The Ultimate Travel Essentials for Women: 11 Must-Haves for International and Domestic Adventures!
Traveling is one of my favorite things, but for women (myself included), packing for a trip can sometimes feel overwhelming and cause stress before a vacation has even started.
To help you navigate through the chaos, I compiled a list of my ultimate travel essentials for women.
Now this isn't your normal list of 6 pairs of socks, and 3 pairs of jeans. These are things that you may not realize you need until you NEED them.
This is a list that I have cultivated over hundreds of traveling experiences and now I pack these items for every single trip.
Here are the 11 travel essentials for women you simply can't travel without!
By clicking on Amazon affiliate links within this content, we may earn a commission for any purchases made. The products below are all products I have used personally and found useful for my travels.
1. Dry Bag
First on my travel essentials for women list is a dry bag.
This is an absolute must-have. Beyond keeping things dry this bag can double as a bag for your groceries, a place to store wet clothes, or a place to put dirty clothes or shoes so they don't contaminate the rest of your suitcase.
You can even use this as a portable washing machine. Bag up your dirty clothes, add some water and a little soap and give it some good shakes. This movement will wash the clothes, after a rinse, you will have another round of clean clothes for your trip!
I like this one because it comes with several sizes for a great price, that way you can choose the size that will suite you best for each specific trip.
2. Baby Wipes
Next up are baby wipes—not just for babies! Wet wipes are just generally a great thing to have on hand. I didn't start bringing these with me until I had a baby and that is when I realized how much I used them for myself!
They are great for anything from cleaning your hands after a meal, to subbing for toilet paper in a public bathroom, to freshening up during a long flight.
These ones are 99.9% water and come in a travel size pack. Perfect for sensitive skin and a budget!
A reliable USB portable charger is crucial for any female traveler. It ensures that your devices stay charged no matter where you are. Sometimes things don't go as planned so I like to make sure I always have a backup.
I love this specific charger, it holds 24 hours of charge, so it can easily last your whole trip even if you use it every day for an hour or two. It also holds a charge for a long time. I didn't even have to charge it before my last trip, it still had 90% battery from the trip I had taken several months before!
4. Mini Fan
On hot days, hot planes, or in hot hotel rooms, a mini fan can be a true lifesaver. This compact and lightweight device can keep you cool, especially during summer trips or tropical vacations. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures, helping to maintain your comfort as you explore. If you are prone to overheating you will appreciate having this little gadget on those scorching afternoons.
I love this one because it is battery powered, super compact/portable, and surprisingly powerful.
5. Travel Pill Organizer
Now you might be thinking, oh I don't take medication... trust me this will still be a life saver at some point. Traveling can put stress on your body and make it act out in ways you may not expect and its much easier to have the medication you need on hand, then have to hunt down a pharmacy in a foreign country.
I pack a variety of pills that I might need, including allergy meds, motion sickness tablets, sleep aids, laxatives, tums, and of course ibuprofen. Nothing can ruin a trip faster than not feeling well.
A turkish towel, is a lightweight blanket/towel that deserves a spot on your travel packing list. It's so multifunctional—you can use it for a beach day, a picnic, or even to wrap up during a chilly plane ride and they are beautiful which means they can easily pass for a shawl or scarf.
It folds/rolls up very small and dries quickly, making it one of those practical travel essentials for women, I can't think of the last time I didn't whip it out at least once on a trip.
7. Tampons
Another must-have is tampons. Even if you don't think you'll need them, travel and cycles can be unpredictable. It's wise to keep a stash in your bag as part of your toiletries. Many other countries do not sell tampons and those that do often do not carry the same brands abroad, making it essential to pack your own just in case!
I will let you find your own, as personal preference is strong with this product!
8. Travel SIM
If you're traveling internationally, consider getting a travel SIM card. This small investment can save you from high roaming fees, which can sometimes reach $10 per MB, most U.S. based carriers offer international plans, but they can get expensive quickly and relying on WIFI can get you into sticky situations.
Staying connected is crucial for navigating new places and keeping in touch with travel companions and family.
This is a great option for international travel to Europe. Make sure to read the fine print to see if it is compatible with your phone. Don’t skip this step when creating your international essentials checklist!
9. Vaseline
Trusty Vaseline is on my packing essentials list for a reason. Not only do my lips and elbows get unnaturally chapped when I travel, but it can also soothe minor cuts, moisturize dry skin, help chaffing, and tame flyaway hair. What's not to love?
This compact wonder is ideal for your travel toiletry checklist and can easily fit into any bag.
I love the stick I linked above, it is so compact and the rolling feature makes application so easy!
10. Sunscreen Stick
A sunscreen stick is a practical way to protect your skin against harmful UV rays and uncomfortable sunburns during your adventures.
I love this portable option because its not liquid, so you can bring it on a plane and it also won't explode all over your other toiletries. It helps you reapply sunscreen without the mess, making it a great companion for beach days or any outdoor excursions.
This one is from korean beauty, it has such great coverage and smells incredible without being too greasy. 10/10 recommend.
11. Dawn Dish Soap or Fels-Naptha Laundry Soap
Last but not least, I never leave home without a small bottle of Dawn dish soap or a Fels-Naptha laundry soap bar. You will get a stain, and if you don't want to mourn the loss of your favorite white top, this is a travel essential.
We all know the wonders of dawn dish soap and if you are needing an option for dish soap as well as laundry soap this works great.
However I will say Fels-Naptha is the most effective stain remover I have ever seen in my life and it can double as a detergent in a pinch. Since I discovered this wonder product I now bring a little cube of it in my carry-on. It's compact and eco-friendly, making it a must-have for anyone who is prone to stains.
Final Thoughts
Packing for travel can feel daunting, but with this checklist of travel essentials for women, you will be well-equipped for any adventure—whether it's a solo trip to Europe or a weekend escape. Each of these items will reduce travel stress and turn potential pitfalls into smooth sailing.
With these must-pack items in your bag, you will be ready for an amazing international adventure.
Feel free to share this checklist with fellow travelers and let them in on these essential items.
I would love to know, what are your go-to packing must-haves?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
Safe Travels,
The American Gypsy
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