As an international traveler, you can’t take anything for granted. In faraway places, you’re often unable to speak the local language, are unfamiliar with the landscape around you, and may find yourself in the middle of a time crunch. In these situations, just picking up a few simple items at the store can turn into a great inconvenience if not an impossibility. Having everything organized and stowed away where it’s safe but easy to access can be a lifesaver.
With this in mind, here’s a list of toiletry essentials that are always great to have with you. Whether packing light or bringing the kitchen sink along, make sure you pack these away in your suitcase before heading out on international trips.
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Dental Floss
If you go any more than a just few days without dental hygiene, its lack will become quite noticeable to yourself and everyone around you. These are easy to pack and can be easily stowed in checked-in luggage.
Multivitamin
A bottle of multivitamins is a great way to make sure you’re getting all the essential vitamins and minerals you need each day. Travel can be hectic, and eating a balanced diet is a luxury you don’t always have when traveling. Take one vitamin a day to make sure you’re staying healthy.
Soap
While most good hotels provide you with soap, you shouldn’t assume that will always be the case. Stash away a tiny bar or bottle of soap just in case.
Shampoo and Conditioner
The same thinking goes for shampoo and conditioner. Keep a bit in your suitcase for any emergencies. When you need it most, it might not be available.
Hairbrush and Styling Essentials
Whatever your morning routine, be sure you’re equipped for the duration of the trip. There may not be much on hand to keep yourself styled and presentable once you reach your destination and realize you didn’t pack the right tools with you.
Sunscreen and Moisturizer
Sunscreen is an easily overlooked essential, but if you realize too late your blunder in leaving it at home, the consequences can be painful. The same goes for moisturizers. Depending on where your trip takes you, you’ll be very thankful you packed these essential items.
Nail Clippers
Keeping your finger- and toenails trimmed, so you don’t look unkempt is in most cases a good idea. It’s just way less hassle to bring your clippers from home.
Hand Sanitizer
Keep germs at bay and stay healthy on your trip by applying hand sanitizer several times a day. A travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer is also handy for situations where you’re about to eat but lack access to running water.
Feminine Hygiene
Again, it’s easy to forget something that you’re used to having a supply of at home. But when you’re in the middle of a trip and run out of an essential, you’ll wish you’d thought ahead.
Pain Reliever
You never know what might happen on an international trip. With early mornings, very late nights, and lots of contact with other travelers, you never know if you’ll end up with a headache, sore throat, or sprained ankle. Alleviate the inconvenience by adding your pain reliever of choice (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen) to your toiletry essentials.
Once you’ve packed these essentials in your checked-in luggage before embarking on an international trip, you’ll be able to tackle whatever you encounter that much easier. You’ll be better prepared to enjoy your family vacation or adventure of self-discovery with a well-equipped selection of toiletry essentials.