Recently updated on January 26th, 2024 at 12:49 pm
Packing up our lives into one suitcase and a couple of backpacks was a learning experience for both of us. Determining the items you need vs. things you want, organizing, reorganizing, and then starting over again because you must pair it down even more. We wanted to share the must-have essentials and toiletries that we packed to help you make your list. Being prepared is the best way to reduce any anxiety or stress.
I was solely responsible for this part of the packing, and I’m proud because there is nothing we brought that we haven’t used from this list of must-have essentials and toiletries. I was able to fit in at least a two-month supply of everything with reinforcements coming with our friends to Vietnam.
Important note: I linked a few products in this post so you can find them easily. Just a reminder that we do use some affiliate links so if you click on them and purchase something, we get a few pennies and it adds no extra cost for you. Any Beautycounter purchases you make through these links allows us to give back to local charities and groups doing great work in the countries we are visiting, so thanks in advance for any support.
So without further ado, here is what we packed to take care of our teeth, our skin, our health and make sure we don’t smell.
The Must-Have Essentials and Toiletries to Pack for Long Term Travel
Electric Toothbrush
We bought this brush on sale after our dentist recommended it. We each have our own heads, and the travel case has a holder for each one. The case was a huge selling point for us. It’s so much better than those clip-on toothbrush “protectors.” It stays charged for over a week, even with both of us using it twice daily.
Daily Moisturizer
We packed the daily items from the Countermatch line from Beautycounter. This Daily Moisturizer is a go-to and one that we will probably have our friends restock for us in a few months. We also have the night cream. I love this stuff because it works for both of us and lasts a while, even though it’s in smaller packages. We also had a full bottle of the body lotion, which has been awesome for dry skin after a day in the sand.
Cleanser
This cleanser is our go-to. It works for both of us and helps clear the dirt, sweat, and leftover sunscreen off our faces at night. I’ve tried many cleansers in my adult life, and so many just don’t cut it. This one feels like it really cleans and I love it.
Sunscreen
SPF is essential for us on this trip. We have this 30 SPF Beautycounter mist with us in our backpack all the time because it’s quick and easy. We have also used up an entire bottle of this lotion and have more coming with friends next week. It’s important to avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate because they are damaging to the coral reefs and probably not great for our bodies either (read from the experts here).
After Sun Spray
For the times that we were outside all day and didn’t reapply sunscreen as much as we should have, we have this little bottle of magic. It saves your skin from possible burns before they even set in all the way. Since we are spending so much time outside in the sun, we didn’t want to be stuck without anything to help if we got burned. I’ve also loved this brand as a backup. The trick is to throw it in the fridge to make it even better.
Shaving
If you are new here, you may not know that Justin can grow a mustache in three minutes. Since that is not always his desired look, he shaves his face. His head also requires constant upkeep. He uses this line of stuff to take care of all that. He recently switched to Harry’s razors, and we stocked up before leaving.
Yoga Toes
These were packed because they make our feet feel so awesome after long hikes and don’t take up much space (here is a link for the ones we have). Having these feels like a tiny luxury, but it has been a lifesaver with all the walking.
Our Homemade First Aid Kit
After our lovely doctor stabbed us with a bunch of needles and got us our vaccinations, she also reminded us that there were a few things she recommended bringing from home for our trip. We created our own traveling medicine cabinet, and this is what it includes:
- Pepto Tablets
- Imodium
- Bandaids
- Aleve and Advil
- Dayquil
- Malaria Tablets (for our time in SE Asia where there is a Malaria risk)
- Melatonin Supplements to help with jet lag and sleeping on planes
- Prescribed medicine for Traveller’s Diarrhea from our doctor just in case
- Bug Bite Soothing Spray – I linked the one we bought
I believe you can buy premade kits online, but it’s cheaper to put your own together. We also shared some of the ways we prepped for this trip, and a doctor’s appointment should be number one on your list.
Minimal Makeup
I’m not much of a makeup person to begin with, so I kept it extremely minimal for this trip. I bought this eyeliner in two colors and this mascara. I can count the times I’ve put these on with one hand, but it was nice to have something if we went to a nice dinner.
The Rest
Floss, toothpaste, deodorant, a brush, tons of hair ties and bobby pins, contact solution, glasses and back up glasses. I also have the remainder of the shampoo and conditioner we had in our guest bathroom back in MN that has been coming along for the ride so it didn’t go to waste.
We have picked up a bar of soap in each country we’ve visited instead of bringing it along on the plane. Most places have a wall mounted dispenser for soap and shampoo, so we always have a fall back plan.
Our List of Must-Have Essentials and Toiletries: Is It Enough or Too Much?
All of this fits nicely into two zipped pouches for easy transport. I was certain that there would be something else we would need once we started traveling, but this has been more than enough. I am a little embarrassed by the number of things I had in my medicine cabinet back home.
I’m also very happy that I ignored some of the advice that I received. For example, my doctor told me to get disposable contacts so I wouldn’t have to worry about solution. That would have been the biggest waste of money and plastic packaging. Also, I’m so glad our friends are cool with bringing us a few things from the States because it saves me the trouble of researching products in other places.
If you are traveling, let this list be a guide to the must-have essentials and toiletries to pack so you are ready for multiple scenarios. I promise that you can get this into just a few small pouches to leave you room for the fun stuff.
What did I leave off the list that you would need? Tell us in the comments below, and let me know if you have any questions.
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