I’ve got all these holiday toiletries but still somehow have nothing!

everylittlethingis · 2026-08-03T11:42:23+00:00

I go away in three weeks. I like to take everything away with me because the last thing I want to be doing is running to a pharmacy to grab paracetamol or something. I have somehow accumulated all of this during the last couple of months but also somehow have nothing. No meds or anything like that. Both airports have the 2L rule as opposed to the 100ml. AIBU to still feel entirely lost?!

iamnotalemon · 05/08/2026 07:36

Annocrates · 04/08/2026 09:24

I flew from an airport with no 100ml restrictions but as I used most of the items up, the rest fit easily in the 100ml clear bag on the way back. The vast majority of what I packed was mini/travel size or half empty/running out products. All of this fit into two large cosmetic pouches that I ended up filling with Italian food on the way back 🤷‍♀️

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That makes sense then. Fitting everything into the little bags is such a pain, but I prefer to travel light if I can so manage.

cardibach · 04/08/2026 20:05

@everylittlethingis you don’t have to justify anything. It’s your holiday and your packing. People are just pointing out that you are stressing when you ckearly have loads. A simplified version of your normal routine (if it’s complicated enough to need simplifying) and a rew basic medications (painkillers, antihistamine, Imodium if you are going somewhere likely to cause digestive issues or if you have a delicate stomach). It doesn’t need hundreds of bottles as in your picture, which you say is still ‘nothing’.

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 19:44

Sakura7 · 04/08/2026 16:42

It will take the temp down and make you feel better. That's the whole point. I don't know why you have an issue with people bringing completely normal medication away.

I got a nasty cold when I was on holiday in Greece recently. It came on late on the Saturday and the pharmacies were closed on Sunday. Supermarkets didn't sell medication. I was glad I had some basic stuff I could take to feel better. There's really no virtue in suffering.

The main issue here is OP's toiletries. Basic medication doesn't take up much space at all unless she's bringing large quantities. A sleeve of each item is fine.

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The thing is I can genuinely justify most of the toiletries I’m bringing.

I have ordered some squeezy bottles, I need just one (tried to find them on Vinted but I couldn’t!), for my aveeno body wash. It’s infuriating that it comes in such a big bottle, and they don’t do a travel sized one!

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Shinyhappyapple · 04/08/2026 18:12

catmothertes1 · 03/08/2026 17:02

I'm French,so go to France for our main holiday as we need to visit my elderly mother. I take supermarket bought painkillers which cost 40p in Aldi but are only available at the chemist in France (supermarkets are not allowed to sell medicines),antihistamines (again not sold cheaply) and cold/flu powders which seem to not be sold,even at the chemists.

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yes, a lot cheaper and easier to buy in the UK and don’t take up a lot of room. Also sometimes things such as ibuprofen are a different strength - ours are normally 200mg per tablet and we take 2. DH bought some in Spain and they were 600mg per tablet.

Sakura7 · 04/08/2026 16:42

Imightbeinthewronghere · 04/08/2026 13:50

A fever is just the bodies way of responding, so take it it will bring your temp down, it won't cure what is causing the temp

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It will take the temp down and make you feel better. That's the whole point. I don't know why you have an issue with people bringing completely normal medication away.

I got a nasty cold when I was on holiday in Greece recently. It came on late on the Saturday and the pharmacies were closed on Sunday. Supermarkets didn't sell medication. I was glad I had some basic stuff I could take to feel better. There's really no virtue in suffering.

The main issue here is OP's toiletries. Basic medication doesn't take up much space at all unless she's bringing large quantities. A sleeve of each item is fine.

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 15:39

Bjorkdidit · 04/08/2026 15:32

Plus in 10 days, apart from the suncream, you'll use hardly any of it so most of it will get wasted.

Bollocks.

It all lasts, but I use most of it twice a day!

