17 Travel Essentials for Women: Packing Light in 2025
Are you afraid you’ll forget something important when you pack for your adventure?
I’ve been there, and over the years I’ve developed a list of things that I always have ready to toss in my bag.
When I’m travelling for six months at a time in countries without the selection of items I’m used to, I want to have the important stuff with me!
There are some travel essentials for women that should always be in your bag. Things that may not be have-or-die items, but that will make your trip infinitely easier and more comfortable.
But there’s nothing saying that we have to live like one of the animals to have a worthwhile experience.
🧳 Book your trip with the companies that I know and trust:
☑︎ Accommodations – Expedia for the best selection
☑︎ Flights – I love WayAway, and you can get 10% off with this link
☑︎ Travel Insurance – I use SafetyWing. Never skip travel insurance!
☑︎ Tours/experiences – Viator is my favourite
☑︎ Cell & data – I love Airalo eSIM, it makes cell and data coverage so easy
On the other hand, I’m also a huge advocate of packing light – single carry-on-only light. I know from experience that travelling is a lot more enjoyable when I’m not schlepping multiple bags around.
Here you’ll find a few of the travel essentials for women that I highly recommend you take with you. If you have other essentials to suggest, I’d love to hear about them!
Travel Essentials for Women
We’ve all got a different list of things we consider essential. You’ll want to add some of these items to yours:
1. A sarong or Turkish towel
I can’t overstate how useful a simple sarong, also known as a pareo, is. If you’re not familiar with the sarong, it’s basically just a rectangle of fabric that generally measures about 163 cm x 112 cm, or 64″ x 44″.
The beauty of the sarong, other than the fact then it takes up next to no room in my bag, is in its multiple uses. Here are just a few of them:
- a shield from the sun if you’re sitting on the sunny side of a bus, boat, or safari vehicle
- a light coverup if you’re going sleeveless to a restaurant or play, or may enter a mosque
- a swimsuit cover-up and beach towel
- an alternative to sitting on bare ground or grass
- a light cover on a warm-ish night
- a skirt; and tie a knot here and there and it’s shorts or a casual dress
- a privacy screen
I could go on, but you get the idea. You can bring one from home, or they make great keepsakes to buy at your destination.
Every time I use mine I’m reminded of the trip I was on when I bought it.
A Turkish towel is very similar, but they tend to be made from a bit heavier material. It is warmer as a cover and more useful as a towel. But I find that it has fewer general uses, and it takes up a little more room.
✔️Click to find my Turkish towel
2. A collapsible daypack or tote bag
This is another gotta-have-it item. Wherever I’m at, mine gets a lot of use. Here are just a few things a collapsible bag will come in handy for:
- to take on day-outings, full of my reusable water bottle, jacket, ibuprofen, sunscreen…
- as a shopping bag, whether for a few groceries or souvenirs
- as my personal item on the plane, for the things I need during the flight
Whatever you’ll use it for, make sure that it’s not too bulky. You should be able to stuff it into your main bag without sacrificing too much space. This one is perfect.
I have a foldable daypack that I take to Africa for bush walks or hours on a safari vehicle. When I’m on a trip that involves exploring cities I’ll usually take a colourful, foldable tote instead.
I’ll attach it to a belt loop or somewhere with a carabiner if I’m concerned about it being stolen off my shoulder.
✔️ Find my backpack on this page and my tote on this page.
3. A hair removal method
Yup, men might need this too. But it’s a lot more acceptable for a guy to sport a face full of 5 o’clock shadow than a woman to have hairy legs. Sad but true.
The method is up to you, but I highly recommend waxing strips or an epilator. I know – ouch! But after years of waxing, I decided to give an epilator a try, and I’m a convert.
This is the one that I use – it’s compact, cordless, and holds a charge through several uses.
It will give you long-lasting results without sticky wax residue, and it also works for that facial peach fuzz. Or is that just me?
Of course, a simple razor is great. But if you’ll be camping, or anywhere that water isn’t plentiful, you might want to try out one of these waterless options.
I take one for my underarms – there will be no mass plucking there.
✔️ Find my favourite epilator here
4. Feminine hygiene
If you’ll be travelling during your period, don’t forget to pack what you’ll need. Along with packing light, I like to be as eco-friendly as possible. Period cups are great in that respect.
However, consider the situation you’ll be staying in on your trip. If you’ll be camping, on safari, or have any outdoor or close-quarters bathroom situation, take that into account.
The cups can be messy, and they do need to be cleaned. If that doesn’t sound feasible, you might want to opt for reusable pads. But again, they have to be cleaned.
If neither of these options will work for you, think about using compostable stuff, like tampons with cardboard applicators.
Whatever you decide to use, you may need to be sure to bring enough with you to last until you get home. In some places, for example small towns in poor areas of Africa, it’s very hard to find things like tampons.
Their selection of pads will be small, too. Bring what you’ll need, plus a little extra. Because as you know, this stuff doesn’t always go according to plan.
