Whether it’s to visit friends, explore new cities, or simply take time for ourselves, there’s nothing quite like jetting off to a new place. Traveling can be the perfect way to unwind your mind, experience new things, and grow as a person. The only part that doesn’t sound totally fantastic? Actually getting there. Long security lines, hassling with several bags, strangers coughing in your face, freezing airplanes—travel days often come with all sorts of unglamorous aspects. The good news? Our editors are here to help with a few travel essentials we absolutely swear by.
No gatekeeping here: We’re sharing all the travel essentials that will make your experience a little more enjoyable. Whether you’re a beginner traveler or a frequent flyer, these are the best travel essentials for women who’ve got places to see—and want to stay comfortable and organized on the way there. Add these to your packing list for your next trip to travel like a pro!
Need more travel tips and destination inspiration? Explore The Everygirl’s Ultimate Travel Guide.
How we chose these items
To choose the products we featured, we polled our entire team, made up of women ranging from 22 to 40 years old, for products they love and rely on in their own lives. These products are purchased with their hard-earned money and tested to ensure we only recommend the very best to our readers. Long-haul flights, cross-country road trips, and even the cobblestone streets of Europe—these travel essentials have been with us every step of our journeys. We strongly believe that every product must meet our team’s high standards, regardless of price point. Our focus is on accessible, budget-friendly items that elevate your travel experience without breaking the bank, but if a product is worth the splurge, we will always let you know.
Travel bags and organizers
Your travel bag is the foundation upon which the rest of your travel routine is built, and if it isn’t sound, things can crumble quickly. For a smooth travel day, you need a high-quality suitcase that will hold up throughout all the bumps and bruises it’s bound to get as you cart it across the world. Add in some toiletry and tech organization and a top-notch personal item, and you’re good as gold.
Prefer to have your luggage with you at all times? We don’t blame you. This carry-on makes running through the airport a total breeze with its smooth wheels and comfortable handle. Bonus: it has a USB port built into it that will charge your electronics for you, which means no more sitting on the airport floor outside the bathroom to reach the only available outlet.
10+ colors available
Quince’s carry-on suitcase packs many of the same features of big-name luggage brands but for about half the price. The super-lightweight, hard-shell exterior and smooth gliding handle make it easy to hoist your bag in and out of the overhead bin. Inside, it features multiple mesh pockets, a compression panel to maximize space, and a removable laundry bag. Plus, you can keep your belongings safe with the TSA-approved lock.
8 colors available
This genius suitcase has a built-in weight detector, so you never have to stress about packing too much. Instead of pulling out your bathroom scale in a panic, all you have to do is lift the bag by the handle and a small tab will turn green or red. Green means pack that extra outfit and red means it’s time to edit. This suitcase also has two inches of optional expansion, compression straps, and dividers with pockets, so you’re truly ready for anything.
6 colors available
One of the biggest challenges of travel is fitting everything you want to bring into one suitcase. These packing cubes will help you do it with ease—and a lot more organization. Pack your belongings into the different sized cubes, then use the second zipper to compress the contents down to a fraction of their original size.
9 colors available
Several of our editors swear by the CALPAK Luka Duffel as an overnight bag for shorter trips or a high-capacity, ultra-organized personal item. It features several interior pockets and zippered compartments that can fit everything from your laptop to a water bottle. You can even use the dedicated shoe compartment to keep your footwear separate from your clean clothes. Loop the bag onto the handle of your suitcase using the luggage sleeve, toss it over your shoulder, carry it on-hand, or convert it to a crossbody with the shoulder strap.
10+ colors available
If you’re looking for a little more organization than a standard duffel, this option is perfect for you. Just to name a few of the features: it is water-resistant, has a padded laptop insert, and features a separate zippered compartment for your shoes. This bag is the definition of traveling smart. It’s a little big for a personal item (try the mini size for something smaller!), but it works great for road trips or as a carry-on in combo with checked luggage.
4 colors available
This buttery-soft, Italian leather tote will be your new favorite accessory both for travel and your day-to-day life. The roomy interior can fit all your essentials (including up to a 16-inch laptop), and the timeless design will last you for years.
