Toiletry Kit and First-Aid Kit

Toiletry Kit

General

First thing to know, for those who want one, there are ready-made "travel" kits sold in shops (for at least 25 €) that are more or less complete and miniaturised. But more simply, you can also make your own, preferably using a soft, lightweight, multi-pocket kit (to save space) in which you can store fragile items in small waterproof bags or rigid boxes.

Don’t forget that a toiletry kit can be used at different times of the day and in any "environment" (transport, rest stops, etc.). So, it might be smart to have a "two-in-one" kit. That is, a mini one, like a pouch, containing the essentials (toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap and shampoo in samples or refillable bottles, scissors, comb, mirror, washcloth, and a few "health" items like aspirin) that you can always keep handy, and another, larger one containing the rest, including your first-aid kit, to leave in your bag.

Lastly, for air travel, remember that security measures prohibit carrying sharp objects and even liquids, gels, or pastes in certain cases or quantities in your hand luggage.

What to Pack?

Washcloth and Towel

Towel: small and thin, or if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach, larger and thicker. If you’re only staying in mid-range or high-end hotels, there’s no need to bring a towel, as one will be provided by the establishment.

Washcloth: those who want to save space can always use the towel instead.

Pre-moistened washcloths/towels: for washing without water; useful for emergencies, especially on hikes. Not very expensive, but generally non-reusable, which means that given the quantity needed and thus the volume, it’s not really practical for daily use.

Refreshing and antiseptic wipes: great for freshening up anywhere, anytime. A few euros for a small box (or you can get them from aeroplanes).

Soap and Shampoo

Soap: for washing—and even laundry—in its box or a waterproof plastic bag, knowing that some shower gels also work as soap, and you can now find "soap sheets" (for hands) and pre-soaped disposable washcloths in shops for a few euros. It’s also useful to pack a sample (like those from hotels) for your mini-kit.

Shampoo: avoid large bottles. Some shower gels also work as shampoo. Here too, a small sample can be useful for the mini-kit.

"Multi-use" shower gel: choose ones that also work as soap and shampoo (and even laundry for some). Just make sure to put it in a waterproof bag.

Other

Toothbrush and toothpaste: some recommend mini models with cases and pack a toothpaste sample for their "mini-kit". Folding or compact toothbrushes with cases cost less than 6 €.

Razor: disposable with shaving foam or electric. For the latter, you must have a 110/220 V razor and a plug adapter. There are also mini travel razors, battery- or rechargeable-powered, for around a few dozen euros.

Deodorant, aftershave: in small sizes or samples, but always avoid strong scents that attract insects, glass bottles, or poorly sealed containers.

Small mirror, comb, small scissors: always useful and good to keep handy (nail file and tweezers can be included in a Swiss Army knife).

Mini hairdryer: a bit of a gimmick and ultimately bulky in a bag. Otherwise, expect to pay around 20 €. Also note that more and more mid-range and higher-end hotels provide a hairdryer in the bathroom.

Toilet paper: a must-have for travel.

First-Aid Kit

General

Like the toiletry kit, you can either make your own first-aid kit or buy a "ready-to-use" one from specialists. However, some basic precautions and a bit of common sense are still the best contents for a travel first-aid kit...

Keep in mind that the contents of a first-aid kit should take into account your destination and its health conditions, as well as your own health.

Leaving Medication

If you want to leave unused medication behind before returning home, always give it to dispensaries or other professionals—never distribute it randomly. What may help one person could harm another (or even the opposite) due to dosage, usage, contraindications, etc. This is especially true in poorer countries.

What to Pack?

The Kit

So, you can choose no kit at all, a waterproof container, a soft pouch, a small bum bag, or more rigid boxes. It’s up to you, but it’s best if the contents are well protected from shocks and especially from external factors (heat, humidity, dust, etc.).

Ready-to-Use Kits

There’s a wide range of contents and containers, all adapted to different uses and types of travel: first aid, intervention materials to hand over to hospitals, business travel, snake-specific kits, hiking, cold and altitude, tropical zones with insect repellent and Micropur, etc.

From around 15 €, the size of a book and 200 to 300 g for the mini emergency kit.

The Basics

Aspirin or equivalent (chewable), plasters, and a small antiseptic: this is the minimum, even for the most optimistic.

STI/HIV kit: an essential item for travel.

Syringes and needles: can be useful (and reassuring) for certain destinations. Be careful, though, when passing through customs.

Personal medication: for ongoing treatments, plan accordingly.

Vaccinations and vaccination record: it’s best to be up to date, and for some (mainly African) customs, having your record with you is necessary.

Anti-malarial treatment: if needed. Besides precautions to avoid bites (malaria is spread by certain mosquitoes), consult a specialist beforehand and take the appropriate treatment for the areas you’ll visit, avoiding the overkill some doctors recommend...

The "Anti" Products

In addition to "anti-sun" and "anti-mosquito" products, you can also find creams, lotions, or sticks for cold (including hand warmers), chafing or irritation, sweat, odours (shoes), or even fatigue or muscle relaxation. In short, quite a few things, usually sold for 5 to 10 €.

While most of these products are primarily made for hikers, they can also come in handy for "classic" trips.