Travel Toiletries

Sometimes it's hard to know what will be available where you're going. Some places can be surprising. But even if they have the things I need they’re often prohibitively expensive in far flung places. Toiletries, because so much is in liquid form can be impractical to carry and weighty. So, I take some of my favourite things and have learned from experience what works and what doesn’t. Pack in a transparent plastic cuboid bag - easy to see what's where. Fits easily into a case. Here are my suggestions:Suntan cream

• Sensitive teeth toothpaste - rub some on your gums or teeth with your finger if you get any problems

• Toothbrush - battery operated electric with spare battery

• TePes - in a little plastic case - for flossing

• Deodorant - Solid doesn't leak

• Shampoo - hotels don’t always have shampoo and what they have is sometimes not very nice. But this is weighty. In a plastic bag in case it leaks – those flip tops can be tricky

• Conditioner - as for shampoo

• Soap - a little tablet in a small case. Not all hotels supply it

• Face moisturiser – in a pump or tube weighs less than a circular container. With sun block.

• Night cream - in a pump or tube weighs less than a circular container

• Body moisturiser/oil – a few hotels provide but not many off the beaten track. Weight is the big problem. If you decide to take some, get a good one that will go further.

• Face cleanser

• Contact lens cases

• Contact lens solutions

• Travel razor

• Travel wash - in a small tube. Or use shampoo.

• Comb/brush

• Universal basin plug. A lot of hotel sinks don’t have one.

• Lavender oil - for baths (if there is one) and your pillow.