Page 5 | 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?!

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 03/08/2026 14:53

MyDarlingRose · 03/08/2026 14:47

An amazing thing called Google Translate exists now

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To be honest if I’m on holiday the last thing I want to do is stuff toilet paper in my pants and head to a pharmacy.

Again, I’m travelling alone so do prefer to be slightly over prepared. I’d rather have something and not need it than really need something and not have it.

OP posts:

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 03/08/2026 14:59

I think the thing some people are sort of refusing to acknowledge is I am going alone. So where you might have someone to run out and grab something for you as a family, I don’t. If shit hits the fan I have to be able to get things in myself.

OP posts:

Sakura7 · 03/08/2026 14:59

I'm not sure why you think you have nothing, that's a lot for 12 days.

I'd suggest buying a set of small clear bottles (you can get a set in Primark for a few quid) which fit 100ml, and put some shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, cleanser, etc, into those.

Do you really need body moisturiser if you're using so much suncream? I would only ever bring a small bottle of after sun, which essentially does the same job.

Basic medicines shouldn't take up much space at all.

Topjoe19 · 03/08/2026 14:59

Can you use CoPilot to create a list? Just input where you are going, how long & things you will be doing & ask for a packing list.

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 03/08/2026 15:00

Sakura7 · 03/08/2026 14:59

I'm not sure why you think you have nothing, that's a lot for 12 days.

I'd suggest buying a set of small clear bottles (you can get a set in Primark for a few quid) which fit 100ml, and put some shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, cleanser, etc, into those.

Do you really need body moisturiser if you're using so much suncream? I would only ever bring a small bottle of after sun, which essentially does the same job.

Basic medicines shouldn't take up much space at all.

Yes, im eczema prone so need to keep up with the moisturising

OP posts:

TheyGrewUp · 03/08/2026 15:02

Well this all went to shit.

Have a good holoday @everylittlethingis.

MyDarlingRose · 03/08/2026 15:04

Annocrates · 03/08/2026 14:53

The fact that you might not need all of this does not mean that everybody else is the same. I use all of the items and more at home.
Bag Clips are useful if you buy a large pack of crisps / cookies and want to save it for a few days.
Magic Laundry Sheets and clothes pegs are great for giving your clothes / bikini a quick rinse and hanging in the hotel room shower.
Apologies for derailing your post OP! I do hope you get it all under control with plenty of time to spare before you go away!

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Other people just use their body wash to clean the bikini and tie it to the balcony or shower. You don’t need special clips for that.

You could also use the laundry clips as bag clips too I don’t see why you’d need both products. It just baffles me that you need that much stuff.

Imightbeinthewronghere · 03/08/2026 15:06

everylittlethingis · 03/08/2026 14:59

I think the thing some people are sort of refusing to acknowledge is I am going alone. So where you might have someone to run out and grab something for you as a family, I don’t. If shit hits the fan I have to be able to get things in myself.

People aren't refusing to acknowledge the fact you're going alone. People are pointing out you're being ridiculous.
You're going to Europe. Not the bloody Antarctic.

DidILeaveTheGasOn · 03/08/2026 15:10

Loving the variety on this thread, from those going abroad with half of Boots to those stubbornly insisting they only need half a bar of soap and one sock. The high ground of the I-Pack-Light brigade must be dizzying!
Also love the idea of being able to walk 20,000 in two hours.
This thread gives and gives.
OP, just drink some bloody water and pack one paracetamol and half a pair of knickers, sheesh, no need to be such a diva...

countrygirl99 · 03/08/2026 15:12

Full fat coke works fine instead of electrolytes. I go hill walking and end a 6 hour hike on a hot day with a can of coke. Then a beer. Never needed anything else even in 30°+ in Sardinia.

Imightbeinthewronghere · 03/08/2026 15:13

DidILeaveTheGasOn · 03/08/2026 15:10

Loving the variety on this thread, from those going abroad with half of Boots to those stubbornly insisting they only need half a bar of soap and one sock. The high ground of the I-Pack-Light brigade must be dizzying!
Also love the idea of being able to walk 20,000 in two hours.
This thread gives and gives.
OP, just drink some bloody water and pack one paracetamol and half a pair of knickers, sheesh, no need to be such a diva...

20,000 is a 2 hour walk.
Perfectly doable.

