Traveling with the right accessories can make your journey easier and more comfortable. I’ve learned over time that the best travel accessories make you feel confident and prepared for anything you may encounter during your trip. But with so many different organizers, gadgets, and so-called “essentials” to choose from, it’s hard to know which ones are actually useful.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, or by plane or car, these are 20 of the best women’s travel accessories to add to your packing list.
20 Best Travel Accessories For Women
Wheeled Luggage
If you travel often, good quality luggage is a must. But, if you want to travel comfortably, good quality wheeled luggage is a must. Being able to pull your things behind you is so much easier than having to carry everything. Duffle bags are cute, but they can be such a drag… literally.
I swear by my Calpak luggage. It’s durable, highly-rated, and cute too! Plus, with double-sided wheels, it’s so easy to take along with me. The Ambeur 2-Piece Luggage Set is great because it comes with two sizes of luggage, one of which can be used as a carry-on.
Travel Bag
A great travel bag is another accessory you want to have on hand. The best travel bag will function as a purse or carry-on bag, so that you can use it while you’re getting to your destination, as well as once you get there.
The Calpak Kaya Backpack is one of my favorite travel bags. It even has a luggage trolley sleeve so you don’t have to sit it on the ground as you dig through your belongings in search of your sunscreen or lip balm… been there, done that! Oh, it’s a nice anti-theft feature too.
TSA-Approved Toiletry Kit
Whether you jet off on frequent business trips or let loose on regular road trips, a good toiletry bag is one of the best travel accessories a woman can have. Personally, I like this TSA-approved hanging toiletry bag. It has plenty of storage for all of your toiletries and hangs for easy access.
Jewelry Organizers
Tangled necklaces and missing earrings are a thing of the past. I received this Travel Jewelry Case as a gift, and let me tell you, it has been a total game-changer. If you like to take your jewelry with you when you travel, you need an organizer.
I absolutely love this jewelry case, but there are a ton of different jewelry organizers for every kind of traveler. As long as you use one with enough compartments for your jewelry, you’ll wonder how you ever went without an organizer.
Travel Pillows
You probably have a pretty good pillow to rest your head on at home, so why not do yourself the same courtesy for long trips? This memory foam travel pillow really does make all the difference when you’re trying to sleep. It works great in tight spaces like the backseat of a car or an airplane.
Packing Cubes
If there is one travel accessory that has been the biggest game-changer for me, it’s travel organizers like these packing cubes. Goodbye overstuffed suitcases and wrinkled clothes, hello organization and stress-free travel!
Laundry/Shoe Bags
Many packing cube sets will include a laundry or shoe bag, but just in case, I felt like this was one accessory that deserved to be mentioned. These multifunctional bags are great for keeping your shoes organized and separated from your clothes. Then, you can use them to store all of your dirty laundry until you get home.
Smart Watch
A smart watch, like an Apple Watch is a must-have accessory for female travelers. Apple Watches, and some other GPS-enabled smart watches, have GPS capabilities. You just need internet access to put in the address. Then, no one ever has to know you’re unfamiliar with the area; they’ll think you’re just checking the time.
Portable Chargers
If you’ve ever had your phone die at a super inconvenient time, then you get it… portable chargers are a must. Avoid being stranded somewhere with a dead phone by keeping one of these on you. They’re also super helpful for long trips when you need that extra battery life to get you through until you reach your destination.
Travel Adapter
Depending on how often you travel internationally, you should seriously consider investing in a travel adapter. A good one, like this one, will allow you to plug in your devices no matter where you are.
Reusable Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are definitely one of the best travel accessories, and not just for women! Make sure you stay hydrated by keeping one of these with you wherever you go. This Brita water bottle is a super affordable option, while the LARQ Bottle is a luxury accessory that’s totally worth splurging on.
Sleep Mask
If you want to get any sleep while you’re traveling, pack a sleep mask. It’ll block out any light that would otherwise keep you awake. Plus, a sleep mask lets everyone around you know that you’re attempting to get some shut-eye.
Comfortable Shoes
Every frequent traveler knows the importance of comfortable shoes. You don’t want to be stuck racing through the airport in stiff, blistering shoes. Before you leave the house, slip on a pair of cute, comfortable shoes. Your future self is already thanking you.
Compression Socks
Compression socks are one of the best traveling accessories. If you’re prone to swelling, a good pair of compression socks will work wonders for your legs, ankles, and feet. They can also help prevent blood clots associated with sitting for long periods of time.
FWIW, if you’re worried they will cramp your style, there are a ton of different compression socks to choose from. You can go with a pair of cute compression socks or stick with nude colors.
Scarves
You might be a little surprised to see scarves on this list, but a scarf really is one of the best travel accessories a woman can have. I’m talking about a travel scarf like this one that also works as a shawl or small blanket. They take up so little space but do so much to keep you comfortable.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must-have accessory for women, but when it comes to traveling, I recommend you stick with an inexpensive pair.
If there’s one thing you’re going to misplace during your travels, it’s your sunglasses. You don’t want to be making your way back home, only to realize you forgot your favorite pair of sunglasses. Or, if you’re heading to the beach, you don’t want to worry about your designer shades getting swept away with the tide. Trust me… go with cheap sunglasses.
E-Reader/Kindle
Pretty much every packing list I make includes my Kindle. As much as I wish I could bring a stack of physical books with me everywhere I go, they’re not exactly travel-friendly. With a Kindle, you get practically unlimited access to thousands of books. Plus, they’re super small!
Apple Air Tags
I consider Apple Air Tags to be one of the best travel accessories, even if you don’t have a tendency to lose things. Stick one on your luggage, your backpack, or even your passport cover, and you’ll know where they are at all times.
Airpods
Noise canceling headphones are a popular travel accessory, but I actually prefer Airpods. I highly recommend them for anyone who isn’t thrilled to wear bulkier headphones. With Airpods, you can take calls, listen to music or podcasts, or watch the latest episode of your show without disturbing those around you.
Airpods are so sleek, most people won’t even know you’re wearing them. You don’t have to worry about Not to mention they’re wireless and take up very little space in your bag.
Passport Cover
Finally, every traveler needs a good passport cover. Invest in one that doubles as a wallet so that it can also hold your credit cards, cash, hotel keys, and anything else you want quick and easy access to.
What travel accessories have helped you the most?
Do you swear by an accessory that I didn’t mention? Or did one of the items I included above make a big difference for you? Tell me about it… I love hearing from you!
For more must-have items for easier, more comfortable travel, as well as hotel reviews, destination ideas, packing lists, and outfit inspiration, check out the blog.