58 Best Travel Essentials for Women in 2024

Having the right luggage will not only keep your stuff from getting damaged but also be easy to locate amongst all the other bags on the luggage carousel.

Additionally, it should be easy to use with zippers that don’t stick and roll smoothly as you walk. This set by American Tourister is a fantastic option from a well-known and trusted brand. Its hard sides will protect your belongings while offering plenty of storage.

Getting to the airport only to realize that your checked bag is too heavy is a pain and will lead to added fees. You easily avoid this problem by investing in a small portable luggage scale.

This scale gets high reviews and is easily added to your suitcase or carry-on. In addition, it comes at an affordable price that is far less than the fees you’ll pay at the airport for exceeding the luggage weight limit.

Finding that perfect carry-on can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, I’ve come up with a fantastic option for you!

This 20-inch carry-on is hard-sided, has awesome spinner wheels, and has space to pack what you need for your trip. It also has a TSA security lock built right into the case.

Packing cubes are also a fantastic way for families to easily keep each member’s items separated. Just use a different color for each person in your family.

When you get to your destination, it also makes for easy unpacking. Just take your cubes out and place them either in a drawer or on a shelf.

If you try to travel light and use only a carry-on, you’ll need to make sure to have your liquids all in one place in a TSA-approved clear bag.

This bag is an affordable option that will not only make you compliant with TSA regulations but also keep your liquids contained in case of a leak.

Bring your favorite products with you in a travel-sized version when you use refillable small bottles. These are designed to fit perfectly in the clear TSA-approved bag mentioned above.

As an added bonus, you are helping to reduce waste when using these vs the travel-sized products you buy in the store as they can be reused for all your trips.

Going on a longer trip and need to bring the full-sized version of your favorite products? No problem! These leakproof sleeves will help to save you from that nightmare of your products leaking all over your suitcase.

Made of silicone they are easy to use and can fit most sized bottles… even the oddly shaped ones!

Bring your favorite scents and perfumes with you during your travels in these adorable portable perfume spray bottles.

These leakproof bottles are durable and the perfect size to bring your favorite perfumes with you on your next trip. They are also easy to refill whenever you’re running low.

Everyone knows that a few key pieces of jewelry can really make an outfit. Easily pack your special pieces to complete your ensemble with this travel jewelry case organizer.

This small case allows you to pack a lot of items without taking up a lot of room. It measures just under 4 inches square so it can fit seamlessly into any bag or purse.

This hanging toiletry bag helps to keep all your daily items neatly in one place. It conveniently hangs on a hook or over a door and is compact so it doesn’t take up half your suitcase.

Durable and quality materials mean that this bag will also last for many trips to come. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns to fit your style.

While it’s always nice to have the option to bring your own products in reusable containers, sometimes (like for last-minute trips) it’s just easier to grab a pre-made kit and go.

This kit is perfect because it has all the items you need that are already sized to meet TSA requirements.

Let’s face it, the world can be a pretty dirty place. You can help yourself stay healthy by using a portable hand sanitizer that will help to kill any germs you may encounter. I like this one because it also helps hydrate, so your hands don’t dry out.

There’s nothing worse than having to use a questionably clean public bathroom. I always travel with some toilet seat covers like these to help with cleanliness and for peace of mind. Just make sure you get ones that are flushable.

In addition to the covers I mentioned above, I also never travel without some portable toilet paper. It’s always my luck to pick the stall that is either out of paper or has one square left.

I vow to never get caught in this situation again by always bringing some with me. Furthermore, there may be some countries you visit that don’t use toilet paper at all and prefer bidets. As a wheelchair user, I have not come across an accessible bidet yet, so I always come prepared with toilet paper.

Save room in your suitcase on your next trip by planning to do a little laundry in the sink. Sink Suds allows you to freshen up your clothes so you can pack less and re-wear outfits.

Just add the pre-measured packet to water and wash any type of fabric. Then hang dry. Soap comes unscented in case you have sensitivities to smell.

Air travel and dry climates can wreak havoc on our lips. Make sure you are prepared by bringing some chapstick. It also contains SPF to help prevent your lips from burning.

I love this combo pack as it also includes Abreva if you happen to get a cold sore while traveling.

