26 Jul Travel Essentials for Women: 27 Unique Items

If you have not dived into the world of travel-related products before, then welcome! There are so many products for you to explore. This article includes a list of the 26 best and most unique travel essentials for women. Maybe you have heard of the more well-known travel products, for example packing cubes, makeup remover cloths, and mini hair dryers. However, have you ever heard of the more unique products, for example toothpaste tablets, laundry soap bars, or credit card holders that attach to your bra?

Honestly, there are so many unique and interesting travel products out there that I stumble upon a new one just about every time I browse online. Not only will you want to purchase every single one of the items on the list below for yourself after reading this article, but you will also want to share your findings far and wide. You can thus purchase these items as gifts for all of the travelers in your life.

However, I want to say that this list is NOT just for women. This list is for anyone! For example, this list is for those who identify as women, those who identify as men, those who identify as having no gender, younger individuals, older individuals, those looking for a gift, those looking to buy something for themselves, etc. Search results and travel-related products often target either men or women, and thus this list leans towards those stereotypical “women-specific” travel accessories.  The wording in this article will generally include “men” and “women”, though we want to promote inclusiveness and love for ALL people, regardless of gender.

Contents: 

A) Menstrual Products:

1) Flex Disc 2) Period Underwear

B) Hygiene:

3) Makeup Remover Cloth 4) Foundation Stick 5) Mini Perfume Vial 6) Shampoo + Conditioner Bar 7) Toothpaste Tablets 8) Chafing Stick 9) Mini Razor 10) Laundry Soap Bar 11) Mini Hair Dryer 12) Wrinkle Releaser 13) Hanging Toiletry Bag

C) Self Defense / Protection Items:

14) Self Defense Keychain 15) Undercover Bra Wallet 16) Portable Door Lock

D) Clothing and Accessories:

17) TopTote Hat Holder 18) Travel Scarf with Pocket 19) Jewelry Organizer 20) Allbirds Shoes

E) Technology:

21) Portable Charger 22) Electronics Organizer Case

F) Bonus – Ultimate Travel Essentials:

23) Packing Cubes 24) Microfiber Towel 25) Water Filter Bottle 26) Travel Prayer Mat 27) Sink/Bath Plug

A) Menstrual Products – Travel Essentials for Women

Anyone who has periods or has had periods in the past knows that they can be a pain (both literally and figuratively) when traveling. You have to worry about when, where, how, etc. to change your pad or tampon. This is one of those situations where innovation and technology are such a blessing. Now products exist, such as flex discs and period underwear, that offer you the ability to take care of down there in the morning and then rest at ease for the rest of the day. Due to the heavy burden they lift, I felt it appropriate to include the flex disc and period underwear as the first two travel essentials for women or any individuals who have periods.

1) Flex Disc

Link to product: Flex Reusable Menstrual Disc.

The Flex reusable menstrual disc is a non-toxic alternative to tampons and pads that can last up to two or three years with proper care! At $35, it is a steal when you consider all of its benefits. In my opinion, there is no better travel accessory for those who have periods. Imagine not having to worry about carrying tampons or finding a bathroom during your travel days. Whether you are spending the day at the beach, sightseeing through Europe, having a long day traveling, or even camping (yes, I have taken it camping!), the disc changes the game when it comes to convenience during your period.

It lasts up to 12 hours before you have to take it out and clean it. Additionally, it is mess-free and super comfortable. The best part? It helps make it feel like you do not have to adjust your lifestyle during your period. You can live your life normally without worrying about your period holding you back. If reusable is not your jam or you cannot clean it every 12 hours, then consider using disposable discs. The disposable option is just as comfortable and convenient, but it does not require any regular care.

Recommended by Rachel of Caribbean Uncovered.

Reusable flex disc in convenient storage bag

2) Period Underwear 

Link to product: Thinx Air Bikini Period Underwear.

For many people, periods are a fact of life and something they have to deal with on a monthly basis. Traditional sanitary items are one-time-use only and usually non-biodegradable. They are thus terrible for the environment, especially considering how many we go through per cycle!

A fantastic alternative for those who prefer using pads during their period is reusable and re-washable period underwear. The best thing about these external menstrual products is that they look like regular undergarments but are made from several layers of absorbent material to soak up the blood. While this makes them thicker, they are typically still not as bulky as the thinnest pads. Moreover, they are not prone to moving around and bunching up, making them much more comfortable to use.

