bar or soft soap
 

I know this may seem like an insignificant question, but I am being serious. When traveling, is it better to take bar soap in a container, or soft soap in a bottle? I have been fretting over this. Sorry to seem like a ninny. I need opinions. Thanks!

Virtually every seasoned traveler will tell you to take both. <BR> <BR>Belts and suspenders too. <BR> <BR>Washcloths, babywipes and paper towels while you're at it. <BR> <BR>Oh, wait a minute - - are you talking about Europe? or your appearance on "Survivor - Outback?" <BR> <BR>If it's Europe you're asking about, I think they have a store there. <BR> <BR>If it's Survivor, I fear that your tendency to fret will not fare well at the Tribal council. <BR> <BR>

Lydia, <BR>I've never seen a hotel that doesn't provide soap, unless you have a special need of some kind.

don't forget the bottled water you wouldn't actually use the local waterto bathe in would you? <BR> <BR>take whatever bloody soap you usually use if its that big of a deal to you

Yes, I do believe they have a store there, but I find it unnecesary to shop there rather than just packing a bar of my usual soap in a plastic case simply in order to prove my superior worldliness. I'm allergic to some soaps, I like to wash up during my layover, and since I know I'll need soap anyway I'd just as soon not spend my holiday time soap-shopping. <BR> <BR>As for soft vs. bar, I don't like soft soap at home and the more bottles you bring, the more chance of leakage. But that's just my opinion, and unlike some people I don't take my own opinion as gospel.

Hello, Lydia! Planning a trip can make you worry about things that you (or others) might consider "insignificant". But, if you're fretting, here's my two cents to help allay your frets ... My first couple of long plane trips, I took a miniature bar of soap & old washcloth in a Ziploc to wash up before landing. The washcloth was used a lot! However, you don't need to burden yourself with soap, as I've never stayed anywhere that didn't provide it for you. On the other hand, I bought a tiny bottle of anti-bacterial, no-water-needed "soap" at Bath & Body Works that came in handy for picnics and public bathrooms.

P.S. I seem to be a lower-class person than some, because I *have* stayed at places that don't provide soap for you, e.g., hostels, budget hotels in eastern europe, pensiones with shared bath, etc.

I'll answer your question If you answer my very important question. My trip depends on it. Should I bring a comb or a brush?

Dear Lydia, <BR>I prefer a bar of soap over a bottle...bottles leak. <BR> <BR>Mipps <BR> <BR>

Lydia, don't pay any attention to these dopes. They must not have plans to travel and are jealous! <BR>I always take soap, am also allergic, have stayed at hotels without it, and prefer my own brand. Who needs to shop for soap?!? <BR>Happy Clean Traveling! <BR>ps. I'd sit with you on a plane anytime over those other jokers! <BR>

Lydia, ignore the jackals. <BR> <BR>When we'll be on an extended stay in a hotel we generally take a large bar of our favorite soap. Why live with the teensy toy hotel bars if we're going to be someplace for a few days? (I think bars last longer than soft?) Indeed we've bought soap overseas. We don't like to take the time to find a drugstore (usually) for the purchase, and we usually agonize over the 'right' purchase since, of course, virtually none of 'our' brands are sold in Europe. <BR> <BR>Ed

I prefer liquid soap for my face at home, but on a trip I take a small or partly used bar because it's lighter than liquid. I'm not too fussy about having my favorite products with me. I usually like the liquid bath gel/shampoo provided in the hotels, but sometimes they don't provide enough or forget to replace them, so I need my own, or if theirs is too heavily perfumed I neeed my own. I use the hotel shampoo, if any, but take a tiny amount of my own just in case the hotel doesn't provide, which sometimes happens. I think it would be stupid to plan on shopping for necessities (toothpaste, etc.)in Europe when you know you'll need them and easily take them from home. However, when I forget something or a need arises for some med. it's often fun to shop for it, especially if it's a little cahllenge but not huge challenge to explain in the local language (e.g., nasal saline, tape). (Also country hotels may not be walking distance from a soap store.) <BR>I can't believe I rambled on this much about soap etc. Must be a woman thing.

I hate leaky bottles. I also like bar shampoo for travel. LUSH has a Lentil one that smells good and makes conditioner unnecessary.

