21+ Must-Have Travel Essentials For Women: Versatile & Chic
Packing for a trip can feel overwhelming. You want to be prepared, but your carry-on has only so much space.
How do you know what’s essential and just taking up space? The answer is finding the perfect balance between practical and stylish travel essentials.
But let’s be real—as a woman, your packing list has a few more must-haves. You must pack items like feminine products and safety items.
This guide will help you pack, ensuring you have all the essential travel items you need without overpacking.
When it comes to packing, it’s easy to go overboard. You start with the basics, but before you know it, you’ve filled your suitcase with “just-in-case” items.
It’s no surprise that overpacking is one of the biggest stressors for travelers, especially when trying to stick to carry-on limits.
I can tell you from personal experience I have had way too many fair shares of “I wish I had packed that and not this.”
That’s why I created this list of must-have travel essentials for women. It’s put together specifically to help you cover all your bases. So you will carry your comfort and convenience wherever you travel.
What Are The Travel Essentials for Women?
So, let’s discuss everything a woman needs to pack for every trip, long trip, or business trip in her carry-on or tote bag.
I have also packed most of these items in this travel essentials list on my trips, and they have lightened the load of travel stress off of me.
This post’s goal is to ensure you also experience stress-free travel so you would want to travel again.
Packing List For Women Overview
Packs These To Survive Long Flights
First Aid Kit and Hygiene Packing List
Personalized Aid Kit
This goes without saying: YOU MUST PACK first aid kits and pack things you know work for you! I cannot stress this enough because a first aid kit is a true lifesaver.
For example, I always pack cortisone cream when my eczema flares up when I travel. I also pack Zyrtecs.
Other necessary travel items would be alcohol wipes or Compeed blister plasters.
Frankly, my family used to make fun of me for carrying my first aid kit everywhere I went, but look who was laughing when they asked for Ibuprofen because of a bulging headache? No one really, but they started to appreciate it.
Small Sewing Kit
This one is very versatile. For example, I use the thread to thread my facial hair, so that’s a plus.
Also, the needle or a bobby pin in this kit can remove any piece of wood when you get a splinter.
Of course, you can also use it to sew in instances of wear and tear on your backpack or your favorite pants.
Compression Socks
When you have to sit in an airplane seat with little room to stretch your legs, your legs will start to feel weird, and you know you cannot do anything about it. But these compression socks will save your legs from a long, arduous flight!
Another place you should pack these compression socks is on a long road trip because wearing them will make your leg feel like sitting in an airplane.
Neck Pillow
A neck pillow is necessary if your flight lasts more than 2 hours. You will need neck pillows for your international flights.
Eye Mask
When you are on the move, you must create your sleeping environment on the go. You will need a good-quality eye mask to block out the lights.
Earplugs
Sometimes, noise-canceling headphones aren’t the best for sleeping on a plane. They can be bulky and uncomfortable, especially on long flights. Instead, I rely on earplugs.
Earplugs aren’t just for flights; they’re handy in hotels, too. Or any place where you have decided to spend the night. The busy hallway noise or slamming doors can interrupt sleep.
I always keep extra pairs of earplugs by my bed at home, just in case. Earplugs are a simple but effective way to ensure a peaceful rest wherever you are.
Travel Scarf
A scarf is one of this list’s most versatile and stylish items. You can wear it on long flights when the inside of the airplane usually drops to an uncomfortable temperature.
You can also use it to shield yourself from the bulging sun when you forget to apply sunscreen.
Another use is whenever you need to enter religious sites. You can place it over your head and, voila, a modest outfit only if your scarf is long, like the Pashmina Shawl. OMG, these shawls are so soft!
Snacks
Any food in the airport is always overpriced. I have my comfort food/drinks, and they are simple: tea and honey. So, I always keep a couple of tea bags and a tiny bottle of honey.
When it comes to food, I like to pack a sandwich, which is simple but nutritional. Although you might feel like having junk food like sweets or chips will help you feel better.
But in my case, I noticed that whenever I pack something nutritious and delicious, I feel calmer and less stressed out. And I don’t get the need to eat a lot, too.
When packing snacks for your flight, remember that they must be TSA-approved. Some states do not allow fresh fruits, so check your destination restrictions before you pack snacks!
Noise Canceling Headphones
If you have been on a plane before, you know how loud it gets during the flight. So, if you are trying to watch something on the plane and have just regular earphones, you will have difficulty hearing what you are watching. But with the noise-canceling headphones, you can watch any movie you desire.
Kindle or Any E-Reader or a Physical Book
If you are more of a reader, pack your Kindle or download some books on your phone. Reading books on your trip, long layovers, or long flights is an entertainment option.
