travel

The Best, Most Surprising Travel Minis

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

Perusing the travel-toiletries aisle is a very specific kind of joy, whether you’re at a Duane Reade near your home or a pharmacie in the 5th Arrondissement. There’s the visual pleasure of something big made small as well as the chance to try a pricey item for a fraction of the cost of the full size. (Finding out that a shampoo makes your hair frizzy instead of fluffy is far less painful when you’ve spent $10 rather than $25.) It makes packing your Dopp kit or toiletry bag feel like a little treat instead of a crazed puzzle.

So I’ve rummaged through the metaphorical travel aisles to find minis of dozens of Strategist-approved brands. Everything is either under 3.4 ounces or a solid so that you can take it through TSA. I’ve mainly focused on stand-alone products (many of which are from brands you might not have realized make travel-size products), but I’ve also included some sets that are particularly good value. From skin care to shampoo, it’s a treasure trove of tinies.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

The Best, Most Surprising Travel Minis