Travel towels are thin, compact towels which fold neatly into the size of a dinner napkin. They are a practical way to take towels along on vacations, trips to the beach, camping trips or business travels. A travel towel is a towel without the bulk of a regular sized towel. Travel towels are made of super-absorbent materials that are quick-drying and often infused with antibacterial fibers to prevent bacterial growth in between washings.
A travel towel is typically made of a microfiber, but other common materials include: nylon, polyester or viscose rayon. Microfiber towels are soft, but the material is sometimes an irritant to sensitive skin, especially dry skin. A travel towel does not slide across the skin like a regular terry cloth towel does, and some people do not like to use travel towels for this reason.
Like most products, the cost of a travel towel will depend on its size and the material it is made from. Quality microfiber, antibacterial nylon and polyester towels are some of the most expensive types of travel towels. Viscose rayon is less expensive; however, it will usually need to be softened in a washing machine for two or three cycles.
A travel towel can be washable or disposable. A disposable travel towel is extra thin, biodegradable, and compact enough to take up little space in a backpack or carry-on travel bag. These types of towels can only be used a few times, and they need to be hand washed or placed in a mesh bag in the delicate cycle of a washing machine. Many brands of travel towels are accompanied by their own small mesh bag.
Smaller travel towels usually have multiple uses. The absorbent materials make them ideal for household use. The extra thin disposable towels can even double as coffee filters or window cleaners. On the other hand, extra large travel towels can be worn as a sarong for a lightweight covering when hanging out on the beach or by the pool. Travel towels with a pocket are also available for storing keys, a wallet, or a cell phone while at the gym or pool.