They also come in different shapes and absorbency levels, making them great for any activity and type of travel. You do not need to replace them once used and will, therefore, always have one on hand if your period catches you unaware. I have a couple of sets of the same type and shape. They typically are not enough for the first day, so I use them in conjunction with a pad. However, for the rest of my cycle, it is period underwear all the way!

While they are expensive from the outset, starting at around $25 or more a pair, my use of pads has gone down significantly. Furthermore, they have completely replaced my use of liners. Period underwear have thus saved me a lot of money in the long run, so I cannot vouch for them enough.

Recommended by Belinda of Journey Discover.

B) Hygiene – Travel Essentials for Women

The category of hygiene includes a variety of essentials for women when they are packing for travel. However, I have to say that it is my least favorite category to pack. Will my makeup remover solution leak? Should I bring my full-size hair dryer? Are my shampoo and conditioner bottles too large to take in carry-on luggage? The concerns go on and on and on. Thankfully companies have begun to recognize these types of concerns and have created new travel products to ease the packing process.

3) Makeup Remover Cloth

Link to product: ERASE YOUR FACE Reusable Makeup Removing Cloths.

The Erase Your Face makeup remover face cloth is a game-changer! The cloth is made of a soft plush, polyester-blend microfiber and comes in a variety of colors. All you have to do is wet the cloth with warm water and wipe the makeup off. No special creams or soaps needed, thus saving money and precious luggage space.

Unlike other makeup remover wipes where you actually have to scrub your face, this cloth gently wipes off most of the makeup in one, easy swoop. Additionally, thanks to the fact it is super soft, your face does not feel raw afterwards.

The cloth dries quickly, so it will be dry in the morning after washing your face the night before. Store it in a Ziploc bag when transporting in luggage to avoid it getting dirty or the makeup rubbing off onto your other items. Moreover, it is machine washable. You are thus able to reuse it on every traveling adventure!

Recommended by Tabitha of Travel Compositions.

ERASE YOUR FACE makeup remover cloth

4) Foundation Stick

Link to product: BASMA The Foundation Stick.

If you have not bought a stick foundation before, then now is the time. It is one of the top makeup essentials for women who travel since you do not need to worry about it leaking or crumbling in your bag. Additionally, it takes up minimal space in your toiletry bag.

I recommend the BASMA Foundation Stick: it has 40 shade ranges as well as a buildable coverage. Do you want a sheer natural base? You got it! If you are looking for fuller coverage, then draw and blend away. It is so lightweight that sometimes you forget you have makeup on, which makes it perfect all year round. It might be a bit pricey, but you get your money’s worth if you are constantly using it, especially if you travel frequently. Not to mention, it lasts such a long time.

Recommended by Hannah of Hexcode Beauty.

Foundation stick with packaging

5) Mini Perfume Vial – Hygiene Travel Essentials for Women

Link to product: VONOVO Portable Mini Refillable Atomizer Bottle – 5 Set of 5 ML.

I never travel without a miniature vial of my favorite perfume. We are a family of adventurous budget travelers who do carry-on-only travel. Space is at a premium with three kids, especially for carry-on liquids. However, a tiny five-milliliter vial of perfume uses up very little luggage space. Additionally, it is under 100 milliliters so it can easily be carried in my hand luggage onto an airplane. When traveling with a limited wardrobe as well as sparse makeup and jewelry, my perfume is invaluable on days when I just want to feel a little more like me.

Moreover, there have been incidences of multi-day hikes in rural areas, isolated camper-van road trips, and long days on the Trans-Siberian railway when we have been unable to shower or bathe. Therefore, having something to help us smell nice was essential!

Recommended by Sinead of Map Made Memories.

6) Shampoo + Conditioner Bar

Link to product: Viori Hidden Waterfall Shampoo and Conditioner Bars + Bamboo Holder.

Traveling with just hand luggage has many perks: no check-in fees, no waiting at baggage claim, etc. However, liquid requirements can be tough for toiletries, especially hair care products. A great way to minimize your toiletry bag is to bring less liquids. You can easily do this by switching your liquid shampoo and conditioner for shampoo and conditioner bars. Shampoo and conditioner bars are solid, similar to soap bars, and do exactly the same job as their liquid counterparts.

