The Most Useful Travel Accessories for Women in 2024

What to pack for a comfortable, entertaining, and secure travel experience.

It is such a wonderful feeling after boarding your flight … to settle into your airline seat, open your carry-on tote, and rediscover everything you packed to nourish and comfort yourself during your trip. Packing just the right items, impeccably organized, and beautifully designed can bring joy and love to yourself during your travels.

While the art of packing can take some practice (a Goldie Locks exercise of not too little, not too much, but just right), below I’ve created an encompassing list of travel essentials and travel accessories for women. This list of travel accessories for women will help you customize your packing checklist while covering all of the bases, and rocket you on your way.

Get Cozy and Rest

Cozy Socks

If you happen to wear sandals, a cozy pair of socks or slippers will make all the difference as the air in the cabin cools at altitude.

An Oh-So-Soft Throw Blanket or Shawl

If there is any item that will help you drift off is the comforting warmth of a lightweight, soft blanket or shawl. Thin and packable are key criteria.

Neck Pillow

For overnight flights, a neck pillow offers support and comfort, allowing you to sleep longer and more deeply (rather than continually waking up as your head falls forward).

Ear Plugs

Ear plugs are a small, affordable solution to sound stressors when traveling, be it neighbors having a loud conversation, someone’s movie who forgot their headphones, or a dreaded toddler tantrum. They also are invaluable if your hotel room has loud neighbors or street noise.

Sleeping Mask

Did someone say sleep? Bringing an eye mask on an overnight flight can make such a big difference in sleep quality. It helps bring a person inward to rest while blocking the shock of light when someone suddenly opens their window shade or turns on their reading light.

Mini Fan

A little fan can be nice when a plane is stuffy during boarding or ground delay. It’s also fantastic when traveling to hot-weather destinations, like Hawaii when there is no breeze.

Entertainment

Noise Canceling Headphones

It is delightful to settle into a great movie in flight with a pair of cushy noise canceling headphones. They cut down on background noise fatigue, offer superior sound quality and allow you to fully immerse yourself in your show. My headphones are wireless, but they come with a wire that I can plug in if needed on certain airplane entertainment systems.

Noise Canceling Earbuds

I love my noise canceling headphones, but for trips when I am going light and minimal, noise canceling earbuds are fantastic too. I suggest getting them in a light or bright color to make them easy to spot if you drop one. Do not walk around a city with noise canceling earbuds; you need to be alert to your surroundings.

Audible

If you want to rest your eyes and still pass the time, listening to a great book is made easy with Audible. There is a sleep timer too if you want to set the book to play for a short amount of time, while you nod off.

Kindle Paperwhite

Sometimes it’s nice to not be staring at my phone, again. The Kindle Paperwhite is the size of a paperback book and can be easily read in any brightness of light. Load all of the books you’ve been waiting to read and enjoy them on your flight and poolside too.

Tablet

If you want to stay connected, but don’t want to bring your laptop with you, a tablet is a great all-in-one solution for entertainment, social, and work too.

Tablet Cover with Keyboard and Stylus

If you are using your tablet in place of bringing your laptop, getting a case that allows your tablet to stand upright and has a keyboard will allow for the most versatility for entertainment. Including a stylus turns your tablet into a notebook/journal. Privacy screen protectors are available for increased security and privacy.

Bags and Pouches for Organization

Carry-On Tote Bags

With the many options out there, look for a lightweight tote bag or travel backpack, large enough to carry all of your items while small enough to easily fit under the seat in front of you. Consider whether you want your travel bag to have many pockets built-in for organization, or if you prefer to pack individual pouches that will go inside a spacious tote without a lot of pockets.

Travel Folio / Passport Case

I bring printouts of my boarding pass and travel reservations in my travel folio just in case something happens to my phone. Travel folios/passport cases not only have a luxurious feel to them, but they also add privacy keeping your country of origin on the front of your passport hidden.

Toiletries & Medicine Organizers

Packing make-up, toiletries, and drug store items is a refined art and can vary greatly whether you are taking a ladies’ trip to a spa or a family trip to Disneyland. I recommend having a toiletry bag for yourself and each family member. I travel frequently so I keep my organizer stocked and ready to go. I pack the children’s toiletry organizers and medicines before each trip.

