8 Must-Have Travel Essentials for Women

Whether you're packing for an overnight camping trip, a weekend getaway or a two-week vacation overseas, it's safe to say that packing can lead to a fair amount of anxiety and pressure. You want to pack light, but not so light that you're running to the nearest convenience store to buy overpriced items or begging your friend to lend you their deodorant.

The key to finding the right balance? Start with a list of must-have travel items and go from there. From multitasking beauty products to solid shampoo bars, we’ve put together a quick list of must-have travel essentials for women below. With these eight essentials, you can pack light while making your trip as stress-free as possible!

1. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a must for several reasons. If you’re going to be away from running water for a while — say, during a camping trip or an overnight flight — applying a natural dry shampoo powder to your roots will instantly refresh your strands until you have access to a shower. It’s also ideal if you’re strapped for time in the morning or need to look presentable for breakfast in the hotel lobby. Instead of spending 30 to 45 minutes doing your hair, you can apply a bit of dry shampoo powder to your locks and look presentable in mere minutes!

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2. Natural Sleep Aids

Even the best sleepers sometimes struggle to get a good night’s rest in an unfamiliar bed in a strange room. Luckily, there are many products that can help you get the rest you need without taking up too much space in your carry-on. 

For example:

• Sleep mask. A high-quality sleep mask will block out 100 percent of light, allowing you to shut out the world while you catch some Zzzs.    
• Earplugs. Crying babies on the plane and rowdy hotel guests are nothing a good set of earplugs can’t handle.
• Sleep meditation apps. After a day full of exciting new experiences, it can be hard to wind down for bed. Consider downloading a meditation sleep app such as Insight Timer, which features guided meditations to help you relax and drift off to sleep.

3. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Earplugs are great for sleeping on a redeye flight. But if you’re catching a midday flight or train, nothing beats a pair of noise-reducing headphones. For maximum comfort and enjoyment, look for a pair with softer ear cups and headpieces, a rugged build (they’re bound to be dropped while traveling) and a long battery life.

4. Multitasking Beauty Products

Running out of room in your toiletry bag? Opt for versatile products that tackle several jobs at once. Many beauty brands now sell single products that can be used in multiple ways, enabling you to pack light and save time without sacrificing any steps in your beauty routine. For instance, our Daily Antioxidant Serum does more than hydrate your skin, it also brightens and protects it.

5. Travel Power Bank

Getting caught with a dead device can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar place and need a way to contact the person you’re meeting up with. To avoid such a scenario, make sure to pack a travel power bank for your trip. 

The best portable power bank will depend on your specific travel needs. But in general, a lightweight power bank with 5,000 to 10,000 mAh should be good enough for a weekend getaway.

Pro tip: If you’re staying in a hostel, consider bringing a 5-point USB charger. That way, you can charge your phone and power bank simultaneously while still having enough to share with new friends!

6. Merino Wool Scarf

A cozy scarf can pull double duty as a travel blanket, saving precious space in your travel bag while keeping you warm and comfortable on long flights and car rides. For all-season traveling, you can’t go wrong with a merino wool scarf made from recycled wool fibers. Wool scarves are breathable in the summer yet warm in the winter, and by getting one that’s 100 percent recyclable, you can help keep valuable fibers out of landfills.

7. Shampoo Bars

To help cut back on the obscene amount of plastic waste in the world, many hotels are no longer offering travel-sized toiletries, including travel-sized shampoo and conditioner bottles. That means you may need to bring your beloved haircare products with you if you plan to give your scalp a thorough cleaning while on vacation. 

If you’re already stressing out about getting your liquid shampoo through airport security, fear not because there’s a simple solution: washing up with nourishing shampoo bars and conditioner bars. These travel-friendly pucks are 100 percent waterless, which means no hiccups with airport security or messy spills in your luggage. Best of all, they boast nutritious vitamins that will leave your hair silky smooth and soft!

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8. Packing Cubes

Many travelers swear by packing cubes, and it’s not difficult to see their logic. Packing cubes take away the hassle of trying to neatly fold and fit everything into your luggage or remember where you packed everything. Plus, you can use them to corral smaller accessories, such as power cords, underwear and socks. If you’re trying to do the eco-friendly thing, look for ones made from 100 percent recycled plastic (every little bit counts!).

There you have it — eight travel essentials for women. We hope these must-have travel items will make your next trip easier and less stressful. Happy travels!