You can buy solid hair products on Amazon as well as in most drugstores. Same as liquid shampoo, there are different shampoo bars for different hair types. While they are usually a bit more expensive than bottled shampoos, they last way longer. They thus are actually more economical in the long run.

I switched to solid shampoo and conditioner when I started to travel as a minimalist with just one small backpack. I was so happy with the results that I even switched to using shampoo bars at home too.

Recommended by Tina of Veganderlust.

Set of six shampoo and conditioner bars

7) Toothpaste Tablets

Link to product: Hello Anti-Plaque and Teeth Whitening Eco Friendly Travel Toothpaste Tablets.

If you are trying to travel with only carry-on luggage, it is essential to swap out as many liquid products as possible. Using toothpaste tabs can help! These little TSA-approved tablets are compressed, eco-friendly versions of your minty paste that you can easily slip into the tiniest pocket. All you need to do is pop the tablet in your mouth, chew, and start brushing.

A few different companies offer a variety of flavors as well as some options with fluoride, for example Bite, UnPaste, and Hello. Aside from saving you luggage space, these little tablets help reduce plastic waste. On the other hand, traditional toothpaste tubes generally cannot be recycled. Many of the toothpaste tab companies use plastic-free, compostable packaging. It is better for you and Mother Nature. Prices range from around $4 to $12 for a month’s supply, depending on which company you choose.

Recommended by Rebecca of Veggies Abroad.

8) Chafing Stick – Hygiene Travel Essentials for Women

Link to product: Body Glide Anti Chafe Balm or MONISTAT Chafing Relief Powder Gel.

A chafing stick, or anti-chafing gel, is an absolute lifesaver for those of us who experience thigh chafing. For women, it is one of the essentials when packing for travel. There is nothing worse than having painful, red thighs when you are wearing dresses and skirts. These anti-chafing products will help alleviate any aggravation.

There are two best kinds of anti-chafing products you can use – Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel or Body Glide Anti Chafe Balm. They are both comparable in price. The gel applies slightly easier, but the stick is convenient to apply without touching the product.

These must-have travel essentials for women are perfect for beach vacations, tours through Europe in the summer, any type of warm-weather travel, or everyday use at home! It is an inexpensive addition to your packing list, and you will be glad you brought it with you.

Recommended by Sarah of In Search of Sarah.

9) Mini Razor

Link to product: Gillette Venus On The Go Women’s Razor Handle + Refill + Travel Case.

When it comes to packing for your trips, there is one accessory you should not miss: the Gillette Venus Mini (if you choose to shave). What if I told you that your entire approach to shaving might be revolutionized by using a small, surprisingly effective, and quite affordable five-blade razor? Since most of us are constantly on the move, it is practical to have a razor that can be stored easily. For example, you can easily store it in a toiletry bag, handbag, cosmetics case, carry-on bag, or packing cube.

The mini razor is amazing, no matter if you are off on a spontaneous trip, weekend getaway, or even a month-long backpacking trip. It is small, comfortable, and you can easily switch out the head for any other Gillette head. Moreover, the flexible head and comfortable handle make it simple to reach all of your hard-to-reach places. This is especially helpful when you arrive on a date and realize you missed a spot (been there, done that). Focus on your memories, not on your grooming needs – because those are taken care of.

Recommended by Anna of Tatted Nomad.

Gillette mini razor with travel case

10) Laundry Soap Bar

Link to product: Tangie Laundry Soap Washing Detergent Bar.

When it comes to travel, finding compact and convenient solutions for our everyday needs is crucial. One of the travel essentials that women often overlook is laundry soap. Whether you are embarking on a long backpacking adventure or a short weekend getaway, having a reliable laundry soap is essential to keep your clothes fresh and clean.

A laundry soap bar is the ultimate travel companion and is essential for travelers when on the road. Many companies have been producing high-quality, environmentally friendly soaps for decades. They commit to using natural ingredients and dedicate themselves to sustainable practices. They have thus become a top choice for conscientious travelers.

The soap comes in a convenient bar form. You only need a small portion of the bar, which makes it incredibly easy to pack and carry with you wherever you go. Notwithstanding the small amount of soap needed, it will effectively remove stains (even coffee stains), dirt, and odors. Most laundry soap bars are inexpensive and can be found at Amazon, Walmart, and drug stores. When it comes to practicality, effectiveness, and sustainability, a laundry soap bar is the perfect choice for travelers.

Recommended by Kelly of Just One Passport.

