bar soap travel hack

14 Brilliant Travel Hacks for Packing Toiletries

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: January 15, 2023  - Last updated: December 27, 2023

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Packing toiletries for air travel (especially if you’re flying carry-on only) is always the hardest part of preparing for a trip.

But since I fly carry-on only about a dozen times per year, I’ve perfected my method of bringing all my bathroom supplies with room to spare and no spillage.

Here are my best travel hacks for packing toiletries whether you’re flying with carry-on or checked luggage (including tips about how to eliminate unnecessary liquids).

This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase I may make a small commission. I only share information about things I know, love and trust!

14 Travel Hacks for Packing Toiletries 

Use a quart sized ziploc bag for liquids.

If you’re flying carry-on only, you’re allowed one quart-sized bag for all your toiletries that are considered liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.

There are dozens of toiletry bags that are marketed towards travelers as being TSA compliant, but beware.

In reality, I’ve seen so many travelers get caught in the security line having to remove items from their bag because it is too large. 

All you need is a quart-sized ziploc bag !

These bags are exactly 0.97 quartz in volume, so they will always pass the TSA test. 

Not only are they the cheapest option out there, they seal airtight and watertight (which can’t be said about the zippered liquids bag).

Use Liquid Pouches Instead of Bottles 

Most people tend to use refillable squeeze bottles when traveling with liquid toiletries. Unfortunately, these take up unnecessary space.

This is because if you don’t fill up the entire bottle, the bottle still takes up the same amount of space.

And if you’re only traveling for a few days to a week, chances are you’re not going to need an entire 3.4 oz (or 100 mls) of product. 

Instead, opt for liquid travel pouches .

These take up less room than bottles and allow you to bring a bigger variety of liquids!

They come in multiple sizes and are compact and lightweight.

Since they’re a ‘pouch’ and not a bottle shape, they only take up as much space as you fill them.

I have been able to bring so many more different liquids in my carry on this way. 

Using these travel pouches are the easiest way to pack shower gel for travel.

Cut Up Bars of Soap

I always pack a bar of soap instead of body wash, and this eliminates a large amount of liquids space.

If you’re only going for a few days or a week, you can even cut a bar of soap into smaller pieces to save even more space. 

Try Toiletry Sleeves for Spill-Proof Travel 

Leak-proof all your toiletry bottles - a must-have if you're flying carry-on only!

These toiletry skins are the coolest new travel hack product. 

They’re a plastic film with one closed end that you slip over the tops of your toiletry bottles, making them completely spill proof. 

If you’ve ever tried to place a piece of plastic wrap under the cap of your bottle, this is a much better method. 

While these skins should fit travel sized bottles, they were designed for full-sized bottles if you’re checking luggage.

Check out the toiletry sleeves here .

Use Water Activated Facial Wipes

Facial wipes have always been handy for travel, but using ones that are water activated have so many benefits. 

First, you won’t have to pack a liquid face wash or makeup remover.

Second, these these ones won’t dry out since there’s no liquid in them to begin with. 

And they also double as a wash cloth. 

The Olay Daily Facials are my favorite because they’re gentle enough for sensitive skin. 

Use a Hanging Toiletry Bag to Save Space

Using a hanging toiletry bag has been my favorite toiletry travel tip. 

Many hotel bathrooms never have enough counter space, so I use this bag to hang up in the bathroom and then I can also see everything that’s in it. 

The genius thing about this bag is that the big compartment has zippers on both ends, so if you need something from the bottom, you can access it without having to take everything out first. 

Another reason why this bag is a travel game-changer – you can pack it flat if it’s unfolded in your luggage. 

Read more: What to Pack for a Hotel Stay (13 genius ideas)

Use Lotion Bars and Lotion Sunscreen 

Another favorite travel hack is to use a lotion bar or stick instead of a liquid. 

Not only is it not considered a liquid, there’s also no need to worry about it spilling or exploding! 

You can also find sunscreen that comes in a stick.

Please note that for many North American airports, a lotion stick is not considered a liquid.

If you’re in Europe, Asia or Australia, double check your airport’s rules to make sure this is allowed.

Use Shampoo Bars

One of my favorite toiletry packing hacks is to bring a sha m poo bar instead of liquid shampoo.

As an added bonus, a shampoo bar is basically a zero waste travel toiletry since there’s virtually no packaging or plastic, especially if you go with a natural based bar. 

Put Deodorant in Chapstick Tubes

To save space, in the microwave, melt down your solid deodorant and then pour it into an empty chapstick tube. You can either clean out an old one or order empty ones for cheap . 

Deodorant sticks are quite large on their own, and you won’t go through a whole tube on your trip. 

Plus, this method saves you money!

It’s a great way to use up the last bits at the end of the stick that usually just gets thrown out.

Use Multi-Purpose Products

These can also be used as a body wash, face wash and even shaving gel. Multi-purpose products to save space!

Instead of using multiple different products, find one that can be used 3 or 4 ways. 

Squalene oil can be used as a face and body moisturizer, as hair oil or even as a leave-in conditioner. 

As an added bonus, squalene oil has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce puffiness after a long day of travel.

Or use a gentle shampoo that can also be used as a body wash, face wash and even shaving gel. 

Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo is one of the best multi-purpose products for this, and they even come in handy travel sizes.

Use Cornstarch Instead of Dry Shampoo

If you normally pack dry shampoo, this counts as an aerosol and needs to be packed in your liquids toiletry bag.

To save space, you can use cornstarch or baby powder as your dry shampoo!

If you have darker hair, you can also mix cornstarch with cocoa powder to avoid white-looking roots. 

Contact Lens Cases for Makeup and Lotions 

Don’t throw out your old contact lens cases – clean them and use them for makeup, lotions and creams.

This is a great way to pack your toiletries without having to buy extra jars or reusable containers.

They hold the perfect amount for a weekend trip and they seal rightly so no worries about any leaking.

Otherwise, you can use these inexpensive cream jars , perfect for moisturizer, foundation, lotion, even pills.

Use 1oz Dropper Bottles

If you use hair or facial oils, order yourself some empty 1 oz dropper bottles as the perfect space-saving toiletry accessory.

Use Toothpaste Tablets 

100 tablets so you can pack this for the whole family, or perfect for an extended trip.

Another way to eliminate a liquid is by using toothpaste tablets instead of your cream or gel toothpaste.

These are especially useful if you’re going on a long trip.

How Do You Pack Toiletries for a Carry-On?

When you’re flying carry-on, pack all of your liquids, aerosols, creams and lotions in a clear, quart-size ziploc bag. 

Since a quart isn’t that big, use my tips mentioned above to reduce the number of liquids you have. 

Since you don’t have much room, I like bringing only the amount of liquids I’ll need – which is why I like the fillable liquids pouches. 

All my non-liquid toiletries (bar soap, floss, toothbrush, hairbrush, bandaids, etc) go in my hanging toiletry bag, and I pack all my liquids in the ziploc bag separately. 

When I’m the security line at the airport, I can easily grab the clear liquids bag to put in on the scanner. 

After I’m through security, I usually leave my liquids in this ziploc bag, just in case anything does spill, it’s all contained and doesn’t mess up anything else in my carry-on.

Catch my full video where I demonstrate all these products and provide extra tips for packing toiletries:

More Packing Posts:

Lightweight Carry On Bags Under 6 lbs (multiple airlines tested)

25 Essential Travel Items That Are a Complete Game Changer

20 Things You Should Pack for an All Inclusive Vacation

The Ultimate Cabo Packing List (Everything Fits in Your Carry On)

What to Pack for Vegas – 15 Things to Bring (beyond the obvious)

Day Hike Packing List | 13 Essentials for Hiking (& how to avoid extra bulk)

The Only Road Trip Packing List You Need: 16 Items to Bring

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37 Packing Hacks: The Best Travel Hacks For Packing

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Packing hacks are the best way to take your travel game to the next level. We have rounded up the top travel packing hacks designed to save you space, time and money – so you can focus your energy on enjoying your trip. Clever and inventive, packing hacks for traveling will enhance your packing skills and overall travel savviness.

37 Best Travel Packing Hacks

I used to be terrible at packing for trips; first I was an over-packer, then an under-packer. Now, as a full-time world traveler, I rely on packing hacks for travel to keep me organized and efficient on travel days. Some hacks for packing have become so ingrained in our travel routine that packing without them is unimaginable.

Our Travel Hacks For Packing

Our list of packing hacks ranges from absolute game changers to creative tricks. Some are tried-and-true traveling hacks for packing, while others are insider tips we gleaned from expert travelers. These packing hacks will work for all travelers – so whether you are seeking backpack hacks or cruise packing hacks, you will surely find a few gems on our list.

We have categorized our list into three sections: Hacks for Packing Clothes, Toiletry Hacks, Carry On Hacks and a few miscellaneous tips, too. This is a mega list of the best packing life hacks – so grab your coffee and settle in.

Get started now with your FREE Packing Checklist !

Clothing Packing Hacks

Because clothing is the main component to packing, we are kicking off our list with hacks for packing clothes.

#1 Packing Cubes Hacks

Of all luggage packing hacks, packing with Packing Cubes ranks most supreme. Providing organization and structure to your suitcase or backpack, Packing Cubes are space-saving superstars. The cubes come in a variety of sizes, styles and materials – all of which need to be considered in order to attain your ultimate packing goal.

Pro Tip : We discuss the different kinds of cubes – and the best packing cube hacks – in detail in our post: Ways Packing Cubes make Travel Easier . 

#2 Cheap Packing Travel Hacks

While Packing Cubes are – hands down – one of the best packing hacks that we use, Packing Cubes are pricey! Personally, we think they are worth every single cent. However, if you are not ready to take the plunge and buy some, rather than packing using Packing Cubes, try Ziplock Bags. This is one of the top travel organization hacks that will save space in your suitcase. 

Gallon-size bags are ideal for organization and compression; however, unlike the quality Packing Cubes we use, Ziplocks have an incredibly short lifespan.

Pro Tip : I used to pack using Ziplocks (before I learned how incredible actual Packing Cubes are!). I would pack one complete outfit in each gallon bag and label it so I could easily find the outfit I was looking for. On the way home from vacation, I used the zip-top bags for my dirty laundry, too!

#3 Clothes-Rolling, Space-Saving Packing Hacks

Rolling clothes – rather than folding them – has long been one of the best suitcase packing hacks for saving space. Travelers can either roll each item individually – or, take it up a notch, and roll an entire outfit (pants, shirt, socks and underwear) together. By rolling a complete outfit, your suitcase becomes a grab-and-go destination when getting ready for the day’s adventure.

Pro Tip : For a tighter roll that stays together, use a ‘military roll’ or hair ties to secure the rolled clothing. If you use hair ties, you will also have backups if you lose or break one on your trip. (Plain rubber bands can be used, too, if you don’t use hair elastics.)

Roll vs Fold Debate

While many travelers rave about the benefits of rolling, it is not one of the packing luggage hacks that we use for our shirts and pants. We find that rolling is time consuming – and although many travelers claim that it can save even more space to pack rolled clothes in Packing Cubes, we have not found that to be true.

That said, the one item of clothing I do roll is my bikini underwear . I start by folding the underwear into thirds – folding each side in to the width of my small Packing Cube. Then, starting at the bottom, I roll up to the waistline. This is actually one of my airport hacks, as much as it is a packing hack, because this way, if my undergarment Packing Cube gets tagged for inspection, the agent rifling through my clothes will be less likely to touch the part of the panties that goes against my skin.

Pro Tip : Another clothes packing hack for underwear is to pack quick drying underwear that will be easy to wash in the sink and dry fast – if need be. A brand that fellow travelers love is Ex-Officio , but I prefer inexpensive and functional Fruit of the Loom . We talk more about clothing materials in a minute!

#4 Folding Hacks for Packing

If you are like us and decide to fold your clothes (instead of roll), then it is key to fold all of your clothing to the exact same size. After spending 10 years working in retail, I am fairly skilled at folding random sized clothing into neat stacks. However, for travelers who find it challenging, one of the packing folding hacks is to use a Folding Board , which will ensure you get a perfect fold on every piece of clothing.

Pro Tip: One of the great business travel packing hacks is to fold your delicate work clothes in dry cleaning bags as it will help eliminate wrinkles on arrival!

#5 Packing Hacks: Travel Clothing

One of the top packing clothes hacks for traveling is to only pack clothing that travels well. There are numerous clothing lines that are designed specifically for traveling, but most travelers don’t need to get that technical – and many items you already own might fit the bill.

The features of clothing that are most important when it comes to packing are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, odor-eliminating, wrinkle-resistant and washable clothing items.

That said, if you do pack clothing that wrinkles, bring travel-size Wrinkle Release Spray  to avoid having to iron on vacation.

Pro Tip : While the right clothing material is essential for travelers, it is equally important to pack clothing that you like and are comfortable wearing…because if it is not comfortable, it will likely stay folded in your suitcase. I share more tips about my packing experience for full-time travel in My Long-Term Travel Packing List: What I Pack To Travel the World .

#6 Pack Multi-Functional Clothing

There are no better packing hacks for traveling light than packing versatile and multi-functional clothing. One of the most useful items I have in my backpack is my wrap – and it has about a million uses.

I have used it as a scarf, a beach cover up, a bath towel, a picnic blanket, a pillow cover, a bedsheet, a head cover, an ear cover, an eye cover, a curtain and a bus seat cover…just to name a few. As long as the wrap is lightweight, dark and washable, the possibilities are endless.

Convertible clothing – like this dress/skirt combo – are awesome packing hacks to save space. Other clothing that can be multi-function are yoga pants (which can double as sleepwear), leggings (which can be layered in cool weather), a casual dress (which can be a beach cover up) and bikini tops (which can be worn as a bra).

Pro Tip : A pillowcase is another good item to pack that is multi-functional. Use it to cover the pillow you sleep on in your accommodations, then fill it with dirty clothes for the trip home.

#7 Capsule Clothing Packing Travel Hacks

Packing a capsule wardrobe is one of the smart packing hacks used by travelers. 

To assemble a capsule wardrobe, first, choose a color scheme of similar shades – like black, dark blue and shades of purple – and only pack clothing that falls into the color palette. Each item – tops and bottoms – need to be able to be mixed, matched and layered with all other items. Outfits can be accessorized with colorful scarves and jewelry.

By using this trip hack, you can pack minimal pieces of clothing that can be combined to make numerous different outfits. Done right, it is one of the space saving packing hacks that allows travelers to pack carry-on luggage only. 

In addition to coordinating my entire wardrobe, one item that I always like to pack is a black skirt . It is something that is comfortable and casual for sightseeing, but can be dressed up with a nicer shirt and a scarf for going out in the evening.

