50+ Must-Pack Travel Essentials for Women: A Complete Packing List

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If you’re planning a great adventure, this packing list shares the must-have travel essentials for women so you’re fully prepared, comfy, and safe on your travels.

After traveling to nearly 50 countries and living abroad for about 7 total years, I’ve learned the hard way what constitutes need-to-have travel essentials. From my many solo trips, weekend getaways, 4x moves abroad, and even a 6-month backpacking trip throughout Asia, I’ve experienced all varieties of adventure.

Which means I’ve also experienced my fair share of misadventures and packing woes. Armed with that kind of experience, I’m here to share some of my absolute travel faves!

This ultimate list of travel essentials for women are items that I personally own and love or are products that are mega popular in the travel space, with an emphasis on practical and timeless over trendy.

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Table of Contents 

Travel Bags
Travel Tech
Travel Accessories 
Travel Safety Gadgets
Essential Toiletries
Essential Clothes
Miscellaneous Travel Essentials
Non-Essential Travel Essentials

hostel rules when backpacking
I’ll never forget my backpacking experience: Nong Khiaw, Laos

50+ Must-Pack Travel Essentials for Women

Here are my go-to travel essentials I use in my travels.

Best Travel Bags for Women

Nothing is more essential than having a trusty arsenal of bags. Here I share what I personally use while offering additional budget-friendly and premium recommendations. 

American Tourister Moonlight Hardside

1. Checked Luggage

In my opinion, the best check-in suitcases are lightweight hard shells with 360°spinner wheels and a zippered divider on the interior. These are the most comfortable to wheel around, hold up the best, and are great for packing and staying organized. 

American Tourister is a great brand that balances affordability with quality. I have the Soundbox Spinner that I love because of its bright and easy-to-spot color, two-sided compartments separated by a zipper, and the four-way spinning wheels. I recommend it!

Away Travel is a highly-rated brand of suitcases. The company offers an exceptional 100-day trial, is sleek and modern, and checks all my boxes for a high-quality check-in bag. Plus the carry-on bags come with an optional built-in battery charger.

Monos Travel is another very popular brand of premium suitcases and is often compared with Away, and they, too, offer a 100-day trial and lifetime warranty. The general consensus is that Monos has a slight edge over Away in terms of quality and durability, although their bags are slightly more expensive. 

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

2. A Carry-On Bag

As carry-ons go, I prefer backpacks because I find them easier to haul around for most trips. But if you’re looking for a carry-on suitcase, the brands I recommend above are clutch! 

As for backpack recs, I love the Osprey Porter 46 and took it on my 6-month backpacking trip around Asia. It’s as big as a bag can get in terms of carry-on restrictions (too big for some budget airline standards FYI) and can hold a lot. I love that it opens like a suitcase, is excellent for organization, and is a good size that’s comfy to carry around short distances.

These days, my go-to carry-on is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L. This bag also opens like a suitcase and features an interior divider, many pockets, a laptop sleeve on the back, and a rain cover. It’s carry-on compliant, even on budget airlines like RyanAir, and is spacious enough for a long weekend getaway and longer if you’re a light packer. 

The Weekender by Beis is a cult fave amongst female travelers, and although I’ve never owned it personally, my friend loves hers. This stylish bag comes in a couple of colors and features a separate shoe compartment, a trolly sleeve, a laptop pocket, and enough space to pack for a long weekend. 

Read more: 11 Best Front Loading Backpacks for Travelers 

PacSafe Women's Citysafe

3. A Theft Proof Travel Purse

I personally don’t own a theft-proof purse. Instead, to protect myself from pickpockets, I travel with a zippered purse that I always keep on my front, and I try to stay hyper-aware in crowded spaces. I have a version of the Michael Kors Jet Set Purse which while not technically theft-proof, does have a zippered opening to help detour a quick grab and go. 

But I know many women swear by theft-proof bags, so I wanted to share! Some key things to look for in a theft-proof travel purse are if it’s made from slash-proof material, is RFID protected, and has secured zippers and security pockets. 