For those who notice little things like this, you probably already observed that I started to post under "[email protected]" -- but decided to post under my own name and address. <BR> <BR>But I am astonished at how many of you are reading into this take my own soap or take no soap. That's not what she asked. The more I think about it, the more it seems like this must be a troll. <BR> <BR>The crazy thing is - - if we tell her to take bar soap (or liquid) - - I have these visions of her crying into her pillow at night - - "but what I actually LIKE is the other one!" <BR> <BR>Good grief, Lydia - - if you really exist - - take whatever you want! and quite seriously, take both! <BR> <BR>

I had a tough time with this one too. I ended up taking a bar because it's much lighter and takes less space and there is little chance of leakage. I think you should take your own, since that free stuff is harsh on already-plane-dehydrated skin.

Definately take a bar of deoderant soap. We have stayed in 2-3-4 star hotels, they provide regular or beauty bar soap. We went to grocery stores, pharmacies & even hardware stores, you can buy soap and/or deoderants, but not deoderant soap.

Bar soap in a Ziplock bag. Think about it--the longer you're away, the smaller it gets, but the bottle always stays the same size.

But Rex, weren't you the one who first made the trenchant observation that they have stores in Europe? That sure sounds like you were turning it into a question of bringing soap or not.

Now I'm sounding unbelievably girly, but the bar shampoo sounds great ... Linda, where/what is LUSH? <BR>

http://www.lushcanada.com/webcart/try3.html <BR>Prices listed are Canadian but they ship to the U.S. Great product!

"Excuse me" is right. Rex was the first to bring up the issue of buying in Europe vs. taking from home (sarcastically). Rex, be nice. Isn't being intelligent and knowledgeable enough? Must you make others look small?

You ARE right! and I indeed WAS wrong. I found the original question such a hoot that I mixed multiple metaphors and "piled on" more than one lampoon. <BR> <BR>I still think the original question represents trolling. <BR> <BR>Or such a terribly neurotic person that we have probably sent her, tears into her pillow, deeply over the edge. <BR>

...But isn't Rex's last name Bickers?

Her neurosis, if any, is nicer than yours.

Geez Rex, chill out. The woman is excited about her trip, is concerned over every little detail because she's probably saved her money for a long time to be able to go, and wants to know what other travellers have done. If you don't have anything useful to contribute, then please don't post. <BR> <BR>

Hi Lydia. To answer your question, we usually take liquid soap as it is more convenient. It is difficult to buy some items when you first arrive. As to the JERK who suggested she take botle water to shower with LISTEN UP wiseguy, I caught Legionaires Disease in a shower in Slovakia 3 yrs ago. Spent 2 weeks on a vent in ICU and a coma for a week. It doesn't stop me from traveling but I am more cautious now. I suspect that the JERK has not ben to eastern europe.

Lydia, <BR> More important than soap, take a washcloth or two in ziplock bags. Have yet to find a hotel in Europe that furnishes them. (Including one in London at $320 per night!) <BR> Do not know why, but after one day at a hotel in Copenhagen, my hands started to crack and bleed from using their soap. Having my own soap along saved the day. <BR> Have a wonderful trip. <BR> <BR>Al from Iowa <BR>

Lydia: bring whichever you like best! please don't fret over stuff like this! Soap is the least of your worries- just...just... ENJOY!!!

Hi Lydia, I take a bar of soap in its travel case or in a ziplock bag. If you have bottle of soap and it is checkd the pressure may make it leak and as mentioned before it takes more space. By all means take a washcloth, you'll not find them any where in Europe.

HI, <BR> <BR>Something I just discovered, for you face at least (I have to AT LEAST have a washcloth for my face) <BR> <BR>Dove now makes a facial cleanser in a soft disposable "washcloth". It is oh so soft and smells good too - and you can put maybe enough for 1-2 per day in a little ziplock baggy. just add water - voila! you can suds away to your hearts content, and drop it in the bin once you've rinsed. no leaking! <BR> <BR>WONDERFUL.