Spoon, Chopstick, or Spork
Bringing along a set of basic eating utensils will make life easier while traveling.
A spoon, chopsticks, or spork lets you enjoy meals from grocery stores or local markets, no matter where you are. You can also use them to stir your coffee or tea.
Pillow Case
I am known to carry extra pillowcases because I fear the pillowcases provided are not clean enough.
You can also use these pillowcases to stuff large items like jackets and treat them like pillows or comforters. Of course, the airlines do not usually say anything if it isn’t too noticeable.
Small Pen and a Notepad
Sometimes, going back to basics with a pen and notepad is the best way to clear your mind.
Having a pen and paper can be surprisingly refreshing. You can jot down ideas, make travel notes, or sketch something that catches your eye.
Plus, it’s great for quick notes on the go.
Travel-sized toiletries
Pack toiletries that you know work for your hair and body. Don’t assume that you will find your favorite shampoo and conditioner in the destination you are going to. Plus, you might not see them in a travel size.
So, the best option is to buy those travel-sized containers and fill them with your products. This way, you will always pack your liquid products below the TSA limit.
Laundry detergent Sheets
Laundry detergent sheets or a laundry soap bar are perfect for keeping your clothes fresh while traveling, especially on longer trips.
These options are compact and easy to pack. Unlike liquid detergents, detergent sheets, and soap bars won’t leak or take up much space in your luggage.
They’re also TSA-friendly, so you can pack them in your carry-on without issues.
Or pack a laundry soap bar if you like to wash clothes by hand.
A simple dry bag
You can pack your dirty laundry in plastic bags. It would be best to keep them separate; otherwise, your fresh laundry will quickly go bad.
You can also purchase travel-sized dry bags; they act like a washing machine.
You just need to add some water, then add your laundry detergent sheets, and with some agitation, your clothes will be clean.
Retractable Portable Clothesline for Travel
When you decide to wash your clothes, you will need a place to hang them.
Whenever I wash my clothes, I try to hang them in any open space. Having your washed clothes scattered around your room would not be ideal.
This is where a retractable portable clothesline will come in handy.
Wash your clothes, then hang them to dry.
Reusable Water Bottle
Water bottles, especially when insulated, provide hydration at the right temperature at any time.
I usually add electrolytes, like pink salt, to my water bottle because I have noticed that purified waters are also depleted of essential electrolytes.
I always carry my yellow Hydroflask everywhere because it is easy to recognize when missing.
Never forget the importance of being hydrated!
Disinfectant Wipes
Unfortunately, we had to experience COVID-19 as an entire world together. It was not a pleasant experience. But we all learned a critical lesson. You can catch viruses or bacteria from surfaces. And when you travel, you want to minimize catching any sickness.
I always pack my disinfectant wipes in my purse for easy access. So, when I board the plane and sit down, I wipe my area to ensure it is clean enough.
You can also use these disinfectant wipes when water is unavailable to wash hands.
Baby Wipes (wet wipes) or Portable bidet + washcloth
Hygiene in the private parts can be challenging when you are traveling. Shower access can be unavailable, especially when traveling to a remote land to camp or trek.
Baby or wet wipes on a long layover will make you feel fresh.
Another more eco-friendly approach is to get a portable bidet plus a washcloth; a combo is like being in the shower.
Feminine Products
Feminine Products: Pads/tampons/Liners/cups/disc/applicator + period underwear
I usually pack some feminine products, like liners and pads, just in case. Sometimes, you forget that your period is coming.
Pack a couple of each product you use. They don’t take up much space anyway.
Anti-Theft Travel Purse
Anti-theft purses are made specifically for pickpocketing in mind. They are made of sturdy material, making it harder to cut it open and difficult to access the inside content without you knowing about them.
Rfid Blocking Wallet
Rfid blocking wallets helps to prevent scammers from trying to tap on your cards and charge them.
A Hat or a Cap
Anything to keep your head protected from the sun, put it on, especially during the hot weather and in regions where the sun’s UV rays are intense.
I get headaches whenever I stay in the sun without a hat for too long, even though these hats provide some sun protection. Of course, nothing beats a shaded room, but what is fun in always staying inside?
Cheap Sunglasses
Nowadays, most sunglasses have UV protective features and are polarized. You need to protect your eyes, just like you need to protect your head, your face, and your body from the sun.
Sunscreen SPF 50+
Now, to finish off our list of sun protection items, we need sunscreen. There are many options. I hope you already use one daily and do not leave home without applying it at least once daily.
My favorite is from a Korean brand, Joseon. It is a moisturizing sunscreen that does not leave a white cast.