Some of the best-reviewed theft-proof travel bags are:

  • Pacsafe Citysafe laptop backpack: a cute and functional theft-proof laptop backpack made with durable and waterproof nylon measuring 15.4″H x 10.6″W x 6.3″D. 
  • Pacsafe Citysafe purse: a sleek fold-over purse that can be locked to fixtures and measures 11.0″H x 10.2″W x 3.2″D.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag Unisex Mini Belt Bag 

4. A Crossbody Bag

I jumped on the craze over Lululemon’s Everywhere Belt Bag and honestly love it. It’s such a compact and easy-to-carry bag that actually fits a lot. I can easily fit my phone, cards, cash, and small items like chapstick and concealer. I’ve found it’s perfect for hikes or long days out wandering cities.

Fjall Raven’s High Coast Pocket bag is a bag I’ve had my eyes on because I love the quality and durability that the brand produces. The bag can be worn across your body or as a shoulder sling and is made from recycled nylon making it rain proof.

The ODODOS Unisex Mini Belt Bag is another popular belt bag that comes in many colors and is a great budget-friendly pick.

backpacking essentials for asia
A girl and her trusty Fjallraven 20 backpack.

5. A Day Pack

Having a trusty day pack is essential when traveling. It’s where you’ll likely keep your important personal items and carry around your laptop and expensive valuables. 

I love my Fjallraven Raven 20 and use it on hikes and as a personal item when flying. The bag is exceptionally durable (I’ve had mine for 7+ years), comes in fun colors, and features a laptop sleeve, two compartments, and many pockets. The Fjallraven Kanken is another cult classic to consider, and while it lacks organizational pockets, it is still a great option.

Longchamp Le Pliage

Longchamp’s Le Pliage Original is another excellent option as daypacks go. This sleek and stylish bag is super lightweight and folds down for easy packing and storage. 

Away’s The Everywhere Zip Backpack is another stylish backpack made for travel. It features a suitcase sleeve, all the pockets you could want, and a sleek exterior. 

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag

6. Toiletries Bags: Clear and Hanging

When I travel, I use two toiletry bags: a small, clear one that’s security compliant for my carry-on bag and a larger hanging toiletries bag for my check-in suitcase. 

BAGSMART Hanging Toiletry Bag: this trusty hanging toiletry bag with optimal storage makes accessing my skincare and makeup so much easier.

BAGSMART Clear Toiletry Bag or Packism 3 Pack TSA Approved Toiletry Bag: these clear bags come in clutch for holding my essential carry-on liquids like concealer, hand cream, deodorant, etc. making it easy to take them out when going through security.

My Olympus OM-D Mirrorless camera

Essential Tech for Travel

I’m a tech queen and need my favorite electronics when traveling.

Conair Travel Hair Dryer 

7. An E-reader

I know there are some book lovers who are staunchly opposed to using e-readers but lemme tell ya, when you’re traveling and have a lot to pack, e-readers are a major lifesaver. They make it possible to carry hundreds of books on the road without the weight of physical copies. You also don’t have to worry about damaging a beloved book while transporting it in a backpack.

Some of the best E-readers are:

  • Kindle Paperwhite: I love my Kindle. It’s compact and lightweight, doesn’t need to be charged often, holds hundreds of books, and the new models are even waterproof. Kindles are also affordable, and mine has lasted me years.
  • iPad mini or SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab: for a tablet that can do more than just act as an e-reader, consider one of these leading tablets. A compact tablet can mean not needing to carry around a hefty laptop, offering more functionality than just an e-reader.
Conair Travel Hair Dryer 

8. Dual Voltage Hair Stylers: Hair Dryer And Straightener/Curling Iron

American hair stylers run on 110 volts, which isn’t compatible with most outlets abroad. So, coming with a dual voltage travel iron, hair dryer, curler, etc. is a great way to ensure you can style your hair without blowing a fuse or damaging expensive hair stylers! 