Pro Tip : A life hack for packing clothes for a vacation is to use the Countdown Rule. For example, if you are taking a 5-day trip, pack 5 shirts, 4 pants (or shorts/skirts), 3 dresses, 2 pairs of shoes and 1 colorful scarf (or bold piece of jewelry). Additionally, pack one pair of underwear for every day of the trip, but only one set of pajamas.

#8 Clothes Packing Hacks for Vacation

One of the simple traveling packing hacks that is often overlooked is Destination Research. What I mean by this is that, before you start packing and choosing clothes for your trip, first check the weather forecast for your destination. Also, gain some insight to the destination’s clothing culture and have a basic understanding of what apparel is acceptable at tourist destinations, religious sites, restaurants and clubs.

Pro Tip : Use your itinerary to help decide what clothes to bring. How the Packing Hacks Travel Itinerary works is that, based on your planned activities that you select in advance of your trip, you determine which outfit to wear for each day of your trip. (To book your activities in advance, we use Viator !)

#9 Clever Packing Hacks for Clothing

One of the life hacks for packing that we have long used – and is commonly used by fellow travelers – is to pack clothing items for a trip that you no longer want to keep. After you wear them on your trip, you can donate the clothing at your destination (or, if there is really no life left in the item, just toss it!). This is an especially good tip for families traveling with growing kids.

Pro Tip : One of the truly Travel Light hacks is to reverse this idea slightly. When you leave for vacation, only pack personal items – like undergarments and toiletries. On arrival at your destination, make your first stop a thrift shop and buy new-to-me clothes for the entire trip. On the last day of the vacation, return to the thrift shop and donate all of the clothing back to the store. We have never personally used this hack – but heard about it from a fellow traveler and love the concept!

#10 Travel Hacks for Packing Shoes

To save suitcase space, on any trip, for any length of time, only ever pack three pairs of shoes – I even follow this rule as a full-time traveler! All shoes should be comfortable to wear for long days of sightseeing and, more importantly, they need to go with all the outfits that you are packing. (This idea goes back to the capsule wardrobe method!)

For more travel shoe tips, read our blog post, The Best Shoes for Traveling .

Pro Tip : A good way to keep grimy shoes from dirtying up the inside of your luggage and one of the little genius packing hacks is to fit disposable shower caps (the kind that are free at many hotels) over the sole of the shoe before you put them in your bag. The empty space inside your shoes can also be used to store items – like deodorant and shaving cream, just put it in a resealable bag first.

Resealable bags are one of our essentials for packing. They come in handy for everything from an open bag of snacks to your wet bathing suit on a travel day. Find out more tips in our blog post, Everyday Items for Traveling . 

#11 Clothing Airport Hacks

One of the ingenious suitcase packing hacks to save space is to actually wear your bulkiest items, especially on long travel days . In fact, this is one of the top Carry On Only travel hacks. Rather than using valuable luggage space to pack your coat and boots, wear them on the plane! Tie a sweatshirt around your waist or wear layers that can easily be removed once seated on the plane.

Pro Tip : Another one of the travel packing hacks that can save space inside your luggage is tying your shoes or flip flops to the outside of your carry on bag. This also applies if you carry a water bottle…simply clip it to the exterior of your bag if possible…or better yet, travel with a collapsible water bottle .

#12 Hacks for Packing a Suitcase…Without Over-Packing

Over-packing is a downfall for many travelers – it certainly was for me when I was a novice traveler. But I have learned what an absolute drag over-packing can be. It can weigh you down (literally) when lugging your suitcase through an airport, down a cobblestone street and up the stairs of a boutique hotel.

One of the best life hacks for traveling and packing – or rather not over-packing – is to simply commit to packing in a carry on size suitcase. By limiting the amount of room you have, you will be less tempted to over pack, which is much more sensible! We discuss more specific carry on packing hacks later in the post!

Pro Tip: If you are checking luggage, invest in an affordable luggage scale to ensure you don’t go over the weight limit. You don’t want to be surprised at the beginning of your trip with an extra charge!

Everything we pack for world travel fits in a Carry On size backpack! Find out what we pack: The Ultimate Packing List .

#13 Packing Suitcase Hacks

We pack in backpacks, but one of the best suitcase hacks I ever heard was to shift your perspective of your suitcase. Rather than packing stacks of clothing horizontally into the suitcase, pack vertically, from the wheels up.

Another one of the best Packing a Suitcase hacks is to take this idea one step further. Pack vertically, but pack complete outfits and stack them in the order that you plan to wear them (according to your itinerary!). This way, when you get ready each day, all you need to do is grab the outfit from the top!

Pro Tip : Don’t let any space go unused! One of the long time travel hacks packing tips is to take advantage of small crevices in your suitcase to slip in things like a comb or other small miscellaneous items.

#14 Luggage Hacks

Day packs and purses can take up a lot of room in luggage. Minimize how many items you carry by selecting one purse that will work for all occasions. It is even better if you pack a purse or bag that can double as a day pack.

One of our favorite packing for travel hacks is to pack a lightweight  foldable shopping bag , which unfolds to a bigger bag for going to the beach or shopping during your trip.

Pro Tip : Read more about day bags in our blog post, The Best Day Packs for Traveling .

#15 Packing a Suitcase: Hacks for Fresh Clothing

One way to keep your clothes smelling fresh during your trip is to layer each clothing item with a dryer sheet. This is one of the double-dip packing travel hacks because later, if you need to do laundry while on your trip, you will have dryer sheets to use!

Pro Tip : Another way to keep clothes fresh is with Fabreeze. Pack a travel-size Fabreeze with your toiletries! And, don’t worry, we are getting to our toiletry packing hacks in a minute!

#16 Holiday Packing Hacks for Souvenirs

If you anticipate collecting breakable souvenirs during your trip, a good suitcase hack is to use bubble wrap in between your clothes or outfits. Then, use the bubble wrap to protect souvenirs that you are bringing home.

Other travel hacks for packing souvenirs (and some of the creative ways to better ensure breakables make the trip home undamaged) is to pack them inside Pringles cans or even use the free hotel slippers as cushioning. On the other hand, if you are  buying wine, actual wine protectors are the best.

Pro Tip : In many cases, the best and safest way to transport fragile souvenirs is to ship them home…rather than trying to jam them into your suitcase. 

#17 Packing hacks for Traveling: Laundry

One of the best space-saving travel hacks is simply to plan on doing laundry during your trip. By planning to do laundry while you travel, you will only need to pack one week’s worth of clothing – or less! – even if you are on a 2-week – or longer! – trip.

We recommend booking accommodations with a washer and (maybe) a dryer ( Airbnb is our go-to resource for finding the best places to stay). It is a good idea to pack a few individual packages of liquid laundry detergent , just in case they do not provide any. 

Pro Tip : If your accommodation does not have a washer, there is likely a nearby laundromat – or even laundry service. Just remember to bring a packable laundry bag so that you have something to carry your dirty clothes in.

#18 Sink Laundry: Packing Tips and Hacks

Learning how to efficiently do sink laundry is one of the packing hacks for long trips, when you will inevitably need to wash at least a few undergarments. Sink laundry is as simple as it sounds: It’s when you hand wash your clothes in the sink, bathtub or shower.

The most important thing to keep in mind when washing items in the sink is allowing enough time for clothes to dry (and, again, why it is so important to pack quick-dry clothing).

Many travelers wash clothes at night, before going to bed, to ensure they will dry. We like to take advantage of the sunshine (if possible) and wash them in the morning (but never the morning of a travel day!).

Sometimes we just use a bar of soap to clean our clothes, but Sink Laundry detergent is probably better. A sink stopper will help for scrubbing and rinsing in the sink – and a travel clothesline is ideal to hang up wet clothes. That said, draping socks over a heater or in front of a fan can help speed drying times…and a hair dryer works, too.

Pro Tip : A Scrubba Wash Bag is often touted by fellow travelers as one of the top packing hacks for backpacking, but we have yet to use one personally!

Packing Hacks For Toiletries

Our list of packing toiletries hacks is full of ideas that will help you pack better for your next trip! These travel hacks for packing toiletries will hopefully help you avoid spills in your luggage…and save you some space in your bag, too.

#19 Travel Toiletry Hacks for Shampoo and Conditioner

One way to avoid any liquid shampoo and conditioner luggage incidents is to simply not pack it! Many hotels and Airbnb apartments provide shampoo and conditioner. And, if they don’t, you can always buy some at a local store when you get there.

That said, did you know that shampoo and condition come in bars just like soap? Well, you are now in on the secret! Using shampoo and conditioner bars – rather than packing bottled liquids – is an excellent travel packing hack that will ensure you don’t have spilled shampoo in your bag on arrival at your destination.

Pro Tip : Shampoo and conditioner are just one of the solid toiletries you can use on your trip. Other packings hacks for traveling without liquids are using toothpaste tabs and solid perfumes !

#20 All-in-One Toiletry Travel and Packing Hacks

What better way to save space than to use products with multiple uses? The all-in-one Dr. Bronner’s soaps are organic and certified Fair Trade products that are designed for multiple purposes. The soap can be used on body, face, hair and teeth…and also to clean dishes, clothes, floors, windows – and even the toilet – making it one of the best travel packing hacks of all!

Pro Tip : The Castille soap collection comes in a variety of scents and is available in liquid or bars .

#21 Liquids: The Best Packing Hacks for Travel

While eliminating liquids from your luggage is one of the top packing hacks for travel, if you are bringing liquids in your bag, we have a few travel hacks and tips on how to keep liquids from spilling inside your bag.

The best travel hacks for liquids is a 3-part process that includes plastic wrap, tape and a resealable bag. First, unscrew the top off the bottle and place a piece of plastic wrap over the top, then screw the top back on (over the top of the plastic wrap). Next, take a piece of tape and tape the flip lid shut. Finally, secure the bottles in resealable bags. By using the three-step method, suitcase spillage is highly unlikely!

Pro Tip : The bottles you pack in can make all of the difference! Liquid travel containers is not where you want to skimp on quality. Therefore, one of the best travel hacks for toiletries is to use refillable GoToob bottles that are specifically engineered for travel – and promise a spill-proof journey!

#22 Save Space in your Toiletry Bag when A Little Dab Will Do

One of the phenomenal travel hacks to save space in your toiletries case is to only bring as much product as you will actually use on your trip. Rather than packing larger bottles of face creams and foundation, pour a small amount into a contact lens case. Use more than one case if you need to…but just remember to use a contact case with screw top lids.

Pro Tip : Small 10ml bottles also work great for liquids that you will only need a little dab of during your vacation. They are inexpensive and reusable, too, making them one of the best travel hacks!

#23 Travel Size Items

When it comes to transporting liquids, one of the travel packing life hacks is to use refillable travel-size bottles. In fact, we think travel-size toiletries are the way to go in general when it comes to packing and carry-on hacks.

It is amazing how many products are made in a smaller, space-saving size. Some favorites are a travel-size hairbrush , travel-size toothpaste , travel-size deodorant and travel-size shaving cream . Products we don’t use – but that other travelers do – are mini-magnifying mirrors , travel-size hair straighteners and travel towels .

Pro Tip : Want one of our top travel hacks that saves money in the long run? When your travel-size toothpaste runs out, don’t throw it away! The tube can actually be refilled from a regular-size toothpaste tube. Just securely hold the openings together and squeeze from the larger tube into the travel sized tube!

#24 Travel Tips for Shaving Cream Alternatives

Using a travel-size shaving cream is not the only way to save space in your suitcase. One of the best travel packing tips and hacks is to not bring shaving cream at all! Instead, just lather up soap or use hair conditioner in place of shaving cream.

Pro Tip : The Schick Intuition razor is another travel gem – in that the shaving cream is right on the razor!

#25 Minimal Hair Products

While we love the innovative travel-size products that are available to travelers, the fewer you bring, the lighter your luggage. It can be tempting to pack a hair dryer, curling iron and straightener, but we don’t recommend it…even if they are all travel size!

First, check to see if your accommodations provide a hair dryer. Second, choose one low-maintenance hairstyle. This way, you can limit the number of hair tools and products you bring on your trip!

Pro Tip : In the case that your accommodations don’t have a blow dryer, rather than succumbing to packing a hairdryer, one of the travel life hacks is to pack a microfiber towel that can be used to help dry your hair more quickly. 

#26 Makeup: Packing for Vacation Hacks

Many minimalist travelers recommend leaving all makeup at home when taking a trip. While I have never been a heavy makeup wearer, I still travel with makeup – but I limit it to essentials only.

I pack one powder, two small brushes, a travel eyelash curler and mascara…and that is it. At the very least, limit your makeup bag to only one eyeliner, one eyeshadow, one mascara and one lipstick (and make sure they go with your capsule wardrobe color scheme!).

Pro Tip : Using makeup samples is one of the great traveling life hacks for trips! If you have collected any sample-size makeup in the months prior to your trip, select a few to use on your vacation!

#27 The Almighty Pill Box as a First Aid Kit

While a Weekly Pill Box is excellent for its intended purpose, it is also a great space-saving travel organizer! Instead of packing bottles of Just-in-Case medications, store each of the assorted meds in a different day of the week. For example, store pain reliever in Sunday, vitamins in Monday, cold meds in Tuesday and belly meds in Wednesday. Pill boxes are also one of the fantastic travel pack hacks for storing and organizing jewelry for your trip!

Pro Tip : For something a little more flexible than a pill box, use individual travel jars  and small 2×3-inch plastic resealable baggies to pack medications…and jewelry, too! Read more about what we pack in our first aid travel kit in our post, Ways to Stay Healthy While Traveling .

#28 Toiletry Life Hacks for Packing a Suitcase

One way to make packing toiletries so much easier is to invest in a Travel Toiletry Case that stays packed all the time! With a pre-packed toiletry case, all you need to do when it comes time to pack is grab the bag and go! Just starting out with traveling? This packaged toiletry case is great for beginners!

Pro Tip : Just remember to refill any used items when you return from each trip!

Carry On Hacks

On travel days, we seldom check bags – we each have carry-on-size travel backpacks and a day pack. To stay organized and efficient in airports, carry on luggage hacks are essential!

#29 Carry On Travel Hacks: Airport Security

No one likes a traveler who holds up the line at security, but there are a few packing hacks for carry on luggage that will get you through checkpoints in a flash.

First, if you are carrying liquids onto the plane, make sure they are in 3.4-ounce bottles (100ml) or smaller…and that they all fit into one quart-size resealable plastic bag. Next – and a key to being quick at security – when you pack your bag, place the bag of liquids in an easy to reach spot.

Electronics – especially laptops, but sometimes larger cameras and phones, which sometimes have to be removed when going through security – should also be placed in an easy-to-access part of your carry on luggage.

