It wasn’t long ago that I was always rushing to find cute, little travel size bottles in preparation for my next trip. It seemed like I was always buying a plastic set of something and it was just never enough product to hold me over on my actual vacation. I decided to start something different, I tried dry products to see how much my traveling experience was changed. Below I share some information about the benefits of not packing liquids when you travel and some non-liquid alternatives that you should try. Here are the benefits of not packing liquids when you travel:

Benefits of Not Packing Liquids When You Travel

Avoid accidents like spills

One of the first benefits to carrying around dry products is that they won’t spill like liquid products can. Liquid products are usually found in squeezable single-use plastics which can create spillage, but dry products are not affected the same way. Dry products don’t change volume because of pressure and temperature change while you fly, but liquid products can. No matter how rough the travel day is to your bag the contents inside won’t get all over your clothing.

Easy packing method

When you’re working with dry products, packing your proper proportions becomes a lot easier to deal with. Instead of carrying plastic tubes for liquids that are bulkier in size, you can portion out dry product in smaller and still usable portions. I personally enjoy knowing how much product I have until I’ve finished because I can be too heavy handed and run through some products too frequently.

It’s always allowed by TSA

TSA has a limit on the liquids you carry, but not the dry goods. Since dry goods don’t pose the same security threats that random liquids may, you can travel through the airport without worrying that your favorite products may be confiscated. I’ve included some common liquid questions that travelers may have below, but also make sure to check the official TSA Liquids Rule website before you fly so you know the latest information.

6 Non-Liquid Products You Should Try Before Your Next Trip

Bar Soap

Don’t underestimate bar soap. Not only is it a great way to combat single-use plastic packaging, but bar soap is significantly cheaper than its shower gel counterpart. I personally like the freedom of having a full bar or breaking it in half if I’m taking a shorter trip. Ultimately weighing less than what it would be if I took a full shower gel container.

Bar Shampoo & Conditioner

Bar shampoo and conditioner is sometimes a hit or miss with me. While I personally like buying sampler sizes so that I could try different types, I haven’t found one that makes my hair feel as good as oversaturating with liquid conditioner. Depending on your hair type and what it requires, you may be able to use bar conditioner without needing supplemental liquid conditioner. I suggest giving it a try before you decide its not for you. This might be the only product that I keep as a liquid, while the others will stay switched out for their dry alternatives.

Bar Perfumes

Bar perfumes are a recent discovery of mine. Although I still don’t think there’s anything wrong with the refillable travel sized perfume tubes, I find that bar perfumes are really cute and sturdy. I personally like samplers because I get to try a variety of scents that I otherwise wouldn’t get when I’m stuck buying full perfume bottle.

Toothpaste Tabs

Toothpaste tabs are a new favorite of mine. I’m constantly over squeezing my toothpaste tube and the portions with toothpaste tabs has helped me tremendously. If you find yourself to be an over squeezer like me, or you like having power in portioning out your toothpaste I definitely recommend looking into toothpaste tabs.

Sunscreen Bar

Sunscreen bar is great for anyone who constantly forgets to put sunscreen on. I have a sunscreen bar in my backpack and it saves me on those days where I realize I don’t have enough coverage for the sun that I’m sitting in. I used to carry liquid sunscreen in my carry-on bag, but disliked how long the tubes seem to be no matter how much the volume inside was; sunscreen bars don’t have that issue. Remember that it’s always important to pack the sunscreen that you will use though, you can read my post all about sunscreen and it’s importance here.

Travel Laundry Detergent

As someone who basically lives out of a carry-on bag, this travel size laundry detergent brand is one of my favorites! From washing my clothes in a sink to any random washer and dryer while I’m traveling, this detergent has saved me from buying bulky bottles or even wasting money on bottles that I can’t travel with. Carrying one or two pages in a small bag means that I’ll be able to wash my clothes and have a fresh batch while coming back home.

Are Liquids Allowed in My Carry-On Bag?

Can I pack liquids in my carry-on bag while traveling through the United States?

You are allowed to pack liquids in both your carry-on and checked bag while you fly through the United States. If you plan on packing liquids in your carry-on, the containers must be 3.4 ounces in volume and within a 100 mL clear, TSA approved bag.

Is there a limit on liquids when you travel through the United States?

There is a limit on the liquids that you can travel with as you travel through the United States. The limit for your carry-on bag is 3.4 ounces of liquid within eight 100 mL clear TSA approved carrying case; there is no limit for liquids in your checked bag.

Can I pack liquids in my checked bag while traveling through the United States?

You are allowed to pack liquids in your checked bag as you travel through the United States. There is no limit to the liquids within your checked bag.

Am I allowed to travel with duty free liquids?

You are allowed to travel with duty free liquids. To read more information about traveling with duty free liquids, you can reach the TSA’s Liquids Rule page.

How can I make sure that I’m properly following the guidelines while flying through the USA?

You can make sure that you’re up-to-date with TSA’s guidelines by referring to TSA’s Liquid Rule Page before your flight. The Liquid Rule page will always have the most up-to-date information for travelers to refer to before they plan flight travel through the USA. There are also exemptions for children and medical exemptions.

Travel Planning