21 Top Travel Essentials for Women

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Stuck figuring out what to pack?

As rejuvenating as a holiday can be, getting ready for one is often less so.

Never fear!

We’ll take the stress out of it for you with our list of travel essentials for women.

Ready to explore? Let’s go. ✈️

In this article: 📝

What are some necessities for traveling?

Read on for our round-up of the key travel items for women, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, and items to help keep you safe if you’re traveling solo.

Travel essentials list for women

1. Passport

If you’re traveling internationally, your passport is of course, on the top of the list.

It’s a good idea to figure out a system to keep your passport safe.

You may want to keep it in the same place in your bag until you get to your destination, where you can lock it away.

And a passport wallet is also a good idea, as this will protect your passport from water or sun damage and allow you to keep this and your boarding passes all in one place.

2. Boarding passes

Boarding passes are another key carry-on item.

Most airlines offer digital e-tickets, which is super handy.

If you choose this option, make sure you’ve got a copy downloaded on your phone.

And if you’ve stuck to old-school paper boarding passes, keep them securely tucked in your passport.

3. Copy of travel insurance

If you haven’t got it already, travel insurance is undoubtedly one of the most important travel essentials for women.

Forbes takes us through the best options here.

It’s a good idea to travel with printed-out proof of your travel insurance, including your account number and the name of your travel insurance provider.

4. Copy of your itinerary

It’s also a good idea to bring a printed copy of your itinerary.

Include the names and contact details of your accommodation and the details of all planes, trains, and automobiles you will be taking.

Not only will this help you feel prepped and secure, but it can also be a lifesaver if you have any hiccups along the way.

Be sure to keep it close, as safe as you'd keep your passport or phone.

5. Cash in the currency of your destination country

In most places in the world, you’ll have no trouble using your credit card, or it could be worth getting a debit card that's designed for travel, like a Monzo or [Revolut](https://revolut.com/referral/natasslgvo] card.

But there is worth in having a bit of local currency when you arrive.

You may need to get a taxi (or an urgent coffee—hello, jet lag!) and will need cash to cover it.

6. Travel adaptor

Research the adapter you need for the country you’re traveling to.

Or, you could buy a worldwide travel plug adaptor — if you’re a keen traveler, this is a great investment!

7. Your own personal sanitation station

We can’t always prevent ourselves from getting sick—but we can take some preventive measures to avoid illness.

Packing your own supply of hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes goes a long way.

8. Phone charger

Many planes — and trains and even coaches — have charging facilities, so carrying a charger with you at all times is a good idea.

You might want to invest in a dependable, high-capacity power bank.

These are designed to last for ages and are slim and light—perfect for traveling.

9. Travel pillow and eye mask

An eye mask will help block out light and other distractions and help you get some shut-eye on a long flight.

And never underestimate the comfort that a travel pillow brings.

Although you might feel like these items are taking up unnecessary space in your bag, you may be glad to have them three hours into your flight.

10. Headphones

Headphones are absolute staples for a long trip.

Watching a film or listening to a podcast or music are great ways to pass the time on long journeys.

11. Toiletry bag

Before we dive in, a top tip: if you would like to bring your toiletry bag in your carry-on, it’s important to consider the size of the bottles.

Containers typically have to have to be 3.4oz or less%20or%20less%20per%20item.).

It also helps to put everything in a clear toiletry bag ahead of time to make going through security easier.

If you’re looking for a toiletry bag to pack in your luggage, investing in a hanging toilet bag can help you keep organized while on your travels.

Here’s what to include:

• Sunscreen
• SPF lip balm
• Makeup remover
• Hair ties
• Moisturizer
• Spare menstrual wear (even if you're not due to be on your period, this is a must, as travel or stress can bring about a change in your menstrual cycle)
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash

12. First aid kit

You don’t have to go overboard here, but being prepared is a good idea.

Some things to think about:

• Band-aids
• Painkillers
• Anti-diarrhea medication (yep, travelers' diarrhea can sometimes be par for the traveling course.)
• Melatonin. This can help you get your sleep patterns on track if you’re covering multiple time zones.
• Any medication you need, including anti-malaria medicine if appropriate for your destination.

13. Camera and accessories

From beginners to pros, experimenting with travel photography adds a creative element to your travels and helps you remember your trip for years to come.

