🧳 The Best Travel Accessories for Women—Non-Negotiables
We often realize we've forgotten something only when we need it most. And when traveling, you especially don’t want that to happen. Don't worry—I’ve got you covered.
I'm Lisa, and after years of traveling all over to beautiful countries in Europe, South America, and more, I’ve put together a list of essential travel accessories for women.
Use this guide for your next adventure to ensure you have everything you need for a stress-free trip.
1. AirTag
An AirTag provides peace of mind and helps you keep track of your belongings. It’s perfect for when you accidentally leave something behind or need to locate your luggage if it doesn't reach your destination.
What to consider: AirTag is compatible only with Apple products and requires iOS 14.5 or higher.
Price: $39.00 USD
Where to get it: Apple
2. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are a travel essential. Since I'm one of those people who can't work with music, I keep my headphones on even without listening to anything. It automatically puts me in the working zone!
What to consider: While they block out external noise, ensure you remain aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas.
Price: $50–$800 USD
Where to get it: I love Bose and the Apple AirPods Max. If you are looking for a more affordable pair there are tons of options on Amazon.com.
3. Crossbody Bag
A crossbody bag is ideal for carrying your travel essentials while keeping your hands free. Plus, it’s easier to protect your items from pick-pocketers when it's strapped across your body and easy to cover with a jacket.
What to consider: Be prepared to help your travel buddies if they forget their own crossbody bag. You can also grab different strap options to play with colors and match to your outfits!
Price: $210 USD
Where to get it: Coming soon to Womads.co
4. Sanitizer
Airports and planes can be germ hotspots. A hand sanitizer keeps your hands clean and just helps you feel good after touching public surfaces.
Why I love it: A travel-size sanitizer fits easily into your Womads crossbody bag and gives me peace of mind while traveling..
What to consider: Be prepared to share with friends who’ll be so grateful you remembered the sanitizer. Maybe it’s not a bad idea to even bring extra 😉
Price: $4–$20 USD
Where to get it: Amazon or from Saje
5. E-Reader
An e-reader is like packing a library into a suitcase. It holds thousands of books and is perfect for passing the time on travel days.
Why I love it: It’s compact and fits into any bag without taking up much space. So if I'm in the middle of a really good book, I can take it everywhere with me!
What to consider: Download the books you want to read in advance, as some e-readers require Wi-Fi for book downloads.
Price: $120–$200 USD
Where to get it: The New York Times has recommended the Amazon Kindle as their top pick.
6. Blanket Scarf
When I’m picking a blanket scarf I want something easy to pair and not at all fragile, I use a simple black cotton scarf that I don't mind rolling up in my bag and throwing around.
When I'm feeling more colorful/chic and know my scarf won't get damaged, I use a large square cashmere Eric Bompard scarf that I received as a gift in France. It's super warm and cozy but still very light. Tip: I fold it into a Womads Tote bag so it doesn't get caught on any zipper or velcro in my bag.
Why I love it: My blanket scarf is one of my favorite travel accessories since it keeps me warm on cold airplanes (they always freeze us, why?!) It also adds layers to my outfit which I love.
What to consider: Choose a versatile scarf that complements most of your travel outfits so you can get a lot of use out of it!
Price: $50-$500
Where to get it: Eric Bompard has some nice options here. Otherwise, I'd just go to some of your favorite stores and look for a scarf that catches your eye.
7. Portable Multi-USB Charger
A portable multi-USB charger is essential for keeping all your devices powered during long travel days.
Why I love it: It's one charger with multiple cords, so all your devices are covered without the hassle of multiple cords. It makes packing easier and traveling stress free. I linked a set that is both a USB-A and C, in case you have different devices that have different ports!
What to consider: These chargers usually come with a cord only, so remember to bring a wall adapter.
Price: $14–$42 USD
Where to get it: Amazon
8. Socks
Warm socks are an essential travel accessory for me. They offer comfort and hygiene during travel days (you will never see me barefoot at security if I can help it!)
Why I love it: They keep my feet warm and protected, especially when you need to go barefoot for a moment or two. I typically like to slip out of my Womads during flights and pull one foot under me to get cozy. But I'd feel awkward doing that barefoot, so my socks help me be respectful of others, warm, and comfortable.
What to consider: If you tend to get super cold, check out compression socks. They apply slight pressure to your ankles and legs to keep them warm and improve your blood flow.
