Best 49 Travel necessities for Women to Make Your Trip easier

Packing for a trip can feel overwhelming, especially with so many packing lists offering endless suggestions. Over more than a decade of travel across 25+ countries and five years living in Turkey, I’ve found a few travel essentials that make a real difference—especially for women.

My approach has evolved into a minimalistic mindset: if I forget something, I can usually buy it on the road. But there are a few must-haves I never leave behind. This list focuses on the items that simplify my travels and bring peace of mind, going beyond basics like clothes and passports (you’ll find those in the downloadable packing list).

These travel essentials have truly made my life on the road easier, and I hope they do the same for you. So, let’s dive in and start packing!

The Best Travel Necessities for Women

After years of traveling to over 25 countries, I’ve discovered a few travel essentials that make every trip smoother and more enjoyable. Some of these items I haven’t been able to purchase yet, but they’re on my “to buy” list when I get back to the States.

Not every item will be necessary for every trip, and that’s perfectly fine. Some are must-haves for specific destinations, while others are more general travel staples.

I hope this list brings you peace of mind and helps make your trip just a bit smoother. Look for items marked with an *—they’re especially recommended for your next adventure to Turkey!

1. Rose water mist

I recently started using rose water on my face and it has been a game changer.

I didn’t believe it until I tried it. Now there’s no going back. Since using it my pores feel more hydrated and my skin is softer.

Especially when you travel it can be quite refreshing.

2. Chapstick/lip balm

Maybe you’re more of a berry-flavored lip balm gal but I am all about that peppermint. Regardless of what flavor you choose, a lip balm should definitely be on the list.

Airplanes dehydrate you so having something handy to keep your lips moisturized is a win!

3. Make-up wipes

The older I have gotten the more I try and stay away from putting chemicals on my face.

I typically just clean with a washcloth but there is something about traveling that leaves you feeling gross. Since bringing a face wash is a bit difficult these will help keep your face clean without a lot of extra chemicals.

4. Sunscreen

This is #1 for a reason. Because it’s lightweight you feel like you’re ready for anything.

I actually rarely use sunscreen. I look forward to purchasing this one when I head back to the States.

The great thing about this one is also that it is small enough to fit in your carry-on travel fluids.

5. Travel Mirror

Being a pretty simple traveler, I have never gotten into the LED-lit purse mirrors but seriously my mirror has been a lifesaver.

I remember one time trapped on the window seat with something in my eye. Thankfully I didn’t have to go to the bathroom to handle it!

6. Travel size key skin products

I don’t wear a ton of makeup because it usually makes my face feel like it can’t breathe. This, however, is my favorite brand.

It is lightweight and somehow still has really great coverage.

Favorite travel Tech Necesseties

7. Universal adaptor*

An adaptor is absolutely essential! There are many options out there but why I love this one is that it has multiple USB slots as well as a type C slot.

You can charge your computer, phone, earbuds, and tablet all at the same time!

8. Travel Power bank*

I have used other power banks that weren’t Anker and they just aren’t worth it, in my opinion.

In fact, I have a couple right now that I am nursing til I can make it back to the States this summer.

they die constantly and aren’t reliable. But my last Anker lasted years! The only reason I don’t have it anymore is because I forgot it while traveling.

9. Electric organizer

One of the most annoying things these days is how every device needs a different plug. Can’t we just use a universal charge already?!

Until that time, however, this organizer helps keep all the cables in one place but separated out, making it easy to use them when the time comes.

10. Clothing steamer*

I don’t remember the last time I ironed anything, to be honest. Living in Turkey, dryers are quite hard to come by but it just is rarely worth it to me.

If it is too wrinkled to wear, I will just rewash it and shake it out really well before I hang it to dry.

But this little gem makes for the best travel companion so you can always have pressed-looking clothes no matter where you go. It is especially small and made for travel also!

11. Tripod

I am not a great picture taker especially of myself when I travel. I am usually capturing the incredible buildings I see or the delicious food I am eating.

That being said, having this tripod lets you attach it in so many different ways so you can get a shot that includes everyone!

12. Headphones or earbuds

I recently lost my earbuds at a hotel. I was devastated because the ones that I was using were not available right now. ?

Cue research for new ones. These are the ones I will be buying when I get back to the States. Great reviews but especially great on phone calls!

General Travel Essentials women should pack

13. Packing cubes

There are lots of options out there when it comes to packing cubes.

What I love about these packing cubes is that there are so many different options in this 10-count set.

Not to mention they really try to take care of their customers with their customer service.

14. Portable hangers

Have you ever showed up at a hotel and there were two measly hangers?

This is one of the best inventions to solve just that problem. If you like to wear dresses or clothes that you need to hang up, these are a great option.

Plus they are quite lightweight.

15. Hanging toiletry bag

This waterproof bag is great because not only is it so incredibly cute, but it is also a bit smaller than some of the other ones.

This is great, in my opinion, because some of the other bags are so big it just encourages you to bring bigger products and more of them. It just isn’t necessary.