For a quick and easy way to remove any makeup and clean your face on the go, get some face cleansing wipes!

These individually wrapped wipes are TSA approved and easy to carry on the go. So, whether you need to wipe off some sweat or makeup, they have you covered.

Long days of travel or even heavy activity can leave us a little stinky. Having a quick wipe to help eliminate odor can help us feel fresher and more confident.

Lume deodorant wipes are perfect because they can be used anywhere on the body, are hypoallergenic, and are easily portable in these on-the-go pouches. You can even take some out and put them in a sealed zip lock so you only take what you need.

When traveling with others and sharing a bathroom, things can get smelly. The Poo-Pouri Spray helps to eliminate odors caused by going number two.

Just spray the water of the toilet BEFORE you do your business, and it traps the smell from escaping. It is a game changer for enclosed spaces and having to share a bathroom with others.

One way to be prepared and not have to worry about waste is to use a menstrual cup. These devices can be worn for up to 12 hours and are washable so you can reuse them.

If this is not a product you feel comfortable using, just make sure you bring plenty of your preferred brand of pads or tampons for your next trip.

Whether traveling at home or abroad, use this emergency alarm keychain to easily alert others that you need help. Even if you don’t know the local language, this alarm will attract attention and scare would-be thieves and assaulters away.

Add additional security to your hotel room, condo, or vacation rental with this small yet powerful door-locking device. This tool is easy to use and does not require any additional equipment. It fits most doors that open inwards.

Keep track of your passport and your wallet all in the same place. This combined passport and wallet holder has space for your passport, credit cards, sim cards, driver’s license, vaccine card, and your airline ticket. It also contains Rfid blocking technology.

Having everything you need in one convenient spot will help make your time at the airport go smoothly. It may also decrease the chances of you misplacing your important documents.

If you are on a red-eye flight and are desperately trying to get some much-needed sleep, make things a little easier by bringing a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

This affordable option (compared to similar models) significantly reduces ambient noise and provides good sound quality when listening to music. They are also durable and comfortable.

To help combat this problem, I wear compression socks. Ideally, these socks should cover your calf muscle and be about knee-high.

And, if you’re worried about fashion, the modern compression socks are nothing like you would imagine your grandma once wore. They come in fun colors and patterns that show off your personality. They also help to keep you more comfortable.

I mean honestly, those tiny pillows the airline gives you just don’t cut it. Help yourself to have a better chance of sleeping and relaxing by getting a good neck pillow.

Pillows like these help support your neck and keep you from getting a crank in your neck when you fall asleep and your head falls into the oddest positions. This one is also ergonomically designed for a better fit and has a cover that can be machine washed.

Although airlines will dim the lights on overnight flights, the lights from the screens in the headrest as well as movement on the plane can be distracting. Having a sleep mask can help you block these things out and allow you to rest.

This lightweight silk sleep mask is comfortable and adapts to any sleeping position. It also features an adjustable strap for the perfect fit and is designed not to slip off your face.

Not all flights have monitors in the headrests and passengers must rely on their phones to access downloaded movies, books, or the airline app.

Holding your phone or trying to prop it up on the tray table can be a pain. Luckily, there are products like this phone mount that can be easily attached to the seat in front of you so you can enjoy a hands-free experience.

Long flights and travel days can leave you dehydrated. This is especially true for me since I have to purposely not drink to avoid having to use the bathroom during my flight (there are no truly wheelchair-accessible bathrooms on planes).

To help either stay hydrated or rehydrate after travel, consider adding hydration powder packs to your water. It helps to hydrate better than just drinking water alone and has no artificial colors.

Sunglasses are not only stylish but functional as well. However, they can also be easily damaged or lost during your travels.

Having an affordable yet good-looking pair will help you protect your eyes while not breaking the bank. These are perfect if you are notorious for losing your sunglasses. They have UV-protected polarized lenses and come in cute colors and styles.

When you have limited room in your suitcase, having clothes that are multi-functional is key. A good pair of convertible pants will act as both pants and shorts. They are perfect for when the day gets warm or you need to cool off during a hike or other activity.

This lightweight pair is durable and designed for hiking and activity. It comes with an adjustable waist so you can get the right fit. They also have plenty of pockets.