Price: $10-30/pack USD
Where to get it: Amazon
9. Hand Lotion
Airplane air is very drying. A mini hand lotion keeps my skin hydrated while not taking up too much space in my carry-on. Also don’t forget chapstick too. My lips always get dry when traveling to new climates.
Why I love it: Applying lotion helps rejuvenate my skin during long flights and makes me feel more comfortable.
What to consider: Choose a lotion with a mild scent to be considerate of others.
Price: $10 USD
Where to get it: L'Occitane or any drug store.
10. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are amazing for helping me organize and maximize space in my luggage. I've converted so many of my friends to them!
Why I love it: They make packing efficient and keep everything neatly organized. It's so satisfying seeing my things so beautifully packed up while also leaving me more space for extra goodies that I may purchase while traveling. They are also great to keep items organized and clean outside of the suitcase if you're not staying long—avoid your suitcase contents exploding all over the hotel room.
What to consider: While packing cubes help optimize space, keep an eye on your luggage weight limit. Just because you can pack more doesn’t mean you need to. You also want to make sure you pick up a washable set in case you plan to use them for dirty laundry.
Price: $20–$30 USD
Where to get it: Packing Cubes
11. Water Bottle
A reusable water is a non-negotiable travel accessory for me. It’s so important to stay hydrated throughout the day—especially when flying—and it’s so easy to forget to drink water when it's not right beside you.
Why I love it: My Yeti bottle keeps water cool for hours. It's large so it fits lots of water, reducing how often I need to find a fountain.
What to consider: Choose a bottle that's easy to carry and has a secure lid to prevent spills. I'm more likely to drink if I like the container... So if that's you, have fun when picking!
Price: $20–$80 USD
Where to get it: Amazon carries lots of different brands at different price points. You can also pick up a classic Yeti.
12. Neck Pillow
A neck pillow is crucial for comfort during flights, especially if you struggle to sleep upright. I am not one of those people who can sleep anywhere, I need the right conditions and the neck pillow helps a bunch.I usually opt for window seats for red-eye flights so I can lean on the wall with my pillow.
Why I love it: A neck pillow provides the best support for my neck and makes resting during travel much more comfortable.
What to consider: Choose a travel-friendly pillow that’s easy to carry and easy to pack away. Also pro tip, I will always have my headphones with me so the pillow has to be squishy enough to go around my headphones. And if you’re big on earrings, I definitely am, choose a pair that won't dig into the back of your head—not wearing any isn't an option. :)
Price: $30–$40 USD
Where to get it: Amazon
13. Mini Mirror
A mini mirror is one of those things you often forget about until you need it. A compact mirror is an easy tool to use to check in after you eat something, apply sunscreen etc,. You won’t need to wait for someone to tell you something is in your teeth!
Why I love it: Compact mirrors are easy to pack and incredibly useful for quick touch-ups.
What to consider: Opt for a mirror with a case to keep it scratch-free.
Price: $8–$12 USD
Where to get it: Amazon or local drug stores
14. Face Mask
A friend once told me she puts on a sheet mask on the plane... I haven't gotten the guts yet to do it myself (I feel a bit awkward) but I want to do it one day. For now, I pack them for once I'm at the hotel. On the plane I'll apply some lotion and eye drops during the flight. Sometimes I even bring nose drops to humidify myself from all angles.
Why I love it: I also love face masks because they help me relax after long travel days.
What to consider: Choose a sheet mask over a cream one, they are easy to peel off and don’t require washing. I absolutely love the Taut Collagen Mask or you can pick one up from your local drugstore.
Price: $20 USD
Where to get it: Taut Collagen Mask
15. Womads leather sandals
The Womads leather sandal is the perfect travel shoe because of its flexibility to slide into and out of any bag and right on your feet.
Why I love it: I love taking my Womads with me traveling. They're great for flights because I easily slip them off to put socks on during the trip. If I need to get up, I quickly dig them up from under my bag (under the seat in front of me) and slip them back on. Also during security, it's just one quick motion to take shoes off, put socks on, stick shoes in the bin, and then do the reverse.
What to consider: Since these shoes are so lightweight and take up little space you can bring more than one! One neutral and one bright and you’ll be set for all your outfits—although I always bring extra colors!
Where to get them: Womads.co
Ready for take-off
Traveling is one of my greatest joys, but it can involve long flights, layovers, and more. With these essentials, you will have a smooth and stress-free travel experience. You’ll also become everyone’s favorite travel buddy.
With no surprise most of these items can be found on Amazon.com but can also be found at your local drug store, local market or shopping mall.
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