Laundry soap bar

11) Mini Hair Dryer – Hygiene Travel Essentials for Women

Link to product: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Travel Dryer.

When my air-dried hair got so frizzy in the Mexican humidity that I could not even get a brush through it, I knew I had two choices. First, I could spend over an hour using hotel dryers. Second, I could buy a travel dryer. I was not convinced a travel dryer would be much better since my hair retains water for hours. Therefore, I just bought a ‘cheap’ one – the BaByliss Nano Dry 1200. This particular model is no longer available, but a similar version seems to be the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium. Even at 1o00W, the Nano Dry was lightweight and surprisingly powerful for its size. I would say that it was almost nice enough to rival my old, full-sized dryer!

If your hair is anything like mine, then this little gadget makes life a lot quicker than relying on hotel dryers. Although the travel drier is only 1000W, it is worth keeping in mind that some hotels are not equipped to handle high-wattage anyway. For the eco-conscious traveler, lower wattage also reduces energy consumption.

BaByliss is a well-known and trustworthy brand, thus making it a great addition to the list of travel essentials for women or anyone with hair needing an efficient drying method. Moreover, hand-luggage-only travelers will especially appreciate the convenience of a travel hair dryer.

Recommended by Lois of Travels of a Solo Passport.

Travel-sized hair dryer

12) Wrinkle Releaser

Link to product: Downy Wrinkle Release Spray Pack of 12.

Downy Wrinkle Releaser is a product that makes looking good while traveling so easy. This product is a spray that can be applied on wrinkly clothes. It completely removes all wrinkles with no iron or heat needed. I was a bit skeptical the first time I used it because it seemed too good to be true, but it actually works!

The product comes in both travel size as well as full size, and there are even bundles available offering both sizes. Prices can range anywhere from around $5 to $20 depending on which sizes you buy. Downy Wrinkle Releaser is one of the must-have travel essentials for women for truly every trip. You can pack stress free knowing that you will be able to get out any wrinkles that get into the clothes while they are packed away.

Recommended by Jess of Travel + Tannins.

13) Hanging Toiletry Bag

Link to product: LAVIEVERT Hanging Toiletry Bag.

We just went over 10 individual hygiene products above that are travel essentials for women. Now you might be wondering, “where in the world am I going to put all of this stuff?”. There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination and realizing your shampoo bottle spilled in your suitcase and all over your clothes.

The solution to your problem is a hanging toiletry bag. These types of bags offer the convenience of multiple pockets for organization as well as a hook for easy hanging access. More specifically, the LAVIEVERT hanging toiletry bag has one large main compartment in addition to four smaller, side pockets. Within the large compartment are six inner pockets to easily secure bottles as well as one zippered pocket.

While there are a lot of hanging toiletry bags out on the market, this particular LAVIEVERT model is one of my favorites. I especially like the fact it has a large main compartment compared to other models that have a greater quantity of smaller compartments. With this bag, I can still pack a few large items, for example my electric toothbrush or glasses case, within the main compartment.

Hanging toiletry bag with one main compartment and side pockets

C) Self Defense / Protection Items – Travel Essentials for Women

When traveling to a new place, you should always remain aware of your surroundings and exercise caution. I am sure your friends or family have at one time or another shared a terrifying and unfortunate story about how someone was the victim of a crime while traveling. Do not get me wrong, I am not saying you should not travel. Personally, traveling brings joy, light, love, understanding, and so much more to my life. Nevertheless, it is a good idea for you to add one or more of the following self-defense/protection items to your list of travel essentials, especially for those of you who identify as women or are members of a minority group.

14) Self Defense Keychain

Link to product: Tasmtto Safety Keychain with Accessories.

When it comes to traveling as a woman, especially solo, one of your main concerns should be your safety. When you know that you have prepared yourself to be as safe as possible, you can then enjoy your travel all the more. One of my favorite safety products is the self-defense keychain set. There are several different options when it comes to these keychains. It is thus important to get the one that you feel will protect you best.

Additionally, keep in mind that some places will not allow you to travel with certain items that can be categorized as weapons. That is why I love how these keychains are fully customizable. Even if you buy a keychain with a lot of different attachments, you can easily take items off when they are not necessary or allowed. Some of the most important attachments to have, in my opinion, are pepper spray, a whistle, seatbelt cutter, and window breaker. Beyond that, it can be nice to add on more cute, fun items. For example, you can add bottle openers, hand sanitizer holders, or souvenir keychains. It is entirely up to you!