I don’t know about you, but I love a good scarf. They are fashionable but also help to keep me just a little bit warmer. So, when I found that there are scarves that also have a pocket, I was thrilled.

Now I can keep small items in my scarf and not have to worry about carrying a purse or bag. This scarf is perfect for holding keys, my phone, and some loose cash. It is also affordable.

I love a lightweight jean jacket. They can really make an outfit while helping you to stay warm and comfortable. This jacket is very versatile with a timeless look that is easy to dress up or down depending on your needs.

If you’re going to be sightseeing and on your feet all day, you’re going to want a comfortable pair of shoes. However, you may also want something that looks nice and can be worn with multiple types of outfits.

These sandals fit the bill. The memory foam bottom helps keep your feet from aching and the fun straps allow them to be dressed up or down.

This dress meets all of the above criteria! Made from a lightweight material, this empire-waisted dress is also soft and comfortable. It is machine washable (so easy to clean) and very easy to dress up or down depending on your needs.

This dress also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so it’ll be easy to find something to find one to fit your individual style. And with its short sleeves and longer length, it’s perfect for sightseeing and entering churches as your shoulders and knees will be covered.

This type of technology typically includes wires in the straps (to prevent a cutting) and mesh in the bottom to prevent slashing. Additional features include zippers that lock to make it more difficult for thieves to easily access your bag.

This bag has the above-mentioned features while being stylish with neutral colors to go with almost any outfit. It also has plenty of pockets and compartments to keep you organized while being small enough to make a great day bag or purse.

No one wants to get injured on their vacation. However, when accidents happen, it’s always helpful if you are prepared. This portable first-aid kit is easy to carry and has all the basic essentials.

While having this is perfect for any trip, they especially come in handy when cruising as there is a fee to visit the onboard medical facility. Now you can patch up minor injuries without a problem.

Reduce your risk of getting skin cancer and protect your skin from the sun by making sure you pack your sunscreen. What I love about this product is that it comes in a stick so it won’t add to your liquid count if you only travel with a carry-on.

It’s also easy to apply without creating a lot of mess and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

I love exploring the outdoors, but I don’t love getting eaten alive by mosquitos. Seriously, they can’t get enough of me. To help curb their appetite, I always make sure to apply some good quality bug spray.

This product by OFF is fantastic because it’s not greasy, lasts a long time, and also helps to repel ticks. It allows me to enjoy the outdoors more because I’m not constantly itching and fighting off biting bugs.

No matter where you’re going or what you plan to do, it’s important to stay hydrated so you can make the most out of your trip. I love this collapsible water bottle because it allows you to always have water with you without taking up tons of room in your luggage.

There is a special screw cap to prevent leakage, it’s lightweight, and BPA-free. When empty, it conveniently folds to take up minimal room so it fits almost anywhere.

By having a good water filter bottle like this one, you can help to keep yourself healthy while reducing the waste caused by bottled water.

This will come in handy whether you’re traveling abroad or hiking in the backcountry where fresh water may not be available.

In my early days of travel, I was naive and never thought to bring an umbrella with me. Well, let’s just say I learned my lesson quickly after getting stuck in some steady rain while trying to tour the Roman Forum in Italy.

Don’t be like I was and make sure to pack a good umbrella that will help protect you from the rain and be able to hold up to any wind as well. This cute travel umbrella will be able to take on any wind while keeping you dry. It’s also compact for easy travel.

If you are a self-propelled manual wheelchair user, you know that protecting your hands is vital. Wheelchair gloves like these will do just that.

They have a leather palm but breathable and moisture-wicking fabric on the back. They also have an adjustable wrist strap to ensure the perfect fit.

As you may know, cobblestones are a wheelchair user’s worst enemy (well those and stairs). And while I love traveling to historic and charming cities, they also tend to have a lot of cobblestones which make for not only a bumpy ride but one where your front wheels are constantly getting stuck.

The FreeWheel attachment helps to prevent your front tires from getting stuck and aims to provide a more comfortable experience. This one-wheel device attaches to your manual wheelchair and lifts the smaller front tires off the ground with the goal of providing a more all-terrain experience.