Packing Cubes

I love packing cubes to organize my suitcase, but I also use small packing cubes in our carry-on bags to hold a change of clothes. A change of clothes is particularly important for parents and small children, as you can imagine the spills and accidents when a change of clothes would come in handy.

Tech Organizer

For a while, I was traveling with all of my charges and adapters in a baggie. Easy to pack, but a time-consuming puzzle to untangle wires when I needed them. I tech organizer keeps all of your chargers, adapters, etc. neatly stored and easy to access and put away. I go with a padded, soft-sided organizer so it packs easily and doesn’t take up too much space.

Plastic Bags

While I carefully minimize the use of plastic bags in everyday life, I do find them helpful on trips.

I like to bring a couple of gallon-sized ziplock bags in my carry-on. I feel more relaxed knowing that if there is some sort of spill or throw-up mess I can contain it neatly, put wet clothes in there, etc.

I also pack a few small trash bags for hotel rooms; inevitably we need plastic bags … our swimsuits are wet and we need to check out, we ordered take out and the containers are too big for the small in-room trash cans, I bought a pair of shoes on my travels and don’t have a shoe bag for them.

Stay Healthy

Lightweight Travel Water Bottle

I love our HydroFlasks for everyday life, but stainless-steel water bottles are too heavy for travel. We have lightweight travel water bottles for trips. We bring empty water bottles through security and find a filtered water bottle filling station after we are through, before our flight.

Snack Bags

I like to pack snacks for our trips. We end up with much healthier options and save a lot of money as opposed to purchasing airport food. To avoid taking our reusable containers or plastic baggies, using waxed paper, sealable sandwich and snack bags is just the ticket. They are eco-friendly and disposable while also durable and grease-resistant.

Protective Face Masks

It is so unnerving being stuck sitting next to someone on a flight who is hacking up a lung or sneezing and coughing for hours on end. Yuck! We always bring facemasks in our carry-ons.

Medicines

I bring a few tablets of key medicines with me on flights in case I need them. I can then easily address things like headaches, digestive issues, etc. I include ginger capsules to avoid motion sickness.

Child-Specific Medicines

Remember to include child-specific medicines in your carry-on medicine bag. For example, I carry a few chewable children’s painkillers/fever reducers, chewable children’s Pepto-Bismol, … any medicines that I would want in a pinch.

Humidifier

When traveling to a very dry climate, I highly recommend bringing a tiny travel humidifier. I’ll never forget our visit to Colorado and waking up in the middle of the night feeling so hungover even though I hadn’t been drinking. I was so dehydrated from the ultra-dry air.

Hand Sanitizer

I have a huge pump bottle of hand sanitizer at home to fill all of our little travel-sized hand sanitizer containers.

Sanitizing Wipes

Ah, the lovely satisfaction of being able to wipe down questionable surfaces. I keep a travel pack in my purse for everyday life as well as travel. My most wiped surfaces are airplane seats/trays/armrests/etc., highchairs/booster seats at restaurants, and tables at quick-serve places.

First-Aid

I keep a tiny baggie of first-aid items for my everyday life and travel. A few bandages in various sizes, a mini-sized antiseptic spray, and Neosporin. I’ve been so thankful to have these items on many occasions.

Safety and Security

Luggage Tags

I like luggage tags that keep my information hidden so people can’t peep when I’m rolling by. Attaching my own sturdy luggage tag is more secure than the paper disposable luggage tags available at the airport. I want to feel assured that if my bag ends up in lost luggage the luggage tag will still be on it.

Apple Airtag

Placing Bluetooth tracking tags, like Apple Airtags or Tiles, on checked luggage helps you know where your luggage is located. If you tend to misplace or forget various items, attaching these tracking tags may be very useful for you.

ID and Tracking Tags for Kids

Knowing that you can quickly track your child with an Apple Airtag when visiting super crowded, bustling places can be incredibly empowering. Airtag holders for children include lanyards and bracelets as well as other hidden options. I also put my phone number on the lanyard of the bracelet.