8 colors available
This lightweight carry-all tote is about to become your go-to for everyday errands and travel days alike. With plenty of pockets, a roomy interior, and travel-friendly features like a luggage sleeve and padded laptop pocket, it keeps everything in its place without breaking the bank. It’s the kind of bag you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
10+ colors available
This travel backpack is the personal item that does the most. With a luggage sleeve, wide top opening, and pockets for your phone, laptop, and water bottle, it’s made for organized packers who don’t want to compromise. It can easily store your overnight essentials—think sneakers, a change of clothes, and toiletries—making it perfect for quick trips, commutes, and everything in between.
4 colors available
This budget-friendly travel backpack proves you don’t have to spend a lot to get everything you need. It flips open like a suitcase for easy packing and even includes compression straps and a built-in waterproof compartment for wet stuff. You’ll also find plenty of pockets for all your essentials (including your laptop and water bottles) and a luggage strap that can loop over your suitcase handle. And thanks to the padded back and straps, it’s as comfortable as it is practical.
10+ colors available
We have all heard travel horror stories of pickpocketed passports, wallets, or phones putting a huge damper on a vacation. Fanny packs are an amazing way to keep your valuables close, and this Quince leather sling bag does so very fashionably. It fits all your everyday essentials without taking up too much space in your luggage and is way easier to carry around than a large bag.
5 colors available
When you’re on the go, a hands-free bag you can count on is essential—and this affordable Baggu crossbody delivers. Available in tons of colors, playful patterns, and just-right sizes, it’s the kind of bag that works for sightseeing, errands, and everything in between. Wear it over your shoulder or as a crossbody to keep your essentials close and your hands free (no bulky bag required).
10+ colors available
This hanging makeup bag eliminates having to dig through the deepest depths of a giant, unorganized makeup bag that’s usually travel protocol. Thanks to the clear, water-resistant compartments, you’ll be able to see everything you brought with you and avoid your foundation opening and leaking all over everything you brought.
10+ colors available
Avoid the chaos of digging through your suitcase for toiletries with this affordable Amazon dopp kit that does the most. With multiple compartments and smart interior pockets, it keeps everything—from skincare to toothbrushes—organized and easy to find. It’s the simple upgrade that makes packing (and unpacking) a breeze.
9 colors available
If you’re the type to travel with a whole arsenal of beauty products, you’re going to want one of these. Compact yet surprisingly spacious, it’s a go-to for organizing everything from skincare and sunscreen to shaving supplies. Beloved by travelers for its durability and visibility, it’s the kind of bag you’ll wonder how you ever packed without.
10+ colors available
Say goodbye to bent bristles and makeup bag messes—this travel brush organizer keeps your brushes clean, protected, and easy to find.
3 colors available
This foldable makeup brush organizer is a game changer for getting ready on the go. It not only keeps your brushes protected while you travel, but it also folds to stand upright—making it so much easier to do your makeup in a hotel bathroom (or anywhere else). Compact, convenient, and travel-ready, it’s a must-have for beauty lovers.
Gone are the days when all of your necklaces end up tangled in a knot. This zippered velvet organizer is a life-saver for keeping all your favorite pieces safe when you travel.
5 colors available
If you’re the kind of girl who just can’t narrow down your sunglasses for a trip, this foldable organizer is for you. Designed to hold multiple pairs, it keeps your shades scratch-free and easy to find, all in one compact case that folds for packing and unfolds to hang or display when you arrive.
10+ colors available
One of the hardest parts of traveling is staying organized—the best intentions can turn into rummaging through a purse full of wrappers and knotted earphones in the search for your passport. This organizer fits into your bag to keep all of your essentials visible and easily accessible. Genius.
10+ colors available
Avoid the added stress of misplacing your phone charger during your travel day. Keep all your tech items safe in this universal case that stores and protects small electronics, charging cables, power adapters, and memory cards.