Luckily, I discovered this wheelchair cozy that made all the difference. It kept me comfortable and warm so I could enjoy the scenery and wildlife in Antarctica.

I chose the wheelchair cozy vs a wheelchair lap blanket as I thought it would provide more insulation and warmth. For more about the pros and cons of each, you can read my review here.

Luckily, I had a rain poncho with me to help protect not only me but my small powered wheelchair as well.

While traditional rain ponchos can easily get caught in your wheels, this rain poncho is designed for wheelchairs and helps prevent that problem. It’s also easy to pack and carry so you’re always prepared for when a rain storm pops up.

Some of the best cushion options will not only provide padding but help reduce pressure as well. I personally love the ones that utilize memory foam, like this one. I also like how it is contoured and has a gap in the back for your spine and tailbone.

*Always make sure to consult with your doctor or specialist regarding your specific and individual needs.

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to drink water throughout the day to keep you hydrated. So, having a convenient cup holder like this one that attaches to your wheelchair with an adjustable clamp can be really helpful.

As an added bonus, it also has a place for your phone. Having your phone right at your fingertips is perfect for when you see that picture-perfect shot you want to capture.

Having the perfect bag to hang off the back of your wheelchair can come in really handy for carrying the things you may need for the day (i.e. rain poncho, snacks, first aid kit, etc.). This bag is specifically designed for wheelchairs with durable material and lots of pockets to help you stay organized.

After a while, my arm will get sore, and depending on how long I’m in my wheelchair, and the type of terrain I encounter, this can leave bruising and sores on my arms. One solution I have found is removable armrest covers for my wheelchair.

Covers like this easily attach to the arms of my wheelchair and are made with memory foam to provide padding and some pressure relief. They can also be easily removed to be cleaned or when flying (so they won’t get lost).

While cell phones generally have good cameras on them, they also have their limitations (like being able to zoom in on faraway objects). A lightweight, easy-to-use camera with a good zoom will help you capture beautiful pictures.

This is the camera that I use on all my trips. It takes excellent quality photos and is perfect since I’m a disabled photographer. I use it in combination with a flexible tripod to help with stabilization for those long-distance shots.

While I have not yet found a product to help your cell phone camera improve its zoom function, there is a great attachable lens to help you take better close-up pictures.

This easy-to-attach phone camera lens allows you to enhance your macro photography skills. It also assists in taking more wide-angled shots. Additionally, it is universal so it will fit both iPhones and Android phones.

If you plan to be around or near any water during your trip, make sure you protect your phone in a waterproof pouch. These pouches come in particularly handy if you are doing any water sports but also want to have your phone nearby.

This waterproof phone pouch is made from durable materials with a newly enhanced clip. It also has a smooth surface allowing you to still use your touchscreen while your phone is safely in the pouch.

Don’t run out of battery while you’re on the go! There is nothing worse than when you want to grab a quick video on your phone or look something up and find out your battery is about to die.

Prevent this from happening by carrying a portable phone charger like this one. It’s small and doesn’t require that you carry around a charging cord with it, so it’s super convenient.

Many people travel with multiple devices these days (phones, apple watches, earbuds, etc.). Finding enough outlets and USB ports to charge them all can be challenging.

This wireless charger is the perfect solution. It allows you to charge multiple devices at once without all the wires and cords for each item. It also folds when not in use for easy storage.

If you’ve ever cruised before, you know there’s almost always never enough outlets in your cabin. Additionally, cruise lines have very strict rules about bringing power strips with you, and can be confiscated if they don’t meet certain requirements.

As someone who needs to charge multiple things at once (my wheelchair, ventilator, and other medical equipment) having a power strip that allows me to access multiple outlets is fantastic. This one meets cruising requirements and has separate USB ports in addition to the outlets. The cord wraps around the strip for easy travel.

Gone are the days when you had to carry a small bag of multiple outlet adapters, so you are prepared for traveling to multiple countries. Now, you can have all those same adapters you once carried in one easy cube.

I use this universal outlet adapter cube on all my international trips as it covers the most commonly used outlets across the world. Now I almost never have to worry about having the right adapter again. It also works great in connection with a power strip so I can have access to multiple outlets while only having to use one adapter.