Recommended by Alex of Twenty Something Traveler.

15) Undercover Bra Wallet – Self Defense Travel Essentials for Women

Link to product: Pacsafe Hidden Undercover Travel Bra Pouch.

Are you traveling to a new country and worried about how to keep your credit cards + cash out of the reach of pickpockets? Then consider buying an undercover bra wallet. It is essentially a small pouch that hooks to your bra for you to wear underneath your clothes. This handy little device will keep your valuables out of sight as well as out of reach from others.

The undercover bra wallet has space to hold up to six different credit cards as well as cash or a key. It can connect to the bra in two different places: on the side or in the center of the bra. Moreover, the strap is adjustable, which means it will fit all bra sizes. You also do not have to worry about it irritating your skin. The pouch is made of non-itchy and breathable fabric. With your most important items hidden away, you can truly be present and experience everything your travel destination has to offer.

16) Portable Door Lock

Link to product: Addalock Portable Door Lock.

When it comes to travel essentials for women, one item we should not overlook is a portable door lock. Whether you are traveling alone or with a group, it is important to prioritize your safety and well-being. Having a door lock provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. It allows you to enhance the security of your accommodation, whether you are in a hotel room, cruise ship, resort, or elsewhere.

This particular door lock costs only about $15 for one or $27 for a pack of two. It can be attached to your door in mere seconds. Once you have placed this lock, the door cannot be opened from the outside, even with a key.

As a traveler, it is crucial to be proactive and take necessary precautions, no matter where your travels take you. By including a portable door lock in your packing list, you can confidently navigate unfamiliar environments. This additional safeguard helps to create a secure space wherever you go.

Recommended by Rachel of Our Vacationing Life.

Portable door lock with case

D) Clothing and Accessories – Travel Essentials for Women

Ah yes, the clothing and accessories category. The one category that probably causes more stress to travelers than all of the other categories combined. Do I need to pack sweaters in case it gets cold? How do I not lose my hat while walking around the city all day? Can I easily store cash in a somewhat hidden location while wearing a cute outfit? Unfortunately I cannot tell you what specific clothing items to pack since that will depend on the weather of your destination. However, I can offer a few remedies to make your life a bit easier. Do not worry, you can still prioritize looking good while traveling.

17) TopTote Hat Holder

Link to product: TopTote By Lindsay Albanese Hat Clip.

Are you a hat lover but hate holding your hat all day or storing it in your suitcase? You need a TopTote. TopTote is an ingenious accessory that clips securely onto your purse, backpack, or even your luggage. It provides a safe and convenient place to store your hat while keeping your hands free for other adventures. TopTote offers not only practicality but also style. Available in a delightful array of colors, designs, and textures, you can find the perfect TopTote to match your personal style. And the best part? It only costs around $60.

TopTote should be at the top of the list of travel essentials for women travelers, especially for tropical and summer vacations. I speak from personal experience when I say that it has revolutionized my travels. As a resident of a tropical paradise, I rely on my TopTote every day. It effortlessly attaches to my purses, allowing me to embrace nature on hikes, shop, and head to the best beaches without worrying about forgetting my hat somewhere or damaging it during transit.

Invest in TopTote, and experience the freedom and peace of mind it offers. Trust me, once you have tried it, you will not want to travel without it.

Recommended by Bridget of Bridget Gutierrez Travels.

18) Travel Scarf with Pocket – Clothing Travel Essentials for Women

Link to product: Speakeasy Travel Supply Infinity Scarf with Secret Zipper Pocket.

Scarves with a hidden pocket may seem like an unusual item, but they are one of the best travel essentials for women. Not only are they stylish and a great way to accessorize on the road, but they also help you keep essentials like cash, credit cards, and a passport hidden and out of the way. Very few pickpockets will think to try to steal your scarf, and it would be quite difficult for them if they tried.

The original travel scarves with hidden pockets were designed by a travel blogger who went on to found Speakeasy Travel Supply several years ago. This is still my preferred brand as they are super stylish and come in different fabrics. Some versions are light enough to wear on a beach getaway while others work as a functional accessory for winter travel.

Additionally, I love to wear my travel scarf on flights. It is an easy way to keep my passport and card close even when my hands are juggling all of my other luggage. Moreover, I love how it dresses up a basic outfit, for I tend to underpack accessories so I can overpack everything else.

