30 Women's Travel Essentials
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Ready to hit the road?
Making Your Essential Travel Packing List
aka: Travel Essentials Women Will Love
I’ve gone camping, glamping, and boating. I’ve been a little bit beachy, a little bit country, and a little bit city girl. I’ve driven cross country and traveled around the world, (quite literally on three occasions.) And in all that travel I’ve learned a few things…
Jenn’s Travel Tips: First, you never regret taking the travel insurance. Second, there are some great travel items out there that should be part of every woman’s traveling necessities. Below are some of my favorite products. Rest assured I’m not the only one who loves them. Many of these have topped other “ladies’ travel essentials” lists. Some I found on my own through a long process of trial and error. But all are available on Amazon. Just in time for Prime Day!
An Anti-Theft Purse
A great cross-body, durable, anti-theft bag is a must. And the Travelon Anti Theft Classic messenger bag is one of the best Anti-Theft travel bags on the market. With locking compartments, a slash-resistant body, RFID-blocking technology, an interior LED clip light, and enough pockets to store all my worldly possessions safely, I’m a happy camper. Or beachgoer. Or city sightseer. I’m all of these things because this bag never leaves my side. I bought mine five years ago and it’s literally been around the world three times, taken a beating, and still shows no signs of damage. I dare a high-priced TUMI bag to do that.
2. Collapsible Water Bottle
Anyone who flies knows two things: One, flying is SUPER dehydrating. And two, people who don’t regularly fly are somehow always trying to take giant bottles of water through the TSA checkpoint, despite frustrated employees repeatedly yelling, “take all liquids out of your bags!”
So, what’s a weary traveler to do when that tiny plastic cup of in-flight water isn’t enough to combat the drying effects of recirculated cabin air? Enter the Nomader Sports Water Bottle. This foldable bottle shrinks down to practically nothing, allowing you to slip it into your bag and fill it up once you clear security like the travel pro you are.
It’s BPA-free, leak-proof, and comes in a large array of color options.
3. Columbia Lightweight, Packable Rain Jacket
Rain is great if you’re a lawn. But if you’re a full-grown adult female traveler it can be a real trip killer. But not with Columbia’s lightweight packable rain jacket! Protect your hair from becoming the frizzy mess it was in grade school with the attached storm hood. Keep you and your valuables dry with the full-length zipper and multiple pockets. Available in XS to 3XL, this lightweight jacket comes in a variety of colors and fits neatly in any carry-on.
I cannot stress the importance of a great waterproof jacket enough. There are lots of fantastic jackets on the market from premium to breathable to eco-friendly. But the bottom line is, you should always have one as part of your travel gear.
4. Anti-Chafe Balm
If you’ve never heard the term “chub rub,” congratulations, you probably have the kind of thigh gap once celebrated in the early days of Tumblr. But if you’re like me, your curvaceous thighs rub together and harmonize. After a long day of walking that can mean more friction than talking politics with your in-laws. Good thing there’s Body Glide, an anti-chafe, moisturizing balm that protects your skin and keeps you comfortable all day long. You no longer have to pack a bag full of bike shorts and shapewear. (Unless you want to.) Just one little stick will keep your thighs happy.
5. Anti-Blister Balm
You gotta hand it to the good people at Body Glide. They have a balm for everything, and Honey, their balm’s the bomb! This little number is their anti-blister foot balm, perfect for keeping your feet moisturized and blister free. Because let’s face it, your heels are not a rack of ribs, and they do not appreciate a dry rub.
I swear by Body Glide products. My skin is hypersensitive due to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. There isn’t a shoe out there that won’t turn my feet into bloody stumps if given thirty minutes of continuous walking. Which is why my whole world changed when I discovered their Foot Glide balm. I haven’t had a blister in years and I no longer have to tape up my feet like a prima ballerina.
6. High SPF Cream for Face
I first read about Paula’s Choice in Allure Magazine. Because I’m a classy woman on the wrong side of 30 with adult acne and skin that burns if I so much as walk past a window, I’m always looking for products that improve my skin, pull double duty, and don’t break the bank. Paula’s Choice skin products have dermatologists raving and frequently come up as “Reader’s Choice” selections.
