Laura’s Winning Ideas

I just finished a proposal that required a number of cross-country trips, and the predictable lost luggage along the way.

My previous back-up plan failed. I used to depend on finding a Walgreen’s or CVS (most likely stores to be open all night), hop a taxi to the nearest store, and get a fresh t-shirt or turtleneck and cosmetics to squeak by. No more. The only clothing options were reminiscent of something I’d find in a truck stop.

(You should have seen the looks when I showed up the next morning in a t-shirt with glitter embossing, over mis-matched slacks.)

My new tactic is to pack overnight necessities in my carry-on, which of course means you have to pare down your liquids and gels to qualify as carry-on luggage.

No one seems to have figured out how to address this dilemma. The only travel packs I found had just a few bottles of too large quantities.

I’m using at least 11 items that qualify as controlled liquids and gels. And I don’t need 2 or 3 ounces of anything for a few days trip.

My Solution

REI and The Container Store carry a variety of containers, from 1/4 oz. to 1 oz. which are perfect for a week’s worth of lotion, cream, makeup, shampoo, etc. Add a small tube of toothpaste, put it all in a zip-lock bag, and you’re good to go.

I tried out my new pack on my last two trips. Nothing leaked. I chose the leakproof screw top jars for the more precious or liquid items. Creams traveled in the snap-shut 1/4 oz. jars without a problem. I’ve been using up the contents this last week, so the quantities are plenty for most trips.

No problem with security. The rule is no individual container larger than 3 oz., total quantity limited to the size of a one quart zip lock bag which must be able to close.