Packing for a trip can always be challenging and a packing list for women can have some specific requirements to ensure that you are prepared for your journey, particularly if you are travelling for a longer period of time.
In this article, we will cover the travel essentials for women and give you our top tips to ensure you have all the necessities whilst keeping your luggage a manageable size and weight.
Shampoos and conditioners
Toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste and deodorant can be found pretty much everywhere (Pantene and Dove brands seem to be in shops the world over), so there is no need to have huge supplies on your toiletries packing list.
However, if you are travelling to a remote area, or are particular about brands, it is worth having a stock of these basics on your toiletries list. In China, for example, I found it a little challenging to find (or perhaps recognise!) deodorant outside of the big cities.
Makeup and other toiletries
Unless you are travelling to an isolated or rural location, it is also usually possible to find makeup, face wash and moisturiser, however, I usually bring my own supply as part of my toiletries packing list as I prefer to use certain brands. The exception was when I visited South Korea, which has a massive beauty industry. Research your destination before you travel to see what is necessary for your toiletries list.
Sanitary products
Sanitary products are definitely travelling essentials for women. If you prefer to use tampons, it is a good idea to bring a supply with you for the duration of your trip. Whilst sanitary pads can be available in many destinations, I have sometimes found tampons difficult to source. The Lipgloss and Backpack blog is a great resource to find out what feminine hygiene products are available in many countries.
Alternatively, a reusable menstrual cup (such as Diva) can be an excellent option and save valuable packing space.
Medications
A packing list for women should include a supply of your prescription medications for the duration of your trip. Ensure you bring the actual prescription in case you are questioned at airport security. If you are on birth control, I recommend bringing a full supply. Access to birth control can vary greatly across the globe so it is safest to ensure you are well stocked.
General medication like painkillers is a great addition to your toiletries packing list. I also find rehydration salts (like Dioralyte) extremely useful for when I suffer from an inevitable upset stomach, or simply to help keep hydrated in hot climates.
For safety
A personal safety alarm is another suggestion for inclusion on a holiday checklist for women. Pepper spray is illegal in several countries (including a significant portion of Europe), so a personal safety alarm is a good (and airport security friendly) alternative to help you keep safe on your travels.
Another tip is to think carefully about the bag you choose. For day bags, it is particularly important to ensure that your valuables will be safe from theft. Bags such as the Pacsafe Messenger Bag have inbuilt security features to help protect your belongings.
Clothes for hot weather
The clothes you pack are obviously dependent on the climate of your destination. For hot weather, pack light clothing such as tank tops, t-shirts, and summer dresses.. A sarong or large scarf should always be included in a packing list for women. I use this to cover up at any holy sites or if the evenings are cooler. I also always find that a hat to keep the sun off is invaluable.
Remember, if you are travelling to destinations like South East Asia or India, cheap clothing is easy to come by so are not always travel essentials for women when you are packing.
Clothes for temperate or colder weather climates
A woman travelling to a temperate destination should have t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and sweaters on her packing list. I always aim to bring sufficient clothing to layer up so I am equipped for changes in the weather. Jeans or thick pants and a waterproof jacket are also key items on my packing list for women. For cold climates, thermal underwear (like Terramar) boots, hats, gloves and scarves are a must.
Other useful items
If you are travelling for a longer period, travel washing lines can be a great item on a packing list for women allowing you to dry washed items wherever you are. I have also found a sewing kit and duct tape to be invaluable for emergency bag and clothing repairs.
Items not to bring
Some common items are not completely necessary on a packing list for women, saving you valuable luggage space.
If you are visiting a country where petty crime is common, think carefully about bringing jewellery as this can attract thieves. Money belts can also offer false security as pickpockets know to search for them. One tip is to use a ‘fake purse’ with a small amount of cash in which you can hand over if under duress. You can store your real cash in a zipped pouch (or bra or shoe or another safe place).
Mosquito nets, as another example, are commonly provided over a bed where mosquito-borne diseases are a problem.
Check against our packing list for women to ensure you have included all of the travel essentials for women so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
