Ditch Those Mini Bottles: How My Bio-Plastic Soap Dish Changed My Travel Game

Let me tell you about the money-saving revelation that changed how I pack my toiletries. After years of loading up on those tiny travel-sized bottles of shampoo and body wash (you know, the ones that somehow always cost more than their full-sized cousins), I finally made the switch to solid soap bars and a smart little bio-plastic soap dish.

The Numbers That Made Me Switch

Here's what blew my mind: I used to spend about $10 every trip on mini bottles - $5 for shampoo, $5 for body wash. Over a year of regular travel, that added up to over $40. Now? I spend $20 on my bio-plastic soap dish (one-time purchase), about $8 on a quality all-in-one bar. The bars last way longer than those mini bottles ever did, and I can use them for multiple trips. 

Beyond The Money Talk

But it's not just about saving cash. Remember that feeling of dread when you're going through airport security, hoping your toiletries are under the liquid limit? Gone. My soap dish flies through easy-peasy. No more plastic bags, no more measuring bottles! No more remembering that my soap bottle was almost empty. 

The Environmental Wake-Up Call

Let's talk plastic waste. Every time I emptied one of those mini-bottles, I bought another. I was picturing them floating in that big vortex in the Pacific. My "plastic" soap dish? It'll completely decompose when it eventually reaches the end of its life. Plus, most solid soap and shampoo bars come in paper packaging or naked, cutting down even more on plastic waste.

The Practical Perks I Discovered

• No more leaks: Seriously, I don't miss cleaning shampoo off my clothes
• More space: My toiletry bag is half the size it used to be
• Longer lasting: One shampoo bar equals about three bottles of liquid shampoo
• Airport security friendly: No more liquid restrictions to worry about
• Bio-plastic bonus: The dish actually helps my bars last longer with its clever drainage design

Making The Switch Work

Here's what I learned from transitioning:

1. Start with a good quality soap dish - the bio-plastic ones with proper drainage are worth the investment
2. Look for quality solid toiletries - they last longer than cheaper option.
3. Let your bars dry between uses (the wave design on Retour's soap dish helps with this!)

 The Unexpected Social Impact

Funny enough, my Retour soap dish has become a conversation starter in hostel bathrooms. It's very colorful and unique enough that other travelers are often curious about where I got it, how I avoid the mini bottle hassle. I've probably convinced at least a dozen people to make the switch. It's like being part of this secret club of savvy travelers who've figured out a better way.

Looking Forward

 The travel industry is slowly catching on - more hotels are going back to solid toiletry options, and airports stores are starting to stock shampoo bars. But until that becomes the norm, I'm sticking with my bio-plastic soap dish and solid bars setup. It's cheaper, more sustainable, and honestly just makes travel easier.

Quick Tips for Making the Switch:

• Start with a trial run at home
• Choose unscented bars for flying (some people are sensitive to fragrances)
• Get a quality soap dish that'll last - avoid the temptation to go cheap
• Leave the case open to keep your bars dry between uses for longer life

Have you made the switch from mini bottles to solid bars? Or are you thinking about it? Drop a comment below - I'd love to hear about your experience or answer any questions!