Jewelry Organizer

Keep your valuables safe by carrying them with you in your carry-on bag. A travel jewelry organizer can protect your jewelry from damage.

Personal Alarms

I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling alone on international trips throughout my life. In my daily life too, I like to go on long walks. Having a personal alarm can offer a level of safety, with the ear-splitting sound being a major deterrent for creeps.

USB Data Blocker

To stop yourself from inadvertently transferring data when charging your phone (aka juice jacking), put a data blocker attachment in your tech organizer. Always use it when you need to charge your phone at a public charging station.

SOS Satellite Calls When Out of Cellular Range

Upgrading to an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 can save your life. These latest iPhones enable you to call emergency services via satellite when you are out of range. In these times of great natural disasters when cellular towers are down, or even in very peaceful wilderness settings, still being able to call emergency services can offer a lifeline and save your life.

A Quick Refresh Kit Before Landing

Facial Mist or Hydrosol

A lovely hydrating facial mist or hydrosol can instantly revive your skin and energize you as you approach your destination.

Electrolyte Powder Packet

Packets like Liquid IV, Emergen-C, or Airborne can restore your hydration levels without having to chug extra water.

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

After the last meal on a long flight, brushing your teeth can work wonders. In case you are delayed, having a toothbrush available is key.

Moisturizer

The air in an airplane is extremely dry. In addition to drinking water, using a heavy-duty moisturizer on your face and hands can help you feel hydrated and refreshed.

Lip Balm

Like the skin moisturizer mentioned above, lip balm feels divine in ultra-dry environments.

Keep the Kids Busy

Travel Blanket

Ultra-light, ultra-thin fleece blankets are perfect for travel. It will encourage rest and you can throw them in the wash when you arrive home.

Travel Pillow or Stuffy

Along with a blanket, a small pillow (toddler pillows are easy to pack regardless of the child’s age) can help a child get some rest. A squishy stuffed animal can act in the same way.

Kids Carry-On Bags

My kids adore having their own carry-on activity bag. My littles enjoyed having a little lightweight rolling bag. They were replaced by backpacks when old enough. We’ve always done a quick bag inventory before we get up from one setting and move to the next, so we’ve always easily kept track of our bags. You can clip an Airtag to it though if you are worried about it being forgotten.

Children’s Headphones

Kids headphones offer sound protection so you can be assured that the volume will be safe for them. Some fold so they are easier to pack.

Kids Tablet

iPads are the way to go for kids’ tablets. We tried the Kindle for Kids and have been so frustrated with the user interface that I cannot recommend it.

Kids Tablet Cover

Select a tablet case with consideration of your child’s age and how they are in the world. We have an ultra-padded case for our preschooler (she is still building dexterity and coordination so she could easily drop the tablet). Our elementary-age child has a sleek case (he is careful with things, but if he were rambunctious, I would have selected a heavy-duty kid’s tablet case). I have screen protectors on the tablets too.

Activity Books

Activity books can be a fun break from the screen. My son enjoyed hidden pictures and mazes for example. My daughter likes more free form drawing, so she likes blank notebooks.

Cards and Games

Kid’s card games, like Go Fish and Crazy 8s, are lightweight and easy to pack. They are so fun for family interaction and to pass the time. Other little fidget toys, mini magnetic games, and static sticker books can also keep the little ones busy.

Chew Items for Descent

Keep specific snack items aside for the descent as you approach your destination. Children’s ear pain can be overwhelming when the pressure changes and they can’t pop their ears. Encourage yawning and slowly pace age-appropriate snack items that encourage chewing and swallowing. Older kids can chew gum for example. Younger kids maybe crunching on baby carrots might do the trick, or slowly sipping on a drink with a straw.

What are Travel Accessories for Women?

Travel accessories are items packed or carried to improve your travel experience.

Some types of travel accessories include Luggage and Packing Accessories, Travel Bags, Packing Cubes and Organizers, Travel Gadgets, Travel Comfort and Sleep Items, Health and Hygiene Items, Electronics and Entertainment, Travel Security Items, Travel Organizers, Photography and Memory Keeping Items, Beauty and Grooming, etc.

