What Makes the Best Travel Towel (And What to Avoid)

You don’t realise how important a towel is until you’ve packed the wrong one.

Maybe it’s one of those cheap microfibre towels that feels like drying off with cling film. Or maybe it’s a massive sand-free towel that’s so bulky it needs its own seat on the bus.

When you're travelling — whether it’s beach days in Europe or tropical adventures in Southeast Asia — a towel is one of the most-used items in your pack. But not all travel towels are created equal.

After visiting 100+ countries, trust me: I’ve tested all the types. So here’s what to avoid, what to look for, and what actually makes the best travel towel — especially if you're after something that dries fast, saves space, and doesn’t stink after one use.

Why Your Towel Choice Matters More Than You Think

People love to talk about what clothes to pack, what shoes to bring, or how many pairs of socks you really need. But towels get overlooked — until you’re stuck trying to dry off with a crunchy hostel towel or a cloth that repels water more than it absorbs.

And when you’re travelling light, you can’t afford to waste space on something that doesn’t actually work.

A great travel towel should:

Dry you off fast
Dry itself even faster
Roll up compact
Smell fresh (even after daily use)
Be light enough to carry everywhere
Actually feel good on your skin

What NOT to Pack: The Worst Offenders

🚫 1. Cheap Microfibre Towels

They seem like a good idea — lightweight, small, affordable. But here’s the truth:

They barely absorb water
They feel sticky and plasticky
They start smelling fast
They don’t dry properly
They make every shower kind of miserable

If you’ve used one, you know the deal. I’ve bought a few in emergencies — and regretted every one. I’d rather air-dry than deal with that weird clingy feeling again.

🚫 2. Bulky “Sand-Free” Towels That Aren’t Travel-Friendly

These are great in theory. But many “sand-free” towels are huge. Like, don’t-fit-in-your-daypack huge.

Sure, they shake sand off easily, but:

They’re heavy
They take forever to dry
They hog space
They’re a pain to carry when you’re walking around cities or jumping on transport

They’re better for car camping than actual travel.

What Actually Makes the Best Travel Towel?

Let’s break it down. A proper travel towel should be:

Absorbent (actually dries you)
Quick drying (so it’s ready for reuse)
Compact (takes up no room)
Lightweight (easy to carry)
Multi-use (towel, blanket, beach mat, scarf…)
Odour-resistant (no weird smells)
Soft on skin (no scratchy textures)
Stylish (because why not look cute while drying off?)

yellow_shell_beach_towel_with_zip_pocket_and_pegs_australia

Why I Designed My Own Travel Towel

After years of frustration, I gave up on cheap towels and made my own. Here’s what I built into the Nomadique travel towel:

✅ Quick Drying Fabric

This quick dry towel actually dries between uses — even when I use it back-to-back at the beach and in a hostel shower. It never stays damp.

✅ Actually Absorbs Water

It’s soft and absorbent. You’ll never feel like you’re just pushing water around on your skin.

✅ Sand-Free Without the Bulk

It’s a real sand free beach towel, but it folds up small. No extra bulk. I can clip it to the outside of my bag and barely feel it’s there.

✅ Hidden Zip Pocket

My favourite feature: it’s a beach towel with pocket! I use it to stash my hostel key, bank card, or lip balm. I’ve even zipped in my phone while swimming. Total game-changer.

✅ Looks Good, Feels Good

Most travel towels look like gym mats. Not this one. It’s lightweight, buttery soft, and actually stylish — so I don’t mind lounging on it all day or carrying it around town.

black and white stripe beach towel australia nomadique pockets

Real Talk From Other Travellers

“This towel dries faster than anything I’ve used — and actually dries me!”
“I’ve used it as a towel, blanket, scarf, pillow, even to wrap wine bottles — it’s genius.”
“The zip pocket is a life-saver. I didn’t realise how often I’d use it until I had it.”
“It’s small, light, dries fast, and doesn’t smell. It’s coming with me everywhere.”

If you’re heading to the beaches of Croatia, the hostels of Thailand, or weekend dips in the Amalfi Coast — this towel has your back. Literally.

Malibu Blue Checkered sand free Beach Towel With Pocket on white sand beach in Australia

Other Features That Matter

Built-in hanging loop for easy drying
Washes well — throw it in with anything
Doesn’t trap smells — even after daily use
Rolls small and fits in any day bag
Perfect for carry-on only travellers

beige_shells_aesthetic_beach towels australia sandfree with pocket

Bonus: Why the Pocket Is Actually Essential

If you’ve ever headed to the beach or hostel bathroom with nowhere safe for your valuables, you get it.

The beach towel with pocket solves that. It’s hidden, discreet, and zippered — perfect for keeping your small valuables with you while you swim, sunbathe, or shower. I use mine daily, and I’d never go back to a regular towel.

Final Thoughts: One Towel to Rule Them All

You don’t need three towels for travel — just one really good one.

The best travel towels are:

Light
Fast-drying
Absorbent
Sand-resistant
Smartly designed (hello pockets)
Easy to pack
Actually nice to use

Skip the crunchy microfibre and the oversized beach blankets. Get yourself a quick dry towel that folds small, looks good, and works wherever you are — from hostel to hike to spontaneous swim.

If you want a towel that does it all — and actually fits your travel lifestyle — this is it.