Summary: Toiletries are one of the heaviest items you'll pack, and most of it is dead weight – you're carrying it, but you're not using it. Don't make the mistake of emptying your bathroom cupboard into your toiletry kit! There are quite a few ways to cut down on your toiletries, but the most important is to be ruthless; don't carry anything you don't use regularly. Buy a smaller toiletry bag to help you cut down and if you have a travel companion, don't double up – have your own toothbrush and disposable razor, but share everything else. Whatever you do, steer clear of electric items – they're bulky and you might have trouble finding an outlet. That means no hair straighteners, girls! Another bulky item is your towel – pick up a mini one at a camping store and you'll suddenly have a lot more space. In terms of actual items, don't bother with mini-sized items, but don't carry more than you'll use. A mini shampoo is great for a weekend away, but if you're planning long-term travel, a 200ml 2-in-1 shampoo is a great investment – it's got enough in it to last a few weeks, but won't take up too much space. Plus, you can use it for everything – hair, body and clothes. And don't forget the deodorant – a roll-on one will probably be smaller and last longer than a spray-on. And you won't smell out the hostel dorm room! So what do you actually pack in that toiletries kit of yours? *Toothbrush *Toothpaste *Dental floss (this is really handy for other uses as well – think minty-fresh string) *Camp Suds (or 2-in-1 shampoo) *Razor *Shaving gel *Comb *Roll-on deodorant *Hair ties (for girls – don't underestimate the value of a hairtie. Even for guys, a few rubber bands might come in handy) *Girls – enough sanitary equipment for your whole next period (but no more) *Any other essentials (contact lens solution, moisturiser) First Aid And what about your medical kit? It's important to have a first-aid kit with you on any sort of travel, but adapt it for the circumstances. A mountain biking expedition in the Andes is going to need different gear than a city-hopping bus trip. A general list then: *Any medicine you personally need – enough for the whole trip if possible. If not, research availability in the places you're going and take enough for the first month *Any medicine necessary for the destination e.g. malaria tablets *A few band-aids *Antiseptic cream *A sewing kit *Thick tape (for larger wounds or wrapping Christmas pressies) *Hand sanitizing gel *A small pack of tissues (to double as toilet paper if necessary) *A few cotton pads for wounds *One blister pack of ibuprofen (painkiller with anti-inflammatory properties) – don't take the extra-strong one with codeine as codeine is illegal in some countries (eg Greece) *Four anti-diarrhea tablets *One other item – we always have a few strepsils and eyedrops – maybe pack three or four of each of these items if they're something you use regularly but not often. *Condoms
