bugswife1

In preparation for my upcoming trip to Africa (during which I am allowed one 22" softsided suitcase weighing a maximum of 33 lbs), I am on the hunt for dual toiletries and teeny tiny things to pack. Most samples are too small for 14 days. Anybody come across any great ideas?

suze

I re-use small hotel shampoo bottles and re-fill with my own products. Do a test at home. Do a test at home, you may be surprised how little shampoo (for example) you need for 14 days (hint, it's less than you think).

As far as the samples that are too small for 14 days, simply pack 2 of them!

My other trick is to skip a special toiletries case/bag, they are bulky and take up too much room in a small suitcase. Pack into either snack or sandwich size ziplocks then put those smaller ziplocks into a 1 gal freezer ziplock and lay flat in among your clothes.

suze

For things you need a more generous amount of, purchase empty plastic containers specific for travel from a drug store or travel shop. One 4 oz. bottle filled will take up less room (and make less trash to leave behind) than 4x 1 oz. samples of something.

starrsville

My trick is to release myself from the normal day drudgery of hair and makeup. It's amazing how much you need (and don't need) when you take a vacation from your normal routine. You are on vacation. Take a break. Also, in Africa, I would concentrate on unscented products.

The basics for me - mini-shampooo & conditioner, small normal size of lotion (I use a lot), noxema to clean face (ok, I'm addicted) deodorant and one lipstick and mascara. Oh, don't forget sunscreen!

I agree with using ziploc baggies.

I'm serious about taking a break from doing hair and makeup. Side benefit? Your traveling companion will appreciate it too. Believe me (from experience on both sides of the story).

emd

I find it easier when I reall have to pack light to take the little packets of liquids rather than any plastic bottles. So for Woolite, I buy the travel packs in little disposable bags, they look like the shampoo and condidtioner samples we used to get with the SUnday paper or in the mail. I can get these at the travel store at the Mall, or the Complement luggage place close to me. And you can buy shampoo and condidtioner travel packs like that too- I can get them at Target and several online travel places have them too. That way they are flat, and the shampoo and condiditoners last for two days apiece, and then you throw out the little envelope it comes in. I know, it isn't the ecofriendly way of recycling containers, but on a trip like you have w/such a small amt. of space and weight allowance, it is an option.

mlgb

Have you ever seen shampoo bars? I had one from Burts Bee's (I think) and it lasted for quite a while. Another good thing to bring is a multipurpose liquid bodywash (I've used some for soap, shampoo & laundry).

emd

well, i guess maybe tooth powder is an option instead of toothpaste, but i could never bring myself to use it.

That's a good tip about the makeup. When I was in japan last spring I ended up not wearing any the 2nd week- just more relaxing and I also figured what the heck, I'd never see any of those people again anyway so what did it matter. ANd my son who I was with said "Mom, you don't look so spooky without it, so get over it."

matnikstym

bugswife- you can get the photo vest like Rocco did (from the Africa forum) and fill it up with your toiletries! The airlines don't weigh what you're wearing. you're lucky though, on our upcoming Zambia trip, we're only allowed 26 pounds!
Dennis

suze

If 22" is the size limit, I don't think 33 lbs. should be a problem. My 24" normally packed weighs ~27 lbs. packed (and 7 of that is the suitcase itself).

emd

bugs, take a look at this for the packets i was speaking of, and a good stock of personal size items:

www.minimus.biz

djkbooks

www.thecontainerstore.com has a huge assortment of travel bottles and containers. I pack them in zip lock freezer bags. Keep in mind that you should only fill the bottles about 2/3 - 3/4 full to avoid leaking.

AAFrequentFlyer

You did not say what kind of Africa trip you are doing, but every hotel/lodge that I have been to in Africa provided the basics like shampoo and soap. Some of the better ones even had toothpaste with toothbrush as well as shaving supplies on request.
So, unless you are doing some kind of bush track with camping tents, I would not worry too much about the basics. If you are camping out in the bush (and I don't mean the luxury type of tents), then forget about make-up, hair jells, etc...
Have a great trip!

Scarlett

What?? you mean you don't have a suitcase just for your toiletries? LOL
I second the Shampoo Bar idea, Lush makes one for shiny hair that is great, comes in its own little silver carrier.
Burts Bees is great for small products .
I narrow down what I use (I use Lubriderm lotion for body and face, no seperate face creams) cleanser for face can also be used instead of soap..that sort of thing. One is L'Occitane comfort cleansing fluid, for face & body. Another is Cetaphil cleanser..
Rosebud Salve for lips and any dry spots made by Smiths..
That is all I can think of now, have fun!

crefloors

Cetaphil is really good for face. I filled a small bottle my last trip to Europe for two weeks and didn't use it all. You might try to get a small bottle or Prell shampoo. I have seen travel size and if not, fill a small bottle. That is NOT my regular shampoo, my SO uses it, but the thing about it is, it is incredibly concentrated. I have short hair and a blob about the size of a dime makes suds for days and you can use as body wash also. I DO sometimes take it for travel. It does have a scent however but not a very strong one. I found that two of the small travel tubes of Crest Toothpaste lasted me perfectly for the two weeks and I brush my teeth twice a day. It was plenty. I didn't realize how much toothpaste I wasted at home until I was getting these tubes to go for the two weeks. As far as the makeup etc. I think I agree with the other poster, keep it simple and basic..me? I MUST have my eyebrows..I always think of Shirley McLain in Post Cards from the Edge...she was begging Meryl Streep to promise not to bury her without her eyebrows!!!

jlm_mi

Most conditioners have cleansers in them in addition to conditioning agents. Unless your hair is extremely dirty, you could get by with only conditioning most days, and just take a tiny bottle of shampoo to use a few times during your trip.

What list of items are you looking to bring? You can definitely find small toothbrush, dental floss, toothpaste, contact lens solution, etc.

bugswife1

Great ideas. I like the idea of a cleanser that is good for body & face instead of 2 separate ones. I am just trying to make a list of what I have to have and what I can live with out. The first hotel has a few toiletries. I am not sure about the permanent tent camp or the mobile one in the Serengeti. Which brings up another question--does anyone know of a body wash that rinses off easily? The bush shower is like a bucket overhead where you pull a cord, get wet, soap up, and then pull the cord again. Limited rinse time, and I am sure no amenities.

Austin

You might try those disposable facial wash pads. I've seen (and tried) a few of them. I think Dove and Oil of Olay have them. They are very convenient - usually come in an "envelope" type bag that is resealable.I often put them in another plastic bag or two to make sure. Plus, you have the extra bag if necessary. I have an off/generic brand as well that I take camping.

When I travel, instead of taking my foundation and facial moisturizer, I mix them together and take them in a very small plastic travel container - about the size of a Carmex jar. You can also take 2 or 3 of the small travel size toothpaste. When you finish one, throw it away.

emd

Austin, if you are using the face cleansing pads that foam up w/water, I cut them in half and use only 1/2 one each day when I travel. It is just enough for one wash and cuts down the amount I take by 1/2.

bugswife1

emd - great idea to cut in half! love it. I think that is what I will do for those.

suze

Once all these tricks are put into use, still there is a certain amount of room that toiletries take up in a suitcase, it's a law of nature -LOL. You can move on to tricks to make your clothing smaller, like a couple tshirts into a ziplock bag that you sit on to get the air out the zip, to keep things organized and compact. And condensing things like bandaids (no need to take them in their box).