Rex sez: <BR> <BR>"...Or such a terribly neurotic person that we have probably sent her, tears into her pillow, deeply over the edge..." <BR> <BR>my quiet observation, noted after being on this board for maybe 9 months or so, is that Rex is just about the most neurotic person on this board. (if not THE most) <BR> <BR>He is certainly the most pedantic, and probably the one with the smallest charm/helpfulness ratio. <BR> <BR>just my $.02 <BR> <BR>I doubt many would disagree. <BR>

Well, this is a fun little chat, the cranky remarks not withstanding. And it doesn't always have to be profound conversation, does it? In any event, I've used the little soap leaf packages. A thin slice at a time slides out and can be used anywhere with or without a washcloth and no wet bar or bulky liquid jar. I don't carry a lot - just a small pack to tide (no pun intended) me over in case the hotel has no soap. Then I can duck into a shop and buy soap if I run out of my leafs. I've found them at those body/bath shops in the mall, various colors and fragrances - not always useful if you're highly allergic. But Beth's Dove washcloths sound interesting. I'll look for those and give them a try.

Oh my, Oh my. <BR>What does one say when one rather agrees with ALL the above posts? <BR> <BR>I must say though. This thread HAS inspired me to go wash my face...with, lets see here...a BAR of soap!

<BR>whoops, my bad. <BR> <BR>I just took a peek at the 'cleansing cloths' I have - they are Olay, not Dove. although for some reason I think I saw Dove ones too... <BR> <BR>They come in a 30 pack, for oh, I don't know, 6 bucks maybe? A 30 pack should last you two weeks on the road - and nothing to pack home! <BR> <BR>my experience with washcloths - take 'em, but they may end up smelling funny if you just let them air dry. (but what are your choices, you know?) <BR> <BR>:-) <BR>

I take my own, too, due to fragrance sensitivities. Either one is just fine. I prefer liquid. Philosophy has a terrific new offering called "Amazing Grace" that doubles as shampoo. Great for laundering lingerie as well. If you do take liquid, be sure it's only about 2/3 full and packed in two zip lock freezer bags to avoid leakage and spilling. Nothing worse than shampoo, shaving cream, etc., spread all over your clothing when you unpack. I take only as much as I'll need. Fill a two ounce travel-size bottle and see how long that lasts you at home.

Isn't it amazing that we had this much to say about SOAP in a little over one day? If this is a silly thing to think or talk about, I guess there are a lot of us sillies here.

Well folks, it is me again. I thank each and every one of you that took me seriously. I was very serious about this question. I guess I must be overexcited about my first trip to Europe in over 20 years. I went when I was in High school for 10 days. I am going over this time to see my high school son who is an exchange student. I have not seen him since last July. <BR> <BR>As for Rexs reply. This was not a troll posting. I was sincere. Maybe I am a little neurotic, but at least I will be clean and spending my time seeing the sights and not the inside of a drugstore. I wasnt to get the most out of my money while I am overseas and not spend it on things that can be bought at Wal MArt at home. See what I mean. <BR> <BR>I came to Fodors because the people seem genuinely helpful. Sorry to have asked such a stupid question. I will be more careful next time so I don't offend anyone.

Just want to let everyone know you were helpful. Well, most of you were. My question was a very serious one, not a troll as Rex claimed. <BR>Maybe I am a little neurotic. This is my first time to Europe in over 20 years . I went when I was in High school for 10 days. Now I am going back to see my high school son who is an exchange student. I have not seen him since last July. Yes, I am excited. It will be 21 days that will rejuvinate both a son and a mom,tiding us over until this coming July. <BR>As to the posts that suggest I buy toiletries over there, I am planning on spending my time seeing the sights, not the inside of a drugstore, not that I don't like drug stores. We have them here in Ohio (yes, that state). We also have Wal Mart, which is where I like to shop for toiletries. I would rather buy my things here, than have to go shopping when I first arrive someplace new. <BR> <BR>I came to the Fodors site for help. This is a wonderful site, and most have been very helpful. Sorry to have burdend the other posters who thought I was not being serious. I will keep my questions to myself and look for others to ask the questions I want answered. (Maybe I should have been a coward and used an alias, or better yet, no name, when posting such a stupid question) Thanks <BR> <BR>Ps, I think I will go with the bar soap. The poster who pointed out the dwindling soap had a good point

Hi, Lydia. <BR>I don't think there is a question too trivial. If it is of concern to you, it probably is to others as well. <BR>I've been blasted a couple of times, not for asking a question, but, rather for the answer I've given. <BR>You have to put it in the proper perspective, however, Lydia. <BR>I hope you will continue to ask any and all questions at this forum. I learned a great deal about soaps, and I thank you personally for that! <BR>I hope you have a wonderful time with you Son! <BR>Gloria