✔️ I highly recommend these cups.
5. Condoms
Yes, I have to say it – bring a few condoms. Even if you don’t think there’s the slightest possibility that you’ll need them. A top travel essential for women ☑︎ check.
It’s just one of those things that’s always better to have and not use than to need and not have. Nuff said. These ones come with a handy case for your bag.
✔️ Click here for condoms with a discreet case
6. A light, loose dress
Especially if you’re travelling somewhere hot, a loose, flowy dress in a thin fabric can be a godsend.
It doesn’t matter what I wear when I’m out exploring. I’m always happy to be able to change out of my damp top and the shorts with the sweaty waistband.
I’ve even used this as a robe after showering if my sarong is dirty or drying off. The one I have is no longer available, but this one is very similar.
It’s actually a bit more casual. I’m thinking about replacing mine with one of these.
You don’t even have to be travelling to wear it! Best – it’s made from a crinkly fabric, so you don’t have to worry about looking wrinkled, and it’s easy to wash up.
✔️ Find this loose, flowy dress here.
7. A comfy pair of flip-flops
These are absolutely essential for me. I might be exploring Paris or taking a safari walk, and wearing closed shoes and socks (I hate socks).
Whatever I’m doing, nothing feels better at the end of the day than slipping on a pair of flip-flops. Especially if somewhere along the way my shoes ended up getting wet.
I’ve been wearing these ones for years and years, and have gone through several pairs.
They’re just that comfortable, and they take up no room in my bag.
✔️ See these flip-flops and choose your colour here.
8. A small lighted mirror
If you’ll be staying in a tent or in a shared accommodation, having your own little lighted mirror is so convenient. Whether you need to do some tweezing or put in your contacts.
Or maybe you just can’t be seen without your eyebrows on. In any case, you’ll be glad to have one of these with you. A magnifying side and rechargeable lights are bonuses.
✔️ Click to view this compact mirror
9. Shampoo, conditioner, body, and skin care bars
Yes, bars. There are rumours about an end to, or easing up on, the liquid in your carry-on rule.
But for the time being, it’s still an issue.
Bars have come a long way in recent years. When I first tried shampoo bars, they were awful. My frizz-inclined curly hair inevitably ended up looking like a giant pile of straw.
These days there’s a good selection of soap-free formulas. They come in scented, unscented, dry hair, oily hair formulas, and just about anything you could wish for.
My absolute favourite bars are the ones from Ethique. I can’t use fragrance, and I love their unscented Bliss facial bar, the Bar Minimum shampoo, and In the Buff conditioner.
I’m also addicted to their Perfector Solid Face Moisturizer, and several other products. But if you just prefer liquid products, they offer a great option for you, too.
If you’ll be gone for a while, take one of their concentrates. Just add hot water when you get where you’re going. Bring an empty bottle to pour the finished product into.
I love the bars enough that I use them at home as well as when I travel. Bonus – the packaging is all home-compostable. Most things come in travel-sized minis.
Don’t forget some good soap cases for your bars. You’ll want them to be able to dry off between uses, and not get all over your stuff.
✔️ Try the mini bars on this page and browse others
10. A female urinal
I think we can all agree that sometimes it would just be easier to be able to pee without having to get half-naked. This is especially true when you’re keeping an eye out for wildlife.
You never know if lions are lurking in the trees you’re peeing in. A female urinal like this one is also a decent alternative to having to hover in sketchy washrooms.
They aren’t ideal for indoor use, though; they’re better suited to the great outdoors. These reusable cloths are useful to have, too. They’re infused with silver to resist bacteria and odours, and are easy to wash. A good alternative to packing out traditional TP.
✔️ This is a great female urinal to try.
11. Sun protection
Nothing puts a damper on a vacation faster than a sunburn. Not to mention the risks of melanoma and premature aging.
This Australian Gold sunscreen is another long-time favourite. It’s a fragrance-free, mineral sunscreen that’s water-resistant and cruelty-free.
It’s also cruelty-free and reef-safe. Win-win-win.
Plus, the bit of tint offsets any white cast from the ingredients and softens redness and whatnot. It’s got a matte finish, so it doesn’t leave me feeling or looking greasy.
And the tube is 88ml, or 3oz, so it’s within carry-on limits.
✔️ Find the price and buy a tube here.
12. A light scarf
Believe it or not, a scarf has a lot of uses. My all-time favourite use is cooling off when I’m somewhere super hot.
Soak a scarf in any temperature of water, ring it out, and wrap it around your neck. It’s insane how that will cool you off. It’s been a lifesaver for me many, many times.
The right-sized scarf can also be used as a wrap, or as a headscarf when your hair just gets too scary-looking.
And if you’re in a conservative country, use it to cover your head and/or shoulders when entering mosques, etc.
There are even scarves with pockets that you can keep a bit of cash and your room key in.
No handbag necessary. Just remember to check the pocket before soaking it in water!
✔️ Check out the different colours of a basic scarf on this page
13. A cross-body bag
You probably know that you shouldn’t just carry your purse just hanging off your shoulder. Especially if you’re going to be exploring unfamiliar places or busy cities.
Or really wherever you have to worry about having your bag stolen. That could be anywhere that you’re looking around, distracted, and might forget to be aware of your surroundings.
A comfortable crossbody bag is a good way to go. A bag specifically made to be worn this way will be most comfortable to carry.
This is the one I have, and I love it. I use it even when I’m not travelling.
It’s got a nice long strap, which I find makes the bag drape more easily without binding. And it’s got a pocket for everything. I’m a sucker for a purse that has a place for all my stuff.
It also has an RFID-blocking pocket – one less thing to worry about. It’s small enough to tuck in my personal item on the plane but big enough for what I need it to hold. And the outside zippers lock for safety.
✔️ Find out more about this great bag
14. Resistance bands
There are a lot of places in the world where it’s easy to stay fit and active while travelling. But that’s not always the case. If you happen to be on a 3-week safari, for example.
With predators lurking around, going for a run is never a good idea. Strength training can be a challenge, too, with no equipment. Resistance bands are a terrific option.
For a workout on the go, they’re a great addition to bodyweight exercises like pushups. They can be used in a lot of ways to create a full-body workout. The bands come with a booklet to help.
They also take up just a tiny little bit of space in your bag. And if you need to, you can lay your sarong down on the ground and use it for your workout.
✔️ Get a great set with a lot of options right here.
15. Yoga pants
This is another great, multipurpose item. I’ll wear charcoal grey yoga pants with a straight leg on the plane and when working out.
The stretch makes them super comfortable, and they always look good.
They’re also easy to wash up and quick to dry.
I’ll dress them up for a night out, wear them with a long button-down or with a T-shirt to go exploring. They even work as pyjamas with a soft top.
They come in different styles, colours, and lengths – you might want to take a couple of pairs with you. When it comes to travel essentials for women, yoga pants are definitely worth a spot in your bag.
If you prefer a similar feel with a bit of a dressier look, these Petaluma Ponte Pants are another great option.
✔️ Find the yoga pants here and the Petaluma Ponte Pants here
16. Packing cubes
I’ve had mixed feelings when it comes to packing cubes. Some trips I use them on and think they’re the best invention ever.
Other times they seem like more trouble than they’re worth. Then I came across these ones.
They load from the top, which I wasn’t sure I’d like.
But they have a side zip to access what’s inside and a sturdy compression strap to minimize their footprint.
They’re also made of soft, lightweight fabric with mesh sides and they come in 2 sizes and multiple colours. I’ll keep track of what’s in which cube by what colour it is.
You really need to give these cubes a try. You’ll be hooked.
✔️ Click to browse and buy these cubes
17. Cotopaxi Uyuni 46L Adventure Travel Duffel Bag
I love this bag too much not to include it in this list. It’s beautiful and unique – no two are the same colours.
And it’s carry-on size, plus it comes in a smaller 35L.
It’s also got 5 carry handles, a stowable shoulder strap, and it’s made of lightweight, durable fabric. The company’s warranty is great, too.
✔️ Find this Cotopaxi Duffel here
Bonus: The TripIt App
The TripIt app syncs with your email to organize all of your reservations, flights, and confirmation numbers. It will arrange them into one easy-to-read itinerary.
It will also let you manually add items to this itinerary. Then you can set up email alerts for items in the itinerary, and share it with whomever you like.
It will allow you to upload up to 3 personal travel documents and offers even more features. And that’s just the free version.
Check out their website to find out what the pro version can do for you!
✔️ Get the free download for the TripIt app on this page.
If you’d like a far more comprehensive packing list, full of all your must-haves like a great water bottle, toiletry bag, power banks, neck pillows… see one of the articles below.
🗺️ For more planning and packing advice, check these out
• What to Pack for Travel to Africa: Epic Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Shoes for Safari
• The Best Luggage for Safari: Top Bags and Backpacks Reviewed
• 15 Steps to Planning an Amazing Trip to Africa
Summing It Up: Travel Essentials for Women
Packing can be stressful and overwhelming, or it can be an exciting 1st step to your trip. Or a little bit of both. I hope this list takes a bit of stress out of the process, and adds a little comfort to your trip.
It’s worth your time to decide what you really need to travel with vs. what you think might be nice to have. The items above will go a long way toward making your trip amazing without wasting space in your bag.
Now, pack your bags, embrace your wanderlust, and have a spectacular trip!
Happy travels!
A little inspiration for your travels:
✈︎ 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Namibia
✈︎ 30 Photos to Inspire You to Visit South Africa
✈︎ Photos to Inspire You to Visit Botswana
✈︎ The Best of the Amazing Flowers of Africa in Pictures
