33 Travel Essentials for Women: The Last Packing List You’ll Need

Packing is something I’ve been refining for years. I moved to New York at 18, took my first solo international trip at 17, and have since traveled to 33 countries, spent seven summers on the French Riviera, and lived out of a carry-on for months at a time.

I’ve forgotten things, over-packed things, and learned the hard way what actually earns its place in my bag.

Along the way I’ve become something of a go-to resource on the subject. I’ve been featured as a packing and luggage expert in Forbes Vetted, People Magazine, Business Insider, and The New York Post, and I’m regularly stopped in airports by fellow travelers asking about my bags. This is the list I give them.

This is that list. The 33 travel Essentials for Women I genuinely never leave home without, built from years of real travel rather than wishful packing. No fluff, no filler.

Along the way I’ve become something of a go-to resource on the subject. I’ve been featured as a packing and luggage expert in Forbes Vetted, People Magazine, Business Insider, and The New York Post, and most recently featured again in People Magazine specifically for European travel and packing expertise.

1. Packing Cubes 

I laughed so hard when my ex-boyfriend proudly showed me a set of packing cubes he had just bought. I had never heard of them before and to be honest, they looked and sounded kind of ridiculous.

After trying them for myself on my last trip, I’m now a massive fan. I love theming my cubes, with one for shirts, one for socks, ect.

If you roll your clothes, you can fit a ton of gear into each cube (just don’t over stuff them). 

The cubes keep everything in your bag organized, plus it’s way easier to go through your bag when you inevitably have to find something you already packed.

2. Moisturizer with SPF

From the time I was a teenager, my mom always told me to apply a moisturizer with sunscreen every day, always reminding me that I’d thank her when I’m older. 

Well, I’m obviously not a teenager anymore and I’ll admit she was right. I went to the dermatologist for the first time a few months ago, and they commented I had the skin of someone about a decade younger than my age (thanks, mom). 

Travel is incredibly dehydrating for skin, so I love using Clinique Moisture Surge while I travel. It’s great because it’s majorly hydrating, plus it has aloe vera water to soothe irritated skin.

If I need some SPF coverage, I’ll use my everyday moisturizer No.7 Restore and Renew with SPF 30. It’ll keep you from getting burned while out sightseeing while making sure your skin looks nice and refreshed. 

No matter what brand you use, make sure to re-apply throughout the day to stay protected. 

3. Portable Power Charger

Portable chargers are a must have these days. They’re small enough to fit in my purse and can charge my phone multiple times before it needs recharged. 

The Anker Charger is my go-to. It has a bit of weight to it but it’s not super heavy to carry around. I almost never leave the house without my charger these days, and it’s perfect for travel and everyday life. 

4. Headphones

It took me a long time to embrace the trend of noise cancelling headphones. They just seemed expensive and way too bulky anytime I seriously considered them. 

In case you haven’t guessed, I’m a girl who loves the simplicity of ear buds.

Turns out, if you’re like me and still avoiding the insanely popular (but bulky) Bose headphones, they now make noise-canceling earbuds.

Do yourself a favor and invest in some ASAP, since it makes all the difference while you’re on that flight with the kids who won’t quit screaming their heads off. 

Or, if you’re like me and worry about losing expensive headphones when traveling a ton (I admit I’ve lost a couple on the go), invest in a cheaper non-noise cancelling pair.

5. Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fee

I waited for ages to get a credit card. I’m probably not the only one who’s heard those horror stories of people racking up mountains of credit card debt.

And while I understood that credit can have some advantages, for me, I always felt it was best to just work with what I had in my debit account instead of opening the possibility of making an impulse purchase that would put me into debt. 

But here’s the thing. Getting a credit card was one of the best investments I’ve made this year.

Yes, you have to be responsible with your purchases, but if you’re responsible and have the discipline to pay down your balance, you’ll be fine. 

I got the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, and it changed my life. I no longer have to worry about carrying cash while traveling to avoid foreign transaction fees, plus I get points on every purchase I make to use toward future travel.

Who doesn’t want free points (money) toward a future adventure?

Do your research to see what works best for your lifestyle. I researched and debated for months before choosing Chase. A great resource that I use is The Points Guy, and he does a ton of research and lays out pros and cons for each card. 

Do your research to see what works best for your lifestyle and travel habits.

6. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance seems more necessary than ever after reading about how it’s covered costs when people had to book emergency trips to their homelands after COVID-19 broke out.

Having it not only offers help during national emergencies but also offers emergency medical assistance, covers cancellation fees, lost luggage, and travel delay expenses. Basically, it helps protect against the unexpected. 