News flash, your face demands its own broad-spectrum SPF. Those thick sunscreen lotions and sprays made for your body can leave your face greasy, covered in pimples, or just feeling gross. I didn’t truly become an adult until I accepted this fact and started using Paula’s Choice.
7. The Best Lip Balm - Vaseline Lip Therapy
Vaseline. It’s a brilliant utility player, curing burns, keeping hair dye from staining the skin, softening unsightly calluses, and keeping young men busy in the bathroom for hours on end. Vaseline is also better for your lips than most lip balms, chapstick, and glosses.
A lot of people are sensitive to beeswax, a common ingredient in other brands. Beeswax in lip balm can cause your lips to dry out and make you dependent on their product. Not Vaseline. Sure it doesn’t smell like strawberries or doctor pepper, but you won’t be covered in flop sweat, desperately licking your lips if you forget to put it in your pocket.
8. Makeup Remover Wipes
These tiny, individually wrapped makeup remover wipes come with me in my carry-on and in my hospital go-bag each and every time. I’m currently on my third pack. If you love a makeup wipe, but hate the way the bigger packs always seem to pop open, dry out, and fail you, then these are for you. Pop a few in your bag and freshen up in flight, on the go, or back at the hotel.
9. The Best Travel Toothbrush
I’ve recommended the Phillips One travel brush before, but I’m doing it again because that’s how much I love it. This super-affordable Sonicare brush comes in a variety of colors in both rechargeable and battery-operated versions. Its slim design and snug case mean it won’t take up much space in your toiletry kit while keeping your breath minty fresh. Provided you also pack toothpaste.
10. Contact Lens/ Eyeglass Case Combo
As someone who is legally blind without my glasses or contacts, I know good and well the importance of keeping your eyewear safe and easy to find. I’m one misplaced case away from Mr. Magoo. This handy MoKo case does just that.
Full disclosure, I don’t get any use out of the tweezers/applicator or the tiny jar presumably for lens cleaner, but I do like having one cute case for both my glasses and my contacts. I would also advise against putting any saline solution or eye drops in the included jar since those items are sterile and best left in their original containers. I tossed the tools and used that space to carry a few packs of TheraTears.
11. Lady Anti-Monkey Butt Powder for Those Hot, Humid Days
There used to be a great little travel shop in Pasadena, CA called Distant Lands. It was a one-stop shopping paradise for all things travel. Sadly, they closed their doors in 2019. But I discovered some of the best travel items here. Many of which I still use today. Anti Monkey Butt is one of these.
Admittedly, I first laughed and then cringed when I saw this item sitting on the shelf, but then I thought of my many treks through Central American jungles and the charming colloquialism, “swamp ass.” Let me just say, Lady Anti Monkey Butt Anti Friction Powder with Calamine will keep you fresh as a daisy. Best of all, it’s safe for your down there parts containing a gentle blend of Cornstarch and Calamine Powder.
12. The Most Comfortable Menstrual Cup
Are you tired of carrying a box of pads or tampons on your trips? Or worse, have you been stuck somewhere without adequate access to menstrual products? Want to give menstrual cups a try but don’t know where to start? Are you tired of my period-related questions? Then Pixie Cup may be for you! Ranked one of the best menstrual cups by Women’s Health, the Pixie cup also has rave reviews on Amazon. You can leave it in for 12 hours, making it ideal for travel. But the best part about Pixie is that one is donated to a woman in need for every cup sold.
Their little collapsable cups come in multiple sizes for every body type and are sold with a microwave-friendly cleaning container.
13. Collapseable Duffle Bag
If you panic every time a TSA agent pulls your bag off the conveyor for a “quick check” because you know it’s going to spring open like a trick can of peanut brittle, then this bag is for you. The Narwey bag folds up neatly in your luggage and unfurls when you need it. It’s perfect for storing those last-minute souvenirs, reading material, and a big comfy sweatshirt for that freezing cold plane.
The side strap allows it to attach perfectly to your wheeled luggage. It’s hard to believe, but this little lightweight gem holds up to 50 lbs! So, make sure to bring me back some of that giant novelty Toblerone.
