Hey friends,
I wanted to share this little travel hack with you because, honestly, it’s one of those “once you know, you know” things that changes how you pack forever.
I know most of us are attached to many things — one of those is our shampoo and body washes. Even though most hotels and Airbnb provide them, it’s not our brands we are loyal to. I used to be that traveler… the one carrying my expensive liquid shampoo and body wash in a carry-on, wrapped like I was smuggling precious cargo.
First a layer of Reynolds wrap. Then a double Ziplock bag. And still, the anxiety: What if it leaks all over my clothes? I’ve had a bottle burst mid-flight before — trust me, it’s the kind of mess that can ruin your mood, especially after a long flight.
So years ago, I switched to natural bar soaps for my hair and body. Super easy, right? Except… there was one problem I’ve completely forgotten.
Every time I showered, the bar would get soaked and soggy, practically melting before my eyes. And after a couple days of using it, it would just look… gross. For a long time, I just put up with it because it was better than dealing with liquids at TSA. But then I finally figured out a better way.
The “Cube” Trick That Changed Everything
Here’s what I do now: I cut each bar of shampoo and body soap into 9 little cubes. That’s it. One cube for shampoo, one for body wash — no soggy mess, no waste, and no having to pack an entire bar that’s going to break apart in your toiletry bag.
I pair this with my Japanese bath towel — which I love way more than a loofah. As a solo traveler, it’s the easiest way to wash my back without twisting into a pretzel. After my shower, I tie each end of the towel into a loose knot and slip a cube inside each end. This lets both the towel and the cubes dry completely, so they’re fresh and ready for my next shower.
Packing Smarter (and Smelling Better)
Here’s where it gets even better: I use a ziplock bag to hold the cubes — one for my shampoo and another for my body washes. Note: it’s important to make sure the shampoo is a different color from the body wash bar soap . Well, unless you don’t mind shampooing your body and washing your hair. They do make head and body in one — that’s a great alternative. I store my soap cubes in my Bolstie. For those of you who are new here, Bolstie is my travel pillow — the one I designed to actually work for economy-class seats, long road trips, or even quick naps in the car.
The cubes go into the Bolstie, then Bolstie goes into my backpack. Not only do I avoid liquid messes, but my bag smells amazing. And since Bolstie doubles as storage, it’s one less separate pouch to pack.
Why This Matters on Long Trips
I know this sounds like a small detail, but it’s all connected. When you’re on a long haul flight, the little things make a big difference — especially if you deal with neck pain or can’t get comfortable in cramped seats. That’s why I designed Bolstie to be more than a travel pillow for neck pain. It’s a travel pillow for long haul flights, road trips, train rides, and even those uncomfortable airport benches you find yourself stuck on during a layover.
It’s also a travel pillow that fits in your personal item — which means you don’t have to waste precious carry-on space. And when I say “fits,” I mean you can pack it with your stuff inside. Your clean clothes, your snacks, your soap cubes — all in one place.
The Comfort Mindset
This little soap cube hack reminded me of something I’ve believed for years: comfort isn’t a luxury when you travel, it’s a strategy. Whether it’s finding the best travel pillow for long flights or cutting your shampoo into tiny cubes, these choices make you calmer, lighter, and more ready to enjoy the actual trip.
Because when you take care of the little annoyances — the leaky bottles, the cramped neck positions, the stuff that makes you groan — you free up mental energy for the good stuff. The wandering. The exploring. The laughing at dinner with friends until your voice is gone.
Try It on Your Next Trip
So here’s your challenge: next time you travel, try the cube hack. Cut your bars into 9 pieces, pack what you need, and see how much simpler it feels. If you’ve already got a Bolstie, store them inside — your bag will smell incredible, and you’ll have your travel pillow ready for every leg of your trip.
Travel doesn’t have to be about tolerating discomfort. Sometimes the solution is as simple as thinking smaller — literally.
Until next time,
Ethan