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 03/08/2026 15:15

Imightbeinthewronghere · 03/08/2026 15:13

20,000 is a 2 hour walk.
Perfectly doable.

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This is bollocks.

1000 steps is 10 minutes of walking. So it’s closer to 3.5 hours. In high temperatures it’s obviously a good idea to stay hydrated!

OP posts:

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 03/08/2026 15:15

countrygirl99 · 03/08/2026 15:12

Full fat coke works fine instead of electrolytes. I go hill walking and end a 6 hour hike on a hot day with a can of coke. Then a beer. Never needed anything else even in 30°+ in Sardinia.

I don’t drink fizzy drinks!

OP posts:

supercrone · 03/08/2026 15:18

Toothbrush and toothpaste, prescription meds. Sunscreen. Maybe paracetamol and insect repellent. That's about it

DidILeaveTheGasOn · 03/08/2026 15:23

This thread is giving me life today. I'm trying to work out what the opposite of packing is to try to win the packing light competition. Maybe take off an item of clothing and give it to people in the street until totally starkers? Whilst drinking water/coke/beer, obviously.

7238SM · 03/08/2026 15:26

MyDarlingRose · 03/08/2026 14:47

An amazing thing called Google Translate exists now

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Yes it exists NOW! Not 20yrs ago.

I had my pocket translation book but the closest it offered was 'I have a vaginal infection' 😬

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 03/08/2026 15:27

DidILeaveTheGasOn · 03/08/2026 15:23

This thread is giving me life today. I'm trying to work out what the opposite of packing is to try to win the packing light competition. Maybe take off an item of clothing and give it to people in the street until totally starkers? Whilst drinking water/coke/beer, obviously.

Leaving with no clothes and every single item you own given away

OP posts:

cardibach · 03/08/2026 15:28

Imightbeinthewronghere · 03/08/2026 14:15

What is it you're doing abroad that means you will need plenty of pain killers?

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In fairness I routinely need plenty of painkillers. I have a knee which is now minus any cartilage and I get migraines. I only take a few of each though. They aren’t so much more expensive in Europe that I feel the need for insurance amounts.

Banalas · 03/08/2026 15:29

When it’s just myself or dh, I only bring a few of each o/c pills, and plasters, etc. I have a selection, but only small amounts - enough to manage until I get to a pharmacy. With dc I travel with a full box of plasters, a bottle of calpol and saline sachets if we’re going to a beach.

The biggest volume items I bring are sunblock and hair conditioner. I don’t style my hair on holiday, so I don’t use a lot of product, just lots of conditioner to make up for the pool and sea salt.

Generally I’ve found that each holiday has a different problem, that doesn’t repeat. We usually self cater, and I bring basic kitchen ingredients like salt, sugar, oil, bicarb, vinegar which can all be repurposed for minor first aid.

itsgettingweird · 03/08/2026 15:30

everylittlethingis · 03/08/2026 12:48

Both! I feel like I’ve no chance of organising that all, and I also feel like I’m missing so much!

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For organisation use sandwich bags. And yes to removing items fro
boxes.

Painkillers
first aid
suncream
body lotions
shampoo/ conditioner
shower gel/soap
toothpaste and brushes

Original poster

everylittlethingis · 03/08/2026 15:30

@Imightbeinthewrongherei can get really awful headaches that last a couple of days

OP posts:

ConsiderEnd · 03/08/2026 15:35

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.

Wow. I thought I took too much on holiday. This has made me feel better, sorry!

MyDarlingRose · 03/08/2026 15:35

7238SM · 03/08/2026 15:26

Yes it exists NOW! Not 20yrs ago.

I had my pocket translation book but the closest it offered was 'I have a vaginal infection' 😬

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Yes but you said OP should take some to avoid that situation. But that situation is now irrelevant because of translating apps.

7238SM · 03/08/2026 15:38

MyDarlingRose · 03/08/2026 15:35

Yes but you said OP should take some to avoid that situation. But that situation is now irrelevant because of translating apps.

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Oh I see. Got it 😊

ConsiderEnd · 03/08/2026 15:41

everylittlethingis · 03/08/2026 14:40

I drink 4+ litres a day.

When doing 20,000+ steps in 30° heat you sometimes need more!

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I have just come back from Rome, doing over 20k steps a day in impossible heat. We just drank lots of water and then had meals as normal. No electrolytes needed! Didn’t even need a blister plaster.