10+ colors available
Travel accessories
When it comes to upgrading your travel experience, it’s all in the details. Little annoyances like struggling to fall asleep on your flight or fumbling around with a wallet that doesn’t fit all the cards and currencies you need for your trip can make traveling far more stressful than it needs to be. With these travel essentials, those issues become a thing of the past.
These magnetic capsules are the perfect alternative to all the travel-sized toiletries floating in your bag. Store everything from face serums to daily vitamins to dainty jewelry and never worry about them getting lost or leaking.
10+ colors available
This eye mask might just make plane sleep an actual possibility—even if you’re in the middle seat. The 100% silk material is super easy on your eyes (so you won’t wake up with sleep creases) and is designed to block out all light for uninterrupted sleep.
6 colors available
For some trips, you don’t need your entire wallet taking up precious space in your purse. This slim card case holds just the necessities (read: a few cards and some cash), so you won’t have to sort through random gift cards and punch cards to find what you actually need.
10+ colors available
If you like to keep your cards, currency, and passport all in one spot, this leather holder makes organizing everything easy. It even includes a zippered pocket for coins, which is especially helpful when you’re traveling in Europe.
10+ colors available
Since most seat-back screens still haven’t caught up to Bluetooth, this handy adapter does the work for you—just plug it into the headphone jack, connect your wireless headphones, and enjoy your in-flight movie without dealing with tangled cords or uncomfortable earbuds.
We love AirPods for many reasons while traveling, but we especially appreciate their ability to connect on their own. This is essential for when you’re too busy or don’t have an extra hand to connect your Bluetooth.
You shouldn’t have to listen to music on the highest volume to drown out the sounds around you. These comfortable and wireless headphones are perfect for sleep, noise sensitivity, and flights.
5 colors available
If you regularly check bags while traveling, you know how stressful the possibility of lost luggage can be. Apple AirTags are the perfect travel accessory to ease your anxiety and ensure your bag is on the plane. If your luggage does get lost, you can immediately track it instead of waiting for the airline to locate it.
A portable charger is an absolute must for travel. Keep this in your purse and never worry about your phone dying before the plane takes off again. This one is super compact and comes with several different charging cables built in for extra convenience.
6 colors available
If you do need to charge your devices at the airport, this extra long charging cord lets you avoid having to sit awkwardly on the floor next to an outlet.
If you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget to pack one of these travel outlet adapters so you can plug in devices like phone chargers in other countries. This one is universal, so it can adapt to different shaped outlets all over the world.
If you have trouble sleeping on a flight, you will love this sleeping mask. Its lightweight and comfortable design makes it easy to fall asleep and listen to your favorite tunes (or white noise) at the same time.
10+ colors available
If you find it impossible to get comfortable on a long flight, you need to try this airplane footrest. It folds up small, so you can easily fit it in your carry-on or personal item, and it is super simple to put together. All you have to do is clip it around the tray table and you’re all set. Your legs have a comfortable place to rest, alleviating lower back pressure and elevating your entire flight experience.
Personal items
From face masks to your favorite pair of leggings, we all have those little things that elevate the travel experience. A cramped flight when you’re stuck in a middle seat might not be luxurious, but these editor-favorite travel essentials will make it just a little bit nicer. Plus, the perks don’t end when the flight lands; these picks will come in handy for the rest of your vacay, too.
This is at the forefront of our holy grail skincare, and we absolutely can’t live without it during travel. Lather this mask on when you get on the airplane, and kiss dry, tired travel skin goodbye.
This reusable eye mask has officially earned a spot in our travel skincare lineup. Designed to hold serums and creams close to the skin, it helps your products fully absorb while locking in moisture—so you can say goodbye to dry, puffy eyes and hello to a refreshed, well-rested look (even after a red-eye).
This mini hypochlorous acid spray from Tower 28 is a travel skincare MVP. The award-winning formula calms irritation, soothes redness, and gives stressed-out skin the reset it needs, especially after long flights or changing climates. It’s perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or who is breakout prone.
The Sleepy Tie is our go-to hair hack for long flights—especially when we want to step off the plane looking put together. Designed to comfortably preserve your blowout or styled hair without creasing or damage, it keeps hair secure in the most low-key, travel-friendly way.