14. Compression Packing Cubes
I love space-saving organization in a cute color palate. And Bagsmart is heads above the rest. These compression bags don’t require a vacuum cleaner or impossible-to-close zip-lock technology. You don’t need to wrestle around on the floor to get them to work and they keep your clothes neat and tidy. Don’t be one of those people who just grab a bunch of clothes and jam them in your suitcase. Stay organized with Bagsmart Compression Cubes.
Still looking for more packing cubes? Try my guide to the best packing cubes on Amazon.
15. Reef Safe Sunscreen Kit
I got turned on to Sun Bum in Hawaii a few years ago. My other go-to sunblock wasn’t reef safe, and worse, it had expired and left me with a bright red sunburn on day one of my trip. Did you know you need to replace your sunblock every year? Did you know that without nature having to give you a massive second-degree burn across your bum? Congrats. You’re better than me.
Sun Bum has a wide variety of products. This Good Vibes Only kit has moisturizing sunscreen lotion, sunscreen lip balm, and cool-down lotion that leaves your skin feeling fresh after a long day in the sun. It’s reef-friendly and offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Perfect for snorkeling, jet skiing, swimming, and other water-related activities.
16. Portable Travel Razors
The Alleyoop Portable Travel Razor is perfect for shaving on the go. This little TSA-approved gem contains a refillable water spray bottle, a Shea Butter moisturizing bar, and two triple-blade razor cartridges. Each razor cartridge has a lubricating pre-shave strip with Chamomile and Olive to keep skin soft and supple. The moisturizing bar contains coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter, making it perfect for all skin types and probably very tasty in a piña colada.
17. Poloroid Go Instant Camera
Anyone can take photos on their phone, but a Polaroid mini shows you’re a unique creature who enjoys saving space while creating analog memories. This itty bitty camera fits in the palm of your hand and runs on one little lithium battery.
Instantly pop out 2”x2” photos perfect for scrapbooking, or select the timer function to get yourself in on the photo fun.
18. Multifunctional Hand Warmer and Power Bank
I embraced hand warmers on my first trip to Northern China where the weather was -30 degrees Fahrenheit and my volunteer work kept me mostly outdoors. You remember in school when your science teacher put a hot dog in dry ice and then shattered it against the floor? Yeah. That was what my fingers felt like.
Sure you can get the old-fashioned single-use warmers which are great for one-off camping trips, but if you have poor circulation, Raynaud’s, or travel to cooler climates, you’ll need to bring out the big guns. These OCOOPA rechargeable hand warmers offer up to 15 hours of warmth with 3 heat levels and also pull double duty as a power bank/ phone charger. So you can use those unfrozen fingers to facetime your friends and tell them how much fun you’re having.
19. Eco-Conscious Comrad Compression Socks
Full disclosure, I hoard compression socks. I have quite the collection and I’m always on the lookout for a more comfortable sock in a great print or color. 2013’s sockless trip to Tokyo and resulting case of edema taught me the importance of always wearing compression socks on long flights.
I recently started seeing Comrad Compression socks pop up on various travel blogs and magazines and had to give them a try myself. And you know what? It’s hard to beat the quality. Comrad socks also come in a variety of sizes and calf widths as well as 3 different compression strengths. Whether you’re flying, standing long hours, pregnant, or just like the feeling of your calves being slowly strangled (we don’t judge here at Sick Girl Travels), it’s hard to beat the comfort of Comrad.
20. TSA Approved Malin + Goetz Essentials Kit
Every time I stay at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, I manage to swipe a few extra Malin + Goetz products from housekeeping. The scents are fresh and clean without being overpowering. They leave my hair and skin squeaky clean without being abrasive. If you can’t make it to Shutters, you can grab your own Malin + Goetz travel essentials pack on Amazon through the link below.
21. A Powerful Little Charger
If you need a lightweight portable charger, look no further. One of the most popular chargers on Amazon, the Anker Power Core Slim is small enough to fit in your purse or pocket without weighing you down. It also charges super fast and is perfect for both Samsung and Apple phones. I have quite a few power banks in my travel collection, but I love how light and easy this one is. It’s great for solo travelers and people who don’t like sharing their juice because the number of ports is limited.
