I live part-time in LA and NYC, so I travel quite frequently. By now, I have very specific travel essentials for women that I bring with me for every trip I take.
Packing and preparing for a trip isn’t always the most exciting part of travel, and to some it can be downright overwhelming. However, this travel essentials list can help make packing less stressful, and more importantly, these items can really help make your flight more comfortable.
From noise canceling headphones to my must-have travel backpack, here are my top travel essentials for women.
22 Travel Essentials for Women
Airplane Travel Essentials
Invest in good luggage. A weekender bag works great for short overnight trips, but can also double up as your carry-on luggage for longer trips.
Travel Backpack
A few years ago, I purchased this travel backpack and I could not be happier. I travel with my computer every trip I take, and it has a dedicated pocket for it, tons of space, a slot for a water bottle, and lots of zippered and hidden compartments to stash in-cabin essentials.
Since it’s nylon, you can easily wipe off any dirt or spills, and it’s held up on international trips and dozens of cross-country flights.
Noise Canceling Headphones
Noise canceling headphones are game changers. Not only can you hear whatever you’re watching much clearer than regular headphones, they also drown out so much unnecessary noise for a more peaceful flight. I wear them I’m trying to sleep or concentrate on work, even when I’m not listening to or watching anything. Investing in a good pair is totally worth it.
I have this pair; they’re wireless but also come with a travel friendly cord that works with the airplane TV jack.
Travel Pillow
For long haul flights, I always bring my travel pillow. Sleeping on a plane is never going to be the most comfortable or high-quality, but at least with a travel pillow I can alleviate a sore neck as much as possible.
Sleep Mask
A sleep mask comes in handy if you’re trying to sleep or even nap on the plane, but it’s also handy to use in hotel rooms that may get bright morning sun or don’t have blackout shades.
Slip silk sleep masks are my favorite; I’ve had several over the years and even sleep with one at home in LA.
Medication
I always pack Tums and some Advil in my travel backpack. You never know when a headache or upset stomach may happen, and from personal experience, it’s terrible to not be able to treat it for hours!
I put them in these magnetic travel capsules. Don’t forget any other medication you may need to take mid-flight.
Hand Sanitizer and Wipes
I always wipe my seat on the plane and have been doing this since even before the pandemic. I noticed that once I started wiping down my seat I stopped getting little colds after traveling.
Therefore, I always pack travel wipes along with hand sanitizer.
Hooded Sweatshirt
I have this weird thing about touching my head to the back of the seat, so I always wear a hooded sweatshirt on the plane (or a hooded jacket).
Travel Wrap or Blanket
If you’re one who usually feels cold, bring your own travel wrap or travel blanket. You can also use this at your destination or if your hotel room is consistently cool.
Olly Sleep Gummies
For red-eye flights, I am never without my Olly Sleep Gummies. They help me go to sleep (and stay asleep!) on flights. I also use them for the first few days after and international flight to help combat jet lag and get on a better sleep cycle.
Apple Airtags
If you’re anxious about being separated from your luggage, Apple Airtags can provide great peace of mind.
This small little token can easily hide in suitcases, duffel bags, and even handbags. Although Apple Airtags aren’t anti-theft devices with an alarm, you are able to see the location of your baggage on your phone, whenever you want.
There’s always a sense of relief seeing that my suitcase made it onto the plane even though I’d never consider myself an anxious flyer.
Portable Charger
When I know I’ll be out all day or when I’m sightseeing and heavily using my phone, I bring an external battery that plugs into my phone to charge it on the go.
Fashion & Beauty Travel Essentials
Cuyana Leather Pouches
I always keep a toiletry bag packed with essentials (toothbrush, toothpaste, hair ties, dry shampoo, etc) so that I can grab it quickly while packing and add any specific items if needed.
This set from Cuyana contains a large pouch and small one – I usually keep my makeup and skincare products in the bigger one, and contacts or tampons in the smaller one.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
So long as it’s safe, walking is always the best way to experience the place you visit. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for any trip. A few of my favorites are Veja sneakers, chunky New Balance sneakers, or Adidas Samba sneakers.
Packing Cubes
I know some people don’t like packing cubes, but I’m a huge fan. I’ve used packing cubes for the last 6+ years. I don’t put everything in my suitcase in a packing cube, just bulky items like sweaters to help compress them, or shirts and dresses that can be difficult to fold.
Travel Jewelry Case
If you wear a lot of jewelry, consider a travel jewelry case to properly store your items so that your pieces don’t get lost. This beats the plastic bag or whatever you’re using right now, I promise.
Wander Beauty Eye Masks
I feel like my under-eye areas always need a pick me up after long travel days. These eye masks are individually packaged so they’re great for travel and help hydrate and perk up tired eyes.
Evian Face Mist
The recycled air on planes can really dry out your skin. I like to spritz on Evian face mist mid-flight to help keep skin hydrated. And since it’s water, it’s also a great way to refresh your face after a flight if you don’t have time to freshen up in your hotel room.
My Skincare Routine
I’m religious about packing my full skincare routine when I travel. I don’t like undoing all my hard work and consistency just because I’m not at home. Most of my serums are natural travel size since they’re small, and these days lots of brands do sell travel-friendly sizes of best-sellers. If not, you can always decant your products into small travel containers.
International Travel Essentials
For international trips, I pack all my regular travel items plus a few specific items to go out of the country. Here are my must-have international travel essentials; find my entire international travel packing list here.
Passport and Passport Holder
For starters, don’t forget your passport! A passport holder is a great way to keep it in good condition and you can also store some cash in it, too.
International Currency
I always grab some international currency from a bank prior to any international trip. Although lots of places take card these days, it’s never a bad idea to travel with the local currency on hand, especially if you’re going to more rural locations or places that may not be able to rely on Wi-Fi for card processing and Apple Pay.
If you forget, you can always grab money at the airport, although the exchange rates are usually better at the bank.
You may also want to consider getting travel insurance if it makes sense for your trip.
International Travel Adapter
This universal travel adapter works with 150 different countries and is essential for charging any electronics overseas.
Dual Voltage Hair Tools
Most hotels overseas provide you with a hair dryer but be sure to double check. A lot countries outside of the US run on different power, so if you want to use any hair tools while you’re away, but sure to make sure they are dual voltage.
Travel Essentials Checklist