In addition to a camera, you may want to consider a small fold-up tripod or mount.

This backstrap mount can help you easily position your camera for the best photos.

14. Clothes

Ahead of time, check the weather for the destination you are traveling to and pack appropriate layers.

A rain jacket that can fold easily is a must-have for many locations.

And here’s your friendly reminder not to forget your swimsuit if you’re off to a beach destination.

You may also want to check if there are specific customs you should respect at your destination.

For example, if you are traveling to the Middle East, it’s best to wear long skirts and pants rather than shorts.

Longer shirts and pants can protect you from mosquitoes and other bugs.

15. Sunglasses

A pair of polarized sunglasses are a must-have for most destinations, even cold ones!

And it’s a good idea to pop them in a travel case to prevent them from getting damaged along the way.

16. Anti-theft purse

You may want to invest in an anti-theft purse to keep your belongings safe.

We recommend this Travelon Anti-Theft Bag from Amazon.

17. A local phrasebook or app

If you are going to a country where you don’t speak the language, it may help to get a local phrasebook.

And if you have time, learn a few key phrases before you leave.

18. A map of the local area

Luckily, Google Maps and similar apps put the world’s maps right on our devices.

But you may want to opt for a paper map instead, just in case you run out of battery or don't have signal.

19. A personal safety app

Particularly if you are traveling alone, it’s a good idea to load up a personal safety app, like ICE.

This way, if you do land up in an emergency, your family and friends can be easily notified.

20. A journal

Opt for a paper notebook or a digital journal.

Whatever you choose, recording your thoughts and experiences is a great way to deepen your travel experience and remember it for years.

21. Reading material

Losing yourself in a book will make time fly.

Now’s the time to get caught up on that pile at your bedside.

If you love to figure out crosswords and Sudokus, a book of puzzles can also be a great way to keep yourself occupied.

Things that aren't essential, but make travel that bit easier

These aren't technically travel essentials, but our Peanut community swears by them for a smooth and easy vacation:

• Suitcase drink caddy — No more wrangling your passport, hand luggage, and suitcase along with your coffee!
• Collapsible water bottle — Perfect if you want to stay hydrated on your travels, but you're short on space.
• Scalp sunscreen — Yup, this exists! Say goodbye to burnt scalps!
• Compression socks — A must for long-haul flights.
• Foldable backpack — Ideal if you're only allowed to travel with one piece of luggage.
• Luggage set — Easily pick out your luggage from the crowd!
• Antihistamines — Some of our Peanut community swear by taking an antihistamine pill about 30 minutes before you get on your flight or train when traveling to avoid the sniffles.
• Flight phone mount — No in-flight entertainment? No problem!
• Digital luggage scale — So you won't get caught out at the airport.
• Travel jewelry case — Because there's nothing more annoying than tangled necklaces.
• Travel compression bags — Yes, you can bring both outfits!
• Folding travel mirror — Because some hotels have really badly placed mirrors.
• Solid shampoo and conditioner — So you don't have to go over your liquids allowance.
• Kindle — Bring all the books without the bulk!

Travel tips for women

Traveling as a woman isn't without its unique experiences.

Here are our top tips on traveling as a woman:

• Look into the local hospitals, pharmacies, and where to call in an emergency. You probably won't need it, but it's better to be prepared.
• Wear a cross-body bag while out and about, but make sure it's front-facing. It's easier to lose things or have them stolen if your bag is around your back.
• Join area-specific or travel groups for insider tips and tricks. Psst: we have a great travel community on Peanut.
• If you're planning on drinking, drink water regularly to stay hydrated, and maybe drink less than you normally would. Particularly in warmer climates, that bit of booze can hit you harder than usual, and if you're in an unfamiliar place, you might feel less safe.
• Plan a budget. It's so easy to overspend because you're in "vacation mode", but by the time you get home, looking at your bank balance can bring you straight back down.
• Have a contact back home who you check in with regularly, and who knows your itinerary. Just in case.
• Wait a little before sharing your location via photos on social media. Again, just in case, it's safer to post that snap with that amazing bar once you've left.
• Research the area beforehand, particularly areas where things like theft are more prevalent.
  Finally, if you’re traveling pregnant, head here for all the details on how to make it a smooth trip.

And there you have it — our full list of travel essentials for women.

Now you can skip the stress and focus on enjoying your trip!