Pro Tip : Shoes often need to be removed, which is why I like to wear Slip On shoes or flip flops on travel days. However, if you are bringing boots on your trip, you will need to decide whether it is better to wear them to save space in your suitcase or pack them for a swifter pass through security.

#30 Packing Hacks: Carry On Entertainment

The best way to pass time on an airplane is with on-board entertainment, which is why planning your entertainment in advance is one of the best packing hacks for flying. Headphones and portable chargers are a must! 

Once I get settled in my seat, the first thing I do is create a list of movies to watch in-flight. Headphones , however, are essential to enjoying the flicks…so I always bring two pairs (just in case one fails me or gets lost).

On flights where there is no seat-back entertainment, be sure to bring your own entertainment. Make sure your phone is fully charged…and make a few song playlists or download apps in advance. Bring your charging cord (most seats now have USB ports) and a Portable Charger . 

If you like to read on planes (or trains or buses) a Kindle can be a real space-saver and one of the top vacation packing hacks. However, if you are like me and prefer the feel of paper books, then pick up one or two at a used bookstore or free community library…and then pass them along when you’re finished.

Pro Tip : Find out more of the specifics of what should be in your carry on luggage and our other in-flight tips in our blog post, Long Haul Flight Essentials .

#31 Only Hand Luggage Hacks

If you are trying to squeeze all of your items for your entire trip into a carry on, then one way to make a bit more room is to wear a fanny pack onto the plane. What makes it one of the best carry on packing hacks is that your fanny pack shouldn’t count as an extra bag – plus it keeps you hands-free! Besides that, it is a great place to store valuable items (like your passport and wallet), as well as items you want easy access to during the flight (like an lip balm , sleep mask and earplugs).

Pro Tip : Using a backpack instead of a suitcase will also keep you hands-free on travel days! Read more of the pros and cons of each style of luggage in our blog post, Backpack vs Suitcase . 

#32 Organizational Hand Luggage Packing Hacks

There is nothing more frustrating than when the plane is ready for take off…and you realize that your headphones and kindle are stowed in the overhead compartment (which now cannot be accessed until the captain has turned off the seatbelt sign).

To avoid the inconvenience, prepare ahead and pack a small on-board tote that contains your flight essentials, which can fit under the seat in front of you. Items I make sure to have close at hand are sanitizer , wet wipes , water, snacks, phone, headphones, sleep mask, earplugs and compression socks .

Pro Tip : One of the top carry on luggage packing hacks to use if you are checking luggage is to travel on board with a complete change of clothes…just in case your luggage (and clothing) gets lost en route to your destination . I also like to pack a fresh pair of underwear (that I can change into in the airport bathroom to start my trip off feeling fresh!) – as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste to use to freshen up after a long flight.

Miscellaneous Packing Hacks

Our final travel packing tips and hacks are some tricks that we have picked up over the years that make packing so much easier!

#33 Electronic Device Cable Organization

One of our suitcase life hacks is keeping our cables organized. Some of the essential electronics that we travel with are a mini extension cord (because the outlets are not always in convenient places!), a multi-port adapter (because there are multiple things to be charged!) and a portable charger that we carry with us while we are out exploring.

A good way to keep all these cords and electronics organized is with a Grid It board that keeps everything in place and easy to find! 

Pro Tip : For travelers who make frequent trips, an even easier way to stay organized is to purchase duplicate chargers and cables for all of your devices. Secure them on the Grid It – and always keep them packed so they are ready to go when you are ready to go!

#34 Cooking on Vacation

One of the reasons we love staying in Airbnb apartments is that we have access to our own kitchen where we can cook simple meals. That said, not all kitchens come fully equipped. If you plan on cooking during your trip, consider investing in a collapsible colander , a flexible cutting board and an multi-functional knife (but only if you are checking luggage). 

Pro Tip : In our travels, we have found that it is best to pack the spices that we love! To easily pack our spices, we use small resealable bags (the 2×3-inch baggies are the best!) rather than carrying bottles.

#35 Packing Hacks for Traveling as a Couple or with Friends

One thing that we have learned as a traveling couple is to communicate about our packing list. All of the items that can be shared – from lotion to a travel umbrella to a portable Wifi device – are divvied up evenly between us so that we are not carrying duplicates. Whether traveling as couples, friends or families, find out what items might be unnecessary and determine who will carry what.

Pro Tip : Packing Lists are gold! Keep a list of all the items you pack for a trip. When you return, take a few minutes to jot down notes on what you used and what you didn’t and adjust accordingly to make packing easier for future trips!

#36 Packing Hacks for International Travel

As we spend most of our time overseas, we have quite a few international travel hacks for packing. These tips aren’t necessarily travel hacks for packing light, but rather what to pack to make international travel a little bit easier. 

First, make sure you pack your passport and other travel documents in a safe place. We use a Passport Organizer that fits inside a zippered pocket inside our under-the-seat carry on luggage. 

We also think it is important to invest in a Mobile WiFi Hotspot so that you will have an internet connection from the moment you land. We use the GlocalMe device – which can be fitted with a SIM card or you can purchase data online ahead of your trip (the better way to go in our opinion!). 

Next, make sure that you have the right travel apps. Google Translate, Uber (or whatever ride hailing app is popular in the country you are visiting), Booking.com and Google Maps are the basic essentials. 

Bring (and use) a credit card that does not charge international transaction fees (we prefer the Chase Sapphire credit card). 

Pro Tip: We share heaps of tips for traveling from the United States to Europe in this article, How To Plan a Trip To Europe . 

#37 Best Packing Hack for Travel – Make a List! 

We have already touched on making a list as one of the top packing hacks for travel – but it is truly one of the easiest and most often overlooked hacks for organizing your suitcase. 

Start by making a list of what to pack for your next trip. Then, after the trip, reanalyze the list, eliminating the things you didn’t use – and then make a Master Packing List. For future travels, use your Master Packing List as a base for all of your trips. 

However, as each trip is unique with different climates and activities, it is best to take your list one step further and make an Itinerary of Outfits. On this list, note what outfit (or outfits) you will wear on each day of your trip based on your outlined trip itinerary. This way, you can be certain that you only pack clothes you intend to actually wear – saving you from over packing! 

Pro Tip : Our T rip Planning Printables Kit includes itinerary templates and everything you need to organize your trip! 

More Travel Tips and Hacks

Above, we featured our top travel tips for creative and easy packing hacks – but we have so many more travel hacks to save money! 

Cheap Flights

We use a combination of tricks to find the best fares on flights – and we share them all in our article How To Find Cheap Flights .

Best Hotels

Want to find the best hotels at the best prices? Don’t we all! Get there by using our travel hacks for Booking Cheap Hotels . 

Free Packing Checklist 

With our packing hacks for travel, you will be a packing pro in no time! Get started right away with your  FREE Packing Checklist!

Start planning your next trip ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

We Want To Know: What are your best travel packing hacks? Give us your tips and advice in the comments below!

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Bring Culture Into Your Life

27 Packing Hacks For Traveling

I’ve been traveling pretty non-stop for the past 13-years. That means I’ve packed and unpacked at least a million times (or so it feels like it). Throughout the years, I’ve learned and created several packing hacks for traveling that have made life much easier and more organized which I’m sharing with you in this post.

Here are my top packing hacks to help you travel better:

27. Roll Pack Clothes Instead Of Folding Them.

Instead of folding your clothes, roll them. Learning how to roll pack clothes saves you space instead of folding them and putting them on top of each other. Learning how to do the military roll is an even greater space saver and prevents wrinkles in your clothing. While this may seem like common sense, don’t over the nuances of learning how to roll pack clothes and really maximize your luggage space.

26. Mark Your Suitcase As ‘Fragile’

Even if you’re suitcase isn’t fragile, mark it that way because the people who are handling your suitcase won’t know either way. They’ll see the sticker and hopefully be more careful with your belongings. Fingers crossed.

25. Put Jewelry In Pill Containers

Putting your jewellery in pill containers keeps everything organized and prevents you from losing your favourite pair of earrings. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost only one earring out of a pair. Since using this packing hack to safely organize my jewellery, it hasn’t happened as often.

24. Use Sunglass Cases For Cables

Sunglass cases aren’t just suitable for sunglasses, they’re awesome for storing your headphones and small cables.

23. Use Bar Shampoo & Conditioner

If you’re worried about packing gels and liquids, get yourself some bar shampoo and conditioner. I’m obsessed with a company called Rocky Mountain Soap Co. They’re from Alberta and make incredible, natural products. I also love Lush products. They have really great shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars.

22. Fold Soap In A Wash Cloth.

Although this may seem like common sense, this is one of the more often overlooked travel packing hacks. Folding your soap in a washcloth is less yucky than keeping it in one of those plastic containers or ziplock bags.

21. Use A Frozen Sponge To Keep Snacks Cold

Frozen sponges are a great way to keep your plane snacks cold. Not to mention, you’ll get through security without an hassle. Just put the frozen sponge and your snack in a Ziploc bag together and you’ve got you’re own portable freezer.

20. Store Your Curling Iron in an Oven Mitt

Bring an oven mitt to store your curling iron or your hair straightener for the mornings that you have to pack up and leave super early. It will prevent your hair tools from burning something in your suitcase.

19. Use Hair Conditioner For Other Things

Hair conditioner can be used for things other than your hair. It can be used a shoe polish, makeup remover or shaving cream.

18. Stack Your Bras

If you wear bras, stack ’em on top of each other. It saves space.

17. Put Heavy Items At The Bottom

When you’re packing your suitcase, put all the heavy items near the wheels of the suitcase. That way when you zip up your suitcase and turn it upright, the heavy items aren’t going to fall and crush other things.

16. Put Breakables In Socks

Anything breakables or items that can explode such as hairspray or shampoo bottles, put them in socks. That way if they do break or explode, it will happen in your socks and not all over your suitcase.

15. Bring A Pillow Case

I always bring a pillowcase with me, especially if I’m staying in hostels. It’s nice to put my face on my own pillowcase at the end of the day. A pillow case is also great for laundry.

14. Put Valuables In Your Carry-On

If you decide that you’re going to check your bag, make sure that you bring your toiletries, breakables, valuables, and a change of clothes in a carry-on bag that you’re gonna bring with you on the plane. That way if your luggage does go missing, you still have your valuables with you and a change of clothes.

13. Layer It Up!

Even though this travel packing hack can make you look like the Michelin Man, it’s worth it. If you’re going to a colder destination, wear as many items of clothing as possible on the flight. Wear your bulky jacket, winter boots, a couple of sweatshirts, tee-shirt and a long-sleeve shirt. Once you’re on the plane, take off the multiple layers so you don’t feel like you’re in a sauna for the entire flight.

12. Pack A Sarong

11. Pack Versatile Clothing

An easy lifestyle decision that doubles as a travel packing hack are buying reversible clothing for your next trip. Packing one item that can be turned into multiple outfits is key to packing light without looking like you’re wearing the same outfit every day. There’s a clothing line called Encircled which sells awesome 5-in-1 travel clothing items that are high quality and affordable. I have a couple of items from their line and use them all the time. One shirt I own can be worn 8 different ways.

10. Purchase Packing Cubes

If you’ve never tried packing cubes, you need to order them right now. They’re life-changing! Not only do they keep your clothing organized, they allow you to pack more.

9. Fold Cables Properly

I get in trouble by my husband Siya (not really, but really) because I’ve been notorious for carelessly stuffing cables into my carry-on. What I’ve learned is that if you actually wrap them up properly, then they take up a lot less room and you don’t wreck them.

8. Minimize Cables

Pack only what you need is my motto. To limit the amount of cables you are bringing, check to see how many of your electronics actually take the same cable. You might be surprised.

7. Use Straws to Organize Jewellery

Before using this packing hack, I would clump my necklaces together and shove them in a little zipper pouch. Then I’d spend hours trying to untangle them while on a trip (not the best use of time). This simple packing hack is quite genius. If you take your necklaces and string them through a straw, it keeps them nice and untangled.

6. Put a Shower Cap on Your Shoes

To keep your clothing and anything else in your suitcase from getting dirty, put the soles of your shoes in a shower cap.

5. Get FREE Travel Size Products

I’m gonna let you in a dirty little secret…

This may be my sneakiest and most favourite packing hack of all. Whenever I go to the mall, I stop in at Sephora and stack up on free samples. There’s no catch. You can walk in and ask for a free sample of pretty much and of the products. I’m talking like a month worth of foundation in one sample. The samples are always under 100 ml, which means you can pack them in your carry-on with no issues.

4. Use GoToobs

GoToobs are fantastic! They are 100 ml squishy plastic containers for your liquids. They are great if you just wanna pack a carry-on shampoo, conditioner body cream or sunscreen. What makes GoToobs better than other travel containers is the fact you can get out every last drop of liquid because of the material it’s made from.

3. Prevent Spills Using Plastic Wrap

Another way to prevent your liquids or your gels from busting all over your bag is by using plastic wrap. Unscrew the lids of each product, put some plastic wrap over the bottle, and then screw the lid back on. If it bursts, it’s not going all over your clothing.

2. Put Cotton Swabs in a Pill Container

Cotton swabs are great for many things, especially for cleaning ears, putting on and taking off makeup. If you have an old pill bottle, store them in there instead of taking an entire box of 300 with you. It’s a great way to keep them clean, keep them organized and save space.

1. Pack a Power Bar

Everyone I’ve shared this travel packing hack with says it’s their favourite. If you’re going international, and you’re packing quite a few electronics, bring an adapter of course, but also bring a power bar. That way, you can plug six different items into your power bar and only have to bring the one international adapter.

Being prepared for your travels can be one of the most important things to consider before you go. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of your next trip and save packing for the very last minute… With that said, we hope these packing hacks for traveling aid you before and wherever you go. While it may seem obvious, things like learning how to roll your clothes for packing really goes a long way, so make sure to keep this list in mind before you embrace your next adventure!

Click play on the video below to see what I’m packing:

Share your favourite packing hack with us!

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68 Comments

Goodpost so easy

These are all great tips that can help beginners as well as solo travelers. Safe Traveling!!

Great! I love cooking and traveling, I love to go anywhere when I have free time. Your sharing is very helpful, I will get more time from your experiences. Thanks for sharing

Great sharing! This is useful information for people who like to travel like me. Problems I encounter are frequent and now I think I’ll know what to do. thank you

Amazing tips! As well useful your article! Sharing this article with my friends in Facebook!

Thanks for the great packing tips! Bringing a pillowcase has improved my travel experience a lot. Keep up the good work.

These are indeed some of the essentials, thanks for sharing the list 🙂

Like the way you have organized this information!With thanks!

