11 Travel Essentials for Women
Packing well is an art form, but it begins with knowing what’s really necessary for your trip, and what you’re better off leaving at home. We’ve done a lot of research (and a lot of traveling) over the years, which has allowed us to fine-tune our list of essential products. The following are 11 of our best recommendations for accessories, bags, and beyond to take with you wherever you go.
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11 Travel Essentials You Don’t Want to Forget in 2024
1. Reusable water bottle: LARQ
Having a reusable water bottle is important when you travel because it not only helps you stay hydrated but also reduces the amount of plastic waste generated during your trip. We love this self-cleaning water bottle from LARQ. The LARQ PureVis water bottle can eliminate up to 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and has an automatic cleaning cycle every two hours. Plus, its offered in a selection of 5 different colors, allowing you to choose between 17 or 25-ounce capacities and insulated or non-insulated versions.
Price: starting at $89
2. Anti-theft travel purse: Arden Cove
Investing in an anti-theft purse when you travel can provide an added layer of security and peace of mind, helping to protect your valuables from potential theft. The Crissy Full Crossbody from Arden Cove is one of our favorite items on our list — and if you’re in the mood to splurge, it might be a great fit for you. The highlights of this design include waterproof materials, RFID-blocking card holders, locking zippers, slash-proof lining, and a cut-resistant (and detachable) shoulder strap that gives you a touch more versatility.
Price: Starting at $152
Read our full review of Arden Cove’s Crissy Full Crossbody purse here!
3. Luggage tracking device: Apple AirTag
No one wants to get off a plane and find out their checked bag is missing. And we’ve learned the hard way that some airlines don’t properly track lost bags. The solution? Using this travel hack: simply place an Apple AirTag in the inside pocket of your checked luggage. Having an AirTag will allow you to know exactly where your luggage is at any time.
Price: starting at $27
4. Reusable bag: BAGGU
Packing a reusable bag when you travel is an eco-friendly choice that reduces waste and helps you avoid using single-use plastic bags. And you’d be surprised how often you’ll actually use it. Whether you're making a quick run to the grocery store, heading to the beach with a towel, or needing extra space to carry souvenirs on your flight back home, a reusable tote bag is an essential item to pack. BAGGU's vibrant and playful patterns not only add a touch of style but also provide practicality for any outing.
Price: starting at $14
5. Carry-on luggage that’s built to last: Away
Away’s luggage has been thoughtfully designed with a traveler’s every need in mind. Their Bigger Carry-On is incredibly light and sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines (a huge perk we love to see!). With its durable polycarbonate hard shell, interior compression system, 360° spinner wheels, and an ejectable battery to charge all your devices, there’s no doubt this chic and sturdy bag is a premium travel companion. And if you’re not ready to invest in luggage from Away, check out our guide on the best Away Travel alternatives.
Price: starting at $295
6. Packing cubes: Calpak
We’re all about staying organized on the go, which is why we always bring packing cubes on our travels. The 5-Piece packing cube set from Calpak is an excellent option for anyone looking for a reliable and durable travel packing solution. These cubes feature a sturdy mesh fabric that is designed to withstand the wear and tear of travel, ensuring that your belongings stay secure and protected throughout your trip. What we love most about this packing cube set is the range of sizes and colors available. With five different sizes to choose from, you can easily customize.
Price: starting at $68
Read our full review of Calpak’s 5-Piece Packing Cube Set here.
7. Travel towel: Nomadix
A compact, quick-drying travel towel makes a wonderful addition to any travel bag (and you’ll be surprised just how often you end up using it). The Original Towel from Nomadix has received rave reviews from customers, who appreciate its impressive absorbency, funk-resistance, and fast drying time of up to 4 times faster than traditional cotton towels. What sets this towel apart is its eco-friendly composition, made entirely from 100% recycled materials sourced from post-consumer plastic. Not only is this towel sustainable, but it is also compact and features an innovative no-slip backing to ensure that it stays put wherever you use it.
Price: starting at $38
Read our full review of The Original Towel from Nomadix here.
8. High-quality travel backpack: Lo & Sons
Investing in a high-quality travel backpack can make all the difference in the comfort and convenience of your travels. With features such as durable materials, comfortable straps, and ample storage space, a good travel backpack can make packing and carrying your belongings a breeze, leaving you free to focus on enjoying your journey. Although this backpack is on the high-end, The Rowledge is made from a combination of leather + nylon that gives it a very chic, yet practical look and feel. It also has dozens of features that make it worth the investment, such as a removable organizational insert, top stash pocket, and more.
Price: starting at $372
9. Adapter: Lewis N. Clark
When you’re a globe-trotting gal, you’ll likely have a number of devices to help you stay in touch and stay on top of your work. But since other countries and continents have their own version of electrical outlets, a travel adapter (and converter) is super necessary to ensure power connectivity wherever you’re traveling. This kit from Lewis N. Clark includes the four most common plugs (used in more than 175 countries), so they’ll be a great fit just about anywhere you go!
Price: starting at $16
10. Travel neck pillow: Trtl Travel
A travel pillow is awesome for achieving some quality shut-eye on an international flight. Our top pick is this pillow from Trtl, which can wrap around the straps of your bag to help minimize space. What’s more, this model is made from super-soft fleece, has a machine-washable cover, and weighs in at under half a pound — it really doesn’t get much more compact than that.
Price: starting at $59
11. Portable charger: Casely
Few things are worse than having your phone die while you’re out exploring, leaving you without access to texts, maps, photos, and more. When you’re bopping around without access to an electrical outlet, you’ll be so grateful you packed a portable charger. This compact version from Casely gives a healthy boost so you never have to worry about watching your battery die with so many hours left in the day. When you’re ready to charge, simply place your device on the Power Pod, and the magnetic connection takes care of the rest, providing a seamless charging solution.
Price: starting at $60
Common FAQs
What are the obvious travel essentials I need to pack?
The no-brainer travel essentials you'll need to pack include your passport, travel visas, a water bottle (ideally a self-cleaning water bottle), extra cash, sunglasses, birth control, tampons/diva cup, any medications, and your toiletries bag. Other essentials that are often forgotten about: a reusable tote, your phone charger, an adapter (if necessary), and a portable charger.
What are the most forgotten items when packing for a trip?
Toiletries and bathroom items are the most commonly forgotten items. This includes toothbrushes, razors, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, floss, contact solution, etc. Before you head out on your trip, do a quick walkthrough of the bathroom (and shower!) and check that you have the toiletry essentials packed. And P.S. - travel essentials like a portable charger always make great gifts for the traveler in your life!