17 Clever Travel Essentials for Women (Carry-on Approved)
After traveling full-time for 2 years and living a very minimalist lifestyle, I’ve narrowed down my essentials for travel whether it be a quick weekend trip or an extended international flight.
We’ll cover the travel essentials list on clothing, bags, electronics, toiletries, and a few items you never knew you needed but now want!
The main things that women need for travel are:
versatile travel bag around 20L
real-ID or a passport for international travel
solid toiletries or liquids in 3.4oz bottles
porta wipes
SPF and moisturizer
safety device for solo travel
headphones
downloaded podcasts, music, audible book
portable fast charger
travel adapter for international travel
capsule wardrobe pieces
Keep reading to discover our must-have travel essentials for women that are all easy to pack into one carry-on!
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Travel Essentials for Women
As a minimalist I don’t have 4 different purses, carry-on bags, etc, I only have 1 (maybe two options for some) so I spend more money to get the best quality and most versatile.
1) Osprey Transporter Laptop Bag
I’ve searched high and low for the best laptop bag to backpack and finally decided this Osprey Tote is my favorite from travel by plane, car, and even during vanlife.
First, it has pockets galore and a full zipper closure, which is crucial for any carry-on. It also is made of a very durable material that is sleek for any occasion.
The inside has a sleeve that fits a 16” laptop and four additional dedicated pockets.
The outside has 2 water pockets on the outside that even fit two 30oz Stanley water bottles, a small zipper pocket in between for passports, IDs, tickets, and a pass thru-strap to attach and sit on your luggage.
2) lululemon Belt Bag
These belt bags by lululemon are incredible for travel days as they allow you to put all your essentials like your ID, passport, wallet, phone, keys, and chapstick together so you don’t have to dig around in a larger purse or backpack.
I usually even get away with this not even counting towards my one “personal item” on a flight since it’s so small and stays secured to my chest or hip.
I also really like that the items I’m frequently having to get out during travel (wallet and ID) are right there and quickly accessed.
There is both a 1L and 2L version, and both are small enough to wear cross-body, but I tend to grab for the 2L bag most often.
View on: lululemon
3) Stanley Insulated Water Bottle
In case you’re still traveling without a reusable water bottle, this one is for you. I’ve tested countless stainless steel bottles and this specific one from Stanley is my favorite because the handle on the lid makes it so easy to carry and it doesn’t leak.
This water bottle comes in either a 20oz or 30oz size and both will fit in the cupholder of your car.
4) Mini Massager
Whether it’s the aches in my neck from sleeping on a sub-par hotel pillow or my legs cramping from walking and site-seeing all day long, this mini massage gun is an absolute must-have for travel!
This mini version is just as powerful as the full-size version and doesn’t take up much space at all. One charge will also last for about 6-7 hours and you don’t need to pack a random special charger for it either.
I love that I can use this massager while laying in bed or sitting down on the car ride home and doesn’t take much effort at all on my part to get all my kinks and aches relaxed for the next adventure.
View on: Amazon
5) Safety device for solo travel
If you are traveling solo this safety alarm is incredible for being discreet yet extremely loud when activated. This alarm goes on your key chain or belt loop, fits in the palm of your hand, and only needs the top removed to activate the 130db siren.
It’s simple and nice to have for peace of mind in any solo adventure, especially for those traveling internationally who cannot bring pepper spray on flight.
If you aren’t flying, I also recommend this very discreet pepper spray that can spray up to 12 feet. I take this on any trail run I do because stray dogs have also been a major issue for me in some places.
View on: Amazon
6) Cozy Sweater
Every woman needs a super soft sweater that can be worn with any outfit and not only feel incredible but look amazing!
The Softstreme Sweater from lululemon is the softest sweater I own and I’m always grabbing for it first. The sweater comes in a slightly cropped version that suits any age and it pairs well with shorts, skirts, or pants.
You can style this sweater up or down as needed, especially in this beautiful Opal color.
View on: | lululemon
7) Wide leg pants
If there is one staple pair of pants you should have for any trip, these versatile wide legs pants are a must have.
The pants are made out of a medium-weight merino wool so you can wear them for multiple occasions on your trip since their naturally antimicrobial and wrinkle-free. They are extremely comfortable and can easily be dressed up or down.
They are slightly thicker and perfect for spring and fall temperatures. Additionally, these pants get softer with every wash.
8) Like a Cloud Bra
I know every woman has tried a million bras and sadly most are still searching for that one perfect bra you can wear all day from dressing up or active adventures and not feel discomfort from a full day of wear.
I’m here to tell you this bra truly lives up to its name of “Like a Cloud” because it gives just enough support without digging in and I barely notice it, even after a full day.
There (thankfully) isn’t any removable pads because the fabric itself has a thin cloud-like molding in the cup area that still is enough to hide the nips.
I’m a 34DD and I can attest this bra gives enough support for any medium-impact workout I do. This bra comes in a multitude of versions from a high-neck, single-straps, long-line, and different cup sizes.
