The Best Travel Essentials for Women (Tried & Tested)

If you're looking for women's travel essentials, you're in the right place.

As a travel content creator, I've visited 20 countries and at least 20 states. I've taken long-haul flights, 20-hour road trips, 24-hour getaways, and 2-week European adventures.

With all of this travel experience, I've learned so much about what travel gear is essential, and what might look aesthetically pleasing, but it's really worth the money.

I'm also a minimalist at heart, so I try to limit what I purchase for trips to essential items that will really make an impact on my comfort and packing efficiency.

At the end of the day, what works for me may not work for your style of travel, and that's ok. I just like to share my tried-and-true favorites to help you research what will work for you.

Here's my travel essentials list for women - perfect for Christmas gifts for women who love to travel, or just to stock up for your next big trip.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Luggage, Travel Bags, Packing Cubes, & Organization

Suitcases

I prefer to fly with a carry-on bag because I don't want to deal with lost bags when I arrive at my destination. I also want to avoid paying baggage fees if possible!

The bags I currently have are just cheap suitcases from TJ Maxx. I've noticed that when I have a heavy backpack or duffel bag on top of my suitcases it can be difficult to roll through an airport, especially over carpeted floors.

After reading tons of reviews, it seems like the Away "The Carry On" suitcase is the top contender. It's durable with a lightweight material, and it comes with an interior compression strap.

Backpacks

Beis - "The Backpack": I purchased this backpack before my trip to Italy and Greece. We only packed one backpack each, and this was able to fit all of my clothes for 2 weeks in summer in Europe, plus toiletries, my mirrorless camera, and snacks. It's spacious and fully opens like a suitcase, plus it has a trolley sleeve if you're also bringing a suitcase. I especially appreciated the large interior organizational pockets and the separate padded laptop sleeve. I would say the only thing I didn't like about this backpack was that there was no chest or waist strap to take some of the weight off my shoulders.
Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack: After trying the Beis backpack for a Europe trip, I decided to try a slightly larger backpack for a week in Belgium, Amsterdam, and Luxembourg on a solo trip with my 3-year-old. I ordered this backpack from Amazon to test out. It came with 3 packing cubes that fit perfectly in the main compartment. It has a trolley sleeve and a laptop compartment for my computer and important documents. It doesn't have as many organizational pockets as the Beis backpack, but I ended up preferring it to the Beis backpack because of the shape. This Asenlin Travel Backpack has more of a rectangle shape so you have more space to use in the main compartment which makes a big difference. I ended up liking it so much that I bought the same one for my husband in a different color.
Rolling Backpack: I purchased these rolling backpacks for my kids because I was trying to solve a problem I discovered on our trip to Italy and Greece in 2023. We packed backpacks only, but the backpacks were too heavy for the kids to carry to and from the train stations, so my husband and I had to carry 3 backpacks each in the heat. Not fun. I still wanted my kids to only pack one small bag each for our trip to Guatemala this past summer (2024), so we ended up compromising with rolling backpacks. They could carry them as backpacks if needed on rough cobblestone, but they can also pull them like a suitcase for walking longer distances. I could definitely see myself using one of their backpacks for a shorter trip if I didn't want to carry my backpack.

Read about how we packed only one backpack each for our trip to Europe in 2023 with 4 kids.

Duffel Bags

I never thought I would reach for a duffel bag over a backpack when packing for a trip, but as I get older I just hate the feeling of a heavy backpack pressing down on my shoulders.

I decided to test out a duffel bag for a press trip I took to Jamaica. I researched blog reviews, TikTok, and Instagram video reviews, and finally chose to purchase the CalPak Luka Duffel.

It helped me stay organized on my travel day because unlike a backpack I could see everything at once when I unzipped the bag. It's spacious with several interior organizational pockets, a trolley sleeve, a laptop sleeve, and a shoe compartment, plus the material is durable and waterproof.

The straps are padded and soft so they don't dig into your skin when you carry the bag on your shoulder.

I'm trying to decide if I should bring this instead of a backpack on my next trip to Europe because I like it so much!

It would also make for a great weekender bag for shorter getaways.