Travel accessories for women are specifically designed to work for your needs and preferences. Since women tend to pack for children, not always, but often, the best travel accessories for women can also include solutions that simplify family packing.

How Can Carefully Packed Travel Accessories Benefit You?

Packing a carry-on tote to maximize comfort while minimizing volume takes some practice, but it is the most important bag you will pack. Your suitcase has your clothes, but your carry-on tote is how you take care of yourself, your comfort, entertainment, health, and security. If you have children, you will pack for their comfort, entertainment, health, and security too.

Travel Accessories for Women, A Lifelong Evolution

Your travel accessory needs will change over time depending on the type of trips that you are taking and your season in life. From your college summer abroad to your first business trip, to your babymoon, to family travel, to friends’ trips and retirement adventures, one thing will stay the same … the delight of packing carefully to care for and nurture yourself. Stay flexible, switch accessories out as needed, and refine your art of a carefully packed carry-on tote. It will be worth it because this process is honoring and caring for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I simplify the packing process?

Create and maintain packing checklists!!!

Your checklists are living documents and they will change as you enter different seasons of your life. For example, your packing lists will change dramatically from when you are traveling as a young single woman to traveling with a baby to traveling with elementary-aged kids. Revise your checklists as the years go by.

Save your checklist templates in your favorite format. If you like paper, type out your list, save your Document as a template, and print it. If you prefer phone apps, create a template list in your favorite task or project management app and do a save-as for each new trip.

List items under category headings (such as carry-on tote items, clothing, toiletries, etc.) to organize your list and packing.

Also include a trip prep to-do checklist leading up to your trip (such as placing a mail hold, getting a pedicure, making a reservation for dog boarding, etc.).

Which travel accessories do I need?

Priority 1: Health and Safety. If there is one essential travel accessories category, it’s health and safety. Pack the minimum items necessary to take care of yourself well.

Priority 2: Comfort. This is particularly important for long trips to foreign lands. If you are hopping on a quick flight to a nearby familiar destination, you can pack light. Consider your destination’s climate in case you need to bring a travel umbrella or a sun hat or warm gloves.

Priority 3: Entertainment. Some people enjoy simply traveling with a book. I like to have a variety of entertainment options downloaded on my mobile device (movies and TV shows, an audiobook, an e-book, some work projects, etc.). For business trips, you may not need as many entertainment options.

Have I packed too much?

I need to have my carry-on tote under the seat in front of me so I can have easy access to it at any time (as opposed to stowed overhead), so I am mindful to keep it at a size that will fit.

You need to be able to easily lift, maneuver, and handle your bags on your own when you are traveling solo. Support your relaxation level by traveling compactly and packing light.

What are the carry-on packing restrictions?

For overall packing, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that you verify your airline’s carry-on regulations before you pack, including the allowed number of bags and their maximum dimensions. In some circumstances, the airline may request that you check all of your luggage except your personal item, so be prepared for that scenario.

Specific to carry-on packing, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific rules for liquids. You may bring a quart-sized ziploc bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag. Each travel-sized container in the bag must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per. Containers larger than 3.4 ounces, regardless of the amount of liquid in the container, must go in checked baggage. The TSA 3-1-1 rule means 3.4 ounces – 1 quart-size bag – 1 bag per passenger. If you are traveling with your family of 4, you may distribute your liquids in 4 quart-size bags as needed, placing one bag in each person’s carry-on luggage.

What travel accessories are helpful for long flights and international travel?

I say pack a little more to support your travel experience and arrive as rested as possible. Consider the class of ticket and the amenities provided. If you are in Economy, bring whatever you can to make yourself comfortable. Going into Premium Economy, Business, and First incrementally increases the comfort level and amenities provided, so you won’t need to bring as much. Hopefully, my list above can inspire you to pack for comfort and rest while traversing the globe.

Tip: For international trips, if you don’t have Global Entry clearance, the Mobile Passport Control app is a fantastic alternative to breeze through Customs.

What travel accessories are helpful for short flights?

Keep it simple.