Dual voltage, travel-friendly hair stylers:

backpacking essentials for asia
Early morning photo ops in Japan with the rents! Rocking the Olympus OM-D

9. A Digital Camera

Your travels are lifelong memories you’ll cherish forever, and there’s no better way to hang onto them than with quality images. There are a million different camera options to choose from, but two that I’ve personally owned and liked (due to the balance of quality and price point) are:

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark: This lightweight mirrorless camera takes the high-quality function of a DSLR and combines it with the more automatic and portability of a regular ole digital camera. This is the current camera that I use. I also love how retro it looks and that I can change out the lenses.

Canon EOS Rebel: This baseline Canon was my first fancy camera and it’s a great starter option for those interested in getting more into photography. You change the lens, and it has many manual controls and automatic settings for those moments you just want to point and shoot.

Aureday Phone Tripod

10. A Smartphone and/or Camera Tripod

I recommend getting a tripod if you’re a solo traveler or traveling as a couple. A tripod can be embarrassing to use (trust me, I know), but it allows you to set your composition and take those oh-so-important snapshots in time that you can keep forever. And while strangers can be helpful, many people don’t know how to take a thoughtful photo when asked. 

Flexible Tripod: this handy tripod is small, lightweight, and easy to pack. The legs are made to wrap around poles or railings and can stand up so you can get the shot almost anywhere. 

PHOPIK 55″ Aluminum Extendable Tripod: this more professional tripod is less convenient to carry around but makes it possible to shoot at a higher angle. It’s also more sturdy for a DSLR camera.

11. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are a must for plane, train, and general travel. Two of the most popular and easily packable noise-canceling buds on the market are Apple AirPods Pro and SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 2 True Wireless Earbuds.

Many people prefer over-the-ear headphones, but I really like how compact my earbuds are, freeing up a lot of room in my purse and day pack.

12. Bluetooth Tracking Devices

With the recent news of airport chaos and renewed travel crowds post-pandemic, a new travel essential has topped the charts: Bluetooth tracking devices. These handy little gadgets are a great way to track your luggage and valuable possessions while traveling. The tags use Bluetooth to share their location on your smartphone.

Some of the best tracking devices for travelers are:

Anker Portable Charger

13. A Portable Battery Charger

A portable battery charger is another travel essential for women that I highly recommend, not only for convenience but safety. A charger ensures your phone is always powered on so you can call for help when needed or navigate around a new place. 

The Anker Portable Charger is a top-rated portable charger that tops the charts as one of the best quality, durable, and long-lasting. 

The Zendure SuperMini 20W is a charger the New York Times recommended in their 2023 roundup of the best portable chargers.

Omnicharge Omni 20+ 20000mah Power Bank is a powerful charging bank that packs a punch! This thick charger allows you to charge your phone and larger devices like laptops. It’s great for those who require a lot of power and must charge multiple devices simultaneously.

Universal Travel Adapter

14. An All-in-One Travel Adapter 

Having a handy all-in-one travel adapter should be in every traveler’s arsenal. The EPICKA Universal Travel Power Adapter ensures that you can stay connected and power your devices no matter where you go in the world. It comes equipped with plug converters for the EU/much of Asia, the UK, the US, and Australia and four USB ports, so you don’t have to second guess a thing. 

15. An Apple World Travel Adapter Kit

I highly recommend the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit if you own Apple products. Conveniently, larger apple charging blocks feature an interchangeable plug that makes it easy to change an American for a European plug when on the road. I received this kit as a gift (thanks, Dad!), and it’s served me so well for over a decade and for use with three different laptops. It’s timeless.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

16. An Instant Camera

An instant camera is less of an essential and more of a really fun way to capture travel memories. I was given a Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 as a birthday gift and I love how fun it is to take photos of special moments that print out instantly and make it easy to share with friends. The Polaroid I-Type is a classic pick for those who want a more traditional instant camera.

Porto Timoni Beach Corfu
Porto Timoni Beach, Corfu, Greece

Travel Accessories for Women

Now let’s cover some travel accessories that may be small but are oh so crucial for any adventure.

