By Trisha Novotny

Over many years of traveling, I have learned a few tricks and tips when it comes to packing toiletries. With a family of seven, traveling can get rough, but these tips have helped me stay organized and save money! 

Share: Choose which items you are comfortable sharing with your family members or friends that are traveling with you. Such as toothpaste, shampoos, hair spray and soap bars. Then only bring one among the group to share.

Travel Sizes: Search your local stores health and beauty section for your favorite brands’ travel size products. Look for toiletries such as deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, mouthwash, hand sanitizers, body sprays, soap, lotions, sun screens and even laundry soap. I try to stock up when I see a few products on sale.  My favorite places for finding these are Target, Walmart and Ulta or Amazon.

Samples: The next time you go to a hotel or receive a product sample in the mail, save it for your next trip! These are the perfect fit for a carry-on bag!

Re-useable: Purchase a variety of travel bottles and containers and fill using your regular size toiletries. This will save money and allow you to take along your favorite brands!  Amazon has a great selection.

Wrap it: Protect your items, such as makeup, by using Saran™ Premium Wrap. Place a sheet of plastic over the neck of bottles filled with liquid and screw the lid on over the plastic to help prevent messes during travel.

Bag it: Ziploc® Brand Sandwich Bags are a travel staple at my house. Each family member is issued one for liquid carry-on items. Multiple-sized bags are distributed for other items such as cotton balls, hair accessories, first aid supplies, medications and electronic cords.

Leave space: Keep in mind that flying increases air pressure which can cause your liquid products to expand, leak or burst! When filling your bottles with shampoos, lotions, gels and other liquids, make sure to leave room for expansion. 

What tips do you have when packing toiletries for travel?