We’ve all heard the famous phrase from a credit card commercial that asks, “What’s in your wallet?” Perhaps more importantly to you fellow travelers is knowing the essential toiletries for travel to pack in your bag. Especially travel essentials for women.
“What’s in your toiletry kit?”
35 Essential Toiletries for Travel
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One of the most common questions my husband, Chris, and I are often asked is, “What should I pack for a trip?” or “What are the Europe travel essentials for toiletries that I need?”
If you are a first-time traveler, or even a seasoned traveler, learning a few NEW “tricks of the trade” helps to streamline the packing process. My husband, Chris, often travels for business and offers Ultimate Guide to Planning Travel with smart travel hacks if you want to dig deeper.
You will find that business travelers have packing and all things travel-related planned to perfection.
This post explores the essential toiletries for travel to pack in your bag and travel purse essentials with links to my Amazon Storefront for convenience. Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t like to shop at Amazon and have it show up on your doorstep one day or even a few hours later?
Before we start talking about some of my favorite travel products, let’s back it up a little and discuss your luggage or travel bags to organize your female travel essentials.
Luggage and Organization
Since I often pack the medicine and some basic toiletries for the whole family when we travel, my toiletry bag is sometimes a bigger checked bag. Oh, I can streamline and downsize for a trip when space is limited, especially if it just my husband and me traveling, or if it is just easier to carry on our luggage without checking. Generally, I like to have all of my “stuff” with me—a small comfort of home when I am traveling. These bags are just the right size for your toiletries.
US News and Travel also shares tips for what to pack for babies, sports and exercise equipment, dietary supplements, blankets and pillows, and medical items if you need to dig in further.
1. TravelPro MaxLite 5
TravelPro offers great suggestions for packing you toiletries like a pro.
2. Samsonite Pro Soft Side Duffel Bag
3. BagSmart Hanging Toiletry Bag
If you plan to carry on your luggage and toiletries, you might consider this BagSmart Hanging Toiletry Bag. My girls and I love it for the convenience and organization for all of our makeup and essential toiletries for travel.
Remember that all liquids in your carry-on need to be less than 3.4 oz in size!
When counter space is minimal in a hotel bathroom or vacation rental, these hanging bags are ideal and don’t take up a lot of extra space.
Not quite what YOU’RE looking for? Click through on ANY link and search on Amazon for YOUR must-have toiletries for travel.
4. Travel Toiletries Containers
HINT * You can also shop for travel-size products where you like to shop for groceries and smaller-sized options of your favorite products. If your favorites products aren’t available in smaller sizes, travel toiletries containers are the perfect size to fill with your go-to shampoo, conditioner, or body wash (especially if hotel toiletries aren’t always your favorite). These bottles meet TSA guidelines, and cut down on full-size beauty products that take up precious real estate in your toiletry bag.
5. Containers with Twist-Off Lids
Another great find are small Containers with Twist-off Lids for items such as lotion, tablets, and vaseline.
6. Mini Spray Bottles
And don’t forget Mini Spray Bottles too! I fill mine with my leave-in conditioner or laundry stain remover.
Perhaps I am EXTRA CAREFUL (I have had hair gel leak all over my toiletries in my luggage), so I recommend that you use zippered plastic bags to store products that may leak. It is just better to be safe than sorry.
7. Water Resistant Travel Pouches
If you want to go a little fancier on the best travel gear for women with travel bags, Chris and I both use Water Resistant Travel Pouches as well. They are versatile for your essential toiletries, snacks, and essential gadgets.
Hair Products
Now, let’s talk about hair products because they can potentially take up a lot of space. And really, who wants to be without their favorite products and using the free hotel toiletries instead? Everyone wants to look great on vacation and for all of the Instagrammable moments.
MOST hotels and vacation rentals provide a hair dryer. If you are not sure, ask.
8. Hair Diffuser
If you have curly hair, a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment might be one your travel essentials list for women. While hair dryers are common, you can’t always count on a diffuser being provided in your accommodations.
Universal hair diffusers are a lot easier to pack than searching for a travel hair dryer with a diffuser that also has a dual voltage option. I use this one at home and when I travel.
9. Flat Iron and Curling Iron
Do you use a Flat Iron, Curling Iron, or other styling product? These are a few of my girls’ favorites that are part of their essentials for travel.
These appliances take up space in your travel gear, so if you need to pack lightly, just ask yourself, “Do I really need them?”
10. Shampoo, Conditioner, etc.
I like to take my own hair products instead of using the shampoos and conditioners and hotel toiletries that are provided for free. If you plan to stay in an vacation rental or other lodging, you will definitely need to bring your own shampoo and conditioner as they are not usually provided. You will also want to plan for your own hair gel, leave-in conditioner, and hair spray if you use them.
