Buying toiletries in Florida

[florida-again]

We're off in a coupel of weeks (yay!) and my BF suggested not buying our toiletries in the UK but buying it all when we get there in Walmart or something.

Has anyone done this and does it prove economical?

 

[wilma-bride]

As far as I know, it's not much cheaper than it is here. Suppose the only benefit is you haven't got to carry the stuff with you however, it does mean that you will have to go shopping as soon as you arrive to buy what you need. Personally, for the few pennies you might save, I'd rather not have the pressure of having to go and buy stuff on the first day.

 

[juliebro]

Yes - we did that on our most recent trip. We went to the local supermarket (Publix, I think) and bought shampoo, soaps, shower gels, toothpaste etc from there. I think the prices were probably slightly less than they are over here - and they have 2 for 1 offers - but it certainly meant lighter suitcases - and no problems with anything leaking during the flight either.

Another thing that we found - the products I bought over there seemed to last longer than the ones we get over here e.g. I bought a St Ives shower gel which I loved. I used it every day over there (almost 3 weeks) and had barely used a third of the bottle. I ended up bringing it home and used it every day for another 2 months!

Julie

 

[Queenie]

That's a great idea! Does anyone know if they sell Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner in Florida? It's the only stuff I can use.

 

[kristieuk]

The other thing is you will probably end up with massive sizes of everything that you won't want to bring home with you, which is something of a false economy.

I suppose if you're not fussed on a particular brand of things, you can pick up travel sizes, but there isn't a whole lot of choice.

The only thing I would wait to get is suntan lotion (you're always going to use it all), and nappies (although dd 5 now, so no longer necessary!)

IMHO, if you were going to do it just to save on packing space / weight, and are happy to leave half used products behind, I'd say it was a good idea. If the idea is to save money, it's probably not such a good plan.

 

[kristieuk]

As far as I know, it's not much cheaper than it is here. Suppose the only benefit is you haven't got to carry the stuff with you however, it does mean that you will have to go shopping as soon as you arrive to buy what you need. Personally, for the few pennies you might save, I'd rather not have the pressure of having to go and buy stuff on the first day.

Sorry - I though I was posting below this, but obviously a hot topic, and others got in there more quickly!

 

[UKDEB]

Buying that many toiletries in one go is an expensive shock no matter where you buy it. The best bet is to buy them over a period of time (when they're on BOGOF or 3 for 2). We always do a supermarket shop when we arrive in Orlando, but we really just want to get it done as quickly as possible and get back to the villa to start chilling. My family wouldn't thank me if we had to buy toiletries as well.

It's true that they're heavy, but we've got quite experienced at buying just enough for the trip and throwing away what little is left. We always need space in the suitcase for all the other stuff we bring home without filling it up with almost empty bottles, etc.

 

[kevin harrison]

To me, if you are spending thousands on your trip, who cares if you have half a bottle of shampoo left behind?

After our first trip, I got wise and decided to take no toiletries, it greatly cuts the weight of your suitcases and like someone else said, you have no leak worries either. We always do a food shop when we get there, so buying a few bits and pieces is no problem.

I don't buy new t-shirts or holiday clothes here either, take enough for the first day or
two, then just buy some from clothing shops over there, now that is cheaper than the UK!!

 

[susan1]

hi
the toiletries seemed much cheaper although i did by walmarts own brand "equate" shampoo shower gel deodrant shaving gel and there own listerine mouth wash to less than $10 dollars.

 

[Stella_the_Staff]

That's a great idea! Does anyone know if they sell Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner in Florida? It's the only stuff I can use.

Last time we were there, we bought some Clairol Herbal essence shampoo, strawberry & something at Walmart. Only did big bottles, but we brought it home.

 

[Clare D]

If you are staying off site, in a villa for example, and you need to go food shopping I would say buy them from the supermarket. If you are staying in a hotel I would say get them here and take them with you so you don't have to worry about going shopping and you can freshen up when you arrive.
If you do buy them here head for Bodycare. It is fantastic value e.g. £3.99 for Nivea 40 SPF Kids sun cream. I paid £11.99 for the same thing from a high street well known store.
(Other stores available )

 

[Mr-D]

I don't buy new t-shirts or holiday clothes here either, take enough for the first day or

Thats my plan as well. Not easy to get through to a 9 yr old why she isn't getting loads of new clothes to take on her holidays though

D

 

[patdavies]

What we have done in the past, is to use Wal-Mart and buy toiletries in US.

Wal-Mart has a section in the toiletries for samplers or travel sizes and these have always been ideal.

 

[mkmarty]

Last year we cheucked out heaps of stuff, and I mean heaps - tubes of pringles, shower gel, chocolate, drinks, all went in the bin (or to the maid).
Didn'yt see much point in taking a suitcase of food home when there is room for more clothes etc!

 

[LindseyUK]

Queenie- yes they definitely do Herbal Essences in Publix but as Michelle said only big bottles, although I used a whole big bottle of conditioner in 2 weeks anyway!

 

[stubb]

Hi there

just back-i would definately buy all the toiletries over there- i treated myself to two hugh bottles of tigi shampoo and conditioner for $19 dollars for both rather than walmart (HUGH HUGH QUEUES AT THE TILLS) try walgreens chemist or supertarget (i am a hugh fan ot this place)

MICHELLE

 

[misskrystal]

American products can be really fun, because of the selection, things you can't get over here.

The best thing to do is to take the essentials with you and buy everything else while you're there.

 

[squitty]

We always buy our shampoo, sun cream and deodarant out there. Aussie shampoo and conditioner are huge and great value for money IMO. We found super target to be a lot quieter than walmart.

 

[Strommie]

We decided to buy our toiletries out there when we went last year, and are doing the same this time. We enjoyed looking at the different brands you can get out there (sad I know ) After having a 'leakage' on a flight before, I now prefer not taking bottles in my case with me.

 

[shellbell]

That's a great idea! Does anyone know if they sell Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner in Florida? It's the only stuff I can use.

Queenie they have several more kinds of Herbal Essences over there. I spoiled myself and tried a coouple of differents ones. We waited and got the toiletries out there. We got some great deals with the 2 for 1s. The best was a huge bottle of the new orange Listerine BOGOF, $.4.59 for the 2 bottles. For a small bottle over here its £3.99

Michelle