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Whether you have platinum airline status or you’re planning a rare getaway, figuring out what to pack can be overwhelming for even the most well-traveled jet-setters. From the obvious considerations, like luggage, packing cubes and toiletry bags to tech accessories and comfy extras, like neck pillows, eye masks and cashmere wraps, travel essentials run the gamut. There’s travel-day outfits to consider, nourishing skincare to pack and functional and practical tech to remember. For your next in-flight or cross-country trip, check out our list of the most essential travel items for women.
Packing necessities
Cadence capsules
I’m particular about staying in a routine, especially when it comes to a skincare regimen. But fitting full-size pump bottles, glass jars and droppers in a toiletry bag is just not realistic. So I turn to these Cadence Capsules, which are leak-proof, magnetic and customizable containers for skin-care, hair-care and body-care. Plus, they’re incredibly substantial, unlike many flimsy plastic travel bottles.
Eachy Toiletry Bag
I love a travel toiletry bag or cosmetic case that opens flat. It’s the only way I can actively comb through everything I’ve stuffed in there. The other necessities: pockets, compartments and a handle. The EACHY Large Capacity Cosmetic Bag has all of the above, and it zippers into a pretty compact and packable rectangle.
Away Jewelry Box
Travel jewelry boxes exist at a variety of price points, and generally, if the quality of leather and interior padding is good, and the compartments fit your needs, you probably can’t go wrong. I prefer one with a padded rod element for rings, as my ring stack tends to get priority when traveling. Another bonus is if there’s some element for wrapping dainty necklaces.
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall, Large
The Dagne Dover Landon Carryall is a bestseller for a reason. The neoprene wipes clean, it’s sleek, it features a laptop sleeve and a luggage sleeve, and it comes in five sizes. The large is the ideal carry-on size in my opinion—it’s not as big as a weekender but there’s still room to stuff it with anything extra you can’t fit in your luggage.
Top Tote Clip
Yes, hats shield your face from the sun and can pull together a vacation outfit like no other accessory, but simply put, they’re an absolute hassle to pack. If you’re uninterested in ruining the shape of your headwear in your luggage, let me introduce you to the Top Tote Clip, which uses a high-powered magnet closure to secure your hat brim on-the-go and a hex clip to clasp on to most bag straps.
Cotton Quilted Pouch
You might think there are too many bags, pouches, carryalls, boxes, cases and cubes on this list. But when it comes to travel essentials, the limit simply does not exist. I love these cotton quilted pouches to toss in my bag and compartmentalize things so I can feel more put-together. The more pouches I have at the ready while packing, the easier it becomes to separate my essentials from my son’s, for instance. Any opportunity to pre-sort and distribute must-haves will become a time-saver.
Toiletry Essentials
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
I treat this leave-on lip mask as a balm that I reapply throughout the day, especially during long flights. It’s a constant bestseller and best-of-beauty award winner for a reason. It delivers intense moisture and antioxidants, and I can see a difference in my lips if I forget it at home.
Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer
Your skin goes through the wringer during travel. High altitudes, dehydration, lack of routine, a compromised skin barrier. I have relatively dry skin, especially in the winter or during travel, so I can handle something richer. For that reason, I love Dieux’s Instant Angel Moisturizer, an uber-nourishing face cream that provides lasting hydration and leaves the skin’s barrier feeling strong, smooth and firm.
Innisfree Daily UV Defense
Do you really need to wear sunscreen on an airplane? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if your seatmate won’t shut their window. A JAMA study found that flight crews were twice as likely to get melanoma than the general population. And that could be because the intensity of UV radiation increases by about 10 percent every 3,000 feet, according to the World Health Organization. My go-to is Innisfree Daily UV Defense, a water-based, SPF 36 sunscreen.
OUAI Detox Shampoo
During vacation or general travel, my hair is on a strict dry shampoo diet. Which means that depending on the length of the trip, it’ll need to be detoxed. I always carry a travel-size Ouai Detox Shampoo with me for that reason—it’s clarifying and deeply cleanses away dirt, oil and product buildup. Plus, it smells amazing and uses keratin to strengthen.
