After enough trips to lose count, my toiletries have gone from a grab-and-go afterthought to an actual system. Between hair products, skincare, and the just-in-case meds I refuse to travel without, packing my essential toiletries for travel is basically its own art form.
So here’s my complete toiletries list for ladies, organized by category, plus the exact products I actually use, so you’re not guessing at 11pm the night before a flight.
35 Travel Essentials List for Women
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One of the most common questions Chris and I get asked is, “What should I pack for a trip?” I cover general travel-pro tips, including a few packing hacks, in How to Travel Like a Pro: 15 Essential Travel Tips from Frequent Flyers, but this post is the real answer: the complete essential toiletries for travel list.
You’ll also find the essential toiletries to pack in your bag, with links to my Amazon Storefront for convenience.
Luggage & Organization
How big my toiletry bag gets depends on who’s coming with Chris and I. When I’m packing meds and basics for the whole family, it’s basically a second checked bag. When it’s just Chris and me, I streamline it down to carry-on size. Either way, I like having my stuff with me, it’s a small comfort of home on the road.
TravelPro also shares tips for what to pack for babies, sports gear, dietary supplements, and other tricky items if you want to dig in further.
1. TravelPro MaxLite 5
If you want a dedicated toiletry tote instead of packing everything into your main suitcase, the TravelPro MaxLite 5 is worth a look. It’s lightweight enough for a carry-on but structured enough to protect anything glass or breakable riding along with your liquids.
2. Samsonite Pro Soft Side Duffel Bag
Prefer a soft-side option? This Samsonite duffel packs flatter when empty, squishes into overhead bins other bags won’t fit into, and still has enough structure to keep your toiletries from getting crushed under everything else.
3. BagSmart Hanging Toiletry Bag
If you’re carrying on your luggage and toiletries, this BagSmart Hanging Toiletry Bag is worth a look. My girls and I love it for keeping all of our makeup and essential toiletries for travel organized. When counter space is minimal in a hotel bathroom or vacation rental, this hanging bag is ideal and don’t take up a lot of extra space.
Remember that all liquids in your carry-on need to be less than 3.4 oz in size!
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 favorite 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: 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
Want a slightly fancier option? Chris and I both use these water-resistant travel pouches for our toiletries, snacks, and 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 stuck using the free hotel toiletries instead of their own? Everyone wants to look great on vacation, for all the instagrammable moments included.
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 make your travel essentials list for women, especially if you’re headed somewhere humid, like I learned the hard way in Panama—humidity has zero chill. Your hair will do what it wants regardless of your plans. 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 & Curling Iron
Do you use a Flat Iron, Curling Iron, or other styling product? These are a few of my girls’ must-haves for travel. These appliances take up space in your travel gear, so if you need to pack lightly, just ask yourself, “Will I really use them?”
10. Shampoo, Conditioner & Styling Products
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 (linked above) 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
Vacation