I'm not the type to bring makeup and a hair iron (although I probably should!), but I'll still try to add useful "beauty" items I find through other travels.
Travel goodies are just plain fun. I have become obsessed with anything that can make travel easier, lighter weight, or happier. I've gone through a lot of trial and error to find useful items, and I'd love to share my "finds" with you here!
My gear is not always the least expensive. I try to balance cost with quality. It's all about value and I (usually) want my stuff to last!
There are some affiliate links below. If you end up purchasing the item after clicking from my site, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for helping to support the work I put into this. :)
These are the best solution to bringing prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, etc. traveling without taking up too much space. Ditch all the packaging and use these handy little baggies. You can even put your prescription stickers on them if you want to.
health & beauty, first aid kit, misc
#affiliatelink
This stuff has saved me more than once from scratching my skin off. The best one to get is the one with antihistamines in it.
health & beauty, anti-itch
#affiliatelink
Strong DEET in a pump spray. This size will last me 1-2 months in full mosquito battle conditions. You might hear mixed reviews since DEET is so toxic, but this works, plain and simple.
health & beauty, insect repellant
#affiliatelink
Like the body sunscreen, this is a good 80 minute sport sunscreen, and free of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate so it's reef safe. It also has a blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid, shea butter, antioxidants, and vitamin E to lock in moisture! Throw one of these small tubes in your bag to keep good face sunscreen on hand since it comes in a small 1.7 oz tube.
health & beauty, sunscreen
#affiliatelink
This is one of your more solid bets as far as longer lasting sport reef-safe sunscreens. It does come in a travel size 3 oz bottle so you'll be paying a little more per ounce for this one. But it is free of oxybenzone and no octinoxate, so it's reef safe. One cool thing is that the lid is a special plastic that changes color in UV rays so you know when you need to apply sunscreen!
health & beauty, sunscreen
#affiliatelink
It's so simple and I swear effective! I was given one as a gift, tried it on multiple people in the jungles of Costa Rica, and they all ended up buying them! We were amazed! Bug Bite Thing is a suction tool that alleviates the itching, stinging, and swelling from bug bites and stings. How? It extracts the insect saliva/venom left behind under the skin. When you remove the irritant, your body stops producing the reaction. A chemical-free solution for bites and stings? It’s a thing!
health & beauty, anti-itch
#affiliatelink
Now I will admit that I have not used one of these but I have traveled with ladies who have. They love them.
health & beauty, women's urinal
#affiliatelink
I originally bought this to try traveling to have fewer liquids and less weight. Then after my first use -wow- my teeth feel so clean! And you don't rinse it either which is way more convenient for travel.
health & beauty, toothpaste
Shop
Women, stand up to pee outdoors or in yucky toilets! My boyfriend's daughter has one of these and just loves it.
health & beauty, women's urinal
#affiliatelink
It can be a bit messy but it helps keep you dry in hot and humid climates. Just put it on after your shower or even dust it on under your clothes if you feel you need a refresh.
health & beauty, misc, body powder
#affiliatelink
I keep it pretty simple but I do have my preference of these inexpensive purse-sized brushes.
health & beauty, hairbrush
#affiliatelink
If you really want to go toward the all natural, this one is great and for a very good price. Comes is yummy scents like Sweet Pineapple and Honey melon, is good for your skin, and users love it! Formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate so it's reef safe. Comes in a 6 oz bottle, but you can put it in a smaller container for your carry-on. Also comes in SPF 30
health & beauty, sunscreen
#affiliatelink
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray leaves your bathroom smelling fresh and clean. Simply spray the water in the bowl with Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray before using the toilet to prevent odors before they begin! Great easy-pack sizes for those travel close quarters!! Think hostels and cruises!
health & beauty, misc
#affiliatelink
I've researched the heck out of these and I like this one or the battery version the best. It's small and has good reviews and features. Philips One is okay, and Suri just does not fit the bill for various reasons. You can even get a version with Bluetooth smart sync to the app!
health & beauty, toothbrush
#affiliatelink
I've researched the heck out of these and I like this one the best. It's small and has good reviews and features. Philips One is okay, and Suri just does not fit the bill for budget travel for various reasons. There is a rechargeable version of this, but you have to carry a proprietary cord, so with this 3-month battery life, it's not worth it in my opinion. This is the one. :)
health & beauty, toothbrush
#affiliatelink
Strong DEET in a pump spray. This size will last me 1-2 months in full mosquito battle conditions. You might hear mixed reviews since DEET is so toxic, but this works, plain and simple.
health & beauty, insect repellant
Shop
Picaridin claims to be just as effective as DEET without melting your gear. Woohoo!! I don't find it quite as effective, but it's also not as toxic. I like that I can use this on my clothing.
health & beauty, insect repellant
#affiliatelink
For some reason most non-slip headbands seem like they are made for children. Way too small for me. This one is perfect. It's snug, DOES stay in place all day long, dries quickly, and it not hot on my head. Unfortunately it does get stretched out after a while.
health & beauty, hair bands, clips, barrettes
#affiliatelink
I can't tell you how many times I have either dropped or leaned on or smushed hair clips and broken off the tines. These are fantastic! They are designed so they don't have tines sticking out, they're sturdy, and even have rubber pieces inside to really make sure they stay put. I love these!
health & beauty, hair bands, clips, barrettes
#affiliatelink
Women, stand up to pee outdoors or in yucky toilets!
health & beauty, women's urinal
#affiliatelink
A big 8 oz bottle for a really cheap price. This one is no frills, but you'll get a lot for your money and can put it in a smaller travel size container to bring in your carry-on. It doesn't contain octinoxate or oxybenzone, so is considered reef-safe.
health & beauty, sunscreen
#affiliatelink
I've researched the heck out of these and this is my 2nd place (1st is Quip ). It's small and has decent reviews and features. The battery version lasts 3 months on a charge so you might not want to both with carrying the proprietary cord.
health & beauty, toothbrush
#affiliatelink
I've researched the heck out of these and this is my 2nd place (1st is Quip ). It's small and has decent reviews and features. There is a rechargeable version of this but you have to carry a proprietary cord, so with a 3-month battery life, it's not worth it in my opinion. But I will include a link to that one, too.
health & beauty, toothbrush
#affiliatelink
Women, stand up to pee outdoors or in yucky toilets!
health & beauty, women's urinal
#affiliatelink
I keep it pretty simple but I do have my preference of these inexpensive purse-sized brushes.
health & beauty, hairbrush
#affiliatelink
I keep it pretty simple but I do have my preference of these inexpensive purse-sized brushes. I actually didn't have high hopes for this one because of its flimsy bristles and because the larger brushes I bought broke immediately, but it's great and gets through my long curly hair no problem!
health & beauty, hairbrush
#affiliatelink
Not all sleeping bag liners are created equal. If you can't stand the thought of being trapped in a narrow fabric sleeve, read on to find the best travel sheet out there.
Frequent travelers, backpackers in particular, are very choosy about their gear! From high quality equipment, to easy gadgets. here are some great gift ideas for budget travelers, frequent flyers, or just those simply wanting more comfort when they travel!
Doing hand-wash is a normal part of budget travel. So how about this bag that touts itself as a portable washing machine for backpackers?