Latest news with #toiletries
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Daily Mail
The five holiday accessories that are a complete waste of money, according to a travel expert - and what you should buy instead
Every time I book a holiday, the day before I jet off, I find myself standing in Boots. Why? To pick up ten miniature toiletries, two travel adapters and one of those squidgy neck pillows. Will I use a miniature dry shampoo or cleansing spray or sudocrem? No. Will I save them for my next trip if they return home with me 80% full. No. Will I stop wasting my money on them? Also, no. According to Fred Harrington, CEO of discount-platform Proxy Coupons and money-saving guru, I'm not alone. 'Every year,' Harrington advises, 'millions of travellers waste money on items they think they need, only to discover they're impractical, redundant or simply useless.' 'The travel industry is brilliant at convincing us we need specialised gear for every scenario, but smart travellers know that simple, versatile items usually work better.' So what are the biggest pitfalls when it comes to spending unnecessary money on travel gear? Below, Harrington's shares five unnecessary 'budget busters' that you can gladly forget about. Keep reading to save both cash and that all-important luggage space (yes, we need at least five pairs of shoes). Portable clothing steamers We all know people who arrive on holiday armed with a portable steamer or iron like some kind of Vogue assistant. But in Harrington's opinion, 'they're more trouble than they're worth'. 'Most portable steamers weigh over a pound, take up precious luggage space, and require distilled water that's not available on tap,' he points out. 'I've seen people lug these things around Europe only to use them once. Most hotels provide irons, and if yours doesn't, hanging an outfit in a steamy bathroom works just as well as most portable devices. Save yourself the £30 and pack an extra outfit instead!' Travel neck pillows This one will shock most people (smugly not me, as I have been saying for years they're both ineffective and annoyingly shaped), but Harrington says the best place for your travel neck pillow is, ultimately, the bin. 'Despite their popularity,' he says, 'most travel pillows are bulky, uncomfortable and offer little real support. They're designed for one sitting-up sleep position that rarely matches how you actually sleep on planes or trains.' 'These things are everywhere in airports because they're impulse buys that prey on tired travellers,' Harrington explains. 'A rolled-up jumper or small cushion from home does the same job without the bulk. Better yet, invest in noise-cancelling headphones – they'll help you sleep far better than any pillow.' Universal travel adapters We've all been there: desperately trying to google what adapter we'll need for a trip and asking 'what on earth is a type C?' But while a universal adapter might sound practical, many universal adapters are cheaply made, unreliable, and potentially dangerous, Harrington warns. They often don't fit properly in foreign outlets and can damage your devices. 'I've seen people spend £15-25 on these all-in-one adapters that barely work,' says Harrington. 'Research your destination and buy a simple, country-specific adapter for £3. It'll be more reliable and won't risk frying your phone charger.' Travel-sized toiletries Yes, they're my weakness; but while those tiny bottles of shampoo and toothpaste might seem convenient (and cute), they're expensive per millilitre and you never get through them. That's before you even consider that most hotels now offer complimentary toiletries. 'You're paying premium prices for tiny amounts,' Harrington notes. 'Buy normal-sized products when you arrive, or better yet, use what's provided. The money you save could buy you an extra meal out.' Cheap portable phone chargers Not all power banks are created equal. Travellers often buy cheap, low-capacity chargers that barely provide one full charge, or expensive high-capacity ones they couldn't use up even if they spent a week in a tent in Antarctica. 'People either buy the cheapest option that dies after two uses, or the most expensive one that could power a small village,' Harrington observes. 'A mid-range power bank with 10,000mAh capacity is perfect for most travellers and costs half the price of premium options.'
