Most people typically don't travel with a towel. It’s bulky and you’ll find one at your hotel or rental. But there are some situations where it makes sense to pack a towel. For instance camping, backpacking or when going on a beach vacation (it’s best to carry your own beach towel). 

You may also want to carry your own towel if you have sensitive skin and are concerned about using hotel towels.

The problem with packing your own towel is keeping it fresh and clean. Towels hold onto moisture for long. And as we explained in a recent post on stinky towels, this introduces smells, bacteria and germs that can affect the health of your skin. 

At home, you can easily air out your towel or wash it. That’s harder when you are on the go (especially if you are outdoors), but not impossible. Here are our best tips on keeping your towel fresh and clean when traveling. 

1. Travel With a Small Towel 

Don't travel with the thick and fluffy towel you use at home. Sure, it’s comfortable but it also holds moisture for longer, not to mention that it will be too bulky. 

You can get a small travel towel that’s still big enough to easily wipe your body with. Or just carry a face or hand towel. It’ll take longer to dry your body with, but it’s a lot more convenient to pack. Our luxury Tegan towel is available in three sizes: body, face and hand. So you can choose the best size for your travel needs. 

2. Pack a Quick-drying Towel

You won’t have the luxury of airing your towel for hours when traveling. So you need something that absorbs moisture well but still dries quickly. This is where microfiber towels shine. They are highly absorbent and dry quickly as well. Just make sure the towel is not too thick or fluffy. 

Avoid traveling with a cotton towel. Cotton absorbs moisture well but it takes forever to dry. You’ll end up with a damp, musty and unhygienic towel.   

3. Air Your Towel After Each Use

After each use, hang the towel somewhere airy to let it dry. Overnight is best to make sure it is completely dry, but even a couple of hours will help reduce smells and bacteria. 

If you are outdoors and the weather allows, hang it outside to dry it quicker. Some sunshine is also great for killing bacteria and germs. 

4. If It’s Damp, Pack It Separately 

If you have to leave and your towel is still a bit damp, pack it separately in a plastic or waterproof bag. A ziplock bag is great for this. 

This is not for your towel — it will likely be musty by the time you are taking it out. It’s for the rest of your clothes and luggage. Packing a damp towel with other things will make all your stuff smell. 

As soon as you get home, launder the towel before using it again.

Tip: If you are backpacking, use a carabiner, hook or ring to attach the damp towel to the outside of your backpack. That way, it continues drying while you are on the trail.  

5. For Longer Trips, Launder Your Towel 

For good hygiene, experts recommend washing your towel after every three uses. If your trip is going to last more than 2-3 days, you’ll definitely need to launder your towel. 

Many hotels have a laundry service you can use, or you can look for a laundromat near you. But if you packed a small, quick-drying towel, you can quickly wash it in the sink with whatever soap is available. Wring it as much as you can then hang it up to dry. 

If you don’t want to wash your towel during your trip, we recommend getting the Tegan Towel. It is designed to keep bacteria away, so it stays fresher for longer. 

If you have access to some baking soda, you can also sprinkle a bit on the towel and leave it for an hour or overnight if possible. It will deodorize the towel. A light spray of white vinegar on the towel also works great for preventing smells and killing germs.