Lydia

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!

Rex

Virtually every seasoned traveler will tell you to take both.

Belts and suspenders too.

Washcloths, babywipes and paper towels while you're at it.

Oh, wait a minute - - are you talking about Europe? or your appearance on "Survivor - Outback?"

If it's Europe you're asking about, I think they have a store there.

If it's Survivor, I fear that your tendency to fret will not fare well at the Tribal council.

elaine

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

xx

don't forget the bottled water you wouldn't actually use the local waterto bathe in would you?

take whatever bloody soap you usually use if its that big of a deal to you

Ms. Clean

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.

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.

Heather

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.

Ms. Clean

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.

xx

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?

Foamingatthemouth

Dear Lydia,
I prefer a bar of soap over a bottle...bottles leak.

Mipps

no question to small

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

Lydia

Lydia, ignore the jackals.

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.

Ed

sudsie

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.)
I can't believe I rambled on this much about soap etc. Must be a woman thing.

Linda

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

Rex

For those who notice little things like this, you probably already observed that I started to post under "xxx@xxx.xxx" -- but decided to post under my own name and address.

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.

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!"

Good grief, Lydia - - if you really exist - - take whatever you want! and quite seriously, take both!

wendy

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.

Jerald

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.

Sue

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.

excuse me

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.

Heather

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

Linda

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