19 Travel Essentials For Women: From International Trips To Weekend Getaways
How To Travel Like A Pro
Travel allows us to escape life’s daily demands and gives us memories that will last a lifetime. This is one of the many reasons I love to travel. Just in 2024 alone, I have traveled to five different countries and have two other international trips planned. From my years of travel experience I learned what I need to pack to have the best trip possible and avoid being uncomfortable and disorganized.
I created the following list of essential items. This does not include a certain brand of moisturizer or comfy pajamas, but items that will keep you organized, comfortable, and most importantly safe on your next trip.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link. This will be at no extra cost to you. View the disclaimer for more information.
Organization
Being an organized on your trip is crucial. Having an organized bag means you can pack more of your items, avoid misplacing your belongings, and paying extra money for checked luggage.
1.) Carry On
photo credit: amazon.com
Having a good carry on can make your packing experience 100x easier. There are many options to chose from, but this one is my favorite. This carry on has multiple compartments to help keep all of your items organized. It is also the size of a personal item and can fit underneath a plane’s seat and is compliant with most airlines personal item size. If you arrive and can not check into your accommodation yet, you can carry it like a backpack instead of wheeling your carry on around the city.
2.) Travel Organizer
photo credit: amazon.com
This organizer pretty much has it all and will make the most of your carry on space. This organizer includes bags for your clothes, accessories, cosmetics, toiletry container, and a separate bag for laundry. Most hotels do not have a lot of counter space in the bathroom, so the hanging toiletry bag is a huge help.
4.) Refillable Containers
photo credit: amazon.com
Instead of trying to fit all of your toiletries in your luggage, and having to check your bag, fill up these travel sized containers instead. I’ve done ten day trips and these containers held enough of my products to last the whole trip.
3.) Jewelry Organizer
photo credit: amazon.com
If your travel with a lot of jewelry then this organizer is for you. It will keep everything together and help you from misplacing any of your pieces. This organizer also keeps your necklaces from getting tangled.
Comfort
Although not all of us travel to relax and unwind, no one has fun when they are uncomfortable or sleep deprived. The following items help keep you comfortable, clean, hydrated, and well-rested.
5.) Neck Pillow
photo credit: uncommongoods.com
Whether its a late flight, long flight, or early flight you are going to need to catch some sleep. For me, traditional neck pillows are never comfy enough for me to fall asleep. This specialty neck pillow gives my neck so much more support and allows me to actually fall asleep on planes.
6.) Water Bottle
photo credit: amazon.com
This refillable water bottle is so important especially if you are traveling to a place where the drinking water is not safe or you will be doing a lot of physical activity. This water bottle saved me a few times while hiking in Costa Rica and exploring the Philipines. Even if you are going somewhere with drinkable water, it is still a good idea to have on so you don’t have to pay for overpriced water in touristy places.
7.) Bath Wipes
photo credit: amazon.com
I didn’t discover these wipes until this year and I REALLY wish I would of known about them sooner. You can freshen up with these wipes after a long plane ride, after a long hike, and while out exploring the city. These wipes help get rid of body order and keep you clean until your next shower.
8.) Charging Pack
photo credit: amazon.com
Long days out exploring can drain your phone’s battery. To avoid having a dead phone in a strange city. I recommend bringing a charging pack. This pack can charge you and your friend’s phone at the same time.
9.) Noise Canceling Headphones
photo credit: amazon.com
I seem to always be seated near the plane’s crying baby. Luckily, I also have noise canceling headphones. These headphones help block out noise and help you relax and sleep on your flight. These are also useful if your neighbors are loud at your accommodation or if your travel buddy snores.
10.) Eye Mask
photo credit: amazon.com
These blackout eye masks make it easier to get sleep in the plane, airport, and your hotel. These masks are a huge lifesaver if you are flying to a new timezone and have to sleep while it is still light out.
11.) Sink Laundry
photo credit: amazon.com
Sometimes it’s difficult to pack enough clothes to get you through an entire trip and in some countries it can be hard to find somewhere to do laundry at. When I visited Costa Rica I was going through at least two outfits a day and there were not a lot of options for laundry. I ended up having to do my own laundry in the sink. Luckily I found these soap packs that effectively clean my laundry without a laundry machine.
12.) Steamer
photo credit: amazon.com
If you are going on a business trip or just need to have nice, wrinkle free clothes, I recommend bringing a steamer. This lightweight steamer is highly rated for travel.
13.) Airplane Phone Holder
photo credit: amazon.com
If you have a long flight, looking down at your phone for hours is going to cause a lot of neck & back discomfort. I recommend this phone holder to keep your phone at eye level. Trust me your neck will thank you later.
14.) Universal Travel Adapter
photo credit: amazon.com
If you are traveling abroad most likely you will need a plug adaptor. This adaptor works for many different countries. Always check the voltage of your electronics before plugging anything into a wall socket.
Health & Safety
This is the most important thing on a trip. Anything that compromises our health and safety can turn a fun adventure into negative experience. The following items with help keep you healthy and safe on your trip.
15.) First Aid Kit
photo credit: amazon.com
You never think you need one of these until you do. When I was exploring Northern Thailand I misstepped and landed on the dirty gravel and split my knee open all in about two seconds. Luckily we had a first aid kit and I was able to clean it and bandage it. Once we got into town I was able to get it checked out. If I didn’t have a first aide kit I would of been SOL.
16.) Travel Meds Pack
photo credit: amazon.com
You never know what you will have to deal with while traveling. I had minor things like headaches all the way to COVID. Depending on where you are at pharmacies might not be open late, be close, or have the meds you need. Its best to bring the basics like Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismol, Azo, ect.
17.) Electrolytes
photo credit: amazon.com
Whether you are spending time at the beach, hiking, or drinking electrolytes will help keep you hydrated. They are apart of my recovery routine for a night out and help me bounce back quicker the next day. I also take them hiking to avoid cramps and fatigue.
18.) Door Alarm
photo credit: amazon.com
While this is not necessary in all countries, this door alarm is good to have in countries that have more crime or if you are a solo traveler. When the alarm is activated, it will make a loud noise to wake you up and deter any intruders.
19.) Credit Card
If you are traveling abroad make sure you have a credit card that does not have foreign transaction fees. These fees will add up so fast if you are making multiple purchases. You do not have to have a travel credit card, but if you are planning on doing a lot of travel you might want to consider getting one for the amazing travel perks.
19.) USB Data Blocker
photo credit: amazon.com
Lastly, I always recommend using a USB data blocker if you are going to charge your phone with a USB port. This inexpensive data blockers prevent your phones data from being downloaded when you charge it. I recommend using it for rental cars, hotel USB ports, and airport USB ports. There are so many scammers that can get your data from an unprotected port.
I hope you found this post to be helpful! If you have any comments or questions please email me at caitaustinco.com.