How To Stop Wasting Money on Travel Toiletries

To meet the TSA’s strict liquid rules for carry-on luggage, many travelers stock up on travel-size toiletries at the drugstore before flying. However, doing so comes with its own set of considerations. Not only are those small plastic bottles wasteful, but the cost can add up, especially if you travel frequently. Here are a few clever alternatives to save money on toiletries before your next vacation.

Purchase Refillable Bottles

The best method to cut down on waste and save money in the long run is a simple one: Buy a set of refillable containers. Travelers can choose from a variety of TSA-approved options such as silicone bottles or squeezable pouches. These containers easily fit into your bag without taking up much space, and they eliminate unnecessary waste. A set typically costs around $5 to $10, so you’ll be saving money in just a few trips. When you return, simply rinse and clean them out and stow them away until your next journey.

Fill Tiny Baggies

No refillable bottles? No problem. Small plastic bags or containers can be an excellent alternative in a pinch, so long as they have a tight seal to prevent potential leakage. Consider pill bags or even contact lens cases, both of which usually measure well below the TSA liquid limit of 3.4 ounces, and can serve as makeshift toiletry dispensers when you don’t have other options. Before your trip, be sure to label each bag or case with its contents, such as toothpaste or sunscreen, and pack them in a place where they are less likely to leak.

Use What the Hotel Provides

When you book a hotel room, a variety of amenities are included in the price. This includes shampoo, body wash, hand soap, and other basic toiletries. This isn’t to say that every toiletry will be taken care of, but if you aren’t picky about hair products, soap, and lotion, you can simply take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary offerings to free up valuable space in your luggage — and avoid the cost of purchasing travel-size toiletries. Plus, if the hotel still offers single-use containers, you can also take the bottles home and reuse them on another trip. (Pro tip: Many hotels also offer amenity kits if you ask the front desk, with additional items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, lotion, and even socks free of charge.)

Stock Up at the Dentist

Nobody likes visiting the dentist, but at least you can save some money on toiletries for your next vacation by grabbing a few of those complimentary tubes of toothpaste on the way out. Most dentist offices provide floss, toothbrushes, and toothpaste samples at the end of each visit — not only are they usually free, but the smaller sample sizes are perfect for tossing into your carry-on and still meeting TSA liquid regulations.

Swap Liquids for Solids

These days, many toiletries also come in solid forms — think shampoo and conditioner bars (like those from Kitsch), powdered mouthwash packets (MySmile), and sunscreen sticks (Blue Lizard). These items are TSA-approved, and because they’re solid, you don’t have to worry about liquid restrictions in your carry-on. Plus, solid versions often last longer because they are more concentrated than liquid toiletries, which will end up saving you money in the long run. For instance, a solid shampoo bar can last for over 80 washes.