Pack Only the Toiletries You Need

Practicing good hygiene is always a good idea, but bringing every toiletry you own on a trip is impractical. While you should feel confident the cruise you’re on will have at least the basics aboard, it’s always nice to have toiletries you normally use.

Keep these things in mind when gathering toiletries for a cruise:

Pick the essentials
You need to pack the products that will keep you looking your best. Instead of letting the grease build up after a couple days of not washing your hair, bring along shampoo and conditioner. If you normally put some sort of product in your hair after bathing (pomade, gel or spray, for instance), don’t forget it either.

Remember a toothbrush and toothpaste. If you want to practice even better oral hygiene, be sure to bring along floss. Guys, it’s a good idea to bring a razor and shaving cream. A little stubble is OK for a day or two on vacation, but there’s no need to let it turn into a beard that reminds people of Tom Hanks in “Cast Away.” If you shave with an electric razor, try to remember to pack extra batteries, too.

It doesn’t matter if you’re going on a cruise in the warm or cold weather, you’re going to be exposed to the air more often than usual while on a cruise. That said, you need to moisturize your skin to keep it from getting dry or chapped. If you’re planning on being outside for extended periods during the day, remember to bring sunscreen!

Smelling nice is easy to accomplish. Simply pack deodorant and apply it daily. If you want to smell even better, think about packing cologne or perfume.

Make the most of your space
Packing so many items in your luggage can be tricky, especially if you’re planning on using carry-on bags. The Transportation Security Administration limits passengers to a quart-size bag of liquid toiletries, and each item cannot exceed 3.4 ounces. If there’s a large amount of a particular toiletry that you can’t live without on vacation, you can put it in a checked bag as long as you protect it from spilling or exploding during travel. Do so by stowing it away from formal clothing and even by sealing it in a plastic bag.

If you’re really wanting to save space, look into the 2-in-1 shampoo-plus-conditioner options at your local pharmacy or convenience store. Try to find items that may be even more beneficial on your trip, like dry shampoo or SPF lip balm.