Thanks, I like this …

Thanks for the in-depth traveling article. I’ve never seen before this type of detail guide for traveling hacks tips.

Many thanks to youMany thanks to you.

Many thanks to you

Very good article . .

wow really amazing work dear i am tour guide form india and its really helpful thanks you can alos read my post form kashmir tourism

Thanks For sharing a great post. Its really helpful for us.

you wrote such an amazing article. I really appreciate your words and knowledge.

I think the best hack you might bring into your flight is this small pillow, It’s really crazy how fast it helped me to sleep while flying.

A great list of things – some ‘old’ & some ‘new’. …..I do like the plastic wrap for things where you can take the lid off, never thought or heard that before but make sense!

Thank you for sharing.

Love these. Thanks for sharing them. Will definitely help on my next trip.

These are all amazing hacks. I always mark my suitcase as fragile.

I really appreciate the work you have done, you explained everything in such an amazing and simple way.

No doubt that is a great writing, I have gone through entirely and each words, it a great writing skill. Sometimes I was thinking to get over, but due to heavy working schedule I can not.

You are like an old boat leaving the dock

Responding to comments really gives the sense of community to readers, it really shows them that you care about your readers and that your not some robot behind a keyboard. I think it is my favorite tip on this list. Good work!

These are amazing travel hacks! I do some of these but others I\’d never even thought of. Who knew there were so many uses for sunglasses cases. Also – frozen SPONGE!?!?! Trying this one for sure!! Thanks so much!!

Yay! So glad you found some new ones. Let me know how you like them once you give them a try.

Thanks for all these tips! My and my friend have long been planning of going abroad for a vacation. This is exactly what we need. Didn’t know about the search engine thing, thanks for the tip

You’re very welcome! Be sure to check out our other travel hacks on the website and our YouTube channel. It will help you save money and time on your trip 🙂

Really! This is really cool. When i’m preparing to travel, i use packing cubes and i also use all available space, like storing my soap, cream, perfumes and other small materials in my shoes. Awesome post.

Useful tips. Informative video

Informative video. Glad you shared. Noted dow your all tips

Great Article!

My husband and I travel a lot and this article has some awesome ideas. As we were planning for our next trip, I saw pillow cases on your list and I almost forgot them on my list. Thanks again.

For my cords, I roll them up and secure them with a binder clip so they don’t come unrolled in transit and then throw all of them into a Ziploc bag. This keeps them from getting tangled, and I know I have them all in one place whenever I get to my destination. One of the better ideas I’ve had, if I do say so myself 😉

I’m just thinking about to travel around the world. After saw you post and i am very happy to see the packing hacks you just shared with us. This will be helpful for me. Thanks!

What an impressive idea!. usually i am no willing to write any comment on any site and any blog but after reading your blog post that is much better then other i can’t stop myself for posting comment on your site Thanks so much for the good post and keep continue writing these kind of amazing ideas and also share on this blog because i am going to start following your blog.

The tip about airport WiFi codes is really a great thing! Thanks for sharing these amazing tips.

Really so helpful and informative post. These are all great tips. Thanks for sharing

Packing is not easy work. Your share the information about packing is really useful. I am happy with your blog info. Great information. Thanks!

Cool. I am also a big travel nerd, and I thought I knew all the packing hacks already. Turns out I was wrong haha. Using a frozen sponge is an awesome tip!

These are all great tips. I’ll definitely start rolling my clothes. Idk about the frozen sponge though!

Hy Kristen thanks for sharing this and wonderful information i glad to read your tips and its definitely doing to help me for my next coming trips or the pictures you have shared its really truly amazing

The tip about airport WiFi codes is a great one!

Amazing Blog. I see your Pet is so funny .. I really like this. Thanks

This is the ultimate packing guide! I tend to over pack ALL THE TIME and my travel buddies often tease me because my bag is always bulky and I have to bring another backpack or a sack. This will really help me out the next time we go out of town.

Thanks Kristen to uphold such important travel back pack hacks through this blog. Good suggestion with supporting pictures. I must share it with my tour mate friends. Keep sharing useful post like this.

Thanks Tony! So glad you found it helpful.

You welcome dear 🙂

This is so resourceful. It will save me the stress of packing many luggage and bags. You have a great post and I’ve really learn from it.

I thought I had mastered packing, however, I learned some new tips from your helpful post, thanks!

That’s so great to hear. We have more travel hack videos on our YouTube channel too: https://www.youtube.com/user/hopscotchtheglobe

Hi! I just wanna tell you guy ya amazing and that giving things away its a good thing I’m trynna get the jewelry I love necklace I really love them I can’t go out without wearing a necklace I don’t know why maybe because I’m a woman for me its like a touch Thank you!

Such a great suggestion. This Article is really very helpful and useful.

Thanks for this list, Kristen! This is just exactly what I need. I’m planning of an alone travel soon and i’m overthinking! And that includes of me wanting to bring everything just “to be sure”. HAHAHAHAHA.

Interesting! I love how short yet detailed each hacks is, Kristen! Totally loving it. Also getting a FREE travel size products never did cross my mind and now that you have mentioned it, I will start getting those frees for my travels to Philippines, especially at Cebu where I can go whale shark watching and canyoning! Thanks a lot Kristen!

By the way here’s the package I availed, in case you want to try it out too!

I would LOVE to go whale sharking watching in Philippines. Philippines is at the top of my list of places I want to visit. Is that where you’re from? ?

Here you mention a very useful article .its very interesting actually I almost use all the tips you gave and I must say it works a lot a save some space in my bags thank you.

You’re very welcome!

Really so helpful and informative post. I like this post. Thanks for the good post to sharing it with us.

Hi KRISTEN. Great suggestions I love this. these hacks help me out a lot. Your item lists would be very helpful for the next trip. But one thing that I never lost is antibacterial-soaps as shown here http://www.womensedge.org/best-antibacterial-soaps/ . In fact, I feel dirty and sweaty when I go out or go travelling, I do not like that feel so antibacterial-soaps is an essential in my bag pack. By the way. I love your list that support me a lot for carefulness. Thank a lot for great suggestion please keep sharing.

I always avoided pieces of jewelry in my packing cause my necklaces always tangles together. Thanks to your tips, now I know how! Keep posting more!

You are amazing.

I have a hard time packing that lightly for one person. Of course, I don’t pack for flying so it hasn’t been necessary. Still, I have a strong sense that I need to learn something from this!

I hope these hacks help you out! They are ones I’ve learned over the years that make travel so much easier 🙂 One of my favourites is bringing a power bar.

Good post and easy get to know thank you

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How to Create a DIY Travel Soap Case for Your Next Adventure

Swapping out liquid soaps, shampoos, and conditioners for their bar alternatives not only saves a ton of packaging but is also incredibly helpful for travelling. No more worrying about liquid limits or exploding bottles of product! However, you will need something to carry it in, which is why this DIY travel soap case is perfect. Whether you’re just spending a quick night somewhere or going for a longer trip, having a soap case or two is so important!

DIY Travel Soap Case

A good DIY travel soap case will keep your soap from getting any residue on your other belongings, and make the soap itself easier to handle between uses. The following DIY is a soft pouch to place your soap in. While you can put the soap back in the pouch directly after using, it’s best to let the soap sit and dry for an hour or two if possible.

You will need:

• An old washcloth or towel
• Fabric scissors
• A sewing machine or needle and thread
• Ruler or tape measure

Next, you’ll cut the fabric down to the appropriate size, sew the edges, and then turn it inside out to hide the seams. The entire process takes just minutes! Follow the DIY travel soap case video instructions  here .

Additional DIY Travel Soap Case Options and Ideas

If you aren’t handy with a sewing machine, you can create your own makeshift soap case using items you probably already have around the house.

Many people simply wrap their soap in a washcloth and pack it as is. You can also wrap a hair tie or an extra bit of ribbon around the outside if you’re worried that the washcloth will fall off the soap. Either way, the washcloth will protect your belongings from getting any product on them.

Small pots 

 You can use any silicone bag , small pot or Tupperware . I’ve used this mini collapsible silicone pot while travelling. Failing that, I also have a specific pot by Foamie that’s great if you’re moving a lot and the cloth bags could not be the best option as they do not dry as fast.

Cut off what you need

You can also estimate how much product you’ll need and simply cut off a chunk of the bar. If you’re only going away for a few days or a week, this method works great! Then, add the new, smaller bar to whatever old containers you have. Old candle tins and makeup tins work great for this – of course, be sure to clean them out first!

Mesh produce bags

Mesh produce bags  can conveniently double as a soap bag! There are pros and cons to this option – first, it has a drawstring so you can hang the soap in the shower and allow it to dry out. When you’re done travelling, you can wash the bag and use it for produce again. However, you will need to make sure you have time to allow the soap and bag to dry out before putting it back in your suitcase. 

If you want a bag specifically designed for this purpose, you can also purchase one, like this soap tin from Foamie or saver from  Zefiro . This  aluminum travel case  is another great option. Don’t forget to store your bar on a  self-draining soap dish  at home to get the most life out of your soap bar!

Let me know if you have any DIY travel soap case options that have worked for you! 

Mia Hadrill

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• Travel Gear

The Best Travel Soaps: A Guide for Clean(er) Adventures

Published November 13, 2019

Written by:

Stacey Ebert

Stacey Ebert is a freelance writer, blogger, educator, yogi and traveler who has adventured through over 50 countries. After a...

Jenn Sutherland-Miller

Jenn raised 4 children while traveling full-time for more than a decade– it’s called worldschooling and it’s awesome. Jenn has...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

The best travel soaps are multi-use, concentrated, and TSA friendly. 

Travel soap – although it’s not something that often comes up in conversation when we’re travel-planning, we all use it. Whether we’re  packing for a safari  trip in Africa,  train travel in Europe , a  Peruvian journey  into the rainforest, a  Southeast Asian expedition , an  Australian Outback  tour, or  beach vacation , we rarely leave home without it. Because the amount of liquid we can fly with is limited, so are our soap choices. Since we value packing light, we’re always looking for ways the items we pack can do double duty. Soap is no exception.

Whether your soap preferences are liquid, bar, multi-use, eco-friendly, scented, unscented, or something entirely different, finding a version that travels well is important. If you’re like me, you consider how and where things are made, the environmental footprint we’re leaving, and the treatment of our animal friends in testing. And then there are those of us with allergies and sensitivities, doing our best to keep our skin happy at home and on the go. There are a lot of options for travel soap, but some products are definitely better than others.

Below are our picks for the best travel soaps – from bar to liquid to, yes, even those that do double duty as a detergent – and containers to pack them in.

How to Choose the Best Soaps for Travel

I always knew there was a difference in scented and unscented soaps, but I had no idea there were so many different travel soap options. The range stretches from soaps that keep us clean or act as laundry detergent to shampoo, dish soap, and the multitaskers that do all of those things at once!

In today’s world, we check labels on the food we consume and the products we purchase. We’re thoughtful of the bigger picture, knowledgeable about the origin of things, and ethically conscious of carbon footprints. We intentionally allow our concern for humanity and the planet to affect our purchasing power. When choosing travel soap, look for:

• Multi-use products
• Organic, natural products
• Products free of fragrances, dyes, parabens and preservatives
• Essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances
• Fair trade products
• Biodegradable
• Eco-friendly options
• Anti-bacterial elements
• Baby-mild/hypoallergenic
• Concentrated soaps

When we travel, we’re careful in our choice of locations, tours, and even luggage . A  travel backpack  allows us to carry everything we need on our own two shoulders and under the seat in front of us. Why wouldn’t we choose travel soaps by the same criteria of portability and packability?

The Best Overall Travel Soap

The best overall soap for travel is Dr. Bronner’s  magic soap. It consistently gets rave reviews from experienced travelers, including the members of Team Tortuga.

This multi-purpose, vegetable-based Castile soap can act as shampoo, soap, deodorant, and shaving cream, laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, insect repellent, and more. Some people even swear by it as toothpaste. It tastes kind of gross.

Multi-use, available in both bar and liquid, concentrated, biodegradable, available world-wide, scented and unscented, fair trade, 100% organic, and not tested on animals; that’s hard to beat.

You can’t go wrong with this magic potion in a bottle or a bar. Buy the big one and take it in a GoToob, or buy it perfectly packaged to fly in a travel-size.

Concentrated & Biodegradable Travel Soaps

These eco-friendly options mean you use less and the soaps breakdown naturally, although they may still contaminate water supplies.

• Campsuds : available in citronella, lavender and peppermint oil, this soap doubles as insect repellent.
• Sea to Summit Trek and Travel Liquid Soap : concentrated, biodegradable, and paraben-free, this liquid soap works well for urban and outdoor adventures alike.
• Lush concentrated soaps : this solid soap is vegan and unpackaged for eco-friendly measures, but also ultra-concentrated–so you get a lot of washes with just a little.

Hypoallergenic & Child Friendly Travel Soaps

If you’ve got allergies, sensitive skin, or are traveling with a child, you might need to use a  GoToob  to take a small amount of your favorite soap. Try these:

• Dove Beauty Bar or liquid soap is hypoallergenic and widely available.
• Neutrogena transparent facial bar is great for people with sensitive skin.
• Babyganics is great for kids and babies.

The Best Travel Laundry Detergents

Your body isn’t the only thing you need soap to clean while traveling. To wash your clothes on the go, these are the best travel detergents:

• Laundry soap sheets (Travelon) : Great for hand-washing clothes in your hotel sink, these sheets rehydrate into soap with a bit of water. Since they’re sheets, they’re TSA-compliant, and super compact.
• Sea to Summit Pocket Laundry Wash : Simply add water to one of these sheets to use as a liquid soap on your laundry.
• Well Earth Sheets : These laundry detergent sheets come in a compostable package, perfect for zero-waste travel.
• The Laundress Wash and Stain Bar : The Laundress specializes in soaps for different kinds of clothing, so it’s no surprise that they have a super-portable bar of soap you can use to wash clothes. Since it’s not liquid, it’s TSA-compliant.

The Best All-in-One Travel Soap Options

All-in-one travel soaps will do it all: hair, body, and face. They even work as travel laundry detergent in a pinch. While our favorite all-in-one travel soap is Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Soap , these are also great options:

• Jack Black All-Over Wash : This liquid soap works as a face and body wash, as well as a shampoo.
• Sea to Summit’s Wilderness Wash : this super-concentrated, all-purpose soap works as a body wash, shampoo, and even for washing clothes and dishes. It’s also biodegradable and safe to use outdoors.

The Best Travel Soap Sheets

For an ultra compact soap option that’s not subject to TSA’s 3-1-1 rule, try a travel soap sheet. Soap sheets rehydrate when wet to create suds to clean yourself with.

