Travel Packing List For Women

Regardless of how many trips I go on, packing can still be quite daunting for me, particularly if it’s in the winter and for an extended time. It’s not always easy to gauge how many sweaters, socks, underwear, and hats to take with me, but I do my best. Many times I feel like I’m forgetting something and I go over and over what I am thinking of packing so I make sure what I need is there. Over the years I’ve gotten more efficient in my packing, though I still feel like it’s not perfected. As a woman, there seems to be more items that we either need or want than men. So I’m going to share a list of what I generally take with me as a woman in her mid-40s. I’ve got lots of travel experience, particularly solo, so I can help you zoom in on what you need to take and what you don’t need to take.

Whether you’re a constant traveler or someone who does travel once per year or less, this will be a good packing list for women particularly, as I am a woman and only pack for myself and can speak with confidence in this area. I really enjoy not overpacking because I’m usually the one hauling my bags on and off of trains and planes. Things add up quickly and get very heavy. And you find that much of the time you don’t need all that you brought. It’s not uncommon for me to come back with a few things I didn’t need at all. So I have really focused on what’s important to take and chosen to leave the rest behind. If I’m in a pinch, I can always buy what I don’t have. Or…go without it. You realize how little you actually need when you forget things. Alas, let’s dig into this travel packing list for women I’ve put together. You might get some good tips here.

My "Cute" Outfit of the Trip

My travel lists are going to be from the angle of a female traveler, typically traveling solo, and aiming to carry as lightly as possible. I pack mostly in a carry on bag but sometimes in a checked bag. I travel internationally quite a bit. So I also will include things that might be appropriate just for international travel. It’ll be a helpful list regardless. And I’m sure you’ll get a good idea of how to better and more efficiently pack. As I have discovered on a few trips, there’s nothing worse than lugging around items you will never use. This list will be efficient and succinct, though may not be completely comprehensive. We all have our individual needs which will come into play in our final packing list.

Lots of Packed Items

Clothing

I like to pack so most things match. It’s generally a similar color scheme, like navy or brown or black, or a combination of them. One thing to remember is that no one except you is going to care what you’re wearing. So you don’t have to get too hung up on matching perfectly. It’s nice to feel good, and you can accomplish this by picking a color palatte that is diverse and easy to coordinate.

• For every pair of pants I take, I will take 3-4 tops to go with the pants. I like wearing pants (mostly jeans) unless I’m in a very warm climate.
• Pants: see above
• 1-2 “cute” outfits, which could be a versatile dress or a skirt and top that you can mix and match with other items you pack
• At least one jacket if it’s a warmer climate; for colder climates, I often take 2 coats, especially if I am going for a week or more.
• Underwear are where I tend to go overboard, but I like to pack the number of days I’m gone plus about 2 pairs
• No more than 3 pairs of shoes, depending on the type of trip and what you need to do on the trip.
• Pajamas: I just switched to boy shorts and tank tops so it’s much less to pack. And since I heat up like a furnace at night, it’s perfect. If you’re cold natured, pack accordingly.

Toiletries

I’ve really pared down what I take as far as toiletries, and I take all travel size. I know some women are going to disagree with what I’m suggesting, but I cannot stand taking my regular routine because (I believe) my skin can deal with not having it “all” for the time I’m gone. I’m a minimalist when it comes to taking toiletries. And it has worked out for me so far. Again, you must do what you think suits your personal travel packing needs. This is just a suggestion.

• SPF, and not just in moisturizer or foundation. I take a separate stick of sunscreen that I apply first, before any other items on my face
• Makeup - I wear very little makeup so my bag is quite small. I’m a naturalist all the way
• Makeup remover - I’m a huge fan of actual makeup remover before I wash my face with facial cleanser. I think it double cleans
• Deodorant. No need to get deep into this one
• Razor (sometimes shave cream, sometimes I just use soap)
  Feminine hygiene products, at least enough to get you through to buying some at your location
• Mini first-aid kit, mainly ibuprofen, band-aids, melatonin to sleep)

Tech Stuff

As I’m writing this, I’m on a train from Switzerland to Paris, and my tech stuff is super important to me. I also make a living from writing, so I have to have what I need to be comfortable and efficient when I travel. Whether you need this for work or for entertainment, here is a good list of what you might want to take with you for your travels.

