There are a lot of "best of" lists online but this one is 100% from my experience traveling to 4 continents and over 25 countries. As you will see, I have a strong emphasis on sun protection =)
Table of Contents for Travel Essentials for Women
- On the Plane (9)
- At the Hotel (5)
- Favorite Clothing & Shoes (9)
- Toiletries (7)
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My Favorite Plane Woman Travel Essentials
Essential Travel Items To Wear On the Plane
Scarf Wrap Blanket: Airplane cabins can get chilly, so I always bring a cozy scarf, shawl, or lightweight blanket to stay warm and comfortable. A versatile scarf can double as a blanket, making it a practical addition to my travel gear. The one in my picture I got from a FabFitFun box but here is a great one from Amazon to try that is UPF 50+ and 68 x 35 Inches large.
My favorite Eye Mask! I always bring an eye mask for long flights. It helps me block out light and sleep better. I prefer a soft, fluffy mask that doesn't press too hard on my eyes. This makes a huge difference in getting some rest during the flight. I now have 4 of these!!
Compression Socks (I have 3 pairs now!): These are a must for me to maintain good circulation during long flights. They help prevent swelling and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). I love this snug but comfortable pair, and after trying a couple of pairs, these are my favorite compression socks because they don't look like compression socks but more of an athletic soccer look.
Hydrating Skincare Products: Cabin air can be very drying, so I pack travel-sized hydrating skincare products like a moisturizer, lip balm, and hydrating facial mist. These are great silicone TSA-approved travel bottles. I also wear SPF on the plane to protect my skin from potential UV exposure through the windows.
- Moisturizer: I love the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion to keep my skin hydrated without feeling greasy with some SPF. And it's super tiny at 1.7 ounces!
- Lip Balm: A good lip balm prevents my lips from becoming chapped and uncomfortable. I use good old-fashioned Vaseline and love this tiny travel size.
- Hydrating Facial Mist: A quick spritz can refresh my skin instantly, providing a much-needed boost of hydration. This is on my to-try list: Kerstin Florian Neroli Water Face Mist, Orange Blossom, All Natural, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Paraben Free
2 Must-Bring Travel Essentials On the Plane
Water Bottles: You probably don't need a reminder to bring your water bottle but just wanted to put it on here to be sure! I have 2 brands I really like. First, the Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel. Comes in 40 oz bottle or 24 oz versions in awesome colors. For a slightly cheaper stainless steel bottle, we've had 3 Kodee brand bottles and really liked them!
Medication: I always pack any prescription medications I need in my carry-on bag, as well as over-the-counter remedies for headaches, allergies, or an upset stomach. It’s also a good idea to have a small first aid kit with essentials like band-aids and antiseptic wipes. Note: So many pill organizers can burst open but this Airtight Pill Container is in a mini "briefcase" so it is doubly protected!
Plane Tech Essentials for Women Traveling
Noise-Canceling Headphones: I never board a plane without my noise-canceling headphones. These Sony ones are expensive but truly remarkable. My husband and I fight over them on the plane and in daily life. They block out the noise of the airplane, allowing me to enjoy my favorite music, podcasts, or movies without any interruptions. The high-quality sound and noise-canceling features make a world of difference in creating a peaceful, enjoyable flight experience.
Portable Charger: A reliable portable charger is a must-have for me to ensure my devices stay powered throughout the flight. We have 2 of these Anker ones and 102,000 reviews don't lie! Whether it's my phone, tablet, or e-reader, having a portable charger means I can keep everything charged and ready to use, avoiding the frustration of a dead battery mid-flight. (This is another of my husband's favorites but more expensive as it has 2 different iPhone ports.)
Kindle: My Kindle is an essential part of my in-flight entertainment. I load it with books from my Library (the free Libby app is amazing!) and I'm ready to go! We have both the Black Kindle and the Paperwhite and they are both great. If you only use it for travel, save the $50 bucks and get the cheaper one but if you use it every day, Paperwhite is where it at!
Hotel Travel Must Have's for Women
Hotel Room Lock: I always bring a portable hotel room lock for added security if I am traveling alone. It’s a simple yet effective way to ensure my room is safe from unauthorized entry. This small device provides peace of mind, especially when traveling alone or in unfamiliar places.
Travel Adapter: A travel adapter is an absolute necessity for me when staying in hotels abroad. It allows me to charge all my electronic devices without worrying about different plug types. I prefer a universal adapter that works in multiple countries, making it a versatile and indispensable part of my travel kit. Did you know that the UK is different than Germany and Switzerland? We've personally used this black one in Taiwan, Switzerland, Scotland, and Portugal.
Compact Travel Steamer: My husband bought one and I kind of eyerolled him BUT it actually works and is great for all types of fabric! A compact travel steamer or wrinkle-release spray is a lifesaver for freshening up my outfits quickly and efficiently, especially if the Airbnb doesn't have an iron or the hotel has a dirty-looking one! The one my husband purchased is no longer available but this travel steamer has 115,000 ratings with 4.3 stars!
Earplugs: Hotels can sometimes be noisy, so I never forget to pack good-quality earplugs. They help ensure I get a restful night's sleep, blocking out any disturbances. For even more sound control, I sometimes bring a portable sound machine. We purchased a bulk pack of individually wrapped earplugs that are great to have on the go!