Do your research to see what insurance works best for your needs, and check with your credit card, and some cards come with basic travel insurance as a perk.

I always use Safety Wing when I’m traveling. I’ve been using them since I started traveling full time in 2020, and love how easy their customer service makes things.

7. eSIM

When I first started traveling internationally, I rented pocket WiFi devices and thought they were revolutionary. Then eSIMs came along and I never looked back.

An eSIM lets you add a local data plan directly to your phone before you even land. No extra device to charge, no airport counter to find, no deposit to leave, no physical SIM to swap.

You buy a plan online, receive a QR code, scan it, and you’re connected the moment your plane lands. For solo travelers it’s genuinely one of the best upgrades you can make.

For European travel specifically I’ve been exploring Holafly, which has reliable coverage across France, the UK, and the rest of Europe.

Always verify your phone is eSIM compatible before purchasing since not all older models support it, though most iPhones from XS onwards and recent Android models do.

8. Makeup Removing Facial Wipes

I can’t travel without face wipes, since they’re refreshing and keep your skin from breaking out (nobody wants a giant pimple stealing focus in a vacation photo). 

I really love the Neutrogena Makeup Removing Cleansing Facial Wipes. I’ve been using them for years. They don’t leave any greasy residue like some other wipes that I’ve tried. 

Plus, they remove waterproof makeup, while remaining gentle and not irritating your eyes or skin. 

9. Microfiber Towel

Microfiber towels are useful and light to pack. I’ve used mine for the beach, for picnics, and even as a blanket. 

I like the Dock & Bay towel that a friend gifted me. It comes with a travel pouch that it easily rolls up into, making it small and easy to pack.

The microfiber keeps the sand from sticking to the towel at the beach and is absorbent while being thin enough to dry quickly. 

10. Personal Item Bag

Your personal item is arguably the most important bag decision you make for a trip. It needs to fit under the seat, keep you organized through security, and ideally look good doing it.

My current rotation includes the Tomtoc Terra-T34 for casual travel days and the CALPAK Luka Duffel for overnight trips and weekends away. Both have earned permanent spots in my travel kit for very different reasons.

11. Pashmina or Cozy Hoodie

I’m one of those people that’s always freezing on planes, trains, and in restaurants. Having a pashmina in my bag always saves the day. It’s such an easy item to carry with you while traveling (and in everyday life). 

I’ve invested in a couple over the years, but my favorite is an orange one that I bought at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. It’s ornate with lots of gold woven in a beautiful pattern. This is one that I save for dressier occasions.

A few months ago I got an amazing travel hoodie from Unbound Merino that now comes with me on every flight.

Since it’s made from merino wool it’s moisture wicking, temperature regulating, and even repels odors, so you can wear it a ton before needing to give it a proper wash.

It’s been a game changer for long-haul trips, especially because it’s thin enough to layer under a jacket anytime I’m somewhere in the winter, since I really struggle with the cold, and need all the help I can get.

12. AirTag

An AirTag is one of those purchases that feels unnecessary until the one time you desperately need it.

After having British Airways lose my luggage for a week after flying from Nice to London in 2023 (it eventually found me the night before I left for Belgium), these are a must!

I keep one in the hidden pocket of every bag I travel with, and the peace of mind of being able to track your luggage in real time is genuinely worth every penny.

Essential for checked bags, but I keep one in my personal item too just in case. If you have an iPhone this is a non-negotiable addition to your travel kit.

13. Clear Toiletry Bag Pouch

We’ve all been there, you get to the security line and the person ahead of you isn’t prepared, likely they’re scrambling to pull out all their liquids and gels from their makeup bag to put in a TSA Ziploc bag.

Save yourself the hassle and pack your makeup in a clear toiletry pouch instead. It’s super easy to just pull out of your carry on and place right into the tray at security. 

When I fly, I love using this Sephora designed Beauty On The Fly Bag. It’s TSA approved, affordable, and perfectly fits all my serums, gels, and liquids. The best part is that it’s easy to clean if something leaks (plus it’s secure enough that it keeps leaks from going all over my carry-on). 

14. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver when you just need a quick touch up to feel normal after a long flight or day of sightseeing. 

I love Batiste Dry Shampoo’s travel size version when I travel. It never makes my hair feel gunky like other brands I’ve tried. Just spray it and run your fingers or a brush through your hair and it’ll look instantly refreshed. 

I even just keep one in my purse for a quick touch up after a long day of running around. The travel size typically works for about 3-4 uses, so it’s perfect for a quick trip. 

15. Mini Cosmetics and Skincare Kit

The personal item is where my beauty essentials live, and after years of over-packing this category I’ve finally landed on the edit that actually works.

I keep everything organized in the Poppy & Peonies tech kit, which is honestly one of the chicest small pouches I own. The faux leather exterior looks polished enough to pull out at a restaurant table without embarrassment, and the interior organization means everything has a place and stays there.

Inside: Embryolisse moisturizer for face and hands since it pulls double duty and is genuinely one of the best travel skincare investments I’ve made. Nuxe hair oil decanted into a small perfume bottle I found on Amazon, which keeps it TSA-friendly and feels infinitely more chic than the original packaging.

Laneige lip gloss since I can’t leave home without it. Lancôme mascara for those moments when you want to look like a person. Anastasia Beverly Hills brow pencil and brush because my brows are apparently load-bearing. Dry shampoo for long travel days.

A good hair brush, a few hair ties, and Laura Mercier Blur Balm for a polished no-makeup-makeup finish when you want to look put together without looking like you tried.

The whole kit fits into the Poppy & Peonies pouch, takes up almost no space in a personal item, and covers everything from a quick touch-up to a full face on arrival.

16. Hair Ties

Ladies, I think we can all agree there are few things worse than being stuck without a hair tie on a hot or windy day. I always keep at least 3-4 in my make-up and at least 1 in my purse at all times. 

17. Sunglasses

I’ve forgotten to pack sunglasses more times than I care to admit. It’s the worst feeling arriving at your destination to find yourself squinting to see in the sunshine.

Now I always keep a cheap pair in my purse. I love throwing them on to hide my tired-puffy eyes after a long flight.

Plus, they elevate any outfit for a more chic overall vibe and always make you look good in photos.

18. Chapstick

I always carry chapstick with me, both in everyday life and during travel. I can’t stand having chapped lips, it’s not fun and ruins any possibility of wearing lipstick on a night out exploring during vacations. 

I really love Burts Bees Pomegranate because it’s cheap and has a slight rosy tint.

If you’re okay spending more, go for Sugar Lip Balm with SPF15. They come in different tints and is my favorite little luxury to grab when at Sephora. 

Laneige is also my go-to before bed, and honestly, throughout the day when my lips are super chapped. I’m obsessed with the mixed berry one, as is my boyfriend, who constantly borrows it out of my bag.

19. Tote Bag

I traveled with just a purse and backpack the last time I went to France, and the second I started getting ready to go to the beach, I realized I had made a packing mistake.

It was the first time I hadn’t used my Tory Burch tote as my carry-on bag, and now I had to fit  all my beach stuff into my smaller leather purse. 

Ideally, for the sake of space, just use your tote bag as your carry on bag.

A tote bag is helpful for all sorts of situations, like if you’re heading to the beach, or anywhere that you’ll need to carry a lot with you as you explore, or even just for shopping. 

If you have a bunch of extra space, go ahead and pack the tote bag, then use Away’s Everywhere Bag as your personal item on the plane. It fits a ton and has plenty of pockets to keep you organized!

20. Kindle

I’ve always been someone who insists that e-readers will never replace the genuine pleasure of reading an actual book. The smell of the pages, the feel of turning each page, and books are one of my favorite things.

I got it for Christmas a few years ago and it’s a game-changer while traveling!

No longer do you have to pick and choose which books are light enough to carry, with Kindle you can take your entire library with you.

It’s super lightweight, and you can download fresh reading material anywhere you get Wi-Fi. Plus, the battery life is amazing, one charge lasts me weeks!

21. Band-Aids

That’s right, it’s such a simple thing to pack and yet it almost never is in anyone’s bag. I always toss a pack in my luggage before a big trip. 

They’ve been lifesavers when I’ve had blisters after walking around sightseeing all day.

22. Hand Sanitizer

These days, I don’t think many of us need a reminder to always have hand sanitizer on hand. 

TSA is even allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice. 

For reference, any other liquid, gel, or aerosols, have to be 3.4 ounces.

Just use an alcohol-based sanitizer with over 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol, to kill germs and bacteria effectively.

I’m obsessed with the brand Touchland, which is hydrating so your skin doesn’t suffer. I also love Noshinku, which I keep in my crossbody for travel days specifically. It’s compact, refillable, and genuinely lovely to use

23. Travel Hygiene Essentials

A few items that take up almost no space but save the day more often than you’d think.

My Suri Sonic Electric Toothbrush is one of my most-used travel purchases. The slim aluminum body is genuinely beautiful, the plant-based brush heads are fully recyclable, and the 40-plus day battery life means I’ve never once had to worry about charging it on a trip.

It comes with an optional UV-C travel case that sanitizes the brush head while you sleep, which given the number of hotel bathroom counters this has lived on, feels like a worthwhile addition.