• Soap Leaves (Lifeventure) : At roughly the size of a packet of floss, these little soap leaves pack about 50 washes in each container.
• Buly 1803 : These compact, orange scented soap sheets suds into a full wash’s worth of body and face soap with just a bit of water.

Waterless Shampoos & Shampoo Bars

Perhaps you’ve encountered the aerosol “dry shampoo,” but have you seen the no-rinse shampoo that’s a liquid (carry on sized, of course, that requires no water whatsoever? Just apply, lather, and towel dry. Yep. Really.

• No Rinse Shampoo : For when you don’t have any water, use this no-rinse, no-water shampoo to clean your hair on the go.
• Lush Shampoo and Conditioner Bars : Bar isn’t only for bodies. Lush’s shampoo and conditioner bars are like bar soap, for your hair. Like bar soap, they’re great for travel since they aren’t subject to TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.

Best Liquid and Bar Soap Travel Containers

The best travel soap containers will be TSA compliant (for liquid soap) and leak-proof. For bar soap, they’ll ideally also provide a way for soap to dry, rather than sitting in a puddly mess.

Matador FlatPack Soap Bar Case ($13)

This fabric bar soap container is great for travel because it’s ultralight, compact, and won’t get crushed in your bag like a cheap plastic one. It’s also at once leak-proof and breathable – so your soap will dry inside, but not leak all over the inside of your luggage .

GoToob ($7+)

These reusable, silicon travel containers are our go-to for any liquid, gel, or cream – whether it’s soap, shampoo, or sunblock. They’re easy to fill, and even easier to wash between trips. You’ll find a range of TSA-compliant sizes.

Can You Bring Soap in Your Carry On ?

Yes, you can both liquid soap and bars of soap on a plane in your carry on . If you’re traveling with liquid soap, it must follow the  3-1-1 rule and be under 3.4 ounces (100 ml). You can bring bar soap of any size through airport security.

How to Pack a Bar of Soap

When traveling with a bar of soap, don’t just toss it in your toiletry bag. Invest in a reusable container like Matador’s FlatPack Soap Bar Case ($13) to keep it from getting all over your other items. Before you pack it, wipe it down with a towel to avoid any excess moisture in your case. When showering, rest it in a dry spot to help it last longer.

Packing Tips for Travel Soaps

• Squeeze some of your larger liquid soap into TSA approved containers that are 3.4 ounces or smaller, like those by GoToob .
• Pack concentrated soaps into contact lens cases.
• Break down your favorite soap bars into smaller sizes to turn that bar soap into a travel-friendly size.
• Adopt a multi-use soap, like Dr. Bronner’s , for all of your travel needs.
• For those with sensitive skin, test a new soap at home prior to travel. Baby products are often a good choice for sensitive skin
• Check products for allergens (for example coconut oil, argan oil, or other nut based).
• Dr.Bronner’s is the best multi-purpose travel soap for body, laundry, and hair.
• Consider switching to bar soaps to make room for in your liquids bag.
• Use GoToob and Matador travel soap to pack your travel soaps.
• When choosing a travel soap, look for a multi-use product that can double for hair and body, or even laundry.
• Take your skin sensitivities into consideration and always test new soaps at home, before you travel.

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Stacey Ebert is a freelance writer, blogger, educator, yogi and traveler who has adventured through over 50 countries. After a 10-month honeymoon around the world, she started writing about adventure, journey and perspective changing life shifts.

She’s a badass at finding travel discounts, drilling down the details and asking the hard questions. Her work has been featured in both travel and educational publications.

Read more from Stacey

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14 tried-and-true travel hacks from world travelers — plus, their packing essentials

If practice makes perfect, then I should be pretty on point when it comes to traveling: I've visited 29 countries and counting. But I know plenty of globetrotters who've far surpassed that number, and all of us have picked up clever travel hacks along the way. From accruing credit card points to packing wisely to getting quality shuteye anywhere, we've been there, learned that.

I asked a bunch of seasoned travelers to share their best tips for roaming around comfortably, efficiently and fairly frugally. I threw in a few of my own, too, along with some useful products to stock up on while you count down to take off. Now if someone can give us all an effective cure for jet lag, we'll be golden!

1. Pack solids and powders instead of liquids.

The TSA allows liquids up to 3.4 ounces (that's 100 milliliters if you're traveling outside the U.S.). Depending on your destination, you might even be required to compartmentalize your liquid toiletries in clear bags and remove them from your carry-on when going through airport security. Who needs the headache?

I've learned to pack non-liquids whenever possible. That includes shampoo, conditioner, soap, shaving cream and laundry detergent: I use bars for all of them. You can go the extra mile and invest in solid lotions, makeup and insect repellents, too. The added benefit is they're spill-proof, so no messy surprises in your luggage. Plus they use less packaging, so they're more eco-friendly and take up less space.

Solid Shampoo Bar

Glide shave gel bar, 3 pack, laundry bar, 2 pack, 2. pack light-as-air resistance bands for exercising anywhere.

Travel is often an excuse to put your stretching and workout routines on hold, but it doesn't have to be that way. I like to travel with resistance bands, which are so lightweight, they're a blessing and a curse: you might not even remember you packed them!

Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5

3. a handheld luggage scale makes airport check-ins a breeze..

"Given the number of bags I travel with, making sure they are at the correct weight saves me a lot of anxiety and headache." — Leila P.

The standard checked-bag weight for most airlines is 50 pounds, which is less generous than it sounds. Many airlines will charge hefty fees for overweight bags — or require you to unpack your suitcase right there at check-in and redistribute items to your carry-on in order to avoid the penalty (this, I can confirm, is a nightmare for everyone involved.) Weighing your bags in advance is the pro move.

Portable Digital Luggage Scale

4. distribute your weight wisely..

"I put the heaviest stuff in the carry-on because it rarely gets weighed. And I pack the most important things in my hand luggage, plus enough clothes and underwear for a few days in case the airline loses my luggage." — Cheily Ochoa

We're not saying your luggage will get lost. We're just saying that post-Covid understaffing , among other concerns, has been driving up the number of lost bags lately. Better safe than sorry.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Upright Carry-On

5. switch out the hotel bedding for silk pillowcases that prevent frizz and wrinkles..

"I travel with a silk pillowcase for less friction on my hair and to maintain my skin. The silk pillowcase allows for a soft surface to maintain the moisture of my curls." — LaVasjah Will

Good news: silk pillowcases are also an excellent anti-aging hack since they help prevent wrinkles. They take up barely any space and weigh next to nothing, so they might actually be the smartest item you pack.

Satin Pillowcase for Hair and Skin, Set of 2

6. save your spa treatments for overseas trips where it's affordable to pamper yourself..

"A lot of people just throw away money on special massages, like anti-cellulite massages that focus on one specific area. But a full body massage works wonders not only on cellulite but also for circulation. In Thailand, a one-hour massage outside of the hotel spa is the equivalent of no more than $8. I was going for a massage almost every day!" — Karina Das

Why wait till you arrive at your destination? Get the spa started en route!

Bluetooth Eye Massager with Heat

7. drown out sleep-disturbing sounds with a white noise machine..

"My USB white noise box allowed me to sleep in Lisbon's party district and everywhere else I stay." — Graham Kendall

We already know that noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones are essential for sleeping on planes, but what about when you arrive at your accommodations? You never know if there's construction outside, a baby next door, middle-of-the-night sanitation workers or crack-of-dawn roosters in the 'hood (travel enough and you'll experience all of these and more). Come prepared.

LectroFan White Noise Machine

8. use luggage organizers instead of dumping everything into a 'black hole.'.

"Packing cubes changed my life! It's way easier to find things in my luggage. I have one for small items (underwear, socks, bathing suits) and two bigger ones: one for tops and one for gym clothes so I can keep on training while I travel, which is super important to me." — Irene Gonzalez

A cavernous suitcase increases your chances of losing things when you're packing and unpacking in places you'll never return to. It's also a giant hassle to rummage through if you want to actually get somewhere on time. Organization is key.

Lightweight Packing Cubes, set of 8

9. get rid of extra chargers and consolidate..

"My laptop charges over USB-C and so does my phone, so I got rid of the phone charger. My electric shaver has a proprietary charger but I found a USB-A charger for it, and I now charge it from my laptop." — Todor Nikolov

Is it my imagination or do electronics somehow drain more quickly when you're on vacation? You simply can't afford the inconvenience and wasted time, so seek out a streamlined solution.

Anker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable

Universal plug adapter for worldwide travel, 10. freshen up your luggage for the long haul..

"I toss a couple of fabric softener sheets in my luggage to keep my clothes smelling like fresh laundry." — Merecedes Bezaury

Sachets, a bar of soap...I've heard plenty of ideas for freshening up luggage (I toss the Zote laundry bar above into my bag), but this one is the most clever. You could always use more dryer sheets anyway.

11. Bring your own collapsible to-go cup.

"The HuNu cup is my latest way to avoid unnecessary waste for coffee runs while traveling." — Mercedes Bezaury

Sustainably minded travelers will love this space-saving alternative to disposable cup waste.

Collapsible Coffee Cup with Lid

12. tote along a lightweight travel monitor if you plan on getting work done..

"As a digital nomad who works with two screens, I had such a hard time finding a second monitor in the big stores. So I invested in this portable monitor which is the size of a tablet. It comes with a case, and it's super easy to just carry with you. I've opted for the touch screen version because I want the extra flexibility. This is a huge lifesaver." — Francine  

You probably never imagined packing an actual computer monitor, but in this work-from-anywhere era, lightweight, packable monitors exist. They connect to your smartphone to, providing a bigger screen for on-the-go entertainment.

15.6 Inch Portable Monitor

13. use a chromecast device to stream your smartphone to a tv..

"Streaming from my phone to my TV in any hotel room is so easy. I can't live without it." — Tony Van Bil

Not every accommodation has a smart TV, and even if yours does, you might not want to log into your account from a public device. This is the smartest, most affordable solution.

Google Chromecast 3rd Gen

14. bring a portable bluetooth speaker to stream music and more from your smartphone..

This is a tip I hear often, and one I adhere to. Having a speaker in the house when you travel just makes the place feel more like home, and then you can just pop it in your tote bag and head to the beach or pool. No one has ever regretted the decision to BYOS (bring your own speaker).

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

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Best Travel Soap Case in 2023

Do you always carry your favorite soap bar when you travel somewhere or go camping? Then you really need a travel soap case, which will keep your bars dry and stop them from getting all mushy and useless!

At A Glance: Best Travel Soap Cases

• Best Fabric Travel Soap Case FlatPak Soap Bar Case Jump To Review
• Best Plastic Travel Soap Case Snowkingdom 2 Pack Clear Travel Soap Box Jump To Review
• Best For Round Soap Bars Quatish Travel Soap Holder Jump To Review
• Best Value For Money PUTING Plastic Soap Container Jump To Review

This detailed buying guide features the best travel soap cases, with both plastic and fabric options. Also, you’ll find travel cases for soap bars of many different shapes and sizes, so there’s going to be at least one option that’s a perfect fit for your favorite soap bar. Read on to see the best travel soap cases and find one that’s just right for you!

Top Product Overview

Top products, flatpak soap bar case.

The FlatPak soap bar case is one of the lightest and smallest cases for soap you can get. It’s made from waterproof ripstop nylon and it features a roll-top with buckle closure, which ensures that the soap will never leak through the bag. On the other hand, the case allows the soap to dry through the fabric, so it never gets mushy.

In addition to being extremely waterproof , this travel soap case is also super lightweight and durable. Unlike the plastic soap cases, this won’t take up too much space in your toiletry bag. Also, because it’s made from fabric, you can fold it and manipulate it to fit into pretty much any pocket – if the soap bar can fit, then the case can as well.

This travel soap case is TSA-approved , which should make your time at checkpoints much shorter. Plus, it’s worth noting that the case is waterproof on both sides. The soap can’t leak through the bag, and water can’t penetrate the case from outside to make your soap all mushy and slippery.

When it comes to lightweight fabric soap cases, the FlatPak soap bar case is one of the best options available on the market. The only downside is the high price point, but it is one of those things that you will be buying for life, so I think it’s worth it.

• Waterproof and leakproof
• Very lightweight and packable
• Extremely durable

Product Information

• Material: Waterproof ripstop nylon
• Dimensions: 4” x 2.4” x 1.3” max
• Weight: 0.4 ounces

Snowkingdom 2 Pack Clear Travel Soap Box

The Snowkingdom pack of two soap boxes is a great option if you want something simple and affordable. The pack includes two plastic boxes and two little mesh bags that provide an extra layer of protection. The mesh bag absorbs water and residue, ensuring the soap bar doesn’t get mushy while it’s inside the container.

It’s also a great idea to leave your soap in the mesh bag while you’re using it since it can create lather quickly without making the soap too mushy. My mind was blown when I first tried this, so definitely check it out if you haven’t already.

Also, the inside of the box is ribbed, so the soap bar shouldn’t stick to the plastic even if you put it inside without the mesh bag. It’s worth noting that this specific soap container doesn’t feature a drying rack, so if you don’t use the mesh bag, the soap will get a little mushy. There aren’t any drainage holes either, so the box should stay completely leakproof as long as it’s intact.

The only downside of this soap box is that it can’t withstand a lot of abuse. If it gets thrown around a lot or squished too hard, the plastic will crack and the box will become useless. Luckily, you get two of these in the pack, so if one does break, you’ll have a backup at the ready!

• Great value for money
• Holds even Dove soap bars
• Mesh bags included with containers
• Plastic will crack under too much pressure
• No drainage rack inside
• Material: PP Plastic
• Dimensions: 4.7” x 3.1” x 1.8”
• Weight: 4 ounces

Quatish Travel Soap Holder

The Quatish travel soap case is a great option if you usually buy round soap bars. This round case is made from polypropylene plastic , so it’s very sturdy and durable. Also, the Quatish soap holder is actually sold in packs of two, so you’re getting great value for your money!

This soap holder features a layered design, with a drying rack inside that lets the soap drain and prevents it from sticking to the case. It’s very easy to dump any excess water from the case, plus this design ensures that the soap doesn’t get mushy and disintegrates inside the holder.

The case is waterproof and leakproof , so you can keep it in the shower. Also, although the case features a round design, it’s big enough to hold some smaller rectangular and oval soap bars. The soap holder is available in six colors, and no matter which one you pick, you’re getting two travel cases for less than $9!

• The layered design ensures soap doesn’t get mushy
• The round case won’t fit all square and rectangular soap bars
• Material: Polypropylene
• Dimensions: 3.74” x 3.74” x 1.57”

Kiasona 2Pack Travel Soap Box

The Kisaona travel soap box is another excellent option. It’s a plastic soap case that comes with a sponge inside, which is supposed to absorb any liquids to keep the soap from becoming mushy. It does an excellent job, but it does mean that there’s another part of the travel soap container that you need to clean after a few uses.

The plastic soap box features a removable lid that is held in place with a silicone band. The band is extra sturdy and does an excellent job at ensuring a watertight seal on the case. It won’t leak even when you turn it upside down, and it prevents water from seeping inside the case.

Would it hold up if you were to submerge the soap box entirely underwater? I’m not sure, but that’s not something you should be doing if you don’t want mushy soap anyway! When it comes to keeping the box in the shower, it should keep the soap completely dry until you take it out and use it.

This bundle includes two soap cases with all their accessories, and it’s very affordable. If you’re on a tight budget and you’re looking for a great deal, this is one of the best travel soap cases to buy!

• The sponge keeps soap from becoming mushy
• Takes a while to clean all the pieces
• Material: Plastic and silicone
• Dimensions: 4.6” x 3.3” x 1.8”
• Weight: 4.6 ounces

Marlowe Travel Soap Holder

The Marlowe travel soap holder is a great option if you prefer a fabric soap case. It’s made from waterproof fabric and it features a zipper, so there’s no way this soap case can accidentally pop open. It’s both leakproof and waterproof, and it’s just the right size to hold a Marlow soap bar.

It can also hold other soap bars, and because it is fabric, you can even squeeze in a round bar in this case. The material is soft and plasticky, and it’s able to let the soap breathe so it doesn’t get mushy inside the container. Also, the material is slightly transparent, and the soap inside makes the case look a little grimy from the outside.

Although this case is a bit pricey for what it is, the high-quality materials and excellent performance make it worth every penny. It’s much more durable and reliable than a classic plastic case, and it should hold up for several years. The case is also very easy to clean – you just need to run it through the water to rinse off any residue and that’s it.

• Durable waterproof zipper
• Lightweight and packable
• Easy to clean
• Won’t fit bigger soap bars
• Material: Waterproof fabric
• Dimensions: 5.8” x 2.6” x 1”
• Weight: 0.8 ounces

PUTING Plastic Soap Container

The Puting set of plastic soap cases includes four soap containers , making it an excellent option if you need several of these cases. They’re all standard plastic travel soap cases with a drying rack inside and a PE lid that ensures a watertight seal on the box. The lid is flexible, so it’s very easy to put on, and it will not crack that easily under pressure.

The drying rack is a nice addition because you can keep your soap on it even at the hotel, and the bar will stay dry and not mushy. But you have to take it out of the container, otherwise, all the residue will collect at the bottom of the soap box, and it will be very annoying to clean.

It’s also worth noting that you should drain any water before you seal the box and put it in your toiletry bag. The drying rack works only when the box is in the regular position – turn it upside down, and all that water will get back on the soap and make it mushy.

The Puting travel soap case is large enough to hold even Dove bars, which is very convenient. It won’t be able to hold 9 and 10-ounce bars, but anything smaller than that should fit nicely in the container.

• Great value
• Drying rack inside
• A flexible lid ensures a watertight seal
• The plastic box can crack under pressure
• Does not fit 9oz bars (and bigger)
• Material: PP and PE plastic
• Dimensions: 3.75” x 15” x 2.5”
• Weight: 6.4 ounces

Foamie Travel Buddy

If you use Foamie soap bars, this is definitely the best travel soap container to get. And even if you don’t use their bars, it’s worth checking out this eco-friendly case. It’s made from 80% wheat fiber and 20% recycled polypropylene, so it is entirely sustainable.

The travel container features a silicone band that guarantees a watertight seal , as well as a flexible drying rack inside, which prevents residue build-up.

The only issue with the Foamie Travel Buddy is that it is designed to fit Foamie bars specifically, so it’s not going to fit every bar of soap you can get your hands on. But if you want to get a product that’s affordable and 100% sustainable, this is your best option.

Also, it’s worth noting that the case is a bit difficult to open, which is a really good thing. It just means that it’s a lot harder for the lid to come undone accidentally, ensuring that the container will remain sealed no matter what.

• Eco-friendly and sustainable
• Watertight seal
• Quite small – made for Foamie bars
• Material: 80% wheat fiber, 20% recycled polypropylene, silicone
• Dimensions: 5.24” x 3.35” x 1.57“
• Weight: 1.8 ounces

Dr. Squatch Travel Bag for Bar Soap

The Dr. Squatch travel bag is specifically designed for this brand’s soap bars, so it’s by far the best option if you use them. Dr. Squatch soap bars are quite big, and they don’t really fit in most other travel cases.

This travel bag is made from heavy-weight burlap linen, which is extremely absorbent . It allows to soap bar to dry very quickly, so it doesn’t turn to mush when you pack it.

Also, the bag features a drawstring closure with an Egyptian Undyed Wetspun Warp, which has a higher tensile strength than even cotton. The entire soap case is very sturdy and reliable, and it’s absolutely perfect for Dr. Squatch bars!

It’s worth noting that the linen bag is not waterproof, so you shouldn’t keep it in the shower. Also, you should consider putting the soap case in a ziplock plastic bag, just to ensure that it doesn’t leak in your luggage.

• Perfect size for Dr. Squatch soap bars
• Absorbent material dries soap quickly
• Not waterproof
• Material: Burlap linen
• Dimensions: 4” x 4”
• Weight: 0.6 oz

What To Look For

Plastic or fabric.

Would you rather have a soap case made from plastic or fabric? Plastic soap cases are more common, and they’re generally the cheaper option. They’re usually waterproof and leakproof, but they can get crushed upon heavy impact. That won’t happen with fabric soap cases, since they are much more flexible.

Also, fabric cases are lighter and more packable, and they take up virtually no space in your bag when they’re empty.

The main advantage of a fabric soap case is that you can manipulate it to fit into smaller spaces. A plastic soap requires more space in your toiletry bag, so go with fabric if you usually struggle to close your bag. Also, fabric soap cases are a bit easier to clean, since you just need to wash them out to make them pristine again.

Another great thing about fabric soap bags is that you can fit bars of different shapes inside them. They’ll fit round and oval bars as well as square ones, while a square plastic container might not be able to hold a large, round soap bar.

What Soap Bars Do You Usually Use?

The travel soap cases featured in this review will fit most soap bars on the market. But, there are some brands that make extra-large soap bars, and those won’t always fit in the classic soapboxes. If you use a brand that makes really big bars be sure to check if they offer a travel case for their soap because that’s the easiest way to ensure that your bar will fit in the travel case.

Alternatively, you should look at the dimensions of each of the soap cases, and check whether they’re big enough to hold your favorite soap bar. Also, the shape of the soap bar matters. Most of the boxes featured here are square or oval because that’s the shape of most soap bars.

But if you usually use rounder soap bars as Dove makes, you’ll need to take a closer look at the dimensions to see if the bar can fit in the travel case you want. Or just get the travel case that’s the same shape like your favorite soap bar!

Best Travel Soap Case: Our Top Picks

Still not sure which travel soap case to get? Go with one of our top picks and you won’t have any regrets!

If you like the idea of a fabric soap case, the FlatPak is by far the best option out there. It’s entirely waterproof and leakproof, with Hypalon rolltop closure and a sturdy YKK buckle. Also, the fabric is breathable, and it will let the soap dry, so it doesn’t get mushy.

The case is a lot lighter and more compact than standard plastic cases, and it will easily fit into any luggage.

• Waterproof & Leakproof: Fear no more soap spills with this waterproof and leakproof Matador soap pocket. Put it in a bag and you'll never have to worry the soap leaking into your stuff!
• Flexible Fabric: 3x lighter and 6x more compact than traditional plastic soap holder. The fabric design allows this travel soap case to adapt to the size of soap bars

The Snowkingdom soap holder is a great option if you prefer plastic cases. You get two plastic soapboxes, and each comes with a mesh bag. Store the soap inside the mesh bag to create an instant lather when you use it, but also to keep it from getting mushy and falling apart inside the case. The soap holder is made from non-toxic polypropylene for excellent durability.

• Set of 2 Clear Soap holder, Come with 2 pcs soap bag.
• The snappy latch design allows the lids snap on with two pins securely, makes the soap box and liquid locked firmly and will not slip out while in your handbag or carry-on luggage

In case you usually use round soap bars, you’re better off getting a round soap holder. The Quatish soap case is a great option because it features a layered design with a drying rack.

The rack prevents the soap from touching the bottom of the case and makes it super easy to dump any excess water that drains from the soap bar. The case is durable, waterproof, and leakproof, and it’s easily one of the best travel soap cases you can get your hands on!

• Create a clean, dry and spotless gym bag or suitcase with the three-piece soap dish, drainage tray and lid from Quatish. The bottom tray collects water runoff, and the slotted layer ensures that the soap stays dry after use, which will prolong the life of your soap. The modern, clean design complements any decor, and it is a handy helper during your traveling.
• Leak Proof:This case is very durable. It comes with a leak-proof design and can be locked.The tight lid prevents any possible leaking of the wet soap. The locked design will keep the case from opening unexpectedly. This soap case is handy for carrying your own soap, and keep suitcase clean.

Head over to Amazon to see the prices and color options of all the travel soap cases mentioned in this review. And check out our related posts, for ideas on other convenient items that can help you pack more efficiently!

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10 Best Travel Soap Cases: Traveler's Top Picks!

There's nothing worse than opening your luggage to find soapy dampness all over your clothes or electronics! Luckily, I discovered travel soap cases, which have really come a long way since their invention. Learn about some of my favourite picks...

Today, soap is on almost every traveler's  packing list . Let's be real: even if you stay at a hotel that provides shampoo and soap, the free stuff is usually not that great.

I always like to take a favorite soap and shampoo bar with me for the start of a longer trip. Then I usually buy new ones locally to explore new scents. Why? I like that soaps and shampoo bars aren't as bulky as their liquid counterparts. 

The only issue is storing them properly. You don't want wet soap bars in your luggage, especially not if you also have books and electronics in your backpack or suitcase. While a plastic bag would do the job, it wouldn't do it well.

Enter the travel soap case: The perfect solution to storing soap when traveling. In this article, I'll introduce you to 10 of the best travel soap cases and give you some helpful info.

How Do You Store Soap When Traveling?

I already mentioned that a mere plastic bag or wrap isn't the solution. So, what is it? There are two common ways to store soap while on the road.

Travel Soap Cases

The travel soap case, also called a travel soap container or box, is usually square, oval, or round. It can be made from plastic, metal, and other materials like bamboo. Plastic-free options are becoming more popular these days.

A travel soap case is made from a lower and upper half. The lower half sometimes has a separate soap dish in it. The two halves seal the case when closed so that no water escapes.

Travel Soap Bags

A good travel soap bag is a suitable alternative if you have nothing heavy in your luggage. A soap bag isn't as sturdy as a soap case, so your soap can easily be squashed, especially if it's still wet.

Some soap bags are cool though. I like  Travel Buddy's travel soap bag . It's awesome if you carry a  backpack  because you can attach it to the outside. This solves the problem of soap leaking inside your bag!

When Was the Travel Soap Case Invented?

Soap has existed for over 4,000 years, and soap dishes for at least 1,400 years. Soap containers from the 18th century already had important features for modern soap cases. They could be beautiful but weren't exactly made for traveling light.

It seems impossible to pinpoint the first-ever travel soap case. But it's safe to say plastic travel soap containers as we know them today haven't been around earlier than the 20th century.

What to Keep In Mind When Buying Travel Soap Containers

There are three important things to consider when choosing a suitable travel soap container.

3. Material 

You don't want something flimsy. It must be strong enough not to be squashed by everything else in your pack.

Soaps can come in all sorts of shapes, usually round or square. Ensure you buy a container that suits the soap you use.

Buy a case that is just big enough to fit your soap. If the soap container is too big, your soap will move around too much, making the inside messy.

And if it's too small, you'll have a problem closing the container once the soap is in it!

10 Great Soap Storage Solutions for Travelers

10. best small travel soap case.

AUEAR's small portable soap container  is one of the smallest travel soap cases you can find. Each of the four cases is just over 7 cm long and wide. If you like the colors but need a slightly bigger case, the company also has a bigger case.

The cases are made from non-toxic, food-grade PP plastic and are lightweight.

Reasons to Like AUER's Travel Soap Case

• Very good price for a 4-pack
• Pretty colors
• Ideal size for small bars of soap

9. Best Cool Design Travel Soap Case

Most travel soap cases are pretty boring, but there's a cool exception. I love these  Cactus travel soap cases . They're too cute!

Their looks aren't the only great point. They also have a self-draining soap dish, so your soap doesn't have to sit in water. Plus, they're made from quite sturdy plastic, so they'll survive the fall if you drop them! 

Reasons to Like Cactus Travel Soap Cases

• Awesome design
• Comes in beautiful colors
• Very sturdy

8. Best Large Travel Soap Case

QUIYMEI's travel soap case  is the best solution if you like big, chunky bars of soap. This soapbox is almost 15 cm long and almost 9 cm wide. This makes it one of the biggest travel soap containers on the market.

The plastic soap case is big and comes with some extras: a silicone band to seal the box in properly, a soap bag, and a drain tray.

Reasons to Like QUIYMEI's Travel Soap Case

• Great price, considering the extras you get
• Comes in two stylish designs
• 100% leak-proof

7. Best Travel Soap Case Set

Do you want to take a soap, a shampoo bar, and a conditioner bar with you? Then one soap case isn't enough. 

This  4-Pack of travel soap cases  is the perfect match if your soap and shampoo bars come in different shapes. Two cases are round, and two are oval, so you'll have space for both round and square bars. This plastic soap case set comes with four silicone bands you can use to make sure the cases don't open in your bags.

Reasons to Like This 4-Pack Travel Soap Case Set

• Sturdy and easy to clean
• Simple but elegant design
• 2 different shapes

6. Best Round Travel Soap Case

Round soap? No problem!  Truly Clear's round soap case  is an amazing option if your soap isn't square. It has a diameter of about 9.5 cm.

Truly Clear designed this soap case to fit their own soap bars, but it also works perfectly for other round soaps. If you don't mind its logo, this case is perfect. It has a removable drain tray to dry your soap correctly.

Reasons to Like Truly Clear's Round Soap Case

• Simple design
• Removable soap tray

5. Best Square Travel Soap Case

PORTINEER's Carry-Dry EZ travel soap container  is a cool soap case. It uses basic physics to let in air and trap water to help your soap get and stay dry.

This case has a small lanyard attached to hang it in the shower. There's also space to attach another lanyard if needed. 

What I like about this case is its blue color and sturdy nature. Great for clumsy people or if you have loads of heavy stuff in your luggage.