OP posts:

momtoboys · 04/08/2026 15:33

Annocrates · 03/08/2026 13:20

Op, I've returned from 8 days in Italy last week and here's my list (that I managed to fit into hand luggage only and used several items up leaving space for souvenirs).
Bodycare
Shower Gel
Body Sun Cream
Aloe Vera After Sun Cream
Hand Cream
Feet Balm
Body Moisturizer
Body Shimmer Moisturizer
Body Spray
Perfume
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Mouthwash
Floss
Contact Lenses
Contact Lense Solution
Sanitary Products
Loofah
Razor
Foot File
Nail File
Nail Clippers
Tweezers
Haircare
Shampoo
Conditioner
Hair UV Protection Leave-In Spray
Hair Oil
Hair Mousse
Hair Brush
Hair Scrunchie
Hair Claw
Hair Elastic
Hair Straighteners
Skincare
Face Sun Cream
Face Mist
Face Moisturizer
Face Serum
Eye Cream
SPF Lip Balm
Face Cleanser
Micellar Water
Face Mask
Under Eye Patches
Cotton Pads
Cotton Buds
Make Up
Make Up Brushes
Beauty Blender
CC Cream
Concealer
Setting Spray
Face Powder
Bronzer
Blusher
Highlighter
Mascara
Eyeliner
Eye Pencil
Eyebrow Gel
Lip Gloss
Lipstick
Cosmetic Cotton Buds
Healthcare
Vitamins
Plasters
Antiseptic Wipes
Paracetamol
Lemsip Sachets
Beechams
Imodium
Antihistamine Tablets
Kwells Motion Sickness Tablets
Antihistamine Cream
Burns Cream
Eye Drops
Bug Spray
Miscellaneous
Antibac Gel
Tissues
Antibacterial Wipes
Blotting Papers
Chewing Gum
Sewing Kit
Scissors
Pen
Magic Leaves Laundry Sheets
Tide Pen
Laundry Pegs
Sandwich Bags
Bag Clips
Clingfilm

I have it saved in my notes app and reuse every year. I hope it helps.

Christ on a bike!

Bjorkdidit · 04/08/2026 15:32

Plus in 10 days, apart from the suncream, you'll use hardly any of it so most of it will get wasted.

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 15:30

Doone22 · 04/08/2026 15:24

WTAF??
Whats wrong with buying shampoo, conditioner, suncream, moisturiser out there?
If im going for 10 days or less I take a couple of everything in a small packet (2 immodium, 2 painkillers, 2 antihistamines, 2 plasters) plus mini toiletries (the 4 above). If more than 10 I dump the mini bottles and just buy out there.
I can't believe how much junk you're taking

Tell me you’ve not read my posts without telling me. I have very sensitive skin so won’t be buying out there as I don’t want huge eczema flares!

OP posts:

Doone22 · 04/08/2026 15:24

WTAF??
Whats wrong with buying shampoo, conditioner, suncream, moisturiser out there?
If im going for 10 days or less I take a couple of everything in a small packet (2 immodium, 2 painkillers, 2 antihistamines, 2 plasters) plus mini toiletries (the 4 above). If more than 10 I dump the mini bottles and just buy out there.
I can't believe how much junk you're taking

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 14:13

Roseonthebalcony · 04/08/2026 13:56

So sick of posters like you who continuously harass the OP over their preferences. It’s pathetic.

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It’s just pointless isn’t it?

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Original poster

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 14:13

JoshLymanSwagger · 04/08/2026 13:57

Oh blimey, I forgot - Car/house keys including a steiff teddy bear keyring which wouldn't get me far.🤦🏻‍♀️

Normally it's just keys, card and cash.

My car has sanpro, pants, pain killers...anything else is overkill for me.

Anyway, I hope you and your suitcase of the miraculous potions 😁😉 enjoy survive your trip.

✈

eta, there's also half a loo roll tucked away in a door pocket - purely for emergencies...😳

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I have a carry on bag solely for toiletries!!