Beyond that: a small pack of tissues since you will need one at the worst possible moment, Clorox wipes for wiping down your seat and tray table on the plane, and at least one Tide pen which has saved more white tops from red wine than I care to admit. These are the unglamorous essentials that earn their place every single trip.

24. Compression Socks

I was late to compression socks and now I’m evangelical about them. On long-haul flights the difference in how your legs feel on arrival is genuinely significant.

wear Mode compression socks and love that they’re the chicest option I’ve found. Worn under wide-leg trousers they give you all the circulation benefits without sacrificing the look.

25. Small Umbrella

After years of living in New York City, I’ve learned to always have an umbrella in my bag. You never know when a summer storm or downpour may hit, and nobody wants to arrive at their destination soaking wet.

If you’re looking for a small travel umbrella to invest in, check out the Repel Travel Umbrella. It’s been featured on Good Morning America and was rated by Wire Cutter as the Best Umbrella in 2019.

26. Pen

This is such a simple item, yet few people think to pack it when they travel. 

Having a pen in my bag has saved me the headache of trying to track one down in airports to fill out customs forms. I’ve also been able to quickly jot down directions and a hotel address as my phone was dying (prior to my portable charger investment). 

27. Essential Pills

I always keep some aspirin in my bag, as well as some Naproxen, especially while traveling. They’ve saved me so many headaches, hangovers, cramps, and backaches over the years. 

If I’m traveling to certain parts of the world, I always include some Imodium as well.

I’ve been incredibly lucky so far, but after getting food poisoning from a lounge in the Tbilisi airport a few years ago, I’ve learned it’s always best to have a bit on hand.

Fun Fact: Aspirin is the only medicine you can take during a heart attack that could save your life while you’re waiting for help to arrive. 

28. Razor

I have a habit of always forgetting to pack my razor. This leads to using valuable vacation time tracking one down. I don’t think I really need to say more about why we need our razors on trips. 

29. Tampons and Birth Control 

There’s nothing worse than Aunt Flo arriving early. Always keep a tampon in your bag just in case she unexpectedly shows up.

Even if you don’t need it, you may run into another woman desperately looking for one (I’ve given away tampons on a plane before to a woman in need). 

Also, birth control is a must-pack. Whether you chose to be on the pill, or use condoms or other protection, it’s incredibly important to protect yourself. Always be prepared, always be safe…enough said. 

30. Melatonin or Sleep Gummies

I always envy the people who can sleep on long-haul flights.

It takes a special type of person to relax and fall asleep in one of those economy seats, especially if you get stuck in the center seat!

On one trip I commented to the woman next to me how lucky she was, and she told me it wasn’t luck, it was melatonin!

I’ve tried melantonin since then, which is great for long-haul flights, but for shorter ones, I take a Olly Stress gummy. The L- theanine helps you relax, which is always a nice feeling once you finally get boarded onto the plane.

Now I always keep a couple pills on hand while traveling, and I’ve got to admit, they do help me sleep on the plane.

31. Travel Crossbody Bag

A good travel crossbody is non-negotiable for navigating airports, keeping essentials within reach, and going hands-free through security.

My current go-to is the Tomtoc Terra-T34 for casual travel days and day trips, and the Bandolier Miller when I want something more polished. Both earn their place in my regular rotation for very different reasons.

32. Passport

Even if I’m not traveling internationally, I always keep my passport with me. You never know when you may need a second form of ID or if an international adventure may present itself. 

Example: Once I was on vacation in Florida and had the opportunity to fly to London for New Year at the last minute. If I didn’t have my passport with me on that trip to Florida, I would have had to skip the spontaneous trip to London. That would have been a tragedy.

The lesson is ALWAYS HAVE YOUR PASSPORT.

33. Sleep Mask and Pillow Case

My silk sleep mask and pillowcase are the two items I genuinely cannot travel without. The sleep mask blocks out cabin light on overnight flights and makes any hotel room feel instantly more comfortable.

I even have a second cheaper Amazon silk mask I use exclusively for long-haul flights, so my nice one stays clean for the hotel.

The silk pillowcase goes wherever I go, whether that’s a red-eye flight, a hotel in Paris, or a friend’s spare room.

It makes anywhere I’m sleeping feel like home, and my skin and hair thank me for it every time. Invest in both. You’ll never go back.

Invest in either a silk or bamboo one which are less likely to irritate your skin.

I can’t wait to be packing for my next trip, so I’m sure I’ll be adding to this list afterwards.

It’s my hope that this guide will help you prepare for anything your trip throws at you.

Do you think I missed something? Let me know in the comments below!