This here is the no-nonsense, very direct guide to packing your toiletries in your carry-on. I have watched upwards of thirty different packing videos on YouTube, and I am really amazed at what some of these travelers intend on getting away with when it comes to packing toiletries, particularly liquids.

Let’s get one thing straight: ALL of your liquids MUST be kept in containers with a maximum volume of 3oz (100ml) AND must be able to fit in a clear bag that is no greater than 1 quart in size. This an internationally recognized regulation, and though I have seen some airport security authorities be rather lax about it, I think that adhering to this rule would be to your benefit.

Are you concerned about cramming all of your liquids into one small bag? Follow these tips to ensure that you may not need as many liquids as you think.

1. Consider your accommodations. Are you staying in a hotel? Remember that you will always have access to shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. As for body lotion, I’ve seen some hotels carry it, others not. If you are staying at an AirBnB, then consider messaging your host if you are unsure about which toiletries they intend on supplying. Lastly, if you are staying in a hostel or are maybe going on a camping trip, then you are likely on your own for toiletries. Keep reading for more tips!

2. Buy your toiletries there. Are you staying in one location for an extended period of time? Or at the very least, not planning on taking other flights while going about your travels? If you can answer yes to either of those questions, then consider buying your toiletries at your destination.

On my month-long trip this summer, there were a couple of instances in which I ended up purchasing some toiletries while abroad. I used my ten-day stay in Italy to buy a normal-sized container of body lotion, and when it was time to move onto my next destination, I took the rest of the lotion and put it into a travel-sized jar. Secondly, I also bought some pads in Poland – two packs for $3 total, to be exact. Sometimes, buying toiletries on location has its advantages!

However, if you are doing some travel hopping, then this is probably not the best solution for you.

3. Minimize what you actually bring. Referring back to some of those packing videos I’ve seen on YouTube, I noticed that some of the travelers were pretty liberal with what types of liquids they were bringing – from essential oils, to different types of toners, and multiple face creams. To me, that seemed pretty unnecessary and overall complicated, because I am one who likes to keep things as simple as possible while traveling. With that said, I also recognize that some people have a more complex skincare and/or hair care regimen, and that’s not necessarily by choice. If, however, you can afford to minimize your travel liquids and still maintain a healthy skincare routine or have manageable hair, then I think it’s something to consider. This goes for makeup, too. If you can, try to stick to your basic makeup products like mascaras and concealers, or whatever product it is that you rely on for everyday use.

4. Use your own jars. Honestly, I don’t think the travel-sized section at pharmacies should exist. I can’t think of a more unsustainable and wasteful use of products – the amount of plastic that just goes to waste horrifies me. Get yourself some reusable jars (jars are better than tubes, in my humble opinion), and fill them up with your own products. You save plastic and don’t have to settle for the minimal selection in the travel aisle.

5. Convert your liquids to solids! This is my favorite tip, so naturally I am saving it for last. You can free up so much space in your liquids bag by bringing solid versions of your favorite products. Remember that solids are NOT regulated! Are you struggling to think about what you can convert? Here are some ideas:

• Shampoo –> Shampoo bar
• Conditioner –> Conditioner bar
• Body wash –> Bar of soap
• Facial wash –> Facial bar
• Makeup remover –> Makeup wipes
• Spray deodorant –> Stick deodorant (also consider plastic-free deodorant bar)
• Dry shampoo (from can) –> Dry shampoo powder
• Liquid foundation –> Stick foundation
• Liquid concealer –> Stick concealer
• Toothpaste –> Toothpaste tablets (yes, they exist!)

All of the links to the products listed are from Amazon, but some storefront locations to check out are Lush and Whole Foods (primarily for soap bars).

If you are able to convert all of your liquids into solid forms such as these, then you will have so much extra room in your liquids bag for lotions, creams, toners, etc.

I hope these tips have been a help. I know that I struggled when I first started traveling to keep my toiletries under the limit, but I gained these pointers along the way and they have helped me immensely. I hope they will do the same for you!