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Living with the 3-1-1: Individual Sized Packaging for Travelers

by Neil Woodburn (RSS feed) on Dec 7th 2006 at 7:38AM

This is brilliant. An entire online store that specializes in nothing but individual-sized items.

Instead of packing that whole tube of toothpaste, a giant bottle of shampoo, and a big canister of shaving cream, travelers can now find miniature sizes of hundreds of goods in one convenient location.

Minimus sells tiny packages of most every item one travels with. I always made use of such packaging (when I could find it), to cut down on bulk and weight--especially when backpacking. Now, with the new airline liquid restrictions, tiny packaging is not only convenient, but absolutely necessary for those items we want to carry on.

Fortunately, Minimus offers individual sized packages of medicine, food, drinks, toiletries and more. The one thing I was very disappointed to find missing, however, was small bottles of saline solution for my contacts. Doesn't anyone sell this? I'm tired of hauling around those big 12 oz. bottles all the time.

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Kristi Dec 9th 2006 7:48PM

Actually, of all places, I have found tiny bottles of both Alcon and Bausch & Lomb solution at... Wal-Mart. For about $1.50. :)

Neil Dec 9th 2006 2:40AM

Thanks kristi, great to know!

Kristi Dec 9th 2006 7:49PM

No problem! :) I'm sure there are a lot of people, including myself, that are trying to find tiny sizes of just about everything!

Mairin Dec 10th 2006 2:44PM

Alcon sells Opi-Free in a box full of 10 ml small plastic bottles which are perfect for packing. I just toss a few in my baggy of toiletries.

Peggy Dec 10th 2006 2:53PM

As a long time frequent traveler, I never traveled with normal sized toiletries and cosmetics. I buy saline solution for contacts in small sizes at any pharmacy...in the contact lens section. You usually can't find it in the "small sizes" section. Grocery store toiletry sections as well. Good Luck!

Kristen Dec 10th 2006 3:29PM

I am THRILLED to learn about this website, as my husband and I have been making and sending care packages to our troops in Iraq, etc. Many of them need the smaller sizes because they're on the go and have limited space in which to carry things. The small sizes are especially useful for the wounded and ill soldiers in the hospitals, etc.

It has been difficult finding certain items in the mini sizes, but now that I know about this website, I will be shopping there a lot! I can't wait to check out the variety!

Thanks for posting this - it will help us so much!

Melodie Dec 10th 2006 4:25PM

I get my small bottles of solution from my eye doctor. They always have them and they never hesitate to give them to me if I need them...free!

Lynne Dec 10th 2006 4:41PM

Ask your eye doctor for trial size bottles of solution and comfort drops - they can be refilled when needed!

Dr. M Dec 10th 2006 5:35PM

Speaking from an optometrist's viewpoint, don't forget to check the expiration dates on the contact lens solutions. A lot of people keep them around way too long and run the risk of serious eye infection!!

anne Dec 10th 2006 6:18PM

I thought that i was the only one who carries the entire giant 12oz. bottle around with me when i travel. I have found that the small sizes of saline are nearly impossible to find anymore. Yes, the eye doctor's office is a great place. Also, i used a small bottle of just plain eye drops to rinse my lenses. They come in really small bottles and it works just like saline.