Reasons to Like PORTINEER's Carry-Dry EZ Travel Soap Container

• Patented design
• Silicone strap and seal for extra leak-protection
• Like armor for your soap

4. Best Transparent Travel Soap Case

If you're not into fancy designs or bold colors,  Elimeta's clear soap box  might just be the thing for you. These soap cases are made from transparent plastic, so you can easily see what's in them.

Want a pro tip? Soap cases like that are perfect for storing hair ties, bobbles, and other small items. You can keep your luggage pretty organized with these.

Reasons to Like Elimeta's Clear Soap Box

• Available as 3- or 5-pack
• Ideal size for travel soap bars and other small stuff

3. Best Travel Soap Dish

Are you staying in a place for a little longer? You might want to consider using your travel soap case as a soap dish.  Quatish's soap holder  does just that. Just take the removable tray out and use it as a soap dish.

The soap holder comes with a soap bag made from natural sisal. Using the soap with it produces a nice foam and releases the soap's fragrance nicely.

Reasons to Like Quatish's Soap Holder

• Available in some great colors
• Leak-proof when used as a travel case
• Multi-purpose

2. Best Plastic-Free Travel Soap Dish

Are you looking for a more eco-friendly option? Then  Cabilock's Soap Travel Case  is the answer. It's made from aluminum, which means the product is plastic-free. 

The design of this case is simple, making it suitable for almost anybody. The case is easy to open and close, but still leak-proof. 

Reasons to Like Cabilock's Soap Travel Case

• Timeless, simple design
• High-quality material

1. Best Travel Soap Dish for Shampoo Bars

The  4 Pillars of Peace soap container collection  is something special. Each soap container comes with the definition of an inspiring word on its inside.

Each container is made from durable, top-quality Polypropylene plastic that will survive falls and keep your shampoo bars from being squashed. Plus, there's also a self-draining soap tray inside each box, which helps to make your shampoo bars last longer.

Reasons to Like 4 Pillars of Peace Soap Container Collection

• Inspirational, laser-engraved interior lid
• Very durable
• 4 cases in bold colors

Enjoy Your Travels While Smelling Nice

As you see, there's a travel soap case for everyone and every purpose. The choice is all yours. 

Buying a soap container is a small decision compared to other travel-related stuff, but it can make a world's difference. It's worth spending some time choosing the right one.

It's nice to take a shower with your favorite soap at the end of the day, especially if the soap is in great condition!

Now that you know all about travel soap cases, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Learn My Hacking Secrets to Zero (or Almost Zero) Liquid Travel

Packing Tips , Toiletries , TOILETRIES

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My quest for zero-liquid travel started with the hair serum from Hell that leaked all over my 3-1-1 Ziploc bag on a flight to Mexico. I had been so consumed with packing a carry-on and not checking a bag, I didn’t pay attention to my toiletries, other than to downsize them (yay me!).

I was too lazy to read the instructions and limitations of the well-known silicone travel bottles I bought; if I had, I would have learned that hair serums and many shampoos and conditioners are not recommended for use in those handy-dandy bottles because of leakage.  Oops. I ended up with the Vesuvius of Hair Serum and vowed: never again.  My goal is to not lug leaky, heavy liquids when I travel.

How to Ditch the Liquids and Make Travel Easier

Written by:  Heidi Barry-Rodriguez

According to a friend who works for the TSA, “If it flows, it goes [into the 3-1-1 bag].” While mascara, lip gloss, liquid lipstick, moisturizing gel, and Retin A cream don’t flow, they are liquid enough for me.  I err on the conservative side. Technically, the only thing in my 3-1-1 bag that actually flows is skin toner/astringent.  But to be cautious, I include the mascara, lip stuff and Retin A in the bag.  You know, just to be legal.

Here is my quart-size 3-1-1 bag . I have had TSA agents do a double take:

I travel only 3-4 times per year, and never longer than 2 weeks at a time, so my toiletries can be very small.  A contact lens case holds enough facial moisturizer and Retin A for two weeks. The toner bottle contains .5 ounce of liquid and will last for weeks, too.

I love makeup, although I don’t wear much. Mascara and lip color make me feel polished when I travel.  A little cheek color perks me up. And when I go out at night, a bit of sparkly eye color make me feel urbane.

I like an eye pencil for definition, as well as a concealer pencil for imperfections. How do I indulge this? My travel makeup is all tiny in size.  I use sample sizes. And I make my own shadow and cheek color palettes.

My travel makeup fits in my hand.

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Makeup adds the perfect finishing touch to your carefully planned outfit from your capsule wardrobe !

I love to combine several colors into one small container.  I never seem to be able to get the right colors I want in any pre-made palette, so I create my own blended shadows and powders; crush the powder finely, make a paste with rubbing alcohol and powder, and press into a palette.

In this case, I found these tiny Revlon single-color eye shadow palettes  and then used several colors to make palettes with more than one shade. The cheek color one contains blusher and a bronzer. The eye shadow palette contains three shades of eye shadow.

Wrap your makeup bag in your clothing and add to your packing cube in your suitcase to better protect it!

I make my own palettes using old or cracked powdered makeup.  Lots of times I include some sort of powdered foundation in the palette so I can use it as a concealer.

If I am not using a palette that has a concealer, I’ll throw a pinch of face powder in a small pill envelope. These envelopes are great for small amounts of anything, like earrings.

Wasted Space and Deodorant Hacks  

I am a nut about downsizing cosmetics, and even already travel-sized toiletries are sometimes huge. It drives me crazy that there is so much wasteful packaging. Travel size deodorant is a perfect example, as it has a lot of wasted space in the cap.

What to do? I use a smaller container (from an anti-chafing skin product ) for my travel deodorant, using a solid deodorant.  Solid deodorant melts in the microwave in about 30 seconds.

Melt some, and pour it into the smaller container and let it cool.  It cools very quickly. Other possible hack deodorant containers are solid sunscreen containers, or even a used blister defense gel holder ( far right in the photo ).

Notice the size differences from the full size deodorant ( far left ), travel size deodorant ( second from left ) to the smaller hacks.

Hair Care  

Instead of gels and pastes that need to be in the 3-1-1 bag and have the potential to leak, I use hair powder.

Where has this stuff been all my life? Sexy Hair and Got2Be both make volumizing/texturing powders that are fabulous for every day and travel. A little goes a long way with these powders, so even the travel size Powder Play ( below ) can be repacked into a smaller container for travel.

For shampoo and conditioner, I use what is available in the hotel, because many times it is more luxurious than what I have at home. Or, I bring a remnant of the Lush solid shampoo and conditioner I normally use at home. Because they are solid, they don’t need to go in the 3-1-1 bag.

Tooth powder is one of those things I tried for travel and found I loved. It does take some getting used to, but now I use it on a daily basis even when I am not traveling.

When I travel, the powder is a heck of a lot lighter in weight and doesn’t need to go in the ‘ole 3-1-1. A little goes a long way, so it can be repacked into an even smaller container than the 2 oz. bottle it normally comes in.

Those 1.5” tall dental floss samples your dentist gives you?  While they may not contain much actual floss, here is a ton of room IN the container. I take my regular-size dental floss and when it is half used, put it in the sample-size shell. It will last for weeks on the road and take up half the space of the regular-size floss.

Skin Care  

Instead of a liquid face wash, I cut up a bar of Neutrogena soap and wrap the pieces; one piece for each location I visit.  I have learned to gauge the longevity pretty well so that there is only a sliver or nothing remaining for each location, so you don’t have to lug around a slimy piece of soap.

Contact lens containers hold small amounts of face creams.

Sometimes I bring liquid face toner, but I also love the Dickinson’s witch hazel towelettes , especially in hot weather. They are great to toss into a day bag, and I have used them to refresh my face after a flight, as well as a hand wipe when out and about sightseeing.  Towelettes are not considered a liquid so they do not have to go in the 3-1-1 bag.

Solid perfume is also a nice treat; they are tiny and take up no space.

All my travel toiletries, wet and dry, fit into about half of one quart-size Ziploc bag. Not pictured:  hair brush and disposable razor (I forgot!). As for shampoo and conditioner, I tend to use what is available in a hotel, or a remnant of a solid Lush shampoo (which I also use for hand laundry).

I’d love to hear your hack ideas – what do you use to save space with liquids and cosmetics when you travel?

TFG RECOMMENDS:  I use and recommend  this toiletry set to downsize my travel products. Don’t forget, only fill liquids 2/3 or the bottle will leak on a plane.

Please read these posts for more ideas on packing your travel beauty products:

• Top 10 Toiletry Bags for Travel
• How to Choose the Best Packing Organizers
• 5 Tips to Travel-size Toiletries for Minimalist Travelistas

I hope you found this post on Zero (or Almost Zero) Liquid Travel useful. Don’t forget to share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio: Heidi Barry-Rodriguez is an explorer-librarian with a love of books, travel, her husband, and two cats. She loves train travel and the mobility, serendipity and freedom that are afforded by packing lightly. Check out her podcast episode on packing light!

29 Comments

Microwaved deodorant

I thought I was the only one who did this! I use chapsticks.

The best container I ever had was about the size of three matchbooks stacked flat-side-together. It came in an airline Biz-class bag and was made by Moulton Brown, and it push-up instead of twist, so even less wasted mechanism space. (found this article during my annual “does anyone sell those yet?” searches.

Hi Mason, thank you for sharing this with us! Happy travels! ?

So do you use solid sunscreens on your face? Body? I see that you have the repurposed containers and that you use Retin-A (enough to pack it on a trip) but no mention of packing sunscreen which is pretty much standard if you’re a Retin-A user. I struggle with this single product because to get anywhere close to the recommended amounts makes downsizing tricky for a trip more than 3 days long. It’s not always easy (or feasible) to purchase sunscreens at the destination either. I’d love to hear your tips.

Hi Jill, have a look at this post for the best sunscreens for your face: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-face-sunscreen/ Also have a look at this article which recommends the Neutrogena sheer face and body sunscreen: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/solid-toiletries-for-travel/ Neutrogena has a new twist on sunscreen with a solid ounce in stick form. Sunscreen is an essential for protecting your skin so don’t be worried about packing to much and it’s always best to pack your own as different countries have specific regulations when it comes to sunscreen. Hope this answers your question! 🙂

Peter Thomas Roth instant mineral SPF 45 powder sunscreen, built in brush. It’s perfect. Spendy but we’ll worth it for me.

This is genius! Any tips for sunscreen (other than the stick kind)? I burn easily.

Great tips! Just curious, when you melt the deodorant do you find it then decreases the effectiveness at all?

No! It is the same deodorant. It works just as well.

I LOVE the Lush solid products! And the Eco-dent tooth powder is new to me, and something I’ll implement on my next trip! Thank you for these out-of-the-box travel ideas! 🙂

Glad you like them!

It would be so helpful if you could make a tutorial video for us on how to do all this.

Hi Brianna 🙂 This sounds like a really good idea and something I will look into!

Following some of the advice on this site for an upcoming trip, I microwaved deodorant and transferred it to a case that had housed a sunscreen stick. As described, the deodorant cooled and hardened very quickly in its new case. It was almost like working with hot candle wax. It was a surprisingly e-a-s-y process and not a big production like you’d think. Interestingly, this sunscreen case is less than half the size of most travel deodorants and yet it was able to hold the contents of about one-and-a-half travel deodorants! This certainly shows how much space is wasted on travel deodorant casings! I also transferred a full-sized dental floss reel to one of those tiny sample floss cases from the dentists office. First I tried a name-brand, but the reel center was too small; The center-hole of CVS brand floss worked perfectly, and I didn’t even have to remove any of the floss to get it to fit. I also lucked out in that I found the teeny-tiny Revlon eye-shadow (at Rite-Aid.) Now for a tip of my own: I use daily contact lenses which come stored individually sealed in a tiny plastic/foil casing containing saline. (This presents it’s own 3-1-1 challenge, but that’s another story!) Using these lenses means I usually don’t need a lot of saline, but might need to give a lense an occasional rinse while traveling. I bought the tiniest (1 oz) container of hand sanitizer, emptied it out rinsed and washed it like crazy to remove all traces of alcohol, even cleaning it twice with denture cleaner and transferred saline to that container. It’s perfect not just because of its size but also because the right amount of saline squirts out of that little hole (other bottles I’ve tried just flood the lense, wasting precioius saline while travelingl) Finally, HUGE THANKS for this great site! I’ve found most sites with packing tips for traveling light are pretty much useless, but this site is STELLAR. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing these tips Sandra 🙂 I am so glad they’ve worked well for you and so pleased you like the site!

what about using an eyedrop container for saline solution?

I sent the link to this article to my boyfriend who is currently obsessed with downsizing his travel stuff. And I already did the deodorant hack – I didn’t even have to melt it, I could just cut off a piece and then push it into the smaller container. BTW, you can get really small tubes and bottles on ebay for very cheap.

That’s great! Glad you found the tips useful. I’ll keep an eye on eBay for some bargains. Thanks for the tip!

we are trave products suppliers,travel bottles,travel cosmetic bag,travel clothes hanger…etc

I can’t believe I haven’t done some of these things yet! Great ideas! I have sensitive skin, so when I travel I like to be able to use real shaving stuff, but instead of using shaving cream, I get a tiny container of shaving OIL that will last me for a whole year’s worth of trips!

I will definitely be trying your blush/bronzer trick along with the tooth powder hack!

-Amanda at http://teachingwanderlust.com/

This article is genius! Finally something more than just “decant your shampoo into travel size bottles.” (As if I couldn’t figure that out for myself.) Loved the idea of cutting down the bar of soap, making your own micro palette and travel sizing your “travel sized” deodorant. All great ideas I will be putting to use. Cheers.

Wow, this is great! I try to eliminate/downsize products wherever I can but hadn’t given a lot of thought to liquids. Will definitely give some of these ago before the next trip.

Thanks so much for this, it was really helpful!

The key here is planning ahead which, despite the fact that I travel more than you do, I tend not to do for my liquids. So, I’m the one defrosting the leftovers in my quart size bag, rinsing it and trying to dry it with a hair dryer the day of my trip. 😉

I love this post so much, I’m including it in my Sunday travel must-reads post coming up this Sunday… 🙂

I fly quite a lot, and am cursed with bad vision, so I have to deal with contact solution (ugh). However, aside from that, I carry barely any liquids when I travel. I haven’t used shampoo for over 5 years and have switched to using baking soda to keep my hair clean. Of course, that means that a little container of baking soda is all I need when I travel, and baking soda to wash hair means that I don’t have to condition, so no conditioner needed either. Double win. I use a powder toothpaste as well, which eliminates that tube. I swear by Lush’s powder deodorant, which again doesn’t need to be in the bag. My face soap is solid, but my moisturiser is liquid, so that does have to be in the bag. I have a tiny plastic jar that I use for most trips. All my makeup, aside from a tiny little tube of primer and my mascara, is powder. I use a solid perfume. And I often forego bringing my usual hair-styling wax when I travel, though if I do, it is the only other thing in my 3-1-1 bag aside from my contact solution, face lotion, and mascara. 🙂

Wow, I never thought to use it on my hair. I’ll have to try that!

