Headed on a trip and need help figuring out what to pack in a suitcase? Explore here for must-have travel essentials for women to keep you organized throughout your trip and all the best travel accessories to ensure an enjoyable journey, short or long. Plus, I’ve got you covered with some of my favorite international travel essentials because why not?!
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Must have travel essentials for every trip
Let’s face it—packing for a trip can be a blend of excitement and a touch of anxiety! Whether you’re jet-setting around the world or headed on a weekend getaway, knowing how to pack efficiently can make all the difference, transforming what might feel overwhelming into a seamless, stress-free travel experience.
After countless journeys to various destinations, I’ve learned that having the right travel essentials can truly enhance your entire travel experience, and I’m going to let you in on all my secrets. Over time, I’ve curated a collection of must-have travel essentials that enhance comfort, organization, and convenience and have also allowed me to focus on enjoying the adventure rather than worrying about what I might have left behind.
In this post, I’ve got you covered with the ultimate travel essentials list to keep you organized and prepared, from packing cubes that save space to top picks for your toiletry and cosmetic bags. Plus, I’m sharing some of my favorite travel-size products, the best Amazon travel essentials, and so much more. Ready to learn how to pack like a pro? Keep reading!
Need some additional help packing? Check out these related reads!
Packing tips & tricks
- Choose the right suitcase. Select a suitcase that suits the length of your trip and your travel needs. For a short trip, a carry-on might be sufficient, while longer trips may require a larger checked bag. Consider a suitcase with compartments with organizers to keep your belongings in order, and keep in mind size, durability, and ease of maneuverability.
- Make a packing list. Before you even open your suitcase, create a detailed packing list outlining everything you need for your trip, including clothing, toiletries, electronics, etc. Having a list helps ensure you don’t forget essential items and prevents over-packing. Tailor your list to the weather and any activities planned.
- Pack versatile clothing. Opt for clothing items that can be mixed and matched easily and dressed up or down for any occasion. Neutral colors can create numerous outfit combinations, reducing the number of clothes you need to pack. Don’t forget to consider the weather and dress in layers for flexibility.
- Utilize packing cubes. Invest in packing cubes to keep your belongings organized. Compression bags are especially great for bulky items like jeans, jackets, and sweaters! Packing cubes will help to categorize and compress your clothing and make it easier to locate specific items without creating chaos in your suitcase.
- Invest in travel containers. Save space in your suitcase by packing travel-sized toiletries, and consider using a clear toiletry bag for easy access. If you’re having trouble finding travel sizes of your favorite products, consider purchasing refillable travel bottles so you don’t have to leave them behind!
- How to pack a suitcase. Place heavier items at the bottom to keep your suitcase balanced and prevent lighter items from getting crushed. Utilize every bit of space by filling gaps with smaller items, such as socks, underwear, or accessories, to prevent your belongings from shifting. For example, use the inside of shoes to store small items like chargers or travel-sized products.
Best travel essentials for women
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Travel essentials for organization
Rolling suitcase
Having reliable luggage is arguably the most important travel essential for any trip, as it forms the foundation of a smooth and stress-free journey. Quality luggage not only ensures the safety and security of your belongings but also enhances your overall travel experience by offering durability, ease of mobility, and efficient organization. Sturdy, well-designed luggage can withstand the rigors of travel, from rough handling at airports to navigating uneven terrain, reducing the risk of damage to your items.
Features like smooth-rolling wheels, comfortable handles, and secure zippers make it easier to navigate through busy terminals and transport your belongings effortlessly. Investing in reliable luggage, like these rolling suitcases from Calpak, means fewer hassles, better organization, and a more enjoyable trip, making it a crucial component of any successful travel plan.
Need some new luggage? Browse luggage options from Calpak here!
Packing cubes
Packing cubes for travel are one of the best travel items when preparing for a trip, providing organization and efficiency to your packing process. By compartmentalizing your clothing and accessories, travel packing cubes allow you to neatly categorize and compress your items, making it easier to find what you’re looking for without creating clothing chaos in your suitcase. This organization not only maximizes space, allowing you to fit more into your luggage but also helps keep your belongings tidy and wrinkle-free.
For a deep dive into everything you need to know about them, including how to use packing cubes, check out my blog post here.