• Phone, tablet (iPad), laptop, and any other device you may want
• Chargers - don’t forget these or you’ll be running around having to buy them where you are
• Headphones, so you can drown out the people around you who have zero common sense and talk on their phones or listen to video like they’re the only ones on the planet
• Universal and portable charger - a lifesaver on any trip I take
• Plug adapter - can also be used domestically, the one I have has multiple connections so you can use it for all your charging needs
• Luggage tracker, such as an AirTag (specifically if you check your luggage)

Personal & Comfort Items

This is where your personal needs come in. I take things that I know will help me have a better time, or meds that I need. Depending on your needs or your comfort desires, this is where you can tailor to you. I’ll give you some suggestions that I take, but definitely add or subtract as you see fit.

• Prescription meds, sleeping aids, diarrhea help, anti-nausea, allergy meds
• Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes - I use these on everything. All modes of transport I take get wiped down
• Tissues - something I often forget and end up taking tissues from the hotel because my nose is always running at the most inopportune times
• Compression socks - I actually don’t love these but many people do
• Reusable water bottle - a must because dehydration is a real thing and you don’t want to get dehydrated 
• Snacks! My favorite topic. I won’t eat plane food or any food that comes from transport. It’s too chancy to get food poisoning. Bring healthy snacks
• Lip balm and lipstick

How to Stay Organized

Having my things in their orderly spaces makes me very happy. I cannot stand disorder in my packing, so I have bags and compartments for almost everything. I’ll share with you generally how I keep my stuff in order and organized, and you can see what suits you best. It’s taken me years to figure this out and I am still adding and eliminating as I see fit.

• Packing cubes - I cannot live without these when I pack for a trip. And I label them in some way. Recently I wrote on blue painters tape and stuck it on each bag with what was in the bag
• Laundry bag for dirty laundry
• Foldable bag - check out my blog on my favorite travel bags. You can see how I use everything
• Umbrella or raincoat - ironically I bring neither because every umbrella I’ve taken on a trip now belongs to the finder of it on a subway, train, plane, or taxi. I chance the rain
• Stain remover - a great one if you wear lighter colors especially
• Passport holder - I like keeping my passport looking fresh and new

Safety Items and Tips

How safe we feel is completely subjective. I often feel safe most places I travel because I come from a city where I’ve learned to be cautious. It comes naturally to me and I also don’t have a lot of fear in general. I trust my gut, my intuition, and I don’t stick around in places or situations where I feel uneasy. Listen to yourself and take all necessary precautions as a female.

• Copy your passport, even if you’re doing a domestic trip. It’s more identification for you
• Portable door lock - this is a “do as I say, not as I do” situation because I need to still get one for myself
• Use a credit card instead of debit so if your numbers get stolen you aren’t out of cash. And, add your cards to Apple Pay or some form of tap. The numbers aren’t the same and you can still use one or the other
• Always keep aware of your surroundings and don’t ever stay somewhere or with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. Hurting someone’s feelings does not matter whatsoever in matters of safety
• A Birdie safety alarm in case some creep wants to get too close. Set that loud ass alarm off and scare him (or her) off

You've Got This!

This is generally a list of things I pack, aside from the items I stated I don’t for personal reasons. I’m a solo traveler for the most part, so these are things I deem absolutely necessary for my comfort. Whether you’re going solo yourself or with a group, this is a great starter list that I hope you can build from. Remember to always take care of yourself first, and enjoy your travels, wherever you go, whether near or far. Roam on!

If you liked this blog, you may also like the one I wrote about travel tips for first time flyers or the benefits of group travel.

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