17. A Hand-Held Luggage Scale 

Smart packers should have a hand-held luggage scale to avoid overpacking and annoying heavy bag fees at the airport. The Etekcity Luggage Scale is one of the best-rated on Amazon. Another option is to weigh yourself on a scale (if you have one) and then hold your bag and weigh again to get an idea of how much your luggage weighs. 

Loop Quiet Ear Plugs

18. Eye Mask + Earplugs

Traveling with an eye mask and earplugs is vital to a good night’s rest, especially in public places like airplanes or hostels. I travel with a satin, black-out eye mask, and Mack’s Silicone Earplugs.

Here are some recs and options:

Cora Menstrual Disc

19. A Menstrual Cup 

Not to be dramatic, but switching to a menstrual cup has been life-changing. It completely cuts out the cost and need for me to shop for disposable period products, allows me to wander an entire day without worrying about changing anything, and is only one thing to pack. I love it. 

Here are some options for menstrual cups:

Read more: A Guide for Traveling with a Menstrual Cup 

LARQ Bottle Movement

20. A Travel Water Bottle 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t leave the house without my trusty, emotional support water bottle. I have been team Hydro Flask with a straw lid since I was given one a few years ago. But as a water bottle-obsessed girlie, I definitely have had my eye on a few other quality options. 

  • LARQ Bottle is an incredibly insulated, stainless steel bottle that is self-cleaning and water sanitizing thanks to the built-in UV light—an especially convenient feature for travelers. 
  • LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle is another sanitizing water bottle great for backpackers and outdoor adventurers that protects you against unsafe drinking water. 
  • Nomader or SPECIAL MADE are collapsible water bottles that are easy to pack and travel with. 
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22. A Compact Umbrella 

Having a super compact umbrella handy has been a lifesaver on my travels. Mine measures about 7 inches long (18cm), so it fits so nicely in my small crossbody, backpack side pocket, coat jacket, etc. Admittedly, these compact umbrellas aren’t the most durable, but they are convenient.

I got mine from a shop when I was out and about on a rainy day in Germany, but if you’re looking for an Amazon rec consider the Yoobure Small Mini Umbrella.  

Gemice Travel Bottles

23. Reusable Toiletry Bottles

Reusable toiletry bottles are great for the environment and make it possible to bring along your favorite hair and skin care items without hauling around big bottles.

They’re also great for those who prefer to travel with a carry-on and need to meet domestic and international airport liquid allowance: only 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per bottle up to a quart-sized bag.

Some of the best-reviewed reusable travel bottles are:

JHX Dirty Laundry Bag

24. A Dirty Laundry Bag 

Particularly necessary on long-term travels, a dirty laundry bag separates your stinky clothes from your clean ones. It also makes it easy to take them to the nearest laundromat if you’re traveling for extended periods of time or prefer to arrive home with freshly cleaned clothes. 

I like to use a reusable shopping tote that can fold into a ball for easy storage and in case I need it for another purpose. Whichever you use, I recommend a solid nylon bag over a mesh one because, again, you wanna keep those dirty clothes truly separate.

Mossio Shoe Bag

25. Travel Shoe Bags

Another packing tip is to use shoe bags to keep anything you’ve ever stepped on away from your clean clothes. It also helps keep away foot stink and keep your overall luggage fresh. 

The Mossio Shoe Bag fits three pairs and is a super popular option that went viral on travel TikTok, so I wanted to share! I personally use individual bags like these YAMIU Travel Shoe Bags that are more compact and made of waterproof nylon. 

BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes 

26. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a must. I was once a non-believer, but they truly upped my packing game. They help keep things organized and make it possible to pack more into a single suitcase. They’re also great for keeping clean and dirty things separate!

Some high-rated packing cubes to check out:

OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel

27. A Microfiber Towel

If you’re a backpacker planning to stay in hostels, a microfiber towel is a must! Many hostels don’t include complimentary towel use and instead charge a fee. These towels are also great for any adventures involving being outdoors and camping. The OlimpiaFit Quick Dry Towel and Rainleaf Microfiber Towel are highly reviewed in various sizes, quick drying, and compact.

