What Size Travel Towel Should I Pack?
Choosing a travel towel sounds simple until you start looking at the options.
Small towels save space but can be less comfortable. Large towels offer more coverage but take up additional room in your luggage. Somewhere in the middle is often the sweet spot.
The right travel towel size depends on how you're travelling, where you're going and how you expect to use it.
Whether you're backpacking through Europe, heading away in a caravan, planning a camping trip or simply looking for a towel that packs efficiently, understanding the advantages of different sizes can help you make a better choice.
Why Towel Size Matters
When travelling, every item in your bag needs to earn its place.
A towel that is too small can feel inconvenient to use, while a towel that is unnecessarily large may take up valuable luggage space.
The ideal travel towel balances four things:
- Coverage
- Comfort
- Packing size
- Weight
Finding the right balance often comes down to your style of travel.
Standard Travel Towels
For most travellers, a standard-sized travel towel offers the best balance between comfort and practicality.
A towel measuring approximately 140 × 70 cm provides enough coverage for beach, bath and travel use while remaining lightweight and easy to pack.
This size is particularly popular for:
- Europe holidays
- Backpacking
- Hostels
- Beach trips
- General travel
- Camping
- Weekend getaways
Many travellers choose a standard travel towel because it performs well in almost every situation without taking up excessive space in luggage.
If you're unsure which size to choose, a standard travel towel is often the safest option.
Travelling overseas? Our guide to choosing the best travel towel for Europe covers what many Australian travellers look for before they pack.
Hand Towels: The Perfect Travel Companion
Compact towels are often underestimated.
While they aren't intended to replace a full-sized travel towel, they can become one of the most useful items you pack.
A compact hand towel is easy to keep in a handbag, backpack, beach bag, caravan or gym bag, ready whenever you need it.
They're particularly useful for:
- Day trips and sightseeing
- Gym visits
- Beach outings
- Caravan and campervan travel
- Public amenities and campgrounds
- Keeping in a handbag or backpack
- Everyday travel convenience
Many experienced travellers carry a full-sized travel towel as their primary towel and a compact hand towel as a companion. This combination provides the flexibility to handle almost any situation without taking up significant luggage space.
Rather than thinking of a hand towel as a smaller version of a travel towel, it's often better viewed as an everyday travel essential that complements a full-sized towel.
Large Travel Towels
Large travel towels provide extra coverage and comfort while still offering many of the advantages of modern travel fabrics.
They are often preferred by:
- Caravanners
- Campervan travellers
- Long-term travellers
- Families
- People who prefer bath-sheet sized towels
A larger towel can feel more luxurious after a shower or swim, particularly during longer trips where comfort becomes increasingly important.
For caravanners and campervan owners, weight and storage are often important considerations. Experienced travellers understand that every item contributes to the overall payload being carried. While a towel may seem insignificant on its own, lightweight travel towels help reduce both storage requirements and unnecessary weight.
For travellers who value extra room and comfort, a larger travel towel can be a worthwhile choice.
Caravanners and campers may also find our Best Towels for Caravanning and Camping guide useful.
Which Size Do Most Travellers Choose?
For most Australian travellers, a standard-sized travel towel offers the best balance between comfort and practicality.
It is large enough for comfortable daily use while remaining compact enough for suitcases, backpacks and carry-on luggage.
Many experienced travellers find the ideal combination is a standard travel towel for showering, swimming and general use, paired with a compact hand towel that lives in a handbag, backpack, beach bag or caravan.
Together they provide excellent versatility while taking up surprisingly little space, making them suitable for everything from Europe holidays and weekend getaways to caravanning and camping adventures.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Travel Towel
Choosing the Smallest Option Available
Saving space is important, but many travellers underestimate how much difference a little extra coverage can make over several weeks of travel.
Packing a Towel That's Too Large
A towel that is larger than necessary can take up valuable luggage space and add unnecessary weight.
Taking Multiple Towels
In many cases, one quality travel towel can replace several specialised towels.
Focusing Only on Size
Packing size matters, but drying speed, weight and versatility are equally important considerations.
Our Recommendation
If you're looking for one towel that can comfortably handle beach days, hotel stays, hostels, camping trips and general travel, a standard-sized travel towel is usually the best place to start.
A compact hand towel makes an excellent companion for day trips, gym visits and everyday travel convenience, while larger towels may appeal to caravanners and travellers who prioritise extra comfort.
The best travel towel isn't necessarily the biggest or the smallest. It's the one that fits your travel style and helps you pack efficiently without sacrificing comfort.
Looking for a travel towel for your next adventure? Explore our Travel Towels Collection.
