The Complete Guide to Travel Essentials for Women in 2024

Do you like to fly to foreign countries, stay in hotels on the beach, head to ski resorts for winter fun, go on road trips, or enjoy the great outdoors, hiking or camping? No matter your destination, ensuring you pack all your essential items is critical to an enjoyable trip. 

From comfortable walking shoes to appropriate clothing, accessories, toiletries, and electronic essentials, we have a complete list of everything you need, no matter where you go.

Flight Essentials

If you plan to fly, being prepared and understanding airport rules is critical to avoiding delays, disappointments, and discomfort. Here are some essential items for your flight. 

• Travel wallets are great for keeping all your necessary ID, passports, cash, credit cards, and travel insurance in one place. Tuck it into the front zipper pouch of your backpack or somewhere else that will be safe but easily accessible.  
• If you plan to sleep on the plane, travel pillows are essential so you don’t wake up with a sore neck. 
• Eye masks are also a good option for napping on those long flights.
• Noise-blocking earplugs are also important since planes can be very noisy. Alternatively, you can wear noise-cancelling headphones. 
• A carry-on bag that fits the size requirements of 22” x 14” x 9” (56cm x 36cm x 23cm), including wheels and handles, with a total length, width, and height of less than 45”. A backpack of those dimensions is great for light travellers who don’t check luggage since they are fast and easy.
• An extra large backpack or suitcase is ideal for those checking additional luggage. 
• Do not carry toiletries or other liquids over 3.4oz (100ml) in your carry-on. All liquids must also fit in a clear, plastic, zip-top bag no larger than one quart and only one bag per passenger. This is known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule. 
• Over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs should be in your carry-on bag in case you get separated from your other luggage. 

Electronics

Remember to bring all the electronic devices you’d normally use, which are essential for any road trip or vacation. 

• Smartphone, tablet, and/or laptop. We won’t usually forget our phones, but a tablet is handy for browsing the internet or watching shows, and a laptop is essential for those of us who want to combine our work and travel.
• E-readers are a great choice since they are lighter than books and allow you to bring as many books as possible.
• Digital camera(s) for those of us who enjoy photography.
• Portable chargers to fit each of your devices. 
• Earbuds or headphones are great for public places. Noise-cancelling headphones are best for noisy travel, such as aeroplanes and trains.
• A travel adapter is critical if you are travelling internationally. Electrical outlets vary worldwide, and these little adapters allow you to plug your portable chargers into foreign outlets.
• The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series power stations are essential for outdoor adventures, camping, or travelling in a motorhome. Devices like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 are highly portable, lightweight options with 300W-800W output capacity and solar charging capability to keep your lights, music, small appliances, and electronic devices running. With many power station options available, you can find one to suit your needs, including large EcoFlow Power Stations for those with higher power needs. 
• EcoFlow portable solar panels are another must-have for extended adventures without access to electricity so you can charge your power station. These are lightweight and weather-proof and fold up for convenient travelling. Combine an EcoFlow Portable Power Station with an EcoFlow Portable Solar Panel to create an EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Solar Generator for free renewable energy on the go. 
• EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable AC is a fantastic portable cooling option for beating the heat in your motorhome, van, tent, or anywhere else. It can also be used as a heater for chilly nights! It lasts 8 hours and has multiple charging options using AC household plugs, direct solar charging, a car (12V DC), or a power station.
• EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refrigerator is a great sustainable refrigeration option for any traveller. It has a fridge, freezer, and portable icemaker in a compact suitcase-like design, complete with a detachable handle and wheels for easy movement. You can charge it directly from your solar panels or using AC or DC.  

Clothes & Shoes

What clothing and shoes you bring will depend entirely on your destination. Remember to focus on comfort before style. Imagine getting stuck in an airport for 16 hours with only high heels and a short skirt.  

• Shirts: Bring sleeveless tank tops or short-sleeve shirts for warm trips and long sleeves for colder adventures. While some people recommend wrinkle-free synthetic fibres like polyester, remember that most don’t breathe well, so if your destination is hot or you are prone to sweating, opt for cotton or bamboo instead. 
• A jacket is essential for any trip. Make sure it’s thick and warm for cold adventures, while warmer destinations may require a raincoat or a windbreaker. 
• Swimsuits are critical for beaches, lakes, or hotel trips with a pool or hot tub.
• Sarongs are great for beach trips or pools, so you don’t have to change your clothes.
• A sweatshirt or cardigan is always recommended. Even in subtropical locations, it can get chilly at night, especially if it gets windy. 
• Pants must be comfortable and suitable. Stretchy leggings are great all-purpose, comfortable choices, while jeans or cargo pants are great for outdoor adventures where it is colder or where you want to keep your legs covered to protect from sun, ticks, and other hazards. 
• Shorts should also be suitable for your destination. Comfortable pull-on shorts are great for most destinations, but if you are going on an outdoor adventure, cargo-style shorts or comfortable jean shorts are great options since they have pockets for packing essential items. 
• Comfortable mid- to long-length skirts are a great choice for most adventures. They are very comfortable yet elegant enough for a special dinner out. 
• Socks are essential, but pack them for your destination. Be sure to pack thin summer socks for warm destinations and nice, thick, tall wool socks for cold adventures. If you are going skiing or on outdoor winter adventures, bring extra pairs in case they get wet, or you need to layer.
• Undergarments should always be chosen first for comfort. If you wear lace or non-breathable materials, long hours on planes, trains, buses, or cars will leave you wishing you had brought something more appropriate. 
• Sandals or flip-flops are essential for any warm destination or where there is a pool. However, even if you are going somewhere warm, don’t only pack sandals or flip-flops—you will also want a pair of shoes suitable for long walks. 
• Sport runners or all-purpose trainers are essential for long walks in comfort, so you don’t get blisters or other foot or leg pains.
• Depending on your destination, you may also want comfortable hiking shoes with ankle support for hiking on rough terrain. Snow boots are essential for any winter adventure, and rain boots may be necessary for spring or fall outdoor adventures or travel to wet climates.  

Accessories

• Hats—what type you bring depends on where you are going. Hot, sunny trips require a wide-brim sun hat for maximum comfort and UV protection. Packing these can be made more convenient by attaching a hat clip to the outside of your backpack. Baseball caps are another option that is easier to pack. If you are travelling somewhere cold, bring a beanie or toque, ideally one that covers your ears to keep you warm. 
• A multipurpose scarf is a great idea for any trip. It can protect you from the hot sun, a breeze, or a chill or cover your hair if it starts raining. You can even get special ones for travel with a hidden zipper compartment to stash your cash, ID, or passport in. 
• Sunglasses are another must-have accessory for any sunny trip, but they’re also recommended for snowy destinations to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare on the snow. 
• If required, pack two pairs of reading glasses, including cases, to protect them from scratches and damage. 
• Hair ties are essential for anyone with long hair. Pack several with you and keep at least one handy in your pocket, purse, or carry-on bag. 
• A reusable water bottle should go with you everywhere. Remember to empty it before going through airline security. Many airports nowadays have water stations where you can refill your bottles after you go through security. 
• Safety items are essential for women travelling alone. Keep a safety whistle in your pocket or travel bag, and you can also get a portable lock that fits on the inside of any door. Note that pepper spray is allowed in checked luggage but not your carry-on. 

Toiletries

If you plan to put your toiletries in your carry-on bag, ensure they fit the 3-1-1 liquids rule. 

• Toiletry bag to carry all of your toiletries. 
• Skincare products like face washes and moisturisers are helpful on any adventure, even outdoors, to clean off dust and sweat or protect from drying winds. Choosing a facial moisturiser with SPF protection from the sun is always a good idea.  
• Sunscreen is essential if you plan to spend any time outdoors. 
• Hair products like shampoo, conditioner, detangler, and a small travel brush or comb will keep you looking your best no matter where you are. 
• Travel-size toothpaste and a toothbrush with a travel cover or case to help keep it clean in your toiletry bag. 
• Razors for those adventures where you plan to show some skin. 
• Deodorant is always a good travel option since you can often get stuck on busy trains or buses without AC. 
• Feminine hygiene products should be included in your toiletries bag. 
• A small first aid kit with at minimum gauze, bandaids, tape, and disinfectant. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

If you’re a woman who likes to travel, packing all the essentials will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes suited to the environment and climate you are travelling to. 

Of course, remember to bring all necessary electronic devices like your phone, tablet, e-reader, or laptop.  If you will be without power, don’t forget to bring an EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station so you can recharge your electronic devices no matter where in the world you are. Stay safe, and happy travels.