Reusable shopping bag
When traveling, you will always purchase things, be it souvenirs, take-out food, or groceries. You can put them in your backpack, but your bag contains essentials. A backpack or a purse may not be large enough to hold what you are getting.
This is why we always need to carry a reusable shopping bag. Most ideal ones have little bags that you can tuck in.
Travel Jewelry Organizer
If you are a girlie who loves wearing jewelry, you must have a place to store it and keep it from losing or tangling.
This is where a rigid or structured jewelry organizer comes in handy. Jewelries take up little space, but they need the most care. They are not cheap items we care for ourselves. Of course, I would not recommend packing your expensive items with you when traveling.
When we are on the road, people lose things, forget them, or steal stuff—something to keep in mind.
Toiletry Bag
Get a toiletry bag to keep everything intact without spilling over. You can pack all your essentials in one place and hang the bag for easy access in the hotel or an Airbnb bathroom.
Carry-On Luggage
If you are planning longer trips, you must have sturdy carry-on luggage. There are many options out there. I bought the one I have at the flea market in Oakland about ten years ago.
When buying a new one, you must ensure it is the right size, and different airlines have different size regulations.
- Southwest: 24 in x 16 in x 10 in, including wheels, handles, and attachments
- American: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in, including wheels and handles
- Alaska: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in, including wheels and handles
- Delta: 22 in x 14 in x 9 in, including wheels and handles, and the total length + width + height must not exceed 45 linear inches
- United: 9 in x 14 in x 22 in, including wheels and handles
Packing Cubes
You can fold your clothes however you want, but you cannot save as much space as you would with packing cubes.
I like the ones with sturdy stitches and zippers. Packing cubes come in different sizes for tops, pants, and shoes.
This is the best way to organize your luggage and even your backpack if you like to travel with only a personal item.
Capsule Wardrobe
Clothes are the main thing we pack when we are flying. The easy recommendation is to pack the basics and versatile clothing items that can go with other items.
A quick rule: 5-4-3-2-1. Pack five tops, such as shirts or blouses; four bottoms, like pants or skirts; three pieces of footwear, like running shoes or walking shoes and dress shoes, slippers; two dresses; and an accessory item, such as a hat or a jewelry set.
But always remember to pack these essentials, including your wardrobe sets, comfortable shoes because you will be on your feet the entire day for most of your trip, slippers because your feet will need time to breathe, a swimsuit because you never know if you will go down to the hotel’s jacuzzi or do a spontaneous swim in the river.
Makeup
Pack a face wash to remove all that street dust and dirt from your face, even if you do not put on makeup. This will help you avoid breaking out during your travels.
But if you are into makeup and love the art of face artistry, then try to pack only the essentials, like foundation, blush, primer, and others. And only pack the needed number of brushes.
Lastly, place all your makeup products in one bag. If you plan to pack your makeup items in your carry-on luggage, you should not have a problem since most items weigh less than 3 ounces.
Hair Styling Tools
If you love to travel luxuriously or love to take gorgeous photos in your dream destinations, you might want to pack a hair styling tool like a curling iron or a hair straightener or a blow dryer.
I wrote about a best travel curling irons with dual voltage that will help you pick the right travel curling iron for your needs.
And the dual voltage is very important. Otherwise, you will run the risk of either frying your hair or your hair styling tool.
Microfiber Towel
Microfiber towels are lightweight; I like the ones with their packing bags. They dry quickly and don’t take up as much space as the bulky beach towels we enjoy.
Travel bra
Most bras are uncomfortable, some are tight, and some don’t even provide the support they should. When traveling, you need to feel as much comfort as possible.
If you already have a bra you feel comfortable in, pack that! If you still wear bras with wires or uncomfortably tight, I highly suggest you get a new one for your next flight.
Poncho
Waterproof Ponchos are versatile. If you are going to regions with heavy rain, pack a poncho. It is more compact than an umbrella.
AirTags
AirTags are a smart addition to any travel setup. Slip one into your checked luggage to easily track it. Sometimes, you can also check your carry-on bags too.
You can also place an AirTag or any other essential bag in your purse. This way, you’ll always know exactly where your belongings are, adding peace of mind during your travels.
Travel Extension Cords
When you are on the move, you need to charge your electronics, like your phone or laptop, constantly. Sometimes, the charging outlet is far from your seat. You wouldn’t want to leave your phone charging somewhere far away, so getting a long, lightweight extension cord is useful.
Do not use USB charging ports at airports or anywhere else in public. They are known to hack phones. It is best to use the outlet.
