Women’s Travel Essentials: Carry-On & Personal Item 

I’ve been traveling for many years, the more I travel the more I tend to perfect my packing. This has led me to create this Women’s Travel Essentials Post. I’m an avid carry-on and personal item packer, hence the ‘just one luggage’ title. I became a carry-on only packer when my bags arrived three days late on a four day trip overseas in Madrid. Since that day, I will only pack what I can carry to avoid that ever happening again. 

Below I cover everything from what’s needed in a toiletry bag to tech gadgets and all the in between. I hope this list helps you when you pack for your next trip!

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Travel Essentials For Your Carry-On

Toiletry Bag

Toiletry bags are so important and choosing the correct one will save you so much space and guarantee you can fit all your essentials in it. I like this amazon one because it has so many compartments and you have the option to hang it, which is so convenient and makes everything visible.

Reusable Travel Bottles: TSA Approved 

If you travel often then make sure to buy these reusable travel bottles. They’re great because they’re silicon so you can throw them in the dishwasher once you’re back from your trip. Store your shampoo, face wash, body wash, etc. 

Sunscreen Stick

Save your liquid space and opt for a sunscreen stick! It’s a great way to make room for more liquids while still keeping you safe from UV rays. Make sure to throw in your bag for on beach days!

Hair Brush Set

This hair brush set is perfect because it’s for all hair types and gives you the freedom to do different hair styles!

Refillable Perfume Bottle

You want to bring your favorite perfume but it’s not TSA approved because of the size? These refillable perfume bottles will save the day and you can bring more than one scent! 

Tide Pen Remover

You stain your shirt with wine and you’re not close to your washer, this Tide pen will help remove the stain and you won’t be scrambling for a dry cleaners or hotel service.  

First Aid Kit 

Anything can happen when you travel, it’s wise to always be prepared. This small first aid kit is ideal for packing because its compact while still holding all the things you might need. 

Chapstick/Lip Balm 

Planes can cause you to feel hydrated and therefore, have chapped lips. Make sure to bring your favorite chapstick or lip balm. I recommend the Strawberry lip mask from Amazon. 

Travel Essentials For Women’s Organization

Packing Cubes  

Packing cubes have saved my life in the last few years of my travel. They’re great for keeping your luggage organized and by compressing the clothes, it makes more space. 

Jewelry Organizer 

Keep your necklaces, bracelets and earrings organized and prevent knots with a jewelry organizer. Nothing is worse than wanting to wear a cute necklace and having to go through the trouble of removing multiple knots. 

Travel Cable Organizer 

If you travel with a lot of different charging cables, cords, etc consider purchasing a travel cable organizer will help you keep everything tech related in one compartment. 

Magnetic Hat Clip

Don’t worry about having to wear your hat on a plane to prevent it from creasing, with this magnetic hat clip you can attach it to your bag or backpack. It’s easy and convenient and you don’t need to worry about making space or ruining it.

Sunglass Travel Case 

For those of you (and me) that like to travel with multiple sunglasses because we need options then this sunglass travel case is the ideal travel essential. Pack up to three sunglasses and don’t worry about them breaking along the way.

Travel Essentials For Women’s Health 

Emergen-C

When we’re traveling we’re not looking to eat our best (maybe I’m generalizing), but for the most part, we tend to not be as disciplined and we eat poorly. We can also get sick much quicker, I carry Emergen-C to help boost my immunity during times in transit. 

Midol 

Nothing is worse than that time of the month and especially when you’re away from home. It’s always wise to carry Midol because although you can track your period there are times when it surprises you and comes early. No one wants to be cramping when traveling.

Clorox Wipes

Post covid has made us more intentional about keeping ourselves and our space clean. I like to carry Clorox wipes because you never know when you’ll need them. I wipe down my eating tray table on the plane because tbh I’m not sure that they have the time to do it every time. They’re great for when you take road-trips too!

Hand Sanitizer 

Keep your hands clean when you don’t have access to a bathroom or if you’re unsure of what you’ve just touched. Keeping hand sanitizer with you at all times will ensure that your hands will remain clean if needed. 

Toilet Seat Cover 

This might sound extreme, but if you’re a germ freak and/or traveling with kids then disposable toilet seat covers are a perfect purchase. This makes it easy and they’re flushable too so don’t worry about having to depend on public seat covers, ever. 

Snacks 
If you’ve ever eaten at an airport, you know how expensive food is. Bring your own packed snacks and indulge in all your favorite things without having to overpay for the same items at the airport.

