, plastic, sealed, clear bag. Only one of these bags is allowed per traveler! All bigger containers need to be packed in your checked luggage. Good thing there are travel-size versions of your favorite toiletries right?
This post has affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, we earn a small commission). Just know we only share products that we have used and loved, that other volunteers have recommended, or that we think would be pretty useful!
So nice for long flights or overnight bus rides when you just feel gross and want a quick refresh! I love these Yes To Tomatoes Facial Wipes that come in a 30-pack. But this package of individually wrapped Neutrogena Facial Wipes is also very convenient for trips.
Anyone else have crazy sensitive skin? Here's to hoping that your face wash comes in a travel size! But if yours, like mine, does not, there's an easy solution. Just grab a set of toiletry bottles and fill them up with your favorite creams and washes.
A lot of liquid makeup is already under 3.4 ounces, but you still want to make sure you're only traveling with the essentials, right? This Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Stick is my absolute favorite! It's the perfect amount of coverage for smoothing over the redness and under-eye circles that always pop up during flights.
When it comes to a long-lasting mascara, the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara has always been my go-to. And for tinted lip balm, is there anything better than Burt's Bees Pomegranate Moisturizing Lip Balm? You'll never find me without it.
Want to skip the tube altogether? These little toothpaste tablets are perfect for travelers packing light and saving space.
Or, you could Pay a bit more and grab a pack of these tiny disposable toothbrushes that require no toothpaste or water. Clean teeth and fresh breath anywhere, anytime!
Essential. This is another product that will be easiest to find in the travel toiletries section of your local Walmart or Target.
Yeah, you don't need this for your flight. But you will need it for all the vacation days you'll get to spend exploring other cities or even countries as an ILP volunteer! The easiest thing to do is fill up some empty travel bottles with the products you normally use at home. But, if you're willing to spend a bit more, the It's A Ten products in this travel set are some of my favorite.
Guaranteed you'll have mornings when you have a tour starting at 7 am, or need to catch an early bus. These Batiste Mini Dry Shampoos are a major lifesaver.
Having a mini deodorant you can keep in your bag is always a good idea.
Even if you don't have a way to take out your contacts, just putting a couple of drops in your eyes will keep them feeling fresh. And did you know a few drops in your mascara tube will help it last longer, too? Here's a 4-pack of my absolute fav!
Do you already know about these? Or am I just about to change your stain game? Anytime you spill a drip of gelato on your cutie white dress (which happens more than you'd think as a traveler), a few rubs with one of these will take it right out! Don't think twice about getting this 3-pack of instant stain removers!
All liquids you carry on your flight have to be less than 3.4 ounces and fit in a quart-size, plastic bag to align with TSA regulations.
If you're having trouble sticking to that rule, try to find any solid alternatives to your liquids! Instead of using liquid soap, get a bar. Rather than bringing mouthwash, bring mouthwash strips. Bring facial cleansing wipes rather than face wash. You can even find things like shampoo and conditioner in a bar form (I absolutely love traveling with my LUSH bar shampoo and conditioner, and their toothy tabs).
Now that you know what to bring, which bags should you put it all in for the initial flight to your destination? Here's what I do with the items listed above:
Face Wipes
Makeup
Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Lotion
Hand Sanitizer
Deodorant
Rollerball Perfume
Contact Solution
Face Wash and Moisturizer
Mouthwash
Shampoo and Conditioner
Mini Hairspray
Dry Shampoo
Tide-To-Go Pens
Heads Up: We have more handy tips like these in our master guide for all things packing!
Have questions about what it's like to volunteer abroad with ILP?
There are a lot of awesome programs available these days that can help you to have a meaningful experience abroad. But, ILP is something special! Although that doesn't mean it's right for everyone. Want to know if it's a good fit for you? Check out the answers to all of our applicants' most frequently asked questions: