There is nothing that kills the holiday excitement faster than standing in airport security, stuffing tiny plastic bottles into a single ziplock bag.
For the conscious traveler, the toiletry bag is the easiest place to start making changes. It is where “less” truly means “more.” By swapping out single-use plastics for smarter, reusable alternatives, we don’t just save space—we ensure that the beautiful places we visit stay beautiful.
Here are the 5 essentials in our travel kit that keep us fresh, flight-ready, and plastic-free.
1. The Solid Shampoo Bar If you haven’t made the switch yet, travel is the perfect excuse. Liquid shampoo is heavy, prone to leaking, and 80% water. A solid bar is concentrated, TSA-friendly, and lasts for months.
- Why we love it: No more “shampoo explosions” inside your luggage. Look for bars with natural ingredients like argan oil or coconut to nourish hair after a day in the sun or wind.
2. The Bamboo Toothbrush & Travel Case Over 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away every year. The bamboo alternative is lightweight, naturally antimicrobial, and looks beautiful sitting on a hotel sink.
- The Upgrade: Pair it with a bamboo travel tube. It keeps your brush clean and allows it to breathe, preventing that soggy bristle situation.
3. Refillable Silicone Bottles We know—sometimes you just can’t part with your specific face wash or moisturizer. Instead of buying “travel size” versions (which create huge amounts of waste), invest in high-quality silicone squeeze bottles.
- The Hack: Look for “GoToob” style bottles with wide mouths. They are easy to fill, easy to clean, and virtually indestructible.
4. Crystal Deodorant Stone For the minimalist traveler, this is a game-changer. A natural mineral salt stick fights bacteria without synthetic fragrances or aluminum.
- Space Saver: One small stick can last a year. It’s tiny, dry, and plastic-packaging free.
5. Reusable Cotton Rounds If your evening routine involves micellar water or toner, leave the disposable cotton balls at home. A small stack of reusable bamboo or cotton rounds takes up zero space.
- Travel Tip: Bring a tiny mesh bag to collect the used ones, then toss the whole bag in the wash when you get home.
The Verdict Packing sustainably isn’t about sacrifice; it’s about upgrading to gear that works better. These small swaps lighten your load and your footprint, leaving you free to focus on what matters: the adventure ahead.