Tech Travel Essentials

Universal Adapter 

A life saver if you’re stranded in an airport overseas or are staying at a hotel that doesn’t offer an adapter. I’ve had mine for years and I pack it every time to ensure I have access to my electronics if they need to be charged. 

Portable Charger 

This is important and a lifesaver in case you drain your battery and don’t have anywhere to charge it. I always make sure to have a portable charger with me because on days when I’m traveling or have a long day of being out of the hotel, it’s a quick and easy way to always be connected. 

Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter 

Forget having to buy headphones from the airline ever again, with AirFly you just connect it to the headphone jack of the plane and it works as a wireless transmitter. It allows you to use your own headphones without having to use the ones the airlines provide and/or makes you buy sometimes. 

AirTag 

With luggage going missing every so often in airports, AirTags make it easy to track your luggage yourself in case you do decide to check in a bag. Airlines don’t always respond and sometimes they themselves don’t know where the luggage is. 

Digital Luggage Scale

If you can travel and return with no added weight to your luggage than kudos to you! For those that know they will indulge in some shopping, (me) then take a digital luggage scale with you. This ensures you don’t go over your baggage weight limit on your returning flight.

Electrical Toothbrush

If you use an electric toothbrush but feel like it’s a hassle traveling with it, this Philips rechargeable toothbrush is the ideal because you only need to charge it once and the battery life is good for up to 30 days! It’s compact and practical.

Mini Pocket Fan

This mini pocket fan is what you’ll want to reach for if you’re traveling to a warm destination. It’s chargeable through USB and if you’re carrying a portable charger, you can just plug it in!

Other Self-Explanatory Items*

Travel Tripod
Headphones
Kindle 

Travel Essentials For Women’s International flights 

Travel Blanket 

I am always freezing on a plane, hence the reason a travel blanket has been added to the list of things needed. Especially if you have an international flight. I really like the Away Travel Blanket because it’s super warm and there’s even a slot for your feet. 

Travel Pillow 

I don’t like the neck pillows that everyone seems to carry, you know the half circle one? Well the BCozzy neck pillow is perfect because it comes in different sizes and can adjust to your sleep position and neck. Super comfortable and worth it. 

Silk Eye Mask 

A silk eye mask is good for your skin and can help you sleep, creating complete darkness. Helps if the person sitting next to you has their light on or an open window.

Olly Sleep Gummies 

If you have a hard time sleeping on planes, take one of these Olly Sleep Gummies and within 30 minutes you’ll be dreaming. They help you doze off and this is great if you’re feeling overstimulated on a long flight. You can rest and take them according to the time zone of your next destination. I love these! 

Socks

Who wants to wear their shoes on a plane for more than 5-10 hours on a long flight? Fuzzy socks on a plane to help keep your feet warm without the need of going barefoot on a dirty plane. I love to bring two pairs, one for on the way to the destination and one pair for my return flight.

Personal Item Tote/Duffle Bag Essentials

Pack your personal item, whether it’s a large tote or duffle bag with everything you would need as if you’re going on a weekend trip! There’s times when there’s no overhead space left for your carry-on and you’re asked to check in your bag. If that happens, there’s a possibility your bag might not make it.

It’s happened to me, that’s why I carry most of my essentials in my large tote or duffle bag depending on where I’m headed.

Toiletry Bag (mentioned above)
Makeup
Spare Clothes (day/night outfit)
Electric Travel Toothbrush (mentioned above)
Toothpaste 
Floss 
Makeup Removing Wipes
Face Wash
Moisturizer 
Sanitary Pads 

Expandable Duffle Bag 
The expandable duffle bag idea is one I came up with when I was traveling and needed to buy more luggage overseas because I would run out of space. It’s easy to pack and when you return, you expand it and you can pack all your new purchases along with your purse. You won’t need to pay extra, it becomes your personal item and you still have your carry-on! 

Final Thoughts  

I hope this curated list of women’s travel essentials helps you travel in an efficient way, making the journey to your destination hassle free and enjoyable. If there’s anything else you do/use, please let me know what it is and I would love to include it. Happy traveling!

FAQ’S

1. How much can my carry-on weigh?
   – Depends on the airline you’re flying, check with them.
2. What happens if my carry-on is overweight?
   – You will have to pay a penalty or check in your carry-on.
3. How many liquids can I carry in my carry-on or personal item?
   – 3.4 oz containers (100ml) of liquid containers, gels, creams that fit in a 1 qt. sized resealable bag.