Passport Holder Women

28. An RFID Passport Wallet

Keeping your valuables safe includes storing credit cards and scannable items in an RFID-protected wallet. A wallet with RFID protection means that scammers can’t simply walk by and scan your credit card information. This RFID Passport Wallet is a quality option with many color choices.

Travel Jewelry Organizer 

29. A Jewelry Carrying Case

If you love to accessorize on the road, you need a nice jewelry case! Here are a few options from minimal to extra:

rice fields Bali
Bali Rice Fields

Travel Safety Essentials for Women

In full transparency, I don’t own or use many of the below as a solo female traveler. However, we all have our own comfort levels, and I wanted to mention these security gadgets for anyone seeking peace of mind while on the road. And if the right situation arose, I would pick up one or two (say if I was traveling around the US or in the outdoors solo).

Portable Door Lock

30. Safety travel gear

Portable Door Stopper Floor
  • Portable door jam with alarm: a door wedge with an alarm to alert you to anyone entering your room, particularly best for use in vacation rentals.
  • Self-Defense Keychain: A cute keychain that comes with a variety of security accessories, including a personal alarm, whistle, hand sanitizer holder, etc.
  • Master Lock Portable Small Lock Box: a portable lock box protected by a combo lock and security cord to store your small valuables while traveling. 
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt, Austria

Essential Toiletries to Pack

In my toiletries bag, I have my favorite makeup, face care (cleanser, toner, treatment, and moisturizer), and a few other essentials. While there are a million makeup and skincare items I could recommend, instead, here are some specific items I always keep on me that anyone can find helpful.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF

31. Essential Travel Toiletries for Women

No trip is complete without a well-stocked toiletry bag to ensure you stay fresh and clean. Here are my go-to basics:

things to buy in India
A scarf was particularly handy in India

What Clothing to Pack on Your Adventures

Again, I recognize that everyone has a unique style, preference, etc., AND there are a million different items of clothing I could recommend! So I will refrain from recommending too many specifics and instead share the basic travel essentials I feel people should have in addition to their usual wardrobe.

My Patagonia Nano Puff during a trek through the Indian Himalayas

32. A Packable Down Jacket

Investing in a quality packable down jacket has been one of the best things I’ve done. These jackets are lightweight, warm, water-resistant, and easy to pack and layer. I also use my down jacket for outdoor adventures like hiking and camping and everyday wear when it’s especially cold outside. 

I personally love my Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket, but it is expensive. The Amazon Essentials jacket is a great budget option in women’s and men’s sizing.

Birkenstock Womens Arizona

33. Comfortable Walking Sandals

I know, I know, you may be thinking “Birks/Tevas/Chacos/[Insert Practical Walking Sandal Here] are not fashionable.” Pfft. For the sake of my wallet, the environment, and my feet, the practical and timeless option is always best IMHO.

I love my Birks and how practical and comfy they are for wandering around! They’re also highly convenient for post-hiking trips and outdoor adventures, where you can easily slip them on with warm wool socks. 

Dr. Scholl’s

34. Comfortable and Versatile Walking Shoes

My idea of the perfect walking shoe is a comfortable, stylish, and timeless pair. My go-to tends to be any version of white Nike or Adidas low tops because they never go out of style and match most outfits.

You’re probably thinking, hey, those aren’t remarkably comfy. No, but they are if you pair them with a quality sole insert like Dr. Scholl’s! Who says we can’t look cute without protecting our feet?

backpacking essentials for Asia
My Timberlands in Banff National Park, Canada

35. Waterproof Hiking Boots

My fellow outdoor girlies who enjoy visiting new natural wonders should invest in a nice pair of waterproof hiking boots! My favorites are my Timberlands, which are cute and functional. Other boots I recommend are Merrel, Columbia, and Danner, my dream pair that are a little pricey. 