I buy full-size product for home use and fill my Small Travel Bottles with my favorites.
Not YOUR favorite products? Click through ANY link and search on Amazon for YOUR essential toiletries.
Don’t forget to tuck in your favorite comb, hair pick, brush, or round brush for styling as well as scrunchies, “ouchless” hair bands, elastic bands, and bobby pins
Sunscreen & Beauty Products
11. Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Let’s start out with the most important beauty product of them all—PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen with zinc oxide that is sweat and water resistant. I’ve got my whole family, husband included, hooked on this stuff. It should be one of your essential toiletries that you wear everyday whether you are traveling or not!!!
12. Anti-Aging Serum
Beauty products are amazing right? Before I apply my sunscreen in the morning, whether I am on vacation or not, I start with Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti Aging Serum. Not only does it smell like an orange grove, it also helps to keep your skin looking young. I love this stuff!
You’re going to be in vacation pictures (hopefully) so you should look beautiful!
13. Makeup Remover Wipes
I may not use Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipe Singles in my everyday beauty routine at home, but I definitely use them when I travel. They are so handy and eliminate the space other products take.
Not YOUR favorite products? Click through ANY link and search on Amazon for YOUR essential toiletries.
Basic Toiletries
We’ve covered hair and beauty, now for a few of the basics on your travel essentials list for women.
Maybe you could do without some of them, maybe you don’t want to. It all depends on the space you have available.
14. Blistex
15. Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Dental Floss
16. Razor
17. Deodorant
18. Q-tips
19. Perfume
20. Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Lotion
21. Hand Sanitizer Pump and Travel Size Options
Add the travel size hand sanitizer bottles to your travel purse essentials. I use these often as I travel through airports, on planes, and around the world.
22. Sunscreen
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the rest of your exposed skin. When you are in the sun sightseeing all day long, you won’t always realize that you are burning until it is too late. That doesn’t make for a fun vacation.
Essential Toiletries for Travel: Meds
23. Refresh Tears
Airplane travel seems to dry my eyes out. Refresh Tears really help. I always add these to my travel purse essentials so they are always handy.
24. Nasal Spray for Allergies
Sadly allergies do not take a break for vacation, this nasal spray is my go-to allergy “fender offer” all year long.
25. Unisom
A non-habit forming nighttime sleep aid, Unisom helps me adjust to a new time zone as I arrive in-country and when I return home again.
26. Advil
27. Excedrin
Handy tip * Fill an empty TicTac container with your meds and be sure to label it with proper dosing instructions. These are small and fit into your travel purse easily.
28. Airborne Effervescent Tabs and Gummies
I don’t like to be sick at the best of times, so the last place I want to come down with a cold is on vacation.
29. Mosquito and Insect Repellent Wipes
I usually tuck a few packets of Off! Wipes in my toiletry bag. After river rafting in New Zealand on one of our Best Adventures Around the World, my legs were attacked by tiny biting bugs. I pulled out these wipes to keep the bugs at bay. I also like Buggins Insect Repellant with its pleasant vanilla, rose and mint scent, especially for my tropical travel essentials.
30. Clorox Wipes
With germs, you can never be too safe. Add a small pack of Clorox Wipes to your bag of essential toiletries for a little peace of mind.
31. Bandages
It is a great idea to put together a small first aid kit.
32. Blister Bandaid
If you walk as much as our family does on vacation, you might just end the day with a blister or two. Blister Bandages help to ease the discomfort.
33. Moleskin
Not YOUR favorite products? Click through ANY link and search on Amazon for YOUR essential toiletries.
Laundry
34. All Laundry Pods/Tabs
If you plan a vacation that last longer than a week, you will likely need to do some laundry. I take laundry pods because they are easy to use and I know how the detergent affects my family’s skin. Try the Tide Sink Packets if you have a few small items.
35. Tide To Go Stain Remover
Spills and accidents will happen. Use stain remover to take care of them when they do.
Travel Essentials List for Women
AND…I have made your life easier by creating a variety of Packing List Freebies for women, for men, for your personal travel bag, for international travel, for domestic travel, for planning your vacation, and even for the “last-minute things to do” right before walking out the door on vacation.
This travel planner works great for travel close to home as well.
You’re welcome!
Are you a gadget guy like my husband? You’ll appreciate these recommendations on the 14 Genius Gadgets for Travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I NEED travel size toiletries?
Yes. Not only do they save on space when you pack but they also follow the TSA regulations when you fly with liquids in your carry-on luggage.
Is it cheaper to buy travel-size toiletries?
Not always. Buy your toiletries in bulk or check your local grocery store for their Travel-Size section. Use refillable containers to add your favorite brands such as shampoo and conditioner.
How strict is TSA with toiletries?
You are able to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. Sometimes an item will be overlooked; HOWEVER, if you are traveling overseas, your toiletries will be scrutinized there as well.
