THE ROOKIE TRAVEL MISTAKE I MADE

The Rookie Travel Mistake I'll Never Make Again

Over the years, I've traveled a lot. I've forgotten things — saline solution for my contacts, a swimsuit, my pajamas! — but in the spring of 2024, when I brought my first group of friends to Morocco, I made a mistake I will never make again.

I forgot to pack the travel case for my electric toothbrush.

Well — I didn't forget it. I intentionally left it behind because I didn't think I'd need it. The case, not the toothbrush. Big difference.

I love my SURI Electric Toothbrush. It's comfortable, cleans my teeth thoroughly without rattling my skull, and holds a charge for four weeks. (I was only going to be gone for two.) I also especially love that the brush head and bristles are made from plant-based, recyclable materials so it's good for the environment, too.

So what went wrong?

Since my toothbrush was fully charged before I left, I figured the case was unnecessary. I sealed the toothbrush in a ziplock bag — just like I always had — tossed it into the outer zipper pocket of my backpack, and boarded the plane.

Fifteen hours later, I pulled it out at the airport to brush my teeth.

Nothing. Not even a shimmy.

How? I had just charged it. It should have had weeks of life left.

Here's my theory: I stowed my backpack under the seat in front of me and propped my feet on it throughout the flight — like I always do. Every time I shifted, I must have nudged the power button. It turned on, ran for two minutes, shut off. Then I moved again. On, two minutes, off. Over and over, for fifteen hours.

For the next two weeks I brushed my teeth manually. The old-fashioned way.

It was fine-ish — but definitely not the same. SURI is "clinically proven to remove 100% more plaque after one use than a manual toothbrush," and brushing with a tiny, stiff toothbrush head is not the same experience as brushing with a vibrating electric one.

Yes, this is a first-world problem. I was still able to brush my teeth. But was it satisfying? Absolutely not.

The travel case exists for a reason. Lesson learned — and never to be repeated.

Grab your electric toothbrush and join us. Epic Adventures Await...YOU.

Yallah! (Let's go)

Katherine