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36. Cheap, Waterproof Flip Flops 

Depending on the nature of your travels, having a pair of cheap flip-flops can come in handy. Whether as shower shoes in hostels or days spent in the salt and sand, you won’t feel bad if they get ruined or lost while traveling. Old Navy flip flops are good

As are any waterproof sandals you can find on Amazon, like these pillow slides. 

rain jacket hiking
Hiking in Alaska requires a good rain jacket

37. A Rain Jacket

Every traveler needs a trusty rain jacket. The North Face and Columbia are two brands known for their quality, which translates well to their rain jackets. If you’re not into the outdoorsy style, this SaphiRose rain jacket and Fahsyee option are cute and affordable. 

Scarf Pocket Travel

38. A Lightweight Scarf 

A lightweight scarf can come in handy in more ways than one. While it can offer a bit of warmth around your neck, it can also act as a blanket or pillow on long plane/train/bus rides or even as a sarong or shoulder covering when visiting sacred places like a temple or church. 

There are even travel scarves with hidden security pockets.

A basic pashmina or the HappyLuxe Wayfarer Travel Shawl and Manio Cashmere Shawl are all great picks. 

Darn Tough socks

39. Thick, Wool Socks

As someone who is perpetually cold, I love my wool socks, particularly while traveling. They’re great for extended periods spent wandering out in the cold and relaxing in hotel rooms. My favorite brand is Smartwool, but Amazon Essentials and Darn Tough are other worthy options.

Sunski Dipsea

40. Polarized Sunnies

Polarized sunglasses are a travel essential everyone should own. Protecting your eyes from UV rays while out and about is very important. This is another one of those things where it’s impossible to offer a recommendation that will suit everyone’s taste. 

But I like my classic RayBans. They also have a pair of folding Wayfarer glasses that are great for packing.

I also recently purchased the Sunski Dipseas for a cheaper, polarized pair I won’t have to worry so much about losing (because I notoriously misplace my sunglasses).

Packing BTS for my 6-month backpacking trip through Asia in 2019

41. A Capsule Wardrobe

Depending on where I’m traveling, I try to be thoughtful and pack a capsule wardrobe of items that can work well with many pieces—so things that can be layered and are neutral or complimentary colors. 

As a basic packing list, I typically bring 2-4 bottoms, 2 cover-ups/sweaters, a coat or jacket, 4-5 tops, loungewear, 2 leggings, and the appropriate number of socks and undies.

I also try to limit my shoes to two or three pairs: cute but comfy sneakers, boots (fall/winter) or sandals (summer), and specialty shoes if my travel plans include hiking, running, going out, etc.

Belem Tower Lisbon

Miscellaneous Travel Essentials

These travel essentials aren’t really items you buy or can physically hold, but are important things every savvy traveler should consider traveling with.

42. Misc Travel Essentials

  • Charles Schwab Investor Checking Account: One of the best banking decisions I’ve ever made. This account was created for travelers. Their customer service is easy to reach even when abroad, they refund all ATM fees and don’t charge for international transactions.
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card: Earn exceptional travel rewards that go further towards flights, hotels, and transportation. 
  • Travel insurance is a must to stay protected in case of an emergency while abroad.
  • Essential medications, vaccinations, or prevention meds like anti-diarrhea anti-malaria, etc.
  • Essential travel apps 
  • Copies of passport and other essential documents: Always travel with copies of your passport and other docs. If you lose your passport, it’ll come in handy when trying to get an emergency replacement at the nearest embassy. 
  • AirAlo App: AirAlo makes paying for an e-SIM on your phone easy, so you can stay connected even while abroad.
spring in Busan
Busan, South Korea

Non-Essential Travel Essentials You May Find Useful 

There are so many cool and unique travel gadgets out there that I just wanted to share! You likely won’t need these items for every adventure, but it doesn’t hurt to spread the knowledge. 

43. Additional Fun Travel Gadgets for Women

AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter Luggage Travel Cup Holder 

Did I miss any travel essentials for women that should have made the cut? Share below!

travel essentials for women graphic

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