The Herald
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Shoprite introduces R5 toiletries to take on hygiene poverty in SA
Shoprite has expanded its R5 basket of goods to include essential toiletries. This is in response to a study which found that more than 14-million people in South Africa — one in five — are affected by hygiene poverty, which encompasses both inadequate sanitation infrastructure and limited access or affordability of essential items such as soap, shampoo, menstrual and oral care products. 'Following significant investment into extensive product development, Shoprite is adding a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner as well as a body wash to its growing range of R5 products. 'Both items are sold as concentrates in 50ml sachets and, when diluted with 150ml water, make enough to last for up to 20 washes . This works out to about 25c per wash,' Shoprite said. In 2021, Shoprite launched a R5 pack of sanitary pads to ease the financial burden of menstrual hygiene and to help keep young girls in school, with zero price increase since on this product to date. 'No-one should have to choose between having food to eat and maintaining basic hygiene,' said Renaldo Phillips, general manager for private label and imports at the Shoprite Group. Phillips said access to hygiene products was not a luxury but a fundamental human right. 'That is why we are committed to developing the best possible products at the lowest possible prices.' According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef, hygiene poverty can severely affect health, dignity and self-esteem. With the rising cost of living, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities, including everyday hygiene and grooming products. 'With our range of R5 toiletries, Shoprite wants to help communities maintain their dignity,' Phillips said. With the exception of sanitary pads, which became VAT exempt in April 2019, all other personal hygiene items including soap, toothpaste and deodorant continue to be taxed at the standard VAT rate. This makes the introduction of Shoprite's R5 toiletries — which helps to bridge the affordability gap for those who need it most — all the more important. Shoprite said e very week, it subsidised over 1.8-million R5 products, which were available to customers every single day, at every one of its supermarkets nationwide. Its growing basket of R5 products now include: a 600g brown bread, unchanged in price since April 2016; takeaway meals, including a protein-rich ox liver burger; sanitary pads; shampoo and conditioner; and body wash. 'To many, a R5 coin may not seem like much any more, but it's important to remember that it can still feed a person and now help to maintain personal hygiene. More than just a small change, it is a symbol of hope,' Phillips said. TimesLIVE
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Travel + Leisure
21-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
A Nurse Shares the 12 Things She Always Recommends Packing in Your ‘Just in Case' Bag—From $6
From a bird's eye view, it's fairly obvious what you need to include in your suitcase for any trip: the proper clothes for your destination, a comfy pair of shoes, and the basic toiletries to get you through days away from home. But any well-prepared traveler knows a good packing list isn't complete without the right gear to preempt emergencies, and nobody is better-suited to provide recommendations on what to store in your 'Just in Case' bag than a nurse. To get a clearer picture of exactly what emergency essentials should have a permanent home in your suitcase, Travel + Leisure spoke with Karen Fischer, RN, BSN, CCRN to uncover exactly what additions your carry-on needs for trips of any duration. From the more obvious picks like pain relief medication to more surprising recommendations, keep reading to find the 12 products this registered nurse thinks everyone should keep in their bag while traveling, so you can stock up on packable must-haves from just $6. From blisters to scrapes and cuts, you never know when you might incur an unexpected wound while traveling. So, keeping a stock of band aids in your carry-on is essential. Fischer prefers fabric bandages since they fit more snugly on the skin and have better staying power, and she adds that she always has a multi-pack with several sizes on hand. 'For blisters/irritation in heels, go with the 2x4's, toes and top of the feet, 1.5x3's,' she explains. 'Trust me, the 'regular" size (1x3) will come off in 10 minutes.' Infections are the last thing you want to worry about while traveling, so if you do end up having to treat a blister or any other wound, it's a good idea to have an antibacterial ointment on hand. Fischer explains, 'Neosporin can be purchased over the counter, bacitracin is a prescription—either one is fine.' When applying the ointment, Fischer emphasizes that less is more, explaining 'If you overdo it, the band aid will slide off.' Anything from a headache to muscle soreness can cut into your trip's enjoyment, so Fischer recommends having some sort of pain relief medication packed into your bag while you're on the go. However, if you forgot to add it to your pack, she suggests knowing the generic name of these medications in the country you're traveling to, so you're able to get it over the counter. 