Check it out >> 5-piece packing cubes set | Calpak $68
Compression packing cubes
Compression packing cubes for travel are among the best travel packing essentials, as they have a built-in compression mechanism that helps to reduce the bulkiness of clothing and other items. This not only maximizes packing space but also allows you to fit more into your suitcase. Additionally, packing compression cubes help to keep your belongings neatly organized, making it easier to locate specific items without unpacking everything. Their compact, streamlined design also minimizes wrinkles and maintains the shape of your clothes.
Check it out >> 8-PC compression packing cubes | Amazon $32.99
Travel laundry bag
A laundry bag for travel is one of those travel essentials woman I never knew I needed until I started traveling internationally and had to take my laundry somewhere to be cleaned. I especially love this laundry bag travel from Miamica, which is collapsible and can easily be folded down to fit into your suitcase, but when expanded, it can fit up to a week’s worth of dirty clothes. Not only does it help to keep your clean clothes separated from your dirty ones, but it also makes unpacking so much easier!
Check it out >> Miamica soft travel laundry bag | Amazon $13.17
Travel shoe bags
Shoe bags for travel are another great item to add to your travel essentials checklist, as they separate your dirty shoes from your clean clothes, preventing dirt, debris, or odors from transferring to your packed items. Shoe travel bags also help maximize space in your luggage by keeping shoes compact and contained. Plus, they’re perfect for maintaining the shape and condition of your footwear, protecting them from being damaged during transit.
Check it out >> 13-PK transparent shoe bags for travel | Amazon $11.99
Travel jewelry organizer
A jewelry travel organizer is one of the best travel accessories for anyone who wants to keep their accessories neatly arranged and tangle-free while on the go. Its compact and well-designed compartments allow you to separate and store different pieces of jewelry, protecting them from damage and preventing them from becoming a tangled mess. A jewelry organizer for travel not only saves you time and frustration when searching for specific items but also helps ensure your jewelry remains in pristine condition throughout your trip.
Check it out >> Small travel jewelry case | Mark & Graham $69
Travel pill case
A pill travel case is one of the best travel essentials for anyone who relies on daily medications or supplements. Its compact design makes it easy to carry in any bag, ensuring you never miss a dose while on the go. By organizing your pills into clearly labeled compartments, a pill case travel helps you stay on top of your medication schedule, which is especially valuable when traveling across time zones or dealing with busy itineraries. Additionally, it eliminates the need to bring bulky medication bottles, saving space and reducing the weight of your luggage.
Check it out >> Daily pill organizer | Amazon $12.99
Travel essentials for your toiletry bag
Toiletry bag
A water resistant womens toiletry bag is another of my favorite travel necessities, ensuring your belongings are protected from any spills or leaks. This travel toiletry bag from Calpak features multiple compartments and pockets, allowing you to neatly store and access all your personal care items without digging through a cluttered bag. Plus, it’s so much easier to clean! Additionally, the compact size of the Calpak toiletry bag makes it easy to pack in your luggage or hang in a convenient location in your hotel bathroom.
Check it out >> Medium clear cosmetics case | Calpak $85
Favorite travel size toiletries
Check out this post on Instagram >> How I pack my toiletry bag + my favorite toiletries for travel
Travel bottles
If you’re not able to find travel sizes of some of your every day products, travel bottles are a great solution. They allow you to carry just the right amount of your favorite toiletries without the bulk of full-sized bottles, freeing up precious space in your luggage. They also help to reduce the risk of spills, and they’re reusable, so you can refill them for future trips, making them an eco-friendly choice.
I love using these larger travel size bottles for essentials like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, while these matching silicone travel containers are perfedct for moisturizers, hair masks, and similar products. For my skincare routine, these mini dropper bottles work great for serums, and I rely on these travel toiletry bottles for face wash, micellar water, and other liquids.
Shop all my favorite travel bottles for toiletries in my Amazon storefront here!
Travel contact lens case
For anyone who wears contacts, I highly recommend this contact lens travel case, complete with a contact case, mirror, and mini bottle for contact solution. Compact and easy to pack, this contact lens case keeps your lenses safe and clean, ensuring they’re ready whenever you need them. This not only saves space but also simplifies your packing routine. Plus, they come in a pack of four, so you can throw them in every bag you use!