Packing Cubes and Organization

Packing Cubes: I've been using these since 2016 and they have held up remarkably well. We have packed these to the brim, and none of them have torn, and we've had no broken zippers (though I suspect a few of them are getting close). These are affordable and reliable, and they come in all different sizes and colors.
Eagle Creek Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek does packing organization exceptionally well. I especially like their compression packing cubes for when I'm trying to fit a lot into one suitcase or backpack.
EZ Clear Packing Cubes: EzPacking sent me these clear packing cubes to test out. I liked how structured they were, but I didn't feel like I could fit as much into each cube. HOWEVER, the small EzPacking Cube is my new favorite organizational tool. I use the smallest one for liquids, and the medium size one for coralling toys for my youngest child. I would personally recommend the small and medium sizes for organizational purposes, but not necessarily for clothes.
Bagsmart Toiletry Bag: I received this toiletry bag as a Christmas gift about 5 years ago, and I've been using and loving it ever since. It lays flat and doesn't take up much space in your bag, but you can still fit a surprising amount inside. I can fit all of my makeup into one of the side pockets, and there are plenty of pockets for organization inside. This is perfect for if you're packing a suitcase, but not as useful if you only pack in backpacks or duffel bags.
Travel Tech Organizer: keeps all my cords and chargers in one easy-to-find spot.

2. In-Flight Essentials

Comfort and Health

compression socks: especially for long-haul flights.
sleep headphones: if you're on a long flight, wearing earbuds can start to hurt your ears. I like these headband sleep headphones if I want to fall asleep watching a movie. Plus it can double as an eye mask if you pull it down over your eyes.
neck pillow: I don't personally use a neck pillow, but my daughter loved having one along on our recent flight to Scotland.

Airplane In-Flight Kit

I always put together an in-flight kit in a small organizer bag with things I'll want access to during long flights. I put it in my seat back pocket so I don't have to keep digging through my bag.

wipes: sanitizing wipes, along with hand wipes
hand sanitizer
travel-size toiletries (lip balm, Aquaphor, moisturizer, makeup wipe)
disposable toothbrushes
mints and gum: these are especially helpful if you're prone to nausea on flights. Chewing gum is great for ear pressure on takeoff and landing.

Entertainment

e-reader: I have a Kindle Paperwhite on my Christmas list. I'm always bringing books that take up way too much space in my bag.
wired headphones: we all love our AirPods or Bluetooth headphones, but make sure to have wired headphones to watch in-flight entertainment. You could also use this Bluetooth audio transmitter to connect your AirPods to the in-flight entertainment.
portable charger: most flights nowadays have outlets or USB outlets, but some don't. I always have my Anker portable charger with me just in case I need to charge something during the flight.
iPad: I don't have my own iPad, but my husband always uses his on flights so he doesn't use up his phone battery watching movies or reading.
noise-canceling headphones: airplanes are loud. It's so nice to just tune everything out.

Snacks and Hydration

reusable water bottle
favorite snacks
energy bars

3. Toiletries and Personal Care

Note: I don't use too many beauty products or skincare items when I travel. I typically bring

coconut oil to remove makeup
beef tallow for my moisturizer
Tula Acne Moisturizer
Travel brush: this travel size wet/dry brush comes with a cover
Pill container: I used to keep my medicine and supplements in ziplock bags, but this pill organizer has been a game-changer.
2-in-1 Straightener & Curling Iron: I purchased this Dual Voltage Curling Iron right before our Europe trip so I wouldn't have to bring a voltage converter, but now I use it for all of my trips because it's small, and is both a curling iron and straighter in one.
Travel Size Hand Creme: I love the smell of this Aveda Hand Creme, and it's nice to have a travel-size version since the air is so dry on planes.
Travel Size Dry Shampoo: this is my all-time favorite dry shampoo, and I often splurge on the travel size can for special trips.
Travel Size Dry Shampoo Powder: If I'm not in the mood to splurge, I keep powder dry shampoo in my toiletry bag
Blister Cushions: These blister cushions are life savers if you're doing a lot of walking on your trip.
Tan Towels: for maintaining your fake tan on a longer trip
Travel First Aid Kit: you never know when these items will come in handy on a travel day.

4. Hotel Room Must-Haves

Portable sound machine: I'm usually traveling with kids, so it helps to have some white noise to help everyone fall asleep. Even if I'm traveling alone, a small white noise machine can help drown out other hotel guests or traffic outside your window.
Wrinkle Release Spray: For keeping clothes fresh and neat. I can't remember the last time I've ironed something.
Jewelry Organizer
Universal Charging Port: I love this charging block because you can use it in any country around the world, and it has regular outlets, USB ports, and a USB-C port.
Door Stops: This is a great safety tool for traveling solo and can help give you peace of mind if you're in a hotel room alone.

