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Maybe it’s been a while since you managed to get away, or perhaps you’ve decided to branch out and take a different kind of holiday due to ongoing restrictions (road trip anyone?).
Either way, preparing for travel can be stressful and there’s nothing worse than turning up at your destination only to realise you’re missing an absolute essential.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a handy (if we do say so ourselves) guide to the best travel accessories for women.
So, from items to level-up your packing game to the all-important hand sanitiser, here’s our packing list for everything you need to prepare for your next trip.
1. Hand Sanitiser
First things first, let’s talk safety. It might not be the most glamorous thing to think about, but the reality is that COVID-19 is still a major concern and not everybody is fully vaccinated yet.
You can never be too careful when it comes to keeping your hands clean, so try and keep a portable bottle of hand sanitiser in your handbag at all times. (We love these citrusy hand sprays by Bath & Body Works.)
Better to be safe than sorry!
2. Face Mask
Likewise, face coverings are still a requirement when shopping in the UK (and more and more countries abroad too).
While a reusable fabric option might work at home, a pack of disposable face masks is your best bet if you want to minimise your risk of catching any unwanted germs on the go.
This Amazon pack of 100 (*) costs just £9.99 so you can simply throw away your used masks at the end of the day – without breaking the bank.
3. Power Bank
Whether you need to double-check your route, search for restaurant recommendations or even just snap a few photos, chances are that at some point during your trip you’ll reach for your phone only to find it empty. (Wah).
In this case, a handy, lightweight portable charger like this one (*) from Miady will ensure you always have enough charge to take on the world.
4. Travel Adaptor
If you’re travelling internationally, you’ll need a travel adaptor like this Go Travel UK – Worldwide Adaptor to charge up all your devices.
It may be a slightly more expensive option than a standard adaptor. That said, considering it can be used in over 150 countries, we call that good value for money.
5. A Strong Backpack
With so many travel necessities, you’re going to need a strong backpack to get everything safely from A to B.
This functional yet fashionable Puma Phase Backpack (*) will also serve any casual day tripper well, while a larger and more heavy duty rucksack like this Berghaus one (*) is a better option for outdoor adventurers.
6. A Sturdy Yet Sleek Suitcase
Unless you’re a minimalist packer (teach us your ways), any trip of more than a few days will require you to pack a suitcase.
Lightweight, durable and complete with not one but three different sizes, this American Tourister Suitcase Set (*) will see you through any and every trip all while looking effortlessly chic. Win-win.
7. Luggage Scale
If you have a tendency to overpack and the thought of having your bag weighed at the airport fills you with dread, there’s a simple solution.
Enter: the luggage scale.
With this AA Digital Suitcase Weight Scale (*), you can forget about paying any surprise excess baggage fees so you can pack that extra pair of shoes in confidence! Happy days.
8. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes provide a super easy way of organising your suitcase, whether you’re going on a holiday, business trip or anything in between.
Minimise clutter and maximise space by using one packing cube per outfit or clothing category (such as tops or evening wear).
Ease yourself in with Eono’s pack of 8 (*) from Amazon and get ready to see the world in a whole new light. Not even joking.
9. Compression Packs
Speaking of space-saving, if compression packs aren’t already your best friend, they soon will be.
These easy-to-use Spedalon Roll-Up Compression Bags (*) allow you to effectively vacuum pack your clothes, giving you an incredible three times more packing space. (Can you even believe it?!)
10. Microfibre Travel Towel
If you’re going to take up space in your case packing a towel, one thing’s for sure: no ordinary towel will do. We recommend picking a microfibre variety that is both super absorbent and quick-drying.
The Eono (*) also comes in a handy little bag that won’t take up much space in your car or suitcase.
11. Cute Yet Roomy Toiletry Bag
Any regular jetsetter knows there’s no greater inconvenience than reaching the baggage check stage in the airport only to have to scour your bag and separate any toiletries to avoid setting any alarms off.
So why not cut out this pressure altogether by investing in a clear toiletry bag. This set of 3 Funnasting waterproof travel bags (*) is perfect for transporting all your essentials.
12. Comfy Eye Mask
Another of the best travel accessories for women is undeniably a comfy eye mask or two.
This Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask is perfect for helping you achieve a relaxing lie in – or even just for catching some extra zzz’s en route so you arrive looking and feeling super fresh.
13. Compression Socks
Next up, a good pair of cosy compression socks is an absolute must on any long flight.
Tight enough to keep the blood pumping in your legs even when sitting still for hours, these LEOSTEP socks (*) will promote healthy circulation and reduce the chance of suffering blood clots. Oh, and they’re pretty cute-looking too.
14. First Aid Kit
If there’s one thing that’s sure to ruin a trip away it’s an unexpected injury. And while carrying a first kit can’t guarantee you an accident-free trip, being prepared for anything will certainly help keep your mind at rest.
With plenty of plasters, bandages and cleansing wipes, this compact Amazon kit (*) has all you need to handle any manner of accidents.
15. Travel Pillow
Whether you’re taking a nine-hour flight or a two-hour car journey, no-one wants to arrive at their destination with niggling aches and pains from the journey. Right?
So instead of attempting to make a pillow out of your coat, why not sit back, relax and enjoy the trip with the help of a memory foam travel pillow like this one from Life Hall (*). (You can thank us later!)
16. Water Bottle
Let’s be honest, travelling can be thirsty work. But as tempting as it is to stop at every second café to rehydrate, your holiday budget will thank you for packing a refillable water bottle.
Any reusable bottle will do the job, but we recommend investing in a 2-in-1 thermal bottle like the highly functional Simple Modern (*). This little beauty comes complete with straw and a handle for the ideal grab-and-go situation.
17. Travel Neck Wallet
Big enough to accommodate your valuables (think passport, phone and keys), but small enough that you almost forget it’s there, a travel neck wallet is definitely one of the best travel accessories for women looking to keep their belongings safe.
For extra peace of mind, this Vantamo zipped wallet (*) even has smart radio frequencing shield technology to protect you from contactless card fraud.
18. Money Belt
Once you reach your destination, you might be tempted to swap out your travel neck wallet for something even more understated.
For total hands-off mode, this Anti-Theft Money belt from MoKo (*) is barely noticeable under clothes, ideal for keeping your valuables secure.
Choosing the Best Travel Accessories for Women
Between strict COVID testing rules and ever-changing travel guidelines, there’s no getting around that travelling is pretty stressful right now.
But while the process of reaching your destination might not be the smoothest, so long as you have all the best travel accessories for women in tow, it’s guaranteed to be a breeze from thereon.
So what are you waiting for? Bon voyage!
Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.
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