IMO, packing toiletries is not the most important on my travel essentials list. They can always be bought when I land where I am going.

16. Join the STEP Program*

This is such a helpful tool for travelers, especially solo travelers. This program allows you to stay up-to-date with any changes in safety or major issues going on in the country you’re visiting.

It is free and super easy to join. 10/10 recommend you sign up before you go.

17. Travel Insurance*

There are so many options out there for insurance and it can definitely feel a bit overwhelming.

I was never a buy-insurance-for-trips kind of person until I had to for a conference and then it got canceled because of a pandemic.

Now I always buy travel insurance. I like using travelinsurance.com because there are so many options and you can see how they rank but also select what you actually need.

18. Gifts for locals*

If you have friends who live where you are headed I promise you’ll make their year if you ask them if there is anything they want from where you are/home if they used to live there.

When my friends come to Turkey and bring me peanut butter or anything mint chocolate or a great steal from Costco, I am over the moon!

I obviously have no specifics as everyone is different, just a recommendation to ask them before you go.

19. Travel scarf / bra wallet

Obviously, which of these you bring will depend on the time of the year. For winter or even if you get cold on the plane, a travel scarf could be a great option.

If you are more like me and prefer to wear as little as possible cause you’re always hot, a bra wallet may be a great option.

20. Reusable shopping bag*

While these are becoming more popular in the States, they are a way of life here in Turkey.

You pay for each bag you use when buying groceries. Having a few reusable bags will be super helpful.

What I love about these specifically is how lightweight they are and how small they fold up.

21. RFID wallet/phone case

This Travelon RFID wallet is what I use in my day-to-day life in Turkey.

I love it because it has two pockets and allows me to store my phone and keys on one side and all my cards and money on the other.

Plus it being RFID protected makes me feel safer.

22. Lint roller

Lint rollers are one of my favorite travel items. Inevitably I have lint all over my black leggings and it drives me crazy.

This retractable lint roller is perfect for taking with you anywhere you travel.

23. Portable luggage scale

When my mom came to visit me she brought this portable luggage scale and I was super impressed.

I had a different one but it was hard to handle and didn’t always give an accurate number.

But this one is so much more easy to use.

Must-have travel gear for your Flight

24. water bottle*

I’m obsessed with Epic Water Filters. They have their own bottles which are great but recently they came out with THE ANSWER.

This allows you to turn your own water bottle* into filtered water.

*Make sure you check compatability but they work with a lot of different bottles. You can read my full review on Epic here.

25. Hand sanitizer / Kolonya

Since moving to Turkey, I have grown to love Kolonya so much more than hand sanitizer.

It leaves your hands feeling much cleaner and not filmy like with hand sanitizer. You can buy a small spray bottle and keep it in your carry-on for easy access.

These cleaning wipes are also great if you want a wipe to clean your area.

26. Travel pillow/blanket

If you’re blessed with the capacity to sleep on a long flight, I’m so happy for you and a bit jealous.

I am hoping to purchase this set when I go back to the States because of how compact it packs up. You get a sleep mask, a travel pillow, a cozy blanket, and earplugs.

And the best part is it all folds up together in its own zipper bag making it easy to carry around.

27. Eye mask

If you already have a pillow or really just looking for a great sleep mask, this is the one I use.

I hate when things are pressing on my eyes and I love the space this mask gives my eyeballs and makes it so blacked out.

I have tried a lot of masks and this has been my favorite by far.

28. Compression socks

I have gotten to the age that compression socks are a necessary evil for long flights.

To avoid swelling and adjust to the new time zone it also helps me to drink loooooots of water and move around a bit.

I recommend these exercises on the plane to keep blood flowing.

29. Phone holder

This adjustable phone holder is great when you want to watch your own shows on your phone.

I don’t know about you but I get tired of looking down and this helps keep the phone right at eye level.

30. Loop earplugs*

If you’re a sensitive person (to sounds and stimulation) have you tried Loop Earplugs?!

I can’t wait to get mine when I go to the States but my friend uses them here all the time with all the extra noises constantly going on.

You can completely cut the sound out or use a lower grade to just cut the harshness of the sound. They are brilliant.

31. Meds

If you take medication, don’t forget that you should always have them with you. Never put it in your checked suitcase in case it gets stolen or your bag gets lost.

Also, if you have prescriptions, bring them with you. Many people find that buying medicine in Turkey can be cheaper and some stuff doesn’t even need a prescription.

One that surprisingly to me does need one is Benedryl. I always stock up on that one when I am in the States.

32. Eyedrops

There are many much more expensive options but I usually go with the cheapest cause I just need these when I am flying.

If you get dry eyes from the dry air in the plane, having a small bottle of eye drops can save you from burning eyes.

Health and Safety Essential Travel Items

33. Bug spray

I actually don’t use bug spray a lot and try to make my own with essential oils when I need it but sometimes in the summer, the mosquitos here are insufferable.

This is a simple bug spray that is clean and will help keep your skin bug-free on your vacation.

34. Key chain alarm*

There are a ton of styles and options for keychain alarms but I love that this one has an LED light on it.