Check it out >> 4-PK colorful contact lens case kit | Amazon $9.99
Hair tools carrying case
For anyone who travels with a variety of hair tools (like I do, haha), a carrying case comes in handy, keeping your styling gear organized, protected, and easy to access. Whether it’s a flat iron, curling wand, or hairdryer, a dedicated travel case ensures your hair tools stay secure and won’t get tangled or damaged during your trip. Many hair travel cases are even heat-resistant, allowing you to pack your tools safely even if they’re still warm, which is perfect for those last-minute touch-ups before heading out.
Check it out >> Double-layer travel carrying case | Amazon 21.99
Travel essentials for your makeup bag
Cosmetic bag
A clear makeup bag is essential for keeping your beauty products organized, secure, and easily accessible throughout your travels. Not to mention, a clear travel makeup bag is much easier to clean! Designed with both style and functionality in mind, the Calpak train case features a transparent, water-resistant exterior, making it easy to see all your essentials at a glance. Plus, the interior also has spacious compartments and elastic loops to keep everything neatly in place.
Check it out >> Clear train case | Calpak $85
Travel makeup brush holder
For any beauty lover who’s always on the go, a makeup brush holder for travel is a must! It keeps your brushes organized, clean, and protected from damage, ensuring they maintain their shape and last longer. Additionally, with a dedicated makeup brush holder travel, you can easily find the brush you need without rummaging through your makeup bag, saving time and avoiding mess. Many makeup brush travel holders are also designed to be compact and space-efficient, fitting neatly into your luggage. I also really love this matching beauty blender holder!
Shop all of my makeup bag essentials for travel in my Amazon storefront here!
LED makeup mirror
An LED mirror for travel has quickly become one of my favorite travel accessories for women, and it’s already proven to be incredibly useful, especially when we were on our road trip! After six months of traveling and staying in various Airbnbs and hotels, we often faced challenges with mirror space or inconveniently placed mirrors. This LED light mirror, another affordable Amazon must have for women, comes with a touch screen, multiple light modes, and a USB charging cord, making it the perfect solution for all your beauty needs on the go.
Check it out >> Folding lighted makeup mirror | Amazon $26.99
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Useful travel accessories
AirTags
AirTags Apple are one of the top travel accessories for keeping track of your belongings, especially when traveling. These small, lightweight devices can be easily attached to your luggage, keys, wallet, or any other important items, giving you peace of mind wherever you go. Using the Find My app on your iPhone, you can quickly locate your AirTag, whether it’s nearby or miles away, making it easier to recover lost or misplaced items. AirTags also offer precision tracking, guiding you directly to your belongings with a simple tap.
Check it out >> Apple AirTag 4-pack | Amazon
Travel steamer
A travel steamer for clothes is an invaluable womens travel accessory for keeping your clothes wrinkle-free and looking fresh on the go. Unlike traditional irons, travel clothes steamers are compact, lightweight, and easy to pack, making them perfect for trips where space is limited. They’re also quick and easy to use, allowing you to smooth out wrinkles in just a few minutes. With a travel steamer, you can avoid the hassle of finding an iron at your destination, ensuring you always look your best, whether you’re attending a business meeting or exploring a new city.
Check it out >> Foldable handheld steamer for clothes | Amazon $32.97
Luggage scale
If you want to avoid unexpected baggage fees and stress at the airport, you need a digital luggage scale in your life! By weighing your luggage before you leave for the airport, you can ensure it’s within the airline’s weight limits, preventing costly surprises and the inconvenience of having to repack at the last minute. Compact and easy to use, a portable luggage scale allows you to monitor the weight of your bags accurately and make adjustments as needed, so you can pack confidently and stay organized.
Check it out >> Suitcase weight scale with hook | Amazon $10.99
Universal travel adapter
If you’re on the hunt for must have travel essentials for international travel, a travel adapter should be at the top of your list. Different countries have varying plug types and voltage standards, and an international travel adapter allows you to safely connect your devices to local power outlets no matter where your adventures take you! This travel adapter is compatible with over 150 countries and has an all-in-one design, equipped with a universal AC socket and USB and Type C ports, allowing you to stay connected on the go.
Check it out >> Worldwide travel adapter | Amazon $19.99
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