Living Proof Dry Shampoo
Go ahead and stock up on mini dry shampoos. I prefer the Living Proof Dry Shampoo for its ability to absorb oil and sweat while also adding body and texture. Plus, the scent is unforgettable—in a great way. I also use Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak and Batiste Dry Shampoo, both of which keep my hair looking clean but at a drugstore price.
Rare Beauty Blush
Rare Beauty blush has been a prominent fixture in makeup bags across the country since it launched, and there’s good reason. The liquid blush delivers a high-quality pigment and a soft glow. There is a learning curve for first-timers as you figure out the right amount to apply (less is more), but with that said, one tube lasts quite a long time. And it’s a multi-tasker (great for travel) that I use on my cheeks, lips and eyelids.
Clothing and Accessories
Anrabess Amazon Set
There’s a fine line between comfy loungewear and pajamas. For travel days, I need a loungewear set that provides comfort. But more importantly, I need it to look entirely put-together. I’ve worn this Amazon set from Anrabess (I’ve bought a few items from this storefront) and found the fabric is substantial and the quality is great. I love topping it with a trench coat or long wool coat, depending on the weather.
Cashmere Travel Wrap
Perhaps my least favorite element of in-flight travel is the constant change in temperature. That’s why you’ll always find an oversized cashmere wrap in my bag. This one from J.Crew is a great choice, and another favorite is from White and Warren. These scarf-like blankets are compact and incredibly soft, plus they’re relatively wrinkle-resistant and lightweight enough to not add any more bulk to your bag.
Wolaco Women’s Distance Full Tight
One tip to help you stray from overpacking: Choose practical items that you can build outfits around. I might go for a run wearing these compression Wolaco Leggings, but if I don’t hit the pavement, I can also top it with a loose white T-shirt and dark sweater in the winter or a matching sports bra and loose linen button up in the summer, and I’ll have an easy casual outfit.
SKIMS Soft Lounge Sleep Set
This should go without saying, but a classic menswear-inspired top and matching pant make the perfect pajama set. This SKIMS set is my go-to, especially for travel, because it’s made from an ultra-soft modal rib fabric, so even when I’m not toasty in my own bed, I can sleep soundly.
Autry Whirlwind Low Sneakers
I’m all about packing a neutral sneaker for travel to make sure it’ll work with as many pieces in my wardrobe as possible. Casual dress? Sneaker. Satin skirt and tee shirt? Sneaker. Wide leg dress pants? Sneaker. My go to is the Adidas Samba OG in beige/white, a Reebok Club sneaker or a New Balance 327. I also love these Autry Whirlwind Low Sneakers.
Emi Jay Big Effing Clip
It’s hard to imagine a time when a claw clip wasn’t in my tote. Low-maintenance hairstyling is essential on travel days, and the Emi Jay clips are a fan-favorite. The material is heavyweight, but it doesn’t dig into your head or cause a headache. Plus, the color options act as a statement accessory.
Tech and Electronics
Apple AirTag
This one is obvious, right? I keep one in the zippered pouch of my checked luggage (and my husband has one with his golf clubs at all times). AirTags operate on Apple’s Find My network, which makes it easy to track down my luggage if it’s ever delayed or on the off-chance that it doesn’t make my flight.
Rechargeable Mirror
Nine times out of 10, hotel lighting isn’t going to cut it. How many times have you pulled up a chair to the window and did your makeup in natural light using a mini handheld mirror? A portable, rechargeable light-up mirror can make all the difference. This foldable one fits easily in a carry-on, but there’s still a considerable amount of space to look into.
Yogasleep Portable White Noise Machine
Before I had my son, a white noise machine seemed pointless—I didn’t need help falling asleep. Today, I don’t travel without one. It’s mainly for him, but I can’t deny the soothing effects as it drowns out every distracting sound. I’ve bought this Yogasleep Hush Portable White Noise Machine multiple times, and it has more than 22,000 five-star reviews.
Conair Handheld Steamer
This one is a bit bulkier, and you can definitely find smaller travel steamers, but I like the quality here. It comes with multiple attachments, including one with a silicone band that pulls clothes taut as you steam; a fabric spacer for delicate fabrics; and a bristle brush that loosens fibers (and even gathers lint). You can also steam vertically or horizontally, without leaking water on your clothes.
Self-Care and Wellness
Dieux Forever Mask
Dark circles from that red eye flight? Tired eyes from early morning travel? Try an eye mask. But not just any eye mask. A few years ago, I purchased Dieux’s Forever Eye Mask, which is made of medical-grade silicone and is entirely reusable. Place your serum or oil of choice under your eye, add Dieux’s mask on top for 15 minutes, and it works by sealing in the moisture. It’s luxurious and you simply add it back to the reusable tin when you’re done.
Eboost Super Power Energy Packs
Want to fend off jet-lag symptoms? Beyond staying hydrated, you can also try increasing your electrolyte and antioxidant intake, which will help with muscle cramping, headaches and sleep issues. Eboost Super Power Energy Packs include a blend of vitamins, electrolytes, antioxidants, nootropics as well as other daily essentials. And bonus: There’s 110 mg of natural caffeine per serving.
Women’s Travel Essentials FAQs
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing rule?
There are a few variations to the 5-4-3-2-1 packing rule. But in general, the idea is that you can make it through five days of travel by packing the following: five sets of undergarments, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat, watch and bag. The idea is that you adjust it based on your needs. It’s essentially an on-the-go capsule wardrobe that allows you to sensibly mix and match outfits. The key is finding like-items or items that coordinate enough together that you’re comfortable mixing and matching.
Is it better to fold or roll clothes when packing?
There are pros and cons to each, but I find that using a mix of both (and packing cubes) works best. For instance, T-shirts and casual dresses are great for rolling, but bulky sweaters tend to take up more space when rolled. Here’s a general break down:
- Fold: Sweaters, denim, formal shirts, dress pants, jackets. For bulky sweaters, fold and place those on top of your closed packing cubes.
- Roll: All other clothes, including T-shirts, pajamas, casual dresses, underwear, swimwear, etc. Make sure to fill the gaps in your suitcase with rolled items.
- Packing cubes: Compress rolled clothes in the packing cubes to take up the least amount of space.
What should you pack for a 10-day trip?
If you’re heading on an extended getaway, you’ll want to be smart about packing. Put your basics to work here. Before any trip, I’ll make my bed and lay everything I pull from my closet on the bed. Then I’ll edit it down once. And eventually edit it down once more before placing it in my suitcase. In a perfect world, I imagine the outfits I’m going to create before deciding on a piece. The below will depend entirely on where you’re going (this will look different for Vail vs. Maui, for instance). But here’s a general checklist that you can follow and personalize.
- 4 to 5 tops
- 3 bottoms
- 1 dress or semi-formal outfit
- 10 undergarments
- 1 travel day set (wear twice)
- 2 sets of exercise clothes, including socks
- 2-3 sets of pajamas or sleepwear
- 1-2 lightweight jackets
- 2-3 sweaters or cardigans during colder weather
- 3 pairs of shoes (1 sneaker, 1 dressy heel or flat, 1 sandal or boot, depending on the weather)
- 2 bags (one big, one small)
- Sunglasses
- Jewelry
What is not allowed in a carry-on bag TSA?
Items not allowed in your carry-on bag include flammables (including Aerosol sprays), liquids over 3.4 ounces (including large bottles of sunscreen, contact solution and lotion), household tools (hammers, screwdrivers, etc.), sporting equipment, firearms and weapons.
Whether you’re heading to a destination across the pond or just planning for a quick weekend getaway, organizing your thoughts—and suitcase—means less chaos when you arrive and more time enjoying your travel.
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