The Best Way to Pack Medication and Toiletries

Medications

Like I said before, I like to travel light, so I’ve come up with my own system for toiletries and medication. I travel with a LOT of medication because some standard over-the-counter meds can’t be found in Europe. So if you get a cold or have allergies, you could be left suffering if you haven’t brought your own. I got some tiny ziploc bags and put small pieces of sticky notes inside them with the medication written on them. I have packed about 15 different meds and vitamins in my tiny Tumi bag. 

If you do have to travel with prescription medication, you might want to consider taking the bottle, or just take a picture of the label on the bottle, and the put them in the small plastic bags.

I also put an oximeter in there. I always travel with one since COVID, so that if you do get sick you don’t have to go to a hospital to have your oxygen levels checked. Plus my son has asthma and it’s nice to get a quick check of his oxygen if he’s wheezing. (link below)

Toiletries

I don’t use much in the way of toiletries. I bring a small bar of soap, and use shampoo and conditioner disks instead of bottled liquid. I save my sample glass containers for facial products and reuse them for my moisturizer, and deodorant (which I buy in a tube – Lume). One tiny container is enough for two weeks. I also got some silicone bottles that are under 3 ounces in case I do need to take anything liquid, like sunscreen. I don’t want to risk my expensive sunscreen getting taken away in security, so I transfer it to these small silicone containers. They are vacuum sealed, so they won’t leak, even if the top pops open. (links below)

Plug Adapters and Voltage Converters for Different Countries

One thing most people don’t realize is that you only need a plug adapter for your phone and laptop (please double check the specs for your specific equipment). Most computer equipment and phones are designed for the 110 (American voltage) and 220 (European voltage) outlets. The only thing you’ll need is an adapter for your plug, NOT a power converter. In fact, converters can sometimes damage your electronics. 

I bring both a converter and adapters just in case. I have single adapters as well as a larger adapter that has two USB outlets as well as two regular outlets. It has a quick release plug in the back for compatibility in different countries. I mostly stay in the EU and UK, so I just bring those two adapter cartridges. Be very careful with things like hair dryers because they take a lot of power. But many of them have switches to go from 110 to 220 voltage, so best check yours before you travel overseas with it. I have Amazon links below for both plug adapters and power converters.

Staying Fit While Traveling

I always bring my resistance workout band when I trave. It has handles and a stopper piece to put in the door. It doesn’t take up much room, and that way you can continue strength training while you’re traveling. I also make sure that I always pack good walking shoes to get exercise while I’m traveling…and to run through airports to make connections. (link below)

Handheld Suitcase Scale

This little thing has saved me more than once. One time I thought I knew roughly what my suitcase weighed before heading to the airport for my return trip. Then I used my travel sized suitcase scale and discovered I was 8kg overweight! I was able to transfer some heavier things to my carry-on and didn’t waste time at the check-in counter. It’s very easy to use, it’s small and weighs in pounds and kilos. 

Travel Mugs and Bottles

I never thought I’d use my travel bottle as much as I do. I take it everywhere. What I love most about this one is that it’s plastic, so it’s lightweight and the top seals completely, so no leaking. I don’t think it matters so much whether it’s metal or plastic as long as it says BPA free. Mine is also easy to clean because it has a wide mouth and the entire top screws off. The type with the small openings make it so hard to clean! (link below)

Miscellaneous Travel Accessories

Some of the other things I like to travel with are (links below): 

• A good book light, because you never know if your hotel or Airbnb will have good lighting next to where you want to read. 
• A collapsible beach bucket because I spend a lot of time sea glass hunting, and it’s easier to collect in a bucket, than a plastic bag. 
• Flax seed eye mask. This is the kind that you heat up in a microwave for 1 minute and lay it over your eyes for 10 minutes or so at the end of a long day. It helps with dry eyes after flying too. I love this particular one because it’s filled with flax seeds and smells nice. I’ve been using it for two years and it shows no signs of wear. I use an antimicrobial “yoga mat” spray to keep it clean. 
• Cheap ear buds for listening to music or movies on your phone. I bring two sets (they cost about $12) and if you lose them, it’s no big deal.
• Cordless phone charger. Twice now on trips to Spain, my new phone wouldn’t charge properly because it apparently got moisture in it while I was at the beach. I had to roam the streets of our tiny Spanish town looking for one. So now I always bring my own just in case. 
• Ear plugs…lots of them. Nothing is worse than trying to sleep in an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar sounds. I always use ear plugs and sleep like a baby.
• Passport waist belt by Bandi. I use this mostly for easy access to my phone. I love it because it’s not bulky, and it’s easy to wear with anything. (link below)