I found out that you can use baking soda as a pretty effective deodorant, too! I just dissolve some in warm water (enough to make a slippery solution), apply, and let dry. At least as good as any other deodorant I’ve purchased in a store with the added benefit of no stains on clothing.

I use Eco Dent tooth powder too and noticed that the main ingredient is baking soda. Maybe I can get away with brushing my teeth with plain old baking soda too!

I travel at least once a month or every other month and I haven’t applied for global entry yet but I’ve stopped taking any ‘liquids’ out when I go through screening. As long as you aren’t sneaking in a giant bottle of shampoo or a water bottle it goes through the x-ray and I never have a problem with security. I think a clear plastic bag for liquids screams I never travel.

I wish I had your luck. Depending on the airport that I am going through depends on if I have to take mine out our not. The smaller airports have made me but not the larger ones. Go figure.

I use contact lens cases to carry small dollops of liquids since I tend to travel for shorter periods of time. Face moisturizer in one, hair gel in the other. Just make sure you open the right one when you wake up in the morning!

These travel ideas are beyond brilliant! I would love to see a tutorial on the palettes. One item I’ve found to be useful is an empty pallette made for blending lipsticks. Sephora used to sell them, but I can’t find them anymore. There are 8 very small compartments, and I put non-flowy products like concealer, gel eyeliner, illuminator, cream blush, cream eyeshadow, cream foundation, and a slice of lipstick. I can use it for weeks without refilling. I can’t find those containers anymore, though. It is so helpful in paring down cosmetics.

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Home › Blog › Soap Hacks: 15 Unusual Ways to Use Bar Soap

Soap Hacks: 15 Unusual Ways to Use Bar Soap

By Donella Crigger

Published Dec 17, 2023

Looking for genius ways to use a bar of soap? We bet you haven’t thought of some of these!

You use soap in the shower, and you may even have some on your bathroom sink. For thousands of years, soap has kept us clean. We even love making our own soap ! But those nifty bars have lots of other uses, too. Check out these for 15 unusual ways to use soap  around your home (in addition to your body).

15 Brilliant Ways to use Soap

1. separate a stuck zipper.

Is there anything more frustrating than a separated zipper on your coat or your kid’s jacket? They seem to get undone just when you need to get them on in a rush! Unstick a stuck zipper by rubbing bar soap along the length of the zipper.

It will save you so much time and you will be happily recommending this to your friends. Can you count the number of jackets you’ve had to put away because of a separated zipper? No worries because that’s a thing of the past now.

2. Fill nail holes

Fill nail holes in your wall without breaking out the drywall tools. Rub a dry bar of soap over your nail holes, back and forth until the hole is filled in.  Use a  dry cloth or rag over the surface of the holes to wipe excess soap away.

Here are some tips to help you achieve the desired finished look:

• Go for a soap that is a similar color to your walls for easy blending
• Do not use wet soap as the process will get messy. Wet soap will be difficult to rub over and over.
• This can be done with either drywall or plaster walls.

Great way to get your walls in shape if you’re moving soon!

3. Bar soap as a pin cushion

This one is a genius idea. Soap is soft and it would hold pins very well. If you like to sew, a bar of soap wrapped in the fabric makes a great pincushion . You can use glue to put the fabric together around the soap. It comes together really nicely and you wouldn’t guess what is tucked underneath. It gives off a subtle scent, too!

4. Use soap to find an air leak in your tires

Think you have an air leak in one of your tires? Soap it up! Bubbles will form rapidly at the leak . I have seen this trick being performed at my local repair shop and it’s so easy. First, you need to take out the tire and fill it with air. Next, take some water and mix it up with soap.

Turn the tire round and round in the basin of soapy water. Because the tire is leaking out the air, bubbles should be seen at the point of the leak. If you prefer to repair your tires from home, this is super easy and affordable.

Ways to Use a Bar of Soap

5. use soap to silence a squeaky door.

For a squeaky door that’s driving you nuts, rub a bar of soap directly on the hinges. It’s only a temporary fix, but it will do until you can visit the hardware. Use a bar of soap that has been in use for a while because you need it quite soft and easy to manipulate with the application. I did not know it would be this easy to fix a squeaky door as I would run for the traditional grease. Try this!

6. Soap will clear a foggy bathroom mirror

The results with soap hack will blow your mind. Never deal with a foggy mirror after a shower again. Lightly rub bar soap on your mirror. Then you need to wipe it off with a clean piece of cloth. Rub the cloth until you can no longer see any soap residue. That is all you need to do. Go in the shower the next day, or the same day too. When you step out of the shower, take a look at your mirror. We bet you’ll be staring at a fog-free mirror! That’s right. Please try this.

7. Original Irish Spring Soap will keep mice away

Deter mice with Irish Spring. These guys actually say their results are inconclusive, but lots of people on the interwebz swear by it. The best way to get started is to start off with one bar of soap. Irish soap comes in a number of different flavors but most people recommend the original one. If you cannot find it at your local store, please try Amazon.

Cut up the soap into small pieces or grate it. You may wear gloves as the smell is quite strong and repellent. Place the pieces or shavings in areas around the house where mice are likely to hide. This is not a long-term solution though, as it is only a repellant. However, it is much worth it and we love this idea.

8. Use soap to make your clothes smell nice

Have great-smelling clothes every morning when you add soap to your drawers and storage containers. Because these are areas that do not have fresh air all the time, how about sealing them with nice-smelling soap? Although the picture shows an unwrapped bar, we recommend wrapping it in fabric or another breathable material to keep it from staining your clothes.

Do this overnight with a bar of soap whose fragrance you love, nothing too strong as it will linger on all day. In the morning, your clothes will be as fresh as a daisy.

Brilliant Tricks using Soap

9. unstick drawers using a bar of soap.

For sticky drawers , rub a small piece of soap along the edges to help them glide in and out. This works great on antique dressers as they tend to get stuck a lot!

10. DIY Soap Jelly

Make a soap jelly to use as a pre-treater for tough stains. What you need is to grate your soap to fill half a jar. Then fill up your jar with hot water to make the soap jelly. Let it sit overnight to cool. Anytime you have soiled clothes, apply some of the soap jellies on the stain. Use a soft brush to rub against the stain and the laundry stain will slowly disappear.

11.Use bar soap to lubricate screws

Lubricate screws with a bar of soap to make your DIY projects a little easier. It will also hold and keeps the nail from rusting a tad longer.

12. Use soap to keep deer away

Want to protect your crops from deer without using harsh chemicals? Soap will do the trick! If your crops are near the woods and likely to be visited by deer, soap is a cheap and effective repellant. Tie one bar of soap in a nylon stocking and place it very close or to the plant you’re protecting. Another way to do it is to place the bars of soap along the fence! Deer are known to have a great sense of smell so this works perfectly.

13. Get rid of stubborn sweat rings

Get rid of the sweat ring on collared shirts by treating them with bar soap before laundering. This is a stubborn sweat stain that needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later. Dampen the dirty collar with warm water. Wet your bar soap and rub an old toothbrush against the soap. Next, gently rub the brush along with the sweat stain. Let the shirt sit for an hour before laundering. Alternatively, you can dampen the collar and rub your bar of soap directly on the cloth.

14. Make erupting soap

The kids will love erupting soap ! Here are the steps needed for this exciting project:

• Put your bar of Ivory soap on a microwave dish
• Place the soap in the microwave for two minutes
• Watch it erupt!

Isn’t that fun?

15. Coat your cookware with soap

Campfire cooking can make a mess out of your pots and pans, but coating your cookware with soap makes cleanup easy. Dealing with sooty cookware is no fun. A lot of scrubbing is required if your pots need to get back to their original state. You can create the soap jelly that we mentioned above and spread it even outside the pot. This creates a barrier between the pot and the soot. When it’s time to clean, it will slide right off!

Bonus hack worth checking out

Bar of soap to treat leg cramps.

Do you get leg cramps at night? Some people say that placing a bar of soap in the sheets gets rid of them. It seems unlikely, but what do you have to lose?

Want MORE Hacks? Check out these related articles on the blog:

• 16 Genius Murphy’s Oil Soap Tips and Hacks You Need
• 17 Genius Uses for Dawn Dish Soap every Mom Needs
• 15 ways to reuse Shampoo and Soap bottles
• Genius Essential Oil Tips and Tricks
• 22 things you didn’t think you could wash in the dishwasher

EASY MEALS, HAPPY FAMILIES

Tired of the daily dinner dilemma? Grab our FREE Meals Made Easy Planner and say hello to quick, satisfying family meals. Plus, get our BONUS Low-Stress Lunchbox Planner FREE for a limited time!

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More From Forbes

Mother’s day gift guide 2024: best clean and organic self-care kits for the traveling mom.

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Blue Lagoon Eye Expert

This Mother’s Day, why not give the mom who loves traveling something to help prioritize herself while she’s on the road? Research has proven that consistent self-care is linked to improved physical, mental, and emotional health.

With that in mind, below are 12 sets and bundles—which are listed alphabetically—that’ll help your mom feel her best no matter where in the world she’s vacationing. And because all the picks in this guide are TSA compliant, packing them for every trip will be a breeze.

Blue Lagoon Eye Expert, $255

Tap into the healing properties of Blue Lagoon’s mineral- and silica-rich waters with this luxurious set intended for the delicate, thin skin around the eyes. For day and night use, the three products (Icelandic brand’s award-winning BL+ Eye Serum, BL + Eye Cream, silk sleep mask) can be used solo or layered together for even more visible rejuvenation.

Briogeo Strengthen + Repair Hair Care Minis, $32

Briogeo Strengthen + Repair Hair Care Minis

Even the driest and frizziest locks are no match for this foursome from natural hair care line Brigeo. For the full treatment: lather up with the shampoo then follow with the conditioner. Finish by running a few drops of the oils from the middle of the hair to the ends. For the best results, swap out the conditioner weekly with the mask.

Bur Bur Grow & Glow Bundle, $110

Bur Bur Grow & Glow Bundle

Care for the skin on your face and scalp with this plant-based pair of Bur Bur oils . Glowing Season is a daily-use blend of hydrating and brightening oils (rosehip, sea buckthorn, neroli), while Growing Season features proven botanicals like burdock root extract to promote hair growth. To use: massage a dropperful from the scalp to the ends of the hair once a week, and follow with shampoo and conditioner.

Samsung Is Giving Away A Free Galaxy S24 In A New Promotion

Google makes a new sale offer to pixel 8 buyers, biden could be 1st president since carter to not negotiate sign fta, dime the travel works, $142.

Dime The Travel Works

Dime was founded in 2018 by master aethetician Baylee Relf for a simple reason: to make ingredient-driven, research-backed, and affordable skincare accessible to everyone. This set of miniatures of Dime’s key offerings—which includes the cult favorite Hyaluronic Acid Serum—is a terrific way to introduce anyone to the refreshingly approachable brand.

Dionis Expanded Goat Milk Bar Soap, Set of 6, $50

Dionis Expanded Goat Milk Bar Soap

If you’re considering switching over to bar soap to help the planet and save you money, reach fo this gift-worthy bundle spotlighting goat milk by woman-owned company Dionis. The milk is sourced from a small farm in Newtown, Pennsylvania, and gently cleanses and moisturizes without triggering common skincare problems such as eczema. On top of that: all of the scents, especially the Lavender Blossom, are divine.

Evolvetogether Deodorant Mini Discovery Set, $44

Evolvetogether Deodorant Mini Discovery Set

Leave it to Evolvetogether, the stylish and sustainable brand started by Cynthia Sakai in 2020—remember how the brand’s disposable face masks went viral during the pandemic—to turn deodorant into a chic ritual. This set includes the newest scent Taormina , a floral blend of geranium, jasmine, and orange flowers, and leaves skin smelling great and feeling completely dry.

Futurewise Slugging System, $66

Futurewise Slugging System

Though the practice of slugging—applying an occlusive layer over nighttime skincare to trap in moisture—has been around for over a century, it’s only surged in popularity in the past couple of years thanks to TikTok. While Vaseline’s been the go-to solution for decades, FutureWise was launched in late 2022 by Julie Schott and Brian Bordainick to provide the same juicy and glowy effects with clean ingredients and no petroleum.

Kush Queen Mini Bath Bomb Collection, $39.99

Kush Queen Mini Bath Bomb Collection

While CBD is being incorporated into all sorts of wellness products, adding it to bath products particularly makes good sense. Soaks are relaxing as is, but heat reportedly boosts CBD’s ability to promote a deeper state of calm and healing. This box of of five mini bath bombs scented with different essential oils addresses issues ranging from immunity to stress.

Lush Mom Gift Set, $37

Lush Mom Gift Set

Bath bombs are everywhere nowadays, but credit for the fun bathtime staple goes to Mo Constantine, the co-founder of Lush, for inventing them back in 1989. Today, the British brand still leads the pack with its super-fizzy versions that come in unforgettable scents and colors. Let this limited-edition set of four bath bombs wrapped in whimsical paper designed by Beth Mackrill from Rocket Artists Studios transform your mom’s everday bath into a playful, spa-like session.

Manucurist Healthy Glow Duo, $25

Manucurist Healthy Glow Duo

Think of this tiny-but-mighty pair from the natural French nail care brand Manucurist as luxury skincare for your nails. The Green Oil is deeply hydating and concentrated—even a couple of drops can instantly smoothe the most ragged cuticles—while the Active Glow nail treatment fortifies and strengthens while imparting a positively pretty pink glow.

OstrichPillow Wind Down Bundle, $79

OstrichPillow Wind Down Bundle

This handy bundle will come to the rescue anytime you need quick stress relief, whether you’re tring to chill during a long flight or after logging too many hours in front of a screen. The eye mask—which can be used warm or cold depending on your needs—and neck wrap are filled with clay beads that radiate heat, draw moisture in, and coccoon skin with soothing pressure.

Skin Laundry Sheet Masks, $55

Skin Laundry Sheet Masks

There’s no shortage of sheet masks on the market, but Skin Laundry’s Hydrating Facial Sheet Masks blow the competition away for several reasons. First: they drench even the most parched complexions in a silky serum packed with Sodium Hyaluronate in just 15 minutes. Second, they’re free of icky ingredients, such as fragrance and mineral oil, that are in many other versions. Last but not least: these are totally biodegradable, to help protect our planet.

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