5. Clothes and Accessories

My Favorite Travel Clothes

Unbound Merino Boxy Tees - I used these on repeat on my most recent trip to Guatemala. You can dress them up by wearing them with a skirt, or you can wear them as active wear for experiences and outdoor activities like ziplining, hiking, and horseback riding. They come in several different colors. I love that they are only slightly cropped. They don't show any skin, but they're not hanging below your shorts either. These are made of 100% Merino wool jersey and are fast-drying, anti-wrinkle, anti-odor, and lightweight. Perfect for travel because you can wear it a few times before you need to wash it.
Athletic Skort - I'm always chasing kids around, but I still like to look put together. Athletic skorts are perfect for warm-weather trips. I especially love these for Disney World in the summertime!
Abercrombie Mini Skort - I ordered this before my winter trip to Belgium, Amsterdam, and Luxembourg. I wore it with black tights and ankle boots, and it was the perfect way to put together a slightly more elevated look while still feeling comfortable. I love that this skirt gets a lot of use paired with a tank top on my summer trips, too.
Lightweight crewneck sweatshirt - I've been obsessed with this sweatshirt since it arrived in the mail last spring. I love wearing it at the airport for warm weather trips. It keeps me warm on the plane, but it's too heavy for when I arrive somewhere warm. And it's also slightly cropped and fits perfectly. I have the ivory color, but I think I need to go order a few more colors.
Unbound Merino Travel Dress - another Unbound Merino favorite! You can't go wrong with a black dress, and this one is especially soft and comfortable. Like the boxy pocket tees, it's wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, fast-drying, and does not need to be washed often. It doesn't take up a lot of space in my suitcase, so it's easy to add to my packing list to make sure I have at least one dressy item in case we decide to go out for dinner or something.

Weather-Specific Gear

Rain Jacket - I ordered this rain jacket right before my June trip to Scotland and it was perfect for the occasion. It was summer in Scotland, but the weather was still in the 50s and 60s. This rain jacket kept me dry on rainy days, and I loved that it was cinched at the waist.

Comfortable Shoes

Xero Sandals - I will readily admit these shoes are not for everyone. They are "barefoot" sandals, which means they have no arch support. The sole is completely flat. However, if you don't need arch support, definitely consider these shoes. They feel like walking on clouds. I have put in over 20,000 steps in these sandals, and my feet were not hurting at the end of the day. And they are not too sporty looking so I can wear them with a skort or a casual dress. I've been wearing the same pair since June of 2022 and they are still holding up perfectly.
Adidas Grand Court Shoe 2.0 - I ordered and returned at least 3 pairs of white tennis shoes before settling on this pair. I've worn them for long days of walking around European cities, Disney World, Savannah, and Charleston. They can go with dressy or casual outfits and really do feel like you're walking on a cloud. I prefer a wide toebed in my shoes, and they are the closest I could find without actually wearing barefoot shoes (which I often find kind of ugly).
Black Waterproof Ankle Boots - I used these for winter in Europe (Belgium, Amsterdam, and Luxembourg), and while they wouldn't be a great fit for heavy snow, they were perfect for the mild rainy winter days in February and March.

Stylish Accessories

Lululemon Crossbody Bag - handy for travel days
Crossbody Purse - a slightly dressier option
Sunglasses - love these 90s oval sunglasses
Mini Backpack - perfect for sightseeing days or theme park days. I love that I can fit a water bottle, my mirrorless camera, and extras like snacks and sunscreen.

6. Additional Tips

Packing Strategy

Lay clothes flat instead of rolling them. I either lay my clothes flat or fold them to fit the length and width of the packing cube to make the most of the space I have.
Use pouches for organization. In addition to packing cubes, group small items together with organizational pouches.
Make the most of your space. Put rolled-up socks inside your shoes. Limit bulky fabrics.
Limit the amount of space you have to fill. The bigger your bag, the more you'll pack. I'm always amazed at how the items I pack seem to expand to fit the container I choose. If I'm determined to only bring a backpack, I do a better job of leaving out items I don't really need. If I allow myself a carry-on and a personal item, I'll throw in a lot of extras.