Travel-Sized Laundry Kit: A small travel-sized laundry kit with detergent, a clothesline, and a stain remover is incredibly useful, especially on longer trips. It allows me to freshen up my clothes without relying on hotel laundry services, which can be expensive or unavailable. We've done our laundry in sinks and these are great TSA individual detergent packets to use!
And if you are looking for great family vacations on the East Coast, check out this post!
My Favorite Travel Clothing and Shoes for Women
UPF Clothing and Rain Jacket
- UPF Hoodie: I've purchased 4 of these and use one almost every day! I like the black and white and my husband has the grey male version. A UPF hoodie is a must-have for me when traveling. It offers protection from the sun’s harmful rays while keeping me comfortable and stylish. The lightweight fabric is perfect for layering, and the hoodie design adds an extra layer of sun protection for my face and neck. I use it for both beaches near DC and while traveling! (Another travel writer, Kelly at Travel Morrocco Today, highly recommends sun shirts and quick dry pants in her Morocco Packing List.)
UPF Pants: I've had these UPF 50+ hiking pants for over a year and they are great! These pants provide excellent sun protection and are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or sightseeing. They’re lightweight, breathable, and often come with pockets, making them both practical and protective.
Rain Jacket: A reliable rain jacket is essential for unpredictable weather. I love my Helly Hansen rain jacket. My sister-in-law bought me this one for Christmas last year I've received a couple of compliments already!
My 3 Essential Shoes for Traveling as a Woman
From Left to Right in the photo above!
Cole Haan Crosscourt Sneakers: I absolutely love my Cole Haan white shoes! I've worn them multiple times a week for the last year. They are incredibly comfortable, even for all-day wear. Plus, they’re available in wide sizes, which is a huge bonus for me. The sleek design makes them versatile enough for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
MIA Womens Ellen Ankle Strap Platform Athletic Sandals: I’m on my second pair of these amazing sandals. They’re stylish, comfortable, and perfect for exploring new cities or relaxing by the beach. The cushioned sole and supportive design make them great for long walks, and they’re easy to pair with both casual and dressy outfits. I've worn in France, Switzerland, Germany and Portugal! They also have Rose Gold and Cognac Brown Sandals.
Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot: A good pair of hiking boots is essential for my travels, especially when I plan to explore nature trails or mountainous regions. These are awesome hiking boots that I've used for 2 years. They come in wide sizes which is important with thicker socks, are waterproof, and come in a ton of great colors.
Travel Accessories for Women Around the World
FURTALK Women's Wide Brim Straw Panama Hat UPF 50: If you have ever seen a picture on my Instagram, I am in this hat in almost every other picture! I love that this is virtually indestructible and UPF 50! A sun hat is a must-have accessory for me, offering excellent sun protection while adding a stylish touch to my outfits. It's perfect for beach days, sightseeing, or any outdoor activities. I always make sure to pack one that is foldable and easy to carry without losing its shape. Tons of great colors.
Osprey Hikelite 26L Unisex Hiking Backpack: My Osprey backpack is an absolute travel essential. It’s incredibly durable and has a great design with plenty of compartments to keep my belongings organized. Whether I'm exploring a city or hiking in the mountains, this bag comfortably carries all my necessities and distributes the weight evenly. My favorite parts:
Travel Umbrella: While I haven’t tried this particular one, my sister-in-law swears by her fold-up umbrella. It's lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in my bag for unexpected rain showers.
Travel Toiletry Essentials for Women
Skin Care Essentials for Traveling
- Travel-Sized Cleanser and Moisturizer: I always pack travel-sized versions of my favorite skincare products. You might not be able to read labels easily when you travel, so having your trusted products on hand is essential. I personally love Tatcha products, which I received as a generous gift.
- Sunscreen: Protecting my skin from the sun is crucial, so I always bring my favorite sunscreen. My daily favorite Garnier Skin Naturals 50 SPF is pictured above, but unfortunately, it's hard to find in the US. Instead, I recommend this CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide + Ceramides | Oil Free Sunscreen For Face | Travel Size Sunscreen 2.5 oz.
- Deodorant: Good deodorant is a must, especially if you're traveling to Europe, where finding the right product can be tricky. (I haven't found non-aluminum stick deodorant!) I had my mom bring my favorite long-lasting Tom's deodorant when she visited me this spring.
- Feminine Hygiene Products: I always make sure to pack feminine hygiene products before I travel however, most countries will have similar products when you arrive! Here's a great Menstrual Kit All-in-One, Convenience on The Go.
Hair Care Travel Pack List
- Travel-Sized Shampoo and Conditioner: This is of course personal to your hair type and preferences. We've used these silicone Travel Bottles for Toiletries and they are truly leakproof and great for refillable containers.
- Compact Hairbrush or Comb: A compact hairbrush or comb is essential for managing my hairstyle on the go. I like the one that is linked because it is a "Wet" brush good for my curls/waves. And don't forget to pack hair ties or clips. I sometimes always forget!
Oral Hygiene Kit
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste: I never forget my oral hygiene kit, which includes a toothbrush and toothpaste to keep my teeth clean and fresh. Just found this Toothbrush Kit with a Built-in Toothpaste Container and want to try it out for our family as we somehow have 3 different toothpaste that each person likes!
- Dental Floss: Finding good dental floss can be a challenge, especially since we live in Europe. I make sure to pack my favorite dental floss to maintain my oral hygiene routine.
And check out this post on Baby & Toddler Travel Essentials if you have a trip with your little one in the future!