Recommended by Sky of Sky vs. World.

19) Jewelry Organizer

Link to product: BAGSMART Travel Jewelry Foldable Organizer.

Gone are the days of tangled necklaces and lost earrings! This jewelry organizer case is compact, yet spacious. Without taking up much room in your luggage, it has more than enough room for an extensive collection of jewelry.

The three necklace clips each fit two or more necklaces without tangling. The organizer also features several zippered pouches, a ring roll, and holes for stud earrings. Given how little room it takes up and how well it saves your jewelry from being a tangled mess, it should be considered one of the travel essentials for all women who pack jewelry. The case is great for any length of trip, from a short weekend getaway to months-long adventures abroad.

Recommended by Annie of Your Friend the Nomad.

20) Allbirds Shoes

Link to product: Allbirds Sustainable Shoes.

What if I told you Allbirds offers comfortable and stylish shoes with a focus on sustainability? That is right, the Allbirds company is well on their way to being a net-zero carbon footprint company. They use only natural materials, including cotton, tree, sugar, and trino. I could go on and on about their work in sustainability, but let’s move on to the shoes themselves.

You have a wide selection to choose from when it comes to their shoes. For example, they sell everyday sneakers, water-repellent sneakers, flats, slip-ons, slippers, active shoes, hiking shoes, and high tops. That is a lot of different types of shoes. Moreover, I would recommend different types of shoes for different activities / types of travel. For example, I recommend that you opt for a hiking, active, or water-repellent shoe for a road trip around Iceland. On the other hand, I recommend that you buy everyday sneakers or high tops to explore a new city. Furthermore, they even offer wool shoes, which are perfect if your feet tend to get cold easily.

BONUS: If you shop through the link above, then you will also receive a FREE pair of socks! Simply add a pair of socks to your cart, and the discount (aka the freeness) will be applied at checkout.

An Allbirds wool sneaker

E) Technology – Travel Essentials for Women

As technology continues to advance over the years, there are more and more technology-related travel products being introduced on the market. Honestly, I could probably write an entire article on the best technology-related travel products. There are dozens of them out there! However, I will narrow it down to only two for now. These two items are beneficial for domestic as well as international travel, luxurious travel as well as backpacking, and everything in between.

21) Portable Charger

Link to product: VEEKTOMX Power Bank with Built in Cables.

The most useful item I take traveling with me is my portable charger with built-in cables. I have used it countless times on long flights, delayed buses or late into the night when I have been out. I cannot stress how useful this has been!

It comes with four built-in cables, specifically with an iPhone charger, built-in Micro, USB Type-C, and USB A cables. In short, it has all the cables you could possibly need to charge almost all electronics, from your laptop to your phone to your headphones. Pick from 10000mAh or 20000mAh. I have the 10000mAh, and it can fully charge my iPhone three to four times over before running out of battery.

Recommended by Adriana of Wanderlicious.

22) Electronics Organizer Case

Link to product: ACOPTON Double Layer Waterproof Electronic Organizer.

F) Bonus – Ultimate Travel Essentials for Women

The majority of the above categories include more specific or unique travel essentials for women. However, this “bonus” category focuses on more general items that do not neatly fit within any of the other categories mentioned. For example, maybe you are staying in an Airbnb for an upcoming trip and do not know if they will have a water filter. All you need to solve your problem is a filtered water bottle, for you can fill up right at the tap. Moreover, maybe you just throw all of your clothes in your suitcase because you do not know how to organize them. All you need to solve your problem are packing cubes, for you can easily organize your clothes into multiple and differently-sized cubes.

23) Packing Cubes

Link to product: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes.

Whether you are planning an extended trip or going somewhere for a quick weekend, packing cubes are a must for maximizing your space and staying organized. They especially come in handy if you are an over-packer or if you like to pack several different outfits for your trips.

One benefit of packing cubes is that they are great for saving luggage space. Many packing cubes are compressible. After they are filled with your clothes and accessories, you can zip them up once to close them and then again to compress out the extra air.

Packing cubes are also great for organizing your clothes and travel gear. Personally, I like to have separate cubes for each type of item I am packing. I will use larger cubes to hold pants and dresses, medium cubes to hold tops, and then smaller cubes to hold underwear and accessories. You can also separate entire outfits into their own packing cube. Then it is easy to find exactly what you are looking for when getting dressed for the day. Packing cubes come in all shapes and sizes, and you can find full sets of cubes for under $30.