What toiletries are NOT allowed in a carry on?
Toiletries in containers larger than 3.4 oz (100 ml).
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Final Thoughts on the 35 Essential Toiletries for Travel for Women
Seems like a great big list huh? Once you begin packing and recognize the importance of travel-size products, you should be able to find a place for everything.
Is there something that I am missing? Have a favorite product you want to recommend? What are your tips and tricks? What are your favorite must have toiletries for travel?
Leave a note in the comments below.
Obviously, these are a lot of the products that I use. Choose items that are your favorites and enjoy a “beautiful” vacation!
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This is a wonderful list! Thanks for making it!
Hope it helps!
I try to keep my bag stocked and restocked so it is ready to go on a whim!
Great. Let me know how the Blister Bandages work for you!
This is so helpful! thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked it.
Yes! Airborne always! But I always forget insect repellant…that’s a good one!
The handy single pack wipes of insect repellent are perfect.
Just keeping my fingers crossed for some travel this Fall.
I have found memories of going into the travel section and buying miniature toiletries for traveling. It was one of the highlights of the trip. These days, though, I much prefer filling smaller containers. A lot more convenient and less waste. Not as much excitement, though. Thanks for all of the wonderful ideas!
Agreed. I fill small containers now so that I can take the toiletries that I use at home.
I used to carry original bottles but my home bottles are very big. Finding great carry on sized re-fillable bottles was a life saver. I usually resort to cutting my hair short for long trips to reduce the hair product and styling products I carry. The one thing we buy over and over again is Aloe for sunscreens. Really should be in my toiletry kit.
Glad I am not the only one that keeps buying aloe. I used to have a small travel-size bottle and it somehow disappeared.
This is a great list! I particularly like the Tide stain remover, such a good idea!
I love that there are so many products to make travel easier.
My mum won’t travel with any other type of plastic zip bags other than Ziploc, so it’s funny you’ve mentioned them here as essential! This is a great list you’ve put together – I always end up forgetting something!
Either I forget something or think of something that would make travel easier.
Ziplock are my go-to favourites. I use the extra large as clothes bags too. I pack them by outfits making it so simple to when travelling.
Great idea.
This is a great list! After so long without travelling, I need a reminder of essential items to pack! Thanks for the great guide!
I always keep my toiletries packed and ready to go.
So glad you included blister bandaids! They’re a life saver on trips with lots of walking and if you have sensitive, blister-prone skin like me
They sure make a big difference when a small blister could have a big impact on your sightseeing.
Thanks for this post, is very useful ?
Glad it was helpful.
Great list! Very detailed; I like to use ziplock bags to sort out my products too! One thing I need to remember to pack is blister bandaids; those would definitely come in handy!
Click through on one of the links!
Great list. I also use zip lock bags for shampoo and such. I once had an explosion of shampoo in a suitcase. It came on shoes and more.
Yes, been there done that. I err on the side of caution for all of my liquids now.
These are great suggestions for travel necessities! I always feel like I need make-up and hygiene items to freshen up after a long day of travel. Thanks for sharing!
It is a great idea to include a few of your must-haves in your carry on as well.
Great selection! Packing toiletries is the most important part of getting ready to travel (it is to me, at least!:)))
Some of use more toiletries than others, but this list gives some good ideas of what to choose.
So helpful! I’ll be traveling soon, so I’m pinning this.
This is such a helpful post! I often forget things and have to spend the first few hours dashing to the supermarket!
Julia x
I can be forgetful too. Having stores near by is always convenient.
Goodness what a good (but long) list! I have to admit, I normally bring a fraction of this but I totally agree about your tip of storing it all in zip lock bags. They have saved me from spills plenty of times. 🙂
I like to be prepared, especially on a two week trip away from the comforts of home.
Glad it was helpful.
this is a really great list! i love to see the everyday Ziplocks on the list, because they really do come in handy for carry-on travel.
Whoever created Ziploc bags is a genius.
This is a great list, I always have a separate bag for toiletries and always take my own, I love the list
It is nice to have your favorites when you travel.
Such a helpful, comprehensive list. Moleskin is a must after all those walking tours and hikes – but something I always forget!
I have used many of these essential toiletries for travel for years and they are sooo useful! I did not know about many of the meds though! Great idea putting everything together in one blog post!
Great post! I love the idea of using an empty tictac container for medicines! So resourceful.
Great list! I had to just pack for a business trip less than 24 hours after a weeklong family vacation and I did a terrible job remembering everything. Definitely should work from a checklist next time!
OOO I didn’t know about lotion pots. Thanks for the tip!
I have always thought that the hanging toiletry bag would be useful. Sometimes hotel bathroom sinks can be SO small. Do you like to use one? Is it convenient?