View on: lululemon
9)White Sneakers
Everyone should have a great pair of white tennis shoes that you can walk around in all day. I originally bought these white Pumas the day before my trip to NYC where I walked 10+ miles a day for a week (it was my first time there) and I never once got a blister!
Having a cute pair of white tennis shoes is essential because you can dress them up with even a fun summer dress and still look cute and fashionable in all your photos.
If you’re in between sizes, I recommend going up a half size. They may feel stiff at first look, but they are very comfortable, even right out of the box.
View on: Amazon
10) Etiquette Haircare Bars
Instead of worrying if you have enough shampoo in that small 3.4 oz TSA-approved bottle, try out the shampoo and conditioner soap bars from Etiquette.
I used this sampler pack in Ecuador and they lasted for a month. The full-size bars last for a few months, but I think it’s nice to try out a few different formulas for the first time.
At home, I use high-end shampoo (Alterna Caviar) and I still prefer these bars during travel. All their products are paraben-free and made of sustainably sourced ingredients.
The exfoliating soap and face bars are also incredible as well!
View on: Amazon
11) Porta wipes
I first discovered these for hiking and backpacking trips, but now I travel everywhere with them! Think of a face wipe, but better.
The portawipes start out coin size and with a small amount of water expand to 9x9 inches wide.
Their odor-free and clean your face and body incredibly well. Again, I use these for backpacking and am thoroughly impressed with how much better I smell after using just one.
You can easily toss a pack in your carry-on and be thankful when you need a quick clean and refresh after a long day of travel or excursions.
View on: Amazon
12) Zero Sugar Electrolyte Mix
I think we can all agree whether you flying or doing a roadtrip, dehydration always occurs and you can never drink enough water. I have found a simple and tasty solution and that is this electrolyte mix by Key Nutrients.
Anytime I’m flying, doing a long hike or long travel days I just have to drink one of these packets and I feel incredible There is no sugar (it is sweetened with Stevia), GMO free, and they taste better than any powder mix I’ve ever had. It’s like magic.
All the flavors are good, but the Pink Lemonade is my favorite.
View on: Amazon
13) Alastin SPF mineral tinted moisturizer
If you still haven’t found the most perfect tinted moisturizer that actually evens out your skin while making it glow, this is the one.
It’s a medium-thick consistency out of the pump, but wears lightweight and never greases up, even after an active, full day. It has SPF 36 protection, is water-resistant, and will have you feeling flawless all day long.
View on: Alastin | Amazon
14) Packable Towel
Their slogan is “This is the only towel you’ll need” and I can 100% attest to that statement. It’s a large towel (72”x30”) and packs down to the size of my 24oz water bottle.
It also is the most absorbent towel I own and somehow is also the quickest drying. Perfect for hot yoga, the beach, camping, or a good ole shower.
The micro-terry fabric is made of 30 post-consumer recycled water bottles and the tight-weaving makes it slip, dirt, and pet-hair resistant. 10/10.
View on: Amazon
15) Download audible or podcast
I’m sure you have your favorite podcast by now or have at least learned to download an audible book.
I also love trying to find a podcast or book about the place I’m traveling to so I can listen to it on the plane or car ride and know a few extra fun things to do or see once I arrive.
Additionally, if you’ve never heard of Libby, I highly recommend downloading the app if you like audiobooks that are also free. You just have to sign up by using your local library (also free) and you can rent any book that library has in house for 21 days.
Download: Libby
16) Wireless Backup Charger
This overly compact backup charger is essential for anyone traveling. It only weighs 6.4 ounces and can fit is smaller than your cell phone.
You can recharge your cell phone or air pods using the mag-safe wireless charging and it even has an iPhone lighting and USB-C cable attached to the charger so you don’t ever have to fiddle around with finding the right cord.
View on: Amazon
17) Compact Travel Adapter
If you are planning to travel internationally, make sure you have an adapter that works in the country you’re going to. Thankfully, this travel adapter has options for almost any country you’re visiting.
I really like how small this adapter is, while still having multiple plug options for everything from my curling iron to my Macbook charger.
Between this adapter and the wireless charger listed above, you should be able to charge and recharge any electronics you have.
View on: Amazon
In case you were wondering what travel items you might considering leaving at home because they aren’t that helpful or rarely get used, here is our list of things I now leave at home:
Packing Cubes: they really don’t save that much space. Rolling your clothes is the best way and being able to feel dead space with random sized items is best.
Hair dryer: most hotels provide a decent hair dryer, pack the curling iron, diffuser, or straightener instead
Mini-size version of toiletries: buy the bars instead or reusable TSA-approved bottles so you can refill them as needed. It’s a waste of money and more expensive to buy the mini-size soap, razor
Makeup you won’t actually wear: I truly think we are in the era of flawless skincare over heavy makeup. However, at the end of the day, do what makes you feel beautiful and happy!
Too many jewelry options: let’s be honest, I rarely end up switching out different necklaces, rings, and bracelets. Decide on one accessory to change with different outfits, like earrings, and bring a few pair. It will still make you feel like you’ve accessorized differently without going overboard.
Uncomfortable shoes - today's style is cute AND comfortable. We’re here to see the sights, not the blisters.