22. Lululemon Belt Bag
It’s not a fanny pack, it’s Lululemon. Wear around your waist or over your shoulder. This water-resistant, easy-to-clean bag is perfect for carrying your most important possessions while keeping your hands free for adventure. Or knocking out any fool who calls it a fanny pack.
23. Universal International Power Adapter
What I like most about this little power adapter are the 4 USB ports. I have a lot of devices I won’t leave home without and they all demand power.
Able to be used in over 150 countries the Sanorch Universal International Power Adapter works in the EU, UK, AU, Asia, and more. Plus, the beautiful color helps you separate your adapter from those of other travelers.
24. The Meta Quest 2
This is so much more than a toy or a gift for gamers. Travel enthusiasts can use this VR set to literally step foot into google maps and walk around nearly any location on Earth. This is far better than any free printable map when it comes to learning the layout of a city.
I first used the Quest to scout out where I would be staying on my solo trip to South Africa. After being warned by literally everyone that I would be robbed and murdered upon touching down in Joberg, I thought it would be a good idea to pop on this VR headset and look at the area around my hotel, find the nearest police station, urgent care, and other important landmarks. Walking around those streets virtually made me feel more comfortable walking around them actually. Once I got there it allowed me to actually look at the people and streets around me, as opposed to burying my face in my phone and looking at directions, making myself a target for thieves.
More than a safety tool for solo female travelers, it’s also a great way to see places you can’t get to during the pandemic.
25. Mack’s Ultra Soft Earplugs
With these super soft earplugs, you’ll be able to sleep almost anywhere. From airplanes to noisy hostels to that pricey Vegas suite with the pool views you thought was such a good idea. Everywhere suddenly becomes the perfect spot to catch some shut-eye. This 10-pack fits perfectly in any carry-on and is great when your beloved travel companion suddenly starts snoring or that baby behind you starts screaming.
26. No Damage Hair Ties
If you have longer hair good quality hair ties are essential items for traveling. But you don’t want to sacrifice hair health for comfort and convenience. These Goody ouchless elastic bands are great for every hair type. I have ultra-fine hair and after a recent thyroid issue, I’m desperate to hang on to the few thin strands I have left. These Goody hair ties are the only ties I use because they’re super light, don’t snag or pull my hair and they’re great to flick at my significant other when they’re snoring. I have issues.
27. First Aid Kit
I’m basically an accident waiting to happen. Sprains, cuts, burns, breaks, you name it, I’ve managed to do it while on vacation. This is why I like carrying a quality first aid kit in the car wherever I go. The medical kit below contains 200 items perfect for any outdoor emergency including an assortment of bandages, alcohol prep pads, sting relief, emergency blanket, tweezers, rubber gloves, moleskin blister relief, trauma sheers, CPR face mask, and 22 outdoor survival items for things like starting fires and signaling for help in an emergency.
28. Amika Dry Shampoo
I’m a late convert to dry shampoo. The first few brands I tried left my hair far too dry and brittle. But after being gifted a couple of cans of Amika dry shampoo for a recent hospital stay, I fell in love. Not a great meet-cute, but it’s what I’ve got. This is now a staple in my toiletry bag. It’s perfect for saving time in the morning so you can hop on a super early tour. Or for killing the stink or unwashed tresses after you’ve been lying in the hospital for seven days. You know, Gla-More!
29. Travel Scarf
If a fanny pack isn’t for you, maybe you’re more of the travel scarf type. The Infinity Travel Scarf by Waypoint Goods has a roomy zipper pocket to fit your iPhone, passport, cash, credit cards and more. It also comes in a wide variety of colors, so you’re sure to find one to match any outfit. Particularly if you’re a French new wave film director.
30. Teamoy Travel Jewelry Organizer
Keep your jewelry safe and free from tangles with this awesome jewelry case. The slim design means it won’t take up more space than a couple of statement necklaces. The Teamoy Travel jewelry case allows you to find your earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets with ease, instead of rolling around loose in the bottom of your suitcase or inside a ziplock bag. We classy now.
Have you used any of these items? Have a recommendation for something I missed? Just want to shower me with compliments for my witty product descriptions? I’ll take it all in the comments below.
