19+ Travel Essentials for Women: The Ultimate List For Women on the Go

Packing for a trip sounds fun… until you’re actually doing it—especially when kids are involved. Between keeping everyone comfortable, prepared, and semi-happy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before the trip even starts.

I’ve learned that traveling as a woman (and a mom) requires a little extra strategy. Where you’re going, how long you’ll be gone, and who you’re traveling with all matter—but having the right essentials can make or break the experience. I travel with my toddler on most trips, which means packing for both of us while still trying to stay organized and stress-free.

That’s why I put this list together. These travel essentials for women are the things that help trips feel smoother, more enjoyable, and way less chaotic—especially when little ones are along for the ride. Because when you’re prepared, you can actually enjoy the journey.

The Ultimate Vacation Packing Checklist

This one tops my list because everything starts with packing. I try to pack light… but let’s be honest, that doesn’t always happen. Anytime I wait until the last minute and skip a packing list, I end up overpacking—or worse, forgetting something important. And there’s nothing more annoying than realizing you left something at home once you’ve already arrived.

That’s where a packing checklist comes in. Using a list takes the guesswork out of packing and helps make sure nothing gets left behind.

If you want to pack smarter (not heavier) and make travel easier, grab your free Ultimate Vacation Packing Checklist for Moms. It works for any trip and covers everything you need—whether you’re traveling solo or with kids.

A good packing list also keeps your luggage organized, which makes a huge difference once you get to your destination.

Do you already use a packing list? Try this one on your next trip and drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how it worked for you.

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Must-Have Travel Essentials for Women When Traveling with Kids

Traveling with kids—especially for the first time—can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to think about, and it’s not just your needs anymore. Having the right essentials on hand can make the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth one.

Here are some must-haves I never skip when traveling with my little ones:

• Baby/Diaper Bag
• Stroller
• Carseat
• iPad/Tablet (Download lots of shows, movies & learning games)
• Books
• Coloring Books/Crayons
• Toys
• Headphones for the kids
• Snacks
• Collapsible Water Bottle
• Baby wipes
• Hat and/or sunglasses for the little ones

Pro Tip: If you’re flying, always gate-check your stroller and car seat. Trust me—the stroller is your best friend. Use it to the fullest. You can pile bags, snacks, and everything else on it and cruise through the airport with way less stress.

Packing Cubes

I was introduced to packing cubes years ago through a travel Facebook group, and once I tried them, I was hooked. Seriously—packing cubes have made my life so much easier, especially now that I travel with my little one.

They keep everything organized, make unpacking a breeze, and save me from digging through a suitcase trying to find one small item. Total sanity saver.

There are tons of packing cubes out there in different sizes, brands, and price ranges. I personally use and love Eagle Creek packing cubes, but honestly, as long as you choose a good-quality set, you’ll be fine. The last thing you want is a broken zipper or ripped fabric mid-trip. If you’re looking for a solid alternative, eBags is another great option. And if you’re on a budget, there are affordable sets that still get the job done.

Carry-on Bag

I’m hands down #TeamCarryOn. Traveling with just carry-on and personal item bags makes the entire experience so much better—less stress, less waiting, and no worrying about lost luggage.

When I travel with my toddler, we’re usually allowed a carry-on plus a personal item each, which honestly works out perfectly. I like having both my travel backpack and a small roller bag, but this really comes down to personal preference and how you like to pack.

When it comes to travel bags, durability matters. I always look for features that make life easier—like a backpack with a horizontal strap so it slides right onto my suitcase handle. Small things like that make a big difference when you’re juggling bags, kids, and everything in between.

And don’t forget luggage tags. They may seem minor, but they come in handy more often than you’d think.

Pro Tip: Make sure that you write your contact info on something and place inside of your check luggage. The paper sticker sometimes gets torn off & then God forbid your bag gets “delayed/lost”. You will be too happy that you did this!

The horizontal strap feature on the backpack allows you to attach it to a roller bag with ease! This will come in handy because it allows you to prop the backpack on top of your roller bag so that you don’t have to carry it around and it stays in place. Carrying bags throughout the airport and to/from will get really heavy – really fast.

I really love having the option to attach my backpack to my roller and then rolling them both through the airport. This prevents me from carrying all that weight on my back and/or shoulders.

Electronics

Electronics are travel accessories for women that are a MUST for us when we travel. Of course, this will vary for every family!? The most important item from this list for me is the external charger! I don’t go anywhere without it – even when I’m not traveling. ?

• Car Charger
• External Charger for your mobile devices
• Headsets / Earbuds

Day Bag/Beach Bag

A day bag is something that will make your travels better! Whether you choose one that is collapsible or not, you want to have a bag that you can use each day of your trip. Travel backpacks are my personal favorite to use as a day bag/beach bag. They are great for making moves!!

Must-Have Travel Accessories for Women: The Ultimate Travel Purse

A crossbody purse and/or a fanny pack are the absolute best option when it comes to a travel purse. They’re great because they’re small and you keep them close by. Be sure to secure your travel documents, money, and phone in them.

For me it really depends on where I’m traveling and what I’m gonna be doing that determines if I decide to take a travel purse or not. I usually travel with everything in my backpack and then pack my crossbody bag inside of my carry-on. If I pack my crossbody bag inside my carry-on I would only use it once I arrived at my destination.

Travel Essentials for Women When at the Beach or Pool

If you’re traveling to a tropical destination and/or taking a cruise these are must-have travel accessories for women that travel with or without kids.

• Waterproof Phone Case/Carrier
• Water Shoes
• Dry Towel
• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellent
• Sunglasses
• Closed-toe shoes (especially if you plan on doing any adventurous excursions/tours)

Must-Have Travel Accessories for Women: Toiletries

Of course, there are things you’ll travel within your cosmetic bag that is a given but these are a couple of things some moms tend to miss. I make my own medical kits and they’ve become must-travel items that we don’t leave home without. If you have a baby or a small child, traveling with a medical kit can really make a difference when you’re away from home.

• Sanitation Wipes
• Medical Kits (for the adults and your little one)

Other Must-Have Travel Items

• Cosmetic Bag
• Gum
• Ear Plugs
• Compression Socks
• Reusable Raincoat/Pancho
• Mom Planner or Bullet Journal

Travel Essentials for Women . . . On Any Trip

These travel items are pretty much the things that I make sure I pack.

• Travel T-Shirt
• Hats
• Multi-Purpose Scarf
• Comfortable Clothing
• Travel-Inspired Jewelry
• Makeup
• Comfortable Shoes

Best Travel Accessories for International Travel 

Traveling within the U.S. is one thing, however when you travel overseas, you really want to make sure you have your travel essentials – especially for long flights!

• Travel Neck Pillow
• Travel Power Strip aka Universal International Converter
• Travel Blanket
• Eye Mask

Who says moms can’t or don’t travel? . . . So far from the truth!! Just because we become moms don’t mean we can’t live our best life!! Travel is a little different when traveling with kids but definitely doable! Don’t left anyone tell you different! 

Drop a comment below and let me know what are your favorite travel essentials are. 

Happy Travels!