travel toiletries pink and yellow balms

The Travel Toiletries Swap: 5 Products To Exchange for Your Next Trip

In this article, we'll introduce you to five classic travel toiletries that can be swapped out for their solid (or mini) counterparts. From dry perfume to cleansing cloths, these products can be easily organized in your toiletry bag and travel with you wherever you go.
Planning an Adventure? These 7 Tips Can Help You Do it Right Reading The Travel Toiletries Swap: 5 Products To Exchange for Your Next Trip 5 minutes Next Luxury Travel Giveaway

When you think of travel toiletries, the first things that come to mind are probably liquids like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. These essentials have been keeping globetrotters squeaky clean for centuries. But now and then, travelers might like to switch things up and try different products based on their unique needs and preferences.

In this article, we'll introduce you to five classic travel toiletries that can be swapped out for their solid (or mini) counterparts. From dry perfume to cleansing cloths, these products can be easily organized in your toiletry bag and travel with you wherever you go.

Travel Toiletries Swap #1— Solid Perfume

Although traditional spray perfume isn't technically considered an essential item for travel, let's be honest — who doesn't like to smell nice when they're on the road? If you're looking for a more travel-friendly alternative to your standard perfume bottle, try solid perfume.

Solid perfume is a concentrated scented cream that comes in a small jar or tin. It's easy to apply and can last for hours, making it one of the best travel toiletry swaps for those long-haul flights or days spent exploring a new city.

Brands like Lush and Diptyque Paris offer a variety of scents to choose from, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. Plus, they can fit in your travel pouch or toiletry bag without taking up too much space.

Travel Toiletries Swap #2 — Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a godsend for those days when you don't have time to wash your hair. It absorbs excess oil and adds some volume to your locks, all without stepping foot in the shower.

Some dry shampoos are aerosols that the TSA will allow as a carry-on item if it's less than or equal to 3.4 fluid ounces. Others are powders that come in small, travel-friendly packets. These are a good option in case you're worried about spillage.

At Gravel, we recommend Batiste's affordable, 1.6-ounce Original Dry Shampoo. It's small enough to fit in your travel pouch and does a great job of absorbing oil without making your hair feel too dry or brittle. Another option is IGK's Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo. Although it's a bit pricier, it's salon-grade and won't leave your hair with a white cast.

Not sure how to use dry shampoo? Check out this helpful tutorial from the team at Birchbox.

Travel Toiletries Swap #3 — Mini Wet Brush

If you're looking for a travel-friendly alternative to your standard, bulky hairbrush, try a mini wet brush. The flexible bristles are perfect for those with a sensitive scalp and do a wonderful job of detangling wet or dry hair without damaging your strands. It also fits easily in your travel bag, so you can keep your hair in tip-top shape no matter where you go.

One of our favorites is the Wet Brush Pocket Size Detangler — a great option for those who wish to pack light. If you can make some extra room in your bag, try pairing it with a deep conditioning hair mask. This duo will leave your locks feeling soft, shiny, and healthy after a long journey.

Travel Toiletries Swap #4 — Facial Cleansing Cloths

Facial cleansing cloths are a great way to supplement your regular skincare regimen when you don't have time for a full routine. These single-use cloths are soaked in a gentle cleansing solution and can be used to remove makeup, dirt, and oil from your face in seconds.

When swapping your face cleanser, try Philosophy's Purity Made Simple brand. These cloths are super soft and do a great job of freshening up your skin without drying it out. They're also one of the best airplane toiletries to have on hand, as they can help combat the dry, recycled air.

Travel Toiletries Swap #5 — Sunscreen Sticks

Sunscreen sticks are a mess-free way to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Their on-the-go application makes them perfect for those days when you're exploring a wide-open space or beach town and don't have time to stop and reapply your sunscreen.

Before shopping for sunscreen sticks, check with your dermatologist to determine the best SPF for your skin type. Then, take a look at some favorite brands and choose the one that's right for you.

So there you have it — five travel toiletries to swap out or try for your next trip. Do you have any favorites that we didn't mention? Let us know in the comments below! And check out our Ultimate Guide for even more recommendations.



Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.