I prefer to be prepared. The one day I leave it behind, I end up needing it

OP posts:

Imightbeinthewronghere · 04/08/2026 14:03

Roseonthebalcony · 04/08/2026 13:56

So sick of posters like you who continuously harass the OP over their preferences. It’s pathetic.

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I am not harassing anyone, this is a forum for discussions.

JoshLymanSwagger · 04/08/2026 13:57

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 13:52

Ha, a lot more than that!

My favourite is my “oh shit” kit, which has saved me on more than one occasion

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Oh blimey, I forgot - Car/house keys including a steiff teddy bear keyring which wouldn't get me far.🤦🏻‍♀️

Normally it's just keys, card and cash.

My car has sanpro, pants, pain killers...anything else is overkill for me.

Anyway, I hope you and your suitcase of the miraculous potions 😁😉 enjoy survive your trip.

✈

eta, there's also half a loo roll tucked away in a door pocket - purely for emergencies...😳

Roseonthebalcony · 04/08/2026 13:56

Imightbeinthewronghere · 04/08/2026 13:53

Blunt, I'll take that

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So sick of posters like you who continuously harass the OP over their preferences. It’s pathetic.

Imightbeinthewronghere · 04/08/2026 13:53

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 13:51

Are you always this rude?

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Blunt, I'll take that

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 13:53

Imightbeinthewronghere · 04/08/2026 13:52

I prefer honest.

Are you always so defensive?

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You can prefer what you like, it doesn’t change how you are!

I fear that I may go against the talk guidelines if I say more, so I shall leave it there.

OP posts:

Imightbeinthewronghere · 04/08/2026 13:52

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 13:51

Are you always this rude?

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I prefer honest.

Are you always so defensive?

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 13:52

JoshLymanSwagger · 04/08/2026 13:51

@everylittlethingis What do you normally carry in your handbag each day when you go to work?

I'll go first:
V small purse containing £30 cash and some coins, a debit card and a tiny nail file.
Mobile phone.
Sunglasses (summer only)
Umbrella (only after checking forecast)
Painkillers.
Gaviscon.
Sanpro (pos inc a spare pair of pants)
Pen.
Folded "Tesco" bag for life.

Your turn.

Ha, a lot more than that!

My favourite is my “oh shit” kit, which has saved me on more than one occasion

OP posts:

Imightbeinthewronghere · 04/08/2026 13:52

@everylittlethingis do you suffer from health anxiety?

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 13:51

Imightbeinthewronghere · 04/08/2026 13:50

Are you always this dramatic?

If you were that ill, why didn't you call an ambulance?

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Are you always this rude?

OP posts:

JoshLymanSwagger · 04/08/2026 13:51

@everylittlethingis What do you normally carry in your handbag each day when you go to work?

I'll go first:
V small purse containing £30 cash and some coins, a debit card and a tiny nail file.
Mobile phone.
Sunglasses (summer only)
Umbrella (only after checking forecast)
Painkillers.
Gaviscon.
Sanpro (pos inc a spare pair of pants)
Pen.
Folded "Tesco" bag for life.

Your turn.

Imightbeinthewronghere · 04/08/2026 13:50

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 13:49

Yes which is very important in terms of a fever etc?!

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A fever is just the bodies way of responding, so take it it will bring your temp down, it won't cure what is causing the temp

Imightbeinthewronghere · 04/08/2026 13:50

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 13:44

It’s happened to me.

It was awful and I felt like death. I was crying in bed, my parents were debating flying out to Norway to bring me home because I was that unwell. There was no way I was getting to a pharmacy, I barely made it to urgent care.

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Are you always this dramatic?

If you were that ill, why didn't you call an ambulance?

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 04/08/2026 13:49

Imightbeinthewronghere · 04/08/2026 13:49

Most of the tablets you're talking about don't cure the illness, a cold is a virus, nothing will cure it, paracetamol etc alleviate the symptoms

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Yes which is very important in terms of a fever etc?!

OP posts: