21 Travel Essentials For Women in 2024
Hey ladies, before you head out on your next adventure, consider investing in these items to keep you safe and happy. Trust me; if you have ever experienced the horror of being stranded with only the clothes on your back, you will understand why this is so important.
For this reason, I wrote this article especially for you. All you have to do is read it and prepare your pack with these travel essentials before leaving.
Travel Essentials For Women
1. Hiking Backpack
This is a must-have.
If you plan to go on more than a day hike, be sure to get one with sturdy straps and enough room to carry what you will need for your trip. And if you are hiking alone, make sure your backpack has a water bladder and a whistle.
2. Fanny Pack
Yes, that’s right!
The ugly front waistpack is back with a vengeance. Anyone who travels a lot will know that a handbag or backpack is too easy to rob when your back is turned. The solution? A fanny pack that can be worn around your waist and under your shirt. Yes, I know they look ridiculous, but so do the bruises and scrapes you will get after being mugged.
3. A Good Purse
Your handbag is one of your prized possessions if you are like me, and you take it everywhere with you. And while I love my bag, I have noticed how heavy it gets when I am shopping for a long time or exploring a new city. I always make sure I have a purse that is not too heavy but still fashionable and large enough to hold all my daily essentials.
4. Lots Of Clothes
When you are rushing around trying to get out the door, you often forget that you need a lot more clothes than just what is on your back. And by the time you see yourself in your photo, you will realize that you are wearing the same outfit repeatedly. Packing too little will also be evident to any other traveler you meet, who will undoubtedly tell you that you are not appropriately dressed to visit their country.
5. Spare Underwear & Tampons
Trust me on this one; you never know when you will need extra underwear. For example, my friend’s period came early while she was in Japan. Luckily she had a spare pair of underwear in her backup bag, which she was able to change into while she went exploring the town.
6. Comfortable Shoes
Here’s another travel “myth” that all women know is true. If you plan to spend time doing anything other than sitting on a plane or in a car, you need good shoes and lots of them! A good pair of walking shoes will ensure that you can see everything you want and not be hobbling around in pain when you get home.
7. Multi-Pouch Makeup Bag
This is a must-have for any woman on the go. Makeup, perfume, and lotion spill easily, so having a bag for your toiletries will keep you looking fresh even when you are away from home.
8. Sun Screen
If you are anything like me, you hate wearing sunscreen. It is usually thick and makes my skin break out, especially on my face.
But without it, I get burned within an hour of being in the sun, no matter how cloudy it is. I have learned the hard way that my skin is more sensitive than I thought, so now I always pack a good sunscreen that rubs in easily and does not make me break out.
9. Sunglasses
After golfing in the blazing sun for the first time, I realized how important it was to protect my eyes from the UV rays. So now I pack a pair of sunglasses in every bag I take. This means that if I lose them, it is not the end of the world. I always have a backup pair.
10. Nail Scissors
Even if you get a manicure before traveling, chances are still pretty high that your nails will get ruined after days of traveling.
A good pair of nail scissors is the best way to fix the problem.
11. Toothpaste And Toothbrush
A surprising number of women forget to pack a toothbrush and toothpaste in their bags. I have had it happen several times, only to have to use a toothbrush that I found in a hotel room. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than bad breath! So always pack a toothbrush and toothpaste.
12. Razor And Refills
Unless you like shaving with an electric shaver, every woman needs to pack a razor. And don’t forget refills-always check your refill before you leave.
13. Menstrual Cup
A menstrual cup is a great way to avoid packing tampons, but they can be kind of bulky. If you are not used to using menstrual cups, practice before your trip so you are comfortable inserting them. I have seen some women use a menstrual cup instead of a diaper during long flights, so it really is an all-in-one product!
14. Reusable Water Bottle
If you plan to spend any time outdoors, a reusable water bottle is essential. Not only is having a bottle with you an easy way to stay hydrated and healthy, in some countries, drinking tap water can be dangerous. Carry your own!
15. Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is one of the most important safety items a woman should carry at all times. But it is important to mention that pepper spray or mace is not allowed on airplanes (who would want to change the bad luck), so be sure to purchase it at your final destination.
16. Wifi & Sim Card
Today’s travelers need to be connected at all times.
Without a working mobile phone or wifi, you could miss out on that once-in-a-lifetime trip pic your best friend just posted, or worse, you could be stranded without a way to contact help in the case of an emergency. Make sure to purchase a SIM card for your destination, ideally one that is on a pre-paid plan. And be sure to pack a portable charger to keep your device powered all day long.
17. Portable Charger
Speaking of portable chargers, this is an absolute must for any woman on the go. Just like a mobile phone without a Wi-Fi or SIM card, your camera, iPad, or laptop is useless if it loses power. And heaven forbid you are stuck somewhere without an electrical outlet. Packing a portable charger will ensure that you will never be without power.
18. A Kindle
This should be a no-brainer for any woman who loves to read. We know that carrying a book can add weight and take up space in our luggage, but carrying lots of books while traveling is not always practical.
Why?
The short answer is Kindle.
Not only will it hold hundreds of books, but it weighs nothing and takes up no space. Plus, you can get a solar charger for it, so you can read outside when there is no electrical outlet.
19. Headphones
Music is a great way to pass the time on planes or trains, and headphones are always better than using speakers. So, how do you choose the perfect headphones?
I recommend noise-canceling headphones. They will make a huge difference when you are trying to sleep on a plane or train. They are worth the money because they will save you from listening to crying babies, noisy neighbors, or snoring people around you.
20. Head Torch
If you are traveling in rural parts of Africa or Asia, chances are there won’t be electricity in your hotel room at night. You will want to have a head torch so you can read or write without disturbing anyone.
21. Hand Sanitizer
I know hand sanitizer is the last thing you want to think about packing, but I can’t stress how important it is. You will be touching dirty railings and doorknobs everywhere you travel.
So make sure to keep hand sanitizer with you at all times!
Last Words
I hope you enjoy your trip!
Please let me know in the comment section below if I forgot to mention anything.
Safe travels!
