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Travel Sized Toiletries

Most of us, I'm sure, with the 3-1-1 rules for carry-on, buy travel/sample size toiletries to at least get us started.

I have to admit I've never looked for these items in Europe.

Have people been able to find travel size items such as toothpaste, deodorant, sinkwashing liquid, shampoo, etc over there? If so, what did you find and where.

I'll start. For shaving, I've switched to shaving oil and the best stuff I've found is made in England by a company called Somerset. They make it for both men and women. If used correctly...and that means following the directions not what you think you should do....a little 12 ml bottle (about 0.4 oz) can last up to 90 shaves. And you get a pretty close shave.

Of course, now we have the shaving "sheets" (50 in a pack) that don't have to go in the 3-1-1 bag. They're not bad. I find I need 2-3 sheets per shave. I use the ones made by Travelon.

Posted by
12313 posts

I've purchased at least shampoo, deoderant, razor blades, linament and toothpaste at different times in Europe but I have to confess, I never looked for travel size. They may have them in some of the stores, I've just never looked.

Posted by
875 posts

We love the Somerset's shaving oil. On this year's trip we used Dr. Bronner's castile soap for shampoo, bathing, and washing some clothes. And you don't have to put it in the quart-size baggie for carry-on. We took a small container of tooth powder in addition to a very small tube of toothpaste. I have to use hairspray, so I take one travel-size can for each week I will be gone...then toss when each is empty.

Posted by
9140 posts

Yes, you can buy travel size amenities. In Germany they are in drugstores or the 1 euro stores. Drugstores are not the same as pharmacies by the way. All the popular brands. Not sure about the other countries. Guess you will have to wait to hear what they say or some other posters who have purchased them.

Posted by
149 posts

I bought travel size sunblock, hand lotion and kleenex in the Netherlands when mine ran out - easy to find.

Posted by
69 posts

Boots in London has travel sizes. Are there Boots all over the UK? Anybody know?

Posted by
16004 posts

What someone reminded me was that just about everyone has to deal with the 3-1-1 rule so travel sized toiletries have to be available.

Posted by
199 posts

Try these:
Target, which has the largest selection of travel items I've seen.

Any major drugstore or supermarket.
REI
Magellan's (check their website)
Avon
Cosmetic counters at major dept. stores sometimes have promotions with travel size items.
Ask your friends who travel, esp. those who stay at major hotels, to bring you home their hotel amenities if they don't need them.
Store openings sometimes have giveaways
Whole Foods or other health food stores sometimes put out samples which are good for travel
Hope this helps!

Posted by
199 posts

Try these:
Target, which has the largest selection of travel items I've seen.

Any major drugstore or supermarket.
REI
Magellan's (check their website)
Avon
Cosmetic counters at major dept. stores sometimes have promotions with travel size items.
Ask your friends who travel, esp. those who stay at major hotels, to bring you home their hotel amenities if they don't need them.
Store openings sometimes have giveaways
Whole Foods or other health food stores sometimes put out samples which are good for travel
Hope this helps!

Posted by
199 posts

Try these:
Target, which has the largest selection of travel items I've seen.

Any major drugstore or supermarket.
REI
Magellan's (check their website)
Avon
Cosmetic counters at major dept. stores sometimes have promotions with travel size items.
Ask your friends who travel, esp. those who stay at major hotels, to bring you home their hotel amenities if they don't need them.
Store openings sometimes have giveaways
Whole Foods or other health food stores sometimes put out samples which are good for travel
Hope this helps!

Posted by
16004 posts

Thanks Carole, but I was asking about finding them in Europe. I know where to get them in the US.

Posted by
286 posts

In Europe you need to look for 100ml or less containers. It is fairly easy to buy most everything you need including sun cream and face wash etc.

Boots is all over the UK, also look for Superdrug.