'In most of Europe, if you ask for Tylenol, you will be told they do not have it. In Europe, Tylenol (acetaminophen), is known as Paracetamol,' she explains, noting that Advil (Ibuprofen) is also known as Nurofen. One of the most exciting parts of travel is testing out new cuisines from around the world. But in case an adventurous dish doesn't sit well with you, Fischer suggests keeping Pepto Bismol or another stomach aid at the ready to provide some relief. 'The last thing you want is to feel terrible at 2 a.m. in a hotel off the beaten path with no open stores,' she says. If you're more prone to heartburn, Alka-seltzer or Tums may be more helpful. Pepto Bismol is great if you're a generally queasy traveler. Nobody wants to think about getting sick while traveling, but in the event that you do come down with a head cold on your adventures, Fischer recommends keeping a small container of Vicks Vaporub tucked into your go-bag. The cooling formula works to suppress coughing while simultaneously easing aches and pains, making it easier to breathe and taking the edge off your illness so you can still enjoy your trip. Plus, if you're struggling to get comfy in your hotel bed and end up straining your neck or otherwise pulling a muscle while you're traveling, this formula can help with that pain, as well. Whether you struggle with seasonal allergies or are met with surprise allergens when traveling to a foreign destination, Benadryl is a must-have for your 'Just in Case' bag, according to Fischer. It helps to quickly provide relief to symptoms such as watery or itchy eyes, sniffling, sneezing, and coughing, and it can even work to treat cold symptoms. Fischer notes that keeping just one or two tablets in your pouch 'should suffice 'just in case',' unless you struggle with consistent allergies, in which case you should bring enough for every day of your trip. If you're headed to a more rural area and are planning on doing some hiking or camping, Fischer recommends keeping a brightly-colored jacket in your pack, explaining, 'You want to stand out if you're lost.' However, she notes that your jacket of choice should not be green as it's more likely to blend into the surroundings—and yes, this tip still applies for the summer months since the evenings often dip into cooler temperatures. This lightweight layer packs down into itself and will take up minimal space in your bag, plus it comes in 19 different colors and is stuffed with a cozy filling that will keep you warm throughout the night (and in case of an emergency). This addition to your 'Just in Case' bag may come as a surprise, but according to Fischer, honey is a great multipurpose hack. 'In a pinch, spread [honey] on a wound if there is no other option,' she says. Honey has naturally antibacterial properties and can be incredibly soothing—not to mention it has anti-inflammatory properties, as well. Fischer adds, 'It can also help get a camp fire going, and if your blood sugar is low, a bit of honey [will help].' There are a number of circumstances in which a whistle is helpful to have on hand, especially while camping or hiking. If you're lost in the woods, encounter a bear, or otherwise need to alert other travelers to your location, you'll be happy to have this item in your pack. Plus, it's louder than your voice and creates a more consistent sound, so it'll help you preserve energy in a pinch. The easiest way to bring down swelling is to ice the affected area, so you can't go wrong with keeping disposable ice packs in your go-bag when you're spending time on the trail or off the beaten path, according to Fischer. To activate the packs, simply squeeze the bag and the liquid inside will immediately begin to cool without any need for a freezer or cold storage system. These ice packs can help ease pain from sore muscles, bumps, and bruises, and even work as a great relief if you're getting too hot while hiking in the summer. Sure, your cell phone is equipped with a built-in flashlight, but if you find yourself lost or still headed towards the trailhead with sunlight waning, you'll be glad to have a headlamp at the ready to illuminate the way. This best-selling duo is currently marked down to just $8 per headlamp. Each one is rechargeable and equipped with up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. The beam can be adjusted to shine straight ahead or down at the trail, and it's even programmed with eight lighting modes to best meet your needs. In the unfortunate event that you incur an injury on your travels, Fischer recommends keeping a roll of gauze on deck to bandage up larger wounds and keep them clean until you're able to get them treated. The soft material will absorb blood without irritating the skin, plus it's able to cover more surface area than a bandage, making it an asset to fully protect the wound from contaminants along the trail. It's easy to pack, won't take up too much space, and is a sanitary solution for emergency situations. On top of the standard medication and first aid essentials, Fischer also recommends keeping one or two pairs of medical gloves, safety pins, Q-tips, alcohol pads, and an Ace Wrap tucked into your pack to keep your preparations well-rounded. If you take prescription medication daily, she suggests packing the physical prescription in its original labeled bottle, just in case. 'Do a bit of research about where you are going—where is the nearest clinic/hospital?' Fischer says. She also notes the importance of knowing the route to the hospital in case of an emergency, and suggests pre-emptively checking to see if cabs or Ubers are readily available from your lodging. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Fox News