With sleek packaging, refreshing scents, and a fine mist spray, this hand sanitizer feels more like a beauty product than a basic. Toss one in every bag—you’ll actually want to use it after every Uber, airport line, and coffee run.
Airplanes are breeding grounds for germs that turn into colds and ruin your trip. Cut your losses and carry these individual packs of hand wipes with you for the moments you could use a hand wash but don’t want to run to the tiny airplane bathroom.
It’s no secret airport food and drink prices are insane. Instead of paying an absurd amount for a bottle of water that will only last for the duration of your flight, bring your own refillable water bottle. This editor-favorite Owala bottle keeps your water ice-cold and has a spill-proof lid that locks so you can keep it in your bag. Fill it up after you get through security and have readily accessible hydration for your entire trip. Just remember to unscrew the cap to let out some of the pressure before and after take off so you don’t end up spilling.
10+ colors available
If we hadn’t purchased these ourselves from Amazon, we’d think they were the high-end ones we usually shell out much more cash for. These are the most comfortable, versatile leggings you’ll ever own. Kiss your high-end leggings goodbye.
10+ colors available
This wrap is one of those items that takes travel to a whole new, elevated level. Unbelievably soft and effortlessly chic, it rolls up small for easy packing and doubles as a cozy in-flight blanket. And it’s not just for travel—you’ll find yourself reaching for it anytime there’s a chill in the air.
5 colors available
Our editors can’t stop raving about how comfortable these shoes are. They are perfect for trips when your itinerary is filled with walking—or just to wear in the airport in case you need to run to catch your flight. Either way, you’ll love how lightweight and comfortable these shoes are.
7 colors available
These super comfortable slip-on sneakers are perfect for travel—they’re lightweight, easy to pack, and won’t give you pesky heel blisters.
Travel can take a toll on your immune system, which is why this Beekeeper’s Naturals Immune Support Spray is a must-pack. Made with clean, natural ingredients like propolis, it helps support your immune system on the go—perfect for planes, crowded places, or whenever you feel something coming on. A few spritzes a day can help keep the sickness away.
Big meal, long flight, or just feeling off? Formulated with natural ingredients that target bloating and digestion, these capsules are a game changer for travel tummy issues.
Long travel days and dehydrating flights call for something stronger than water. With electrolytes and essential vitamins, these travel-friendly powder sticks helps you rehydrate fast and feel your best, whether you’re hopping time zones or recovering from a night out. Just mix with water and let it work its magic.
Packed with essential nutrients, antioxidants, and chlorophyll, this travel-friendly supplement helps support digestion, energy, and overall wellness on the go. Just one quick squeeze a day keeps you feeling balanced, no matter where your trip takes you.
Tightly packed suitcases mean wrinkly clothes, no matter how you fold them. Never deal with a broken hotel room iron again thanks to this travel-sized, handheld steamer.
5 colors available
You don’t need to sacrifice amazing hair while you’re traveling. This mini hair dryer packs the same punch as a full-size but is tiny enough to fit in your carry-on.
This pouch doubles as a travel case for your hot tools and a heat-resistant mat, so you’ll never be caught swiping the hotel hand towels again. Plus, the interior features zippered and open pockets to help organize all your hair accessories in one place.
3 colors available
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
Allyson Trammell, Editor-in-Chief
Allyson Trammell is the Editor-in-Chief of The Everygirl, where she oversees the creative direction and editorial content. She has worked at The Everygirl for over ten years and is passionate about empowering women in all aspects of their lives. With an extensive background in lifestyle journalism and a love for storytelling, she curates inspiring, inclusive, and relatable content for readers.
Products featured in graphics linked within article.
We get it: Your PTO is precious. So when you finally set that OOO message, you deserve a trip that’s unforgettable—not one that makes you feel like you need another vacation to recover. We compiled our favorite travel destinations, must-have travel gear, and sanity-saving hacks to bring you The Everygirl’s Ultimate Guide to Travel, so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking it all in.
The post The Travel Essentials Our Editors Swear By appeared first on The Everygirl.