Portable Charger
A portable charger is essential for staying connected on the go. It ensures your phone, tablet, or e-reader doesn’t run out of power while you’re traveling.
Look for one with multiple USB ports and enough capacity to charge your devices several times. This way, you’ll never have to worry about finding an outlet when you need it most.
Adaptors
If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll likely need an adaptor to charge your devices.
Different countries use different plug types, so an adaptor will ensure your chargers work wherever you go.
Consider getting a universal adaptor that works in multiple regions. Some even have USB ports, allowing you to charge several devices simultaneously.
Multicolored Flashlight
These flashlights should have three primary colors: White, red, UV
White light is essential; you need to see in the dark, for example, in one of your night hikes.
UV light to bed bugs before you jump into that bed. You can also see scorpions as they fluoresce under the UV light like bed bugs. And, of course, you can see all the bodily fluids in the room, just a heads up.
Another thing I learned from a Reddit user is that if you are in a hostel and share a room, use the red light to avoid disturbing others. Red light does not interfere with sleep like blue light does.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape is a versatile essential. If your travel gear breaks in the middle of a Safari trip, you can use it to put the pieces together.
If there is an annoying light in your hotel room, you can tape it over the light so you can finally sleep peacefully.
Extra Ziploc bag and Extra Hair Ties
Extra Ziploc bags and hair ties can be handy when traveling. Ziploc bags help keep items organized and protected from spills.
You can pack quick snacks in the Ziploc bag, use one as a trash collector, or organize small things. You will always need a container in your travels, and having a ziploc back is compact, small, and super helpful.
Hair ties are great when you need to keep things together, like your wires or a bag clothed. They are very versatile and sturdy.
Portable Door Lock
A portable door lock is a crucial safety travel gear you must pack on your next trip. Knowing that your doors are physically locked will help you feel more at ease and relaxed.
It’s easy to install and makes it more difficult for anyone to enter unexpectedly. Perfect for solo travelers or anyone wanting extra safety on the road.
Travel Credit Card
With the availability of credit cards and all the perks that come with them, you benefit from using a travel credit card.
It is much safer to use a credit card than your debit card, for example, because credit cards allow you to dispute any unknown charges.
Plus, you earn points for using the credit card, which you can redeem to fly first class, for example.
Travel Insurance
Although travel insurance may not be the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind, you cannot predict the future.
Sometimes, your luggage would get lost, as has happened to many passengers.
Or if you are a thrill seeker, some risks go with your favorite adventure activities.
So, it is wise to get insurance that fits your needs, such as insurance for baggage or canceled flights.
e-Sim
This is important when traveling abroad and your cell service does not work. Instead of chasing wifi, you will have the internet network wherever you go. In my honest opinion, the cons of public Wi-Fi are that you risk getting hacked, even with a VPN.
Why Do Women Need To Pack These Essentials?
When you travel to a foreign land, whether New York City or London, it is not always easy to find what you need and what works for you, when you purchase in a different city, you must make guesses and hope that the products you buy from the nearby pharmacy will not flare up your scalp.
Also, some of these essentials on this list are about your safety, like the portable door lock, or protection from the sun, like sunscreen or a hat. Usually, essential items are overlooked when packing luggage bags, thinking you can buy them at the target destination. But it might cost you more money and time.
So the best advice is to pack your essentials first, and then, if there is enough space, pack what you want to have. But it is not going to make or break your trip.
What Do You Always Need To Pack When Traveling?
Certain items are necessary for every short or long trip, no matter where you’re headed. Here’s what you should always pack to cover the basics:
- Travel documents, like your passport, are essential. Check if you need a visa, pack IDs, and make extra copies of your documents.
- Medications. Everybody is different and has different needs. Pack your medications.
- If you plan to work on the trip, you need charged electronics, like your phone or laptop, chargers, and a power bank.
- Hygiene essentials, from a toothbrush to a shampoo.
Pack what you need, but don’t overpack it.
What Is The Most Forgotten Item When Packing For A Trip?
The most forgotten items when packing for a trip are the ones we think we can travel without or those we believe we can buy on the road.
So, here are some of the most commonly forgotten travel items:
- Some sort of entertainment like Kindle or crocheting project, for example.
- A reusable shopping bag
- A universal power adapter
- A travel-sized sewing kit
- A travel-sized first-aid kit
- A small flashlight
- A travel-sized laundry detergent
Final Thoughts,
Remember, the right travel essentials depend on your destination, length of stay, and personal needs.
When packing, always ask yourself: will I need this there? What purpose will it serve? – The Marie Kondo way
Ready to start packing? Check off these essentials and customize your list to fit your trip!