09-06-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Hotel toiletries targeted by Maine lawmakers in latest environmental push
A bill in Maine would mandate hotels to forgo small bottles containing "single-use plastic containers" in "lodging establishments" — banning single-size hotel shampoo offerings and other toiletries. The enforcement bill is advancing in the Pine Tree State's legislature in the hopes of reducing waste. "This bill prohibits lodging establishments from providing personal health or beauty products in small single-use plastic containers to persons staying in a lodging establishment or within bathrooms shared by the public and guests of the lodging establishment," reads bill LD 1928's summary. Hotels, motels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, inns, time-share properties, short-term rentals and vacation rentals are listed as lodging establishments. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2030, lodging establishments with more than 50 rooms will not be able to provide toiletry bottles under 6 ounces. In 2032, the ban will expand to lodging establishments with fewer than 50 rooms. For hotels that do not comply, a civil violation will be issued with a $100 fine. While the bill says lodging establishments cannot provide single-use toiletries, it is unclear if establishments can still sell them to travelers. Some large hotels have already begun making adjustments. "We have long been focused on our residential amenities program, switching from small toiletry bottles to larger, pump-topped bottles as part of our commitment to reduce plastic waste," a Marriott Hotels spokesperson previously told FOX Business. A Hilton spokesperson previously told FOX Business, "As of 2023, Hilton properties were required to transition to full-size shampoo, conditioner and soap amenities, eliminating single-use miniature bottles and reducing disposed bars of soap." Maine is not the first state to tackle a ban on hotel toiletry bottles. New York, California and Illinois all have similar laws in place — while Washington's ban will take effect in 2027. Fox News Digital reached out to Gov. Janet Mills' office for comment.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- The Sun
I tried 5 viral packing hacks to see which could fit EVERYTHING into my £16 Primark carry-on case & the best was free
WITH many of us gearing up for summer getaways, the cost-of-living crisis continues to place pressure on our budgets. As a result, more travellers are opting for carry-on hand luggage to avoid additional fees. 12 However, with strict size and weight restrictions imposed by major airlines, the challenge of fitting five days' worth of clothing, shoes, hair products, and toiletries into one compact case can feel daunting, if not impossible. Social media is flooded with packing hacks promising to make this process easier, claiming you can effortlessly fit everything you need into your hand luggage. Determined to separate the genuinely useful hacks from the overhyped ones, I decided to put them to the test. And as someone who proudly holds the title of 'world's worst packer' - frequently squashing items into my suitcase, breaking zips, or sitting on it to close it - I knew I'd be a tough critic. To really push these hacks to their limits, I packed for a five-day trip that required clothing for both rain and sunshine. This meant including a mix of warm and lightweight items to create a variety of outfits. My packing list included: a thick blazer, a wool turtleneck jumper, a shirt, five T-shirts, a summer dress, two pairs of shorts, two pairs of jeans, five pairs of socks and underwear, a belt, a pair of trainers, flip-flops, my hairdryer, and a bag of toiletries. For the test, I used a cabin-sized soft-shell suitcase measuring 55 x 35 x 18cm, which I bought for £16 from Primark. Here's how it went. One in three travellers admit they have no idea how to pack a suitcase efficiently Packing cubes Rating: 4/5 12 12 Packing cubes are all the rage, constantly popping up on my social feed, so naturally, I had to put them to the test. I picked up a set of packing cubes from Primark for £8 and started with the largest one. I carefully folded my clothes to match the size of the cube, ensuring they were as flat as possible. To my surprise, I managed to fit nearly my entire five days' worth of outfits into the largest cube, with only one pair of shorts, socks, underwear, and my belt left out. I placed the packed cube flat into my suitcase, and while it took up the majority of the space, the clothes were neatly compressed and zipped up, leaving some room around it. There was enough space for a smaller cube, which I used to pack the remaining clothes. The smaller cube fit perfectly alongside the larger one. This clever use of space left more than enough room in the other compartment of the suitcase for my shoes, hairdryer, and toiletries. The packing cubes not only kept everything organised but also made it much easier to maximise the available space. The only issue is, you have to pay for the cubes! Vertical packing Rating: 5/5 12 12 12 The vertical packing hack for a carry-on suitcase is a brilliant way to maximise space while keeping your items neatly organised. Begin by laying out all the clothes you plan to pack, folding or rolling them as compactly as possible. Instead of stacking clothes horizontally (one on top of the other), position each item upright and side by side, much like filing papers in a drawer. This approach not only saves space but also allows you to see all your belongings at a glance, eliminating the need to rummage through layers. Initially, I was sceptical about this hack - especially with the bulkier items I needed to pack. I couldn't imagine fitting everything into such a small suitcase. But to my surprise, it worked! As someone who typically piles everything in haphazardly, I was genuinely shocked by how much I managed to fit using this method. You can use smaller items like socks, underwear, belts, and swimwear to fill gaps between the upright clothes. Shoes can go at the bottom or sides of the suitcase. Place toiletries in a sealed bag and tuck them into any remaining gaps, ensuring they don't shift during travel. If you have heavier or bulkier items (e.g., a hairdryer), place them at the bottom or corners of the suitcase for balance. Use zippered compartments for accessories like chargers or hair products. It's a game-changer for efficient packing. The horizontal rolling method Rating: 1/5 The rolling method - where clothes are rolled into compact cylinders instead of folded flat—is designed to maximise suitcase space. By rolling your clothes, you can save room compared to traditional flat folding, allowing you to fit more items into your luggage. This method is also said to reduce creases in fabric and keeps your packing visually organised, as you can easily see and locate each piece of clothing. Additionally, it claims to efficiently fill gaps by utilising every bit of available space. A popular twist on the hack suggests laying rolled clothes horizontally (packing from the side of the suitcase rather than the bottom) instead of vertically. While this might work for thinner items like T-shirts and shorts, it becomes far less effective when packing bulkier clothes. In my experience, thicker items like jumpers and jeans took up most of the suitcase when laid horizontally, leaving little room for anything else. As a result, I could only half-pack my suitcase, making the hack impractical for trips requiring varied clothing. Ultimately, I found this variation more effort than it's worth, earning it a low mark. While it might work for lightweight summer clothes, it's certainly not ideal for bulkier or mixed outfits. Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." The vertical rolling method Rating: 2/5 This method is quite similar to the previous hack but slightly more refined - and feels like one that's been passed down through generations long before the days of social media. Instead of laying the rolled cylinders horizontally, the hack suggests packing them vertically. I found this approach to be much more effective, as it allowed for better organisation and made use of the suitcase's height. However, despite its advantages, I was still left with a pair of shorts that didn't quite fit, and closing the suitcase turned into a struggle. I even had to sit on it to get it zipped up, with my belt awkwardly squeezed in at the last minute. While it's an improvement on the horizontal method, it still falls short for bulkier items or when you're packing for a longer trip. Space saving method Rating: 2/5 12 12 This hack was the perfect complement to my vertical rolling method, helping me free up extra space in my suitcase by cleverly utilising every spare inch. The idea is to maximise not just the space inside your suitcase but also use items like shoes and the edges of the bag. The hack suggests using your shoes or trainers as holders for smaller items like socks and underwear. This simple trick created just enough extra space for me to fit my pair of shorts into the remaining gaps, along with the rest of my underwear. Another ingenious tip was to avoid rolling up your belt. Instead, lay it flat and wrap it around the edge of the suitcase, surrounding your packed clothes. This was such a savvy solution and made perfect sense - it's hard to believe I hadn't thought of it before This hack is a no-brainer for anyone looking to optimise their packing and is definitely worth trying on your next trip. Luggage Rules for Major Airlines British Airways Cabin Baggage: 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 45 x 25 cm) and 1 personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm), total weight up to 23 kg. Checked Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag up to 23 kg. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class allow more. EasyJet Cabin Baggage: 1 small cabin bag (max 45 x 36 x 20 cm), no weight limit but must fit under the seat. Checked Baggage: Fees apply, up to 23 kg per bag. Passengers can pay for additional weight up to 32 kg. Ryanair Cabin Baggage: 1 small bag (max 40 x 20 x 25 cm). Priority boarding allows an additional larger cabin bag (max 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg). Checked Baggage: Fees apply, options for 10 kg or 20 kg bags. Virgin Atlantic Cabin Baggage: Economy and Premium allow 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm, up to 10 kg). Upper Class allows 2 bags. Checked Baggage: Economy Light has no checked baggage. Economy Classic, Delight, and Premium allow at least 1 bag up to 23 kg. Upper Class allows 2 bags. Emirates Cabin Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag (max 55 x 38 x 20 cm, up to 7 kg). Business and First Class allow 2 bags (total up to 12 kg). Checked Baggage: Economy Class varies by fare type (from 20 kg to 35 kg). Business and First Class allow up to 40 kg and 50 kg respectively.