If it isn’t your style, you can check out other ones.

This is great to have on your keys especially if you are a single woman traveling alone. Self-defense can be a bit tricky here so this is a safe bet.

35. First aid kit*

I had a friend who visited and got hurt and needed a bandaid. Because it happened after the pharmacies were closed, they couldn’t find any bandaids.

In the States, we would walk into any store and get bandaids but here they are only at pharmacies.

To make life easier, it is great to have a simple first aid kit on hand. You can make your own or this one is quite inexpensive.

I always just add the few things I might need and some basics like activated charcoal and pain reliever.

36. Portable door lock

When traveling in a new place it is always nice to have a bit extra security. This super easy-to-use, portable door lock makes sure no one is getting into your room if you don’t want them in there.

There are other styles but this leaves the least damage and is the smallest yet effective.

37. Menstrual cup/disk*

Menstrual cups/disks aren’t for everyone but I have been so grateful for mine. I especially appreciate them here in Turkey because bathrooms can be really rough.

Using these cuts down on the amount of times I have had to handle business in a public restroom, making them perfect for travel.

Just make sure to use it a month or two before you go so you know what you’re doing.

38. Microfiber towel*

I find having a small microfiber towel with me is a great travel companion. I use a Norwex one but these are much more economically priced.

You can use them for a myriad of situations and have never regretted bringing them along with me.

39. Nail clippers/file

I have had the same Revlon case that I just trade out the inside of it as they wear out. This 3 Swords Germany is what I will be purchasing on my next trip home.

I love that it has a much more sturdy case and has the few things that are important to me to have. Though I’ll add my favorite cuticle trimmers as well.

40. Sewing kit*

I usually just have one of those chintzy emergency sewing kits from a nice hotel in my bag but there have been too many times that I have needed more.

This simple, inexpensive travel sewing kit has all the things you might need. It can be difficult to find things like this since they aren’t necessarily where you would typically purchase them in the States.

Travel-Friendly Clothing

41. Walking shoes – Xero*

After moving to Turkey, I started to have some tendonitis in my foot from going from a sedentary desk job to walking everywhere. Something that really helped was switching to barefoot shoes.

Now I run and walk in them. I don’t wear anything except barefoot shoes. My favorite brand is Xero and they have some great options.

Of course, if barefoot sneakers aren’t your thing, just make sure you have some comfortable shoes for all the walking you will do here. And for the love of God, make sure you break them in before you get here.

42. Sunglasses

So to be fair, you can totally buy some knock-offs here in Turkey for not a terrible price. Whether you buy sunglasses in the States and bring them with you or buy them once you get here, having sunglasses comes in handy with the intense sunlight.

43. Anti-theft purse*

I am a huge Travelon fan. I love that they are made specifically for travel. The purse I use is no longer being made but I have loved all the ones I have used.

If you don’t love their style, you could also do an anti-theft travel backpack especially if you will be in a lot of touristy areas where pick-pocketing is common.

You can also try one of these crossbody fanny packs. This is my go-to for day-to-day use here in Turkey.

44. Extra outfit in carry-on luggage

45. Beach tote

If you plan on going to the beach at all, this is a great lightweight beach tote to carry all your essentials along with you.

Because it is mesh, the small pebbles and sand will just fall through and it won’t add a bunch of extra weight to your bags. Plus it has a pretty great price tag.

46. Hat

So half of my head is shaved and this hat wouldn’t be helpful to me right now but for most of my life, I have had a ton of hair and always wore it on the top of my head.

I’m thinking of you and think this stylish hat would be so much better for a great experience in the sun. This sun hat has a great hole in the top so that you can wear your hair in a cute bun while getting the protection you need.

47. Hat clip

If you brought that cute beach hat with you (or any other hat for that matter) but always hate trying to figure out what to do with it when you’re not wearing it…cue the perfect solution.

This hat clip allows you to clip your hat to your bag via a strong magnetic clip. It doesn’t damage the hate and works with most hats. Make sure you get it in enough time before your trip to ensure it works with your hat.

48. Long raincoat*

There is a good chance you will get some rain on your trip unless you come in the summer. When it rains, it is also often quite windy which means an umbrella doesn’t help much.

I have actually abandoned umbrellas altogether unless it is necessary. That being said, I recommend a longer raincoat like this one to give your legs a little protection.

49. Travel Game

So it doesn’t have to be Monopoly Deal, though my mom and I played the whole time we waited for our next flight.

I do recommend having some sort of travel game. It is just so nice to get off the phone and connect with whoever you’re traveling with. If you’re traveling solo, bring a small coloring book or an actual book.

FAQs About Favorite Travel Essentials for Women

Final Thoughts on Packing Essentials for Women

For every country you visit, you will put a little different twist on the packing list of essentials. Every length of your trip will impact how much you take and whether you need a checked bag or if you’re traveling carry-on only.

Regardless, these items are things that have made my life easier as I travel. I hope they make yours easier as well.

Did you think of something I should add to the list? Drop me an email and let me know. I always love discovering a new product!