Recommended by Sydney of A World in Reach.

24) Microfiber Towel – Bonus Travel Essentials for Women

Link to product: Rainleaf Microfiber Towel.

For those who like to get the biggest bang for their buck, hostels are a great way to save money while traveling. However, when staying in hostels, do not expect the same amenities as when staying at a hotel. Freebies like shampoo and shower gel that you would find in most hotel bathrooms are typically not provided when staying at a hostel. The same goes for towels.

Hence, if you plan on staying in hostels or cheap guesthouses on your travels, you need to bring your own towel. I recommend a microfiber towel, which takes up little room in your baggage and dries much faster than regular towels. There are many brands of microfiber towels available with prices ranging from $8 to $30. The price depends on the brand as well as the size.

I have been traveling with a microfiber towel for more than six years, and it is one of my top travel essentials for women. Not only has it come in handy when staying at hostels and cheap guesthouses, but also when going on camping trips or even just visiting the beach!

Recommended by Lena of Not Another Backpacker.

Microfiber travel towel in convenient case with a handle

25) Water Filter Bottle

Link to product: WATER TO GO Water Purifier Filter Bottle or GRAYL UltraPress Water Purifier and Filter Bottle.

A water bottle with a filter is one of the best travel essentials for everyone, including women. We all need to have access to safe drinking water. These kinds of water bottles remove up to 99.9999% of all microbiological contaminants (even viruses in some cases). You can thus drink water from any freshwater source safely, whether that is a stream, bathroom tap, or muddy pool.

The only two brands I know of that filter viruses are WATER TO GO and GRAYL. Therefore, I consider those two brands to be the best filter water bottles for travel. WATER TO GO filter bottles cost between $45 and $60 while GRAYL bottles cost between $80 to $100.

I definitely recommend having a water filter bottle when traveling in countries where it is not possible to drink the water. Nevertheless, it is also useful to have one in other places too. Not only does a bottle with a built-in filter provide clean water for you to drink, but you can also reduce plastic waste and save money by not buying bottled water and other drinks.

Recommended by Claire of Tales of a Backpacker.

Water bottle with built-in filter

26) Travel Prayer Mat

Link to product: Portable Travel Prayer Mat.

A travel prayer mat is one of the most important travel essentials for Muslim women as prayer is a fundamental part of the faith. Traveling often means encountering new places, cultures, and environments where finding suitable spaces for prayer can be challenging at times. In such situations, a travel prayer mat becomes invaluable.

Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry in a handbag or backpack. It thus enables Muslim travelers to maintain their connection with Allah and their five daily prayers during their journeys. With a cost of under $15, it is perfect for camping, international travel, remote locations, and if you are traveling to non-Muslim majority countries.

As I explore the world with a “carry on only”, I have packed this in my backpack and taken it everywhere I go. It is waterproof and has its own pouch. Moreover, it is light as well as easy to fold and place back in my bag. It gives me a clean area to pray on, wherever I am, that brings comfort as I fulfill my religious beliefs. I highly recommend all Muslim women travelers buy a travel prayer mat as it offers convenience and peace of mind.

Recommended by Kaitlyn of Carry On Only.

Travel prayer mat unfolded on the floor

27) Sink/Bath Plug – Bonus Travel Essentials for Women

Link to product: V-TOP Large Silicone Drain Plug.

A travel sink or bath plug is a circular and flat piece of rubber that you can put over plug holes to stop water draining out of sinks or bath tubs. Whether you are traveling to remote parts of Scotland or central Bangkok, you will find that many hotels and hostels do not provide a sink or bath plug. This simple and cheap accessory will allow you to fill the sink to wash your clothes or take a bath. While it is a very basic product, it is incredibly useful.

This is one of the first travel accessories that I was given. Moreover, it is the only one which still comes with me everywhere I go. It is small, light, and lives in my soap kit. Whether you are buying it for yourself or giving it away as a present, I can guarantee that it will become a well-used item.

Recommended by Kristin of Scotland Less Explored.

Drain plug

PIN IT to save it for later!

Heading out on a cross country road trip?: Summer Road Trip Packing List: 40 Items.

Or maybe you are traveling during winter?: Winter Road Trip Packing List: 52 Items.