21 Travel Essentials For Women

Are you getting ready to travel? I’ve already made a couple of trips this year and am planning several more, and these are the items that I can’t do without! So if you need a packing checklist for your next vacation, these are my favorite travel essentials for women…

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Luggage And Other Travel Bags

1. Hard Shell Suitcase And/Or Carry-On

After seeing piles of luggage being thrown onto conveyor belts and carriers, I only take hard-shell suitcases!

I’ve been using Samsonite luggage for decades. They’re affordable and durable with smooth spinner wheels. I also appreciate that they’re expandable.

2. Personal Item/Bag

I use this Lululemon Wonderlust Backpack for weekend trips and to use as my personal item for flights.

Heads up: the measurements are a little bigger than the official airline restrictions for personal items, but I have found that if I don’t fill it completely, it fits under the seat in front of me.

Prefer a tote? I have my eye on this machine washable Recycled Weekender.

3. Hands-Free / Protective Bag

For my wallet and other valuables, I also take a cross-body or belt bag (that is small enough to put into my backpack when boarding).

I love my Athleta Excursion Waistbag which is bigger than the average belt bag ut it does pack flat. (Read more about it in my My Favorite Convertible Fanny Pack For Active Days post).

If you prefer something smaller, take a look at the Lululemon Small 1L or Large 2L Everywhere Belt Bag.

Worried about theft? Consider an RFID-blocking belt bag or card sleeves.

4. Handbag or Clutch

For dinners and events, I also pack a handbag or clutch. I just bought this Banana Republic Haircalf Leather Belt which includes a removable wallet/clutch just big enough to carry my iPhone 14-Pro and a few cards and cash.

Have a bigger handbag that you want to take? Hint: Stuff it with a clean t-shirt or socks to maintain its shape and save space in your suitcase.

5. Cosmetics/Toiletries Bag

If I didn’t already have several cosmetics bags, I would get this Sonia Kashuk™ Double Zip Train Case Makeup Bag with a separate compartment and elastic loops to hold make-up brushes. Genius!

This Makeup Bag WithLight Up Mirror is also very clever and has adjustable compartments to keep your beauty products and tools organized.

If you don’t have TSA Pre-check, don’t forget to take a clear bag for your liquids!

6. Packable Tote bag

I also always take packable totes to use as shopping bags, or for separating dirty laundry.

My daughter just bought this adorable Toucan Bag when we were in NYC. You can slip it into your carry-on or clip it onto another bag.

Comfortable Shoes For Travel

If I need to pack light, I may take fewer items of clothing but I never skimp on shoes! For my 5-day NYC trip, I took the following:

7. Sneakers

I either take my running sneakers if I think I’ll get out for a run, or white sneakers which go with everything.

Related Posts: How To Buy Running Shoes The Right Way and Cariuma Salvas White Sneakers (Review)

8. Dress Shoes

For dinners and events, I pack my Sarah Flint Natalie Flats which are comfortable enough to walk or stand in but look beautiful with dresses.

Use my code: SARAHFLINT-BANIPA for $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes here.

For my winter trip to NYC, I also packed these boots (mine are an older version). I did quite a bit of walking without achy feet.

I always pack my shoes in bags to keep them separate from my clean clothes. If you don’t have any, try these Travelon Anti Microbial Shoe Covers.

9. Flip-Flops For The Hotel

If you’re going swimming or are in a hotel that doesn’t offer you slippers, pack some lightweight flip-flops. I love these minimalist, feminine Bristol Flip-Flops from Oka-B. They’re a women-owned, sustainable brand based in Georgia.

(Disclosure: Oka-B previously sent me pair of flip-flops as a gift but I had no obligation to mention them in this post).

Travel Essentials For Women: Packable Clothing

10. Bottoms

I always end up wearing a pair of Athleta pants for the flight or drive portion of my trip. The ones that I have are stretchy, washable, and have ample pockets. Mine are an old version of the Stellar pant, but I love these new Stellar Flare Trousers even more!

If you have occasions to dress up, you may also want a pair of black or navy dress pants. I love these Banana Republic Wool Pants for cool weather. For machine-washable pants, take a look at the Side Zip Trouser by Ann Taylor. Or for a gorgeous combination of luxury and comfort, try these Eileen Fisher Wide Leg Silk Pants.

11. Tops

I always take a top for each day, plus a few extras. For my latest trip, I took my super-comfortable Coaster Luxe Sweatshirt, several t-shirts, and a silk shirt for dinner.

12. Dresses / Skirts

If it’s cold but you need to dress up for an event, try a cashmere dress. I took my cashmere mini dress to wear to the ballet – it didn’t wrinkle and kept me warm even on a cold winter night. I have my eye on this silk skirt for another packable dress-up option.

My favorite packable casual dress is my Eileen Fisher jersey dress. I wrote about it (and other easy Eileen Fisher pieces) in this post.

13. Jackets Or Coats

For winter trips, I always wear my heaviest coat and take a packable puffer or raincoat depending on the forecast. On my latest trip, I wore my J.Crew New Lady Day Top Coat in blue (I also have it in pink). I found this coat to run small so I sized up.

I packed my Stio Hometown Parka which I received for Christmas. It’s really lightweight but incredibly warm.

14. Pajamas And Lingerie

Don’t forget your pajamas, bras, underwear, socks, and hosiery! And if you’re going swimming, pack a swimsuit and coverup.

Hint: If you’re going to do a lot of walking, consider buying some new socks. There’s something about new socks that puts a spring in my step!

Beauty And Personal Travel Essentials For Women

15. Skincare

I used to buy travel-sized skincare for trips, but lately, I’ve been using reusable jars and bottles to take my everyday products with me. Don’t forget sunscreen!

16. Makeup

Need to streamline your makeup? Buy this Sephora Mini Lashstash To Go Mascara Set, take one on each trip and when you’re done, you can redeem the voucher for a full-sized version of your favorite one!

I haven’t found an all-in-one clean mini makeup kit that I love, so for now I’m traveling with my full-sized makeup.

17. Hair Products And Tools

I usually use the hotel’s shampoo, conditioner, and hair dryer but I always take my hair straightener.

If you’re looking for a travel-sized hair dryer, this T3 Compact Dryer gets excellent reviews. They also make a Compact Travel Sized Styling Iron.

Also, take your styling products and root cover spray!

18. Everyday Essentials

Don’t forget the everyday essentials like deodorant, a toothbrush, floss, sanitary products, a razor or wax strips, a hairbrush, and tweezers.

Electronics And Accessories

19. Camera And Accessories

I have the iPhone 14-Pro, so I don’t travel with a camera. I take my Joby GorillaPod tripod and phone mount for family photos and selfies.

Don’t forget your chargers, portable batteries, headphones, and any adapters that you might need (for international travel).

Travel Documents And Cards

20. Essential Documents, Money, And Cards

Last but not least, pack your identification, credit cards, tickets, and any other documents that you need for your trip!

Food

21. Snacks, Water, And Supplements

I never travel without food, not even when I’m in my hometown! It’s not that I eat all day, but I do find that when I’m tired and hungry, I tend to make poor choices!

Some of my favorite snacks are small packages of almonds, protein bars, and dark chocolate.

And for most trips, I also take a reusable water bottle.

I also always take a little container of my vitamins and other supplements.

Would you add anything to my list of travel essentials for women? Let me know in the comments…

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