Are you tired of staring at your suitcase in despair, trying to squeeze in just one more item? Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, conquering the art of packing efficiently can be a game-changer. In this guide, we dive into the realm of travel packing hacks, unveiling essential tips and tricks tailored especially for women on the go in the US or international. From travel must haves to ingenious packing strategies, discover how to streamline your packing list and maximize space in your suitcase or, better yet, your best travel backpack or bag. Say goodbye to overpacking woes and hello to stress-free journeys!

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I love to travel but being prepared is an important part. In this post, you are going to find travel essentials for any trip, mostly directed to women, even those going international. These travel must haves will make your next trip be a packing breeze. From the best travel backpack to packing hacks, you will be ready to take your adventure game to the next level.

Travel Must Haves and Essentials for Women:

1. The Best Packing Hack for your Makeup and Toiletries: Travel Essentials for Women

Firstly, this is the best packing hack for travel I didn’t even know I needed, until I found it, which is why it’s at the top of this list! A makeup brush holder should be on any women’s packing list. The makeup brush holder, keeps your brushes isolated and the brush bristles protected. The silicone case holds multiple brushes and prevents the bristles of your brush from bending and getting damaged. A travel essential must have for any woman.

For the longest time, I would buy travel size toiletries. But now, maybe due to age, perhaps due to knowing the products I like and pay for, I much prefer refilling travel bottles. My next packing hack is TSA-approved travel bottles. These some with a cute case, they are color coded and, best of all, are under 3 ounces, so you can carry them in your checked bag, carry-on or travel backpack.

So refilling your toiletry bottles is not for you? You would rather but the travel sized shampoo and conditioner? Not a problem! However, I would at least consider getting toiletry skins (as seen below) because the last thing you want is for your shampoo to open mid-flight and leak onto your clothes.

2. The Best Travel Packing Hacks for Organization (top traveling essentials for women) and Favorite Tips for International Travel

When it comes to travel packing hacks, organization is key, especially for women with their unique travel essentials. Start by creating a packing list of travel must-haves, including clothing items and toiletries. Utilize space-saving techniques like rolling clothes and using packing cubes to maximize suitcase space. Invest in a good makeup case and jewelry holder, for ultimate organization. Finally, pack multi-purpose items like scarves or shawls that can serve as both a fashion accessory and a practical travel essential. With these strategies, staying organized while packing for your next adventure becomes a breeze and helps decrease travel stress.

If you’ve ever tried to pack jewelry without using an organizer, it just doesn’t work. Necklaces get tangled, you lose an earring… You get it. Which is why I have this…

This is a great cosmetic bag. It is small and compact, yet organized and will hold all the cosmetics on your travel packing list.

3. Travel Packing Hacks for the Music Lover

Onto the best packing hacks I have for the airplane is Apple airpods, number three on this travel list. These are a travel essential in my opinion for both men or women. I have two linked here. Mine are the second pair, which work well, but my husband has the first (more expensive) pair. These are even better as they have noise cancelling technology, making them easier to hear. I have to admit, for travel, his noise cancelling headphones are far more supreme. When I borrowed his noise cancelling headphones on our last trip to Costa Rica, I could hear the movie I was watching MUCH better. Planes are noisy, the people, the babies, THE ENGINE…

I love music and we often stay at vacation rentals when we travel. If we go somewhere warm, we almost always have a place with a private pool. To be pool side, in the sun, listening to my favorite tunes, is my happy place. If you’re like me, don’t forget to add a speaker to you travel must haves. Yes, this one floats!

4. Traveling Must Haves for Ultimate Comfort

If you like to travel in comfort and even more so, if you have a longer international flight, a travel blanket/pillow is a wonderful essential for any women to have along. I take this on longer flights. 

A good quality neck pillow is a travel essential for any woman. I use a Sealy neck pillow and find it to be comfortable for the plane ride.

If you are looking for ultimate comfort on the plane, here are a few extra travel must haves to consider.

5. The Fine Details: A Passport Holder and Tags

A travel essential for any international trip. Your passport is an important document for travel. Why not protect it with a hard cover? Here is the one I use, along with luggage tags.

6. The Best Travel Backpack/Bag and Luggage

High quality luggage, another essential for smooth travel for women. My suitcase set is brought to you by Samsonite. Why do I love it? The hard shell side protects my items inside and as you may know, airlines can be a little rough on your luggage. It’s wise to get a sturdy set. With TSA approved locks, I feel there is some security from theft. And the wheels roll SO SO well. When dealing with the stress of traveling, having great wheels is a bonus!

Furthermore, my carryon bag is, in my opinion, the best travel backpack. With its TSA approved locks, it is great for secure travel! Also, love the amount of pockets and organizational space. The main pocket has a laptop space and it’s big enough to hold my Mac. This bag has a strap on the back so the backpack can hook onto my suitcase handle during travel, another reason why it is a travel essential for any women.

7. Packing Essentials for Women: A Travel fanny

Yes, they are everywhere. I am not the biggest fan of buying that thing that every other woman has (like the Lululemon belt bag)… But I did. I only take the belt bag out for traveling adventures and I really do love it for that. I keep my passport, ID, phone and wallet in it. It is super handy to have those things on hand in the airport. While in the airport, I where it across the body. While on traveling adventures (like a jungle hike in Costa Rica), I where it as a fanny pack. 

8. Best Packing Hack: Luggage Tracking

Now onto Airtags! Airtags are used if you want to track your luggage. Fortunately, we have never lost our luggage, but I know it happens. If you end up at your destination without your luggage, airtags will at least help determine where your suitcase ended up. We use Apple Airtags, but they make some for those who use an Android too. I will link both here. This is a game changer for lost luggage or valuables! Having the ability to track these items adds security!

9. Travel Packing Hacks for Water Activities

When packing for outdoor adventures, waterproof pouches are indispensable for safeguarding your phone and being able to safely take pictures, without worrying you’ll ruin your phone. Additionally, a dry bag ensures that essential items like clothes and snacks remain dry even in wet conditions. Lastly, a microfiber towel, compact and quick-drying, is a space-efficient choice for staying dry and comfortable on the go. A microfiber towel is one thing I bring on certain vacations, like Iceland for natural hot springs.

10. Travel Essentials for Women who Love the Sun

Packing sunglasses and a sun hat is essential for protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays during outdoor activities, especially if you’re heading to a beach destination, like Belize or Costa Rica. Sunglasses shield your eyes from glare and UV radiation, while a sun hat provides shade to your face and neck, reducing the risk of sunburn and heatstroke. These two items not only offer crucial sun protection but also add style and comfort to your outdoor ensemble.

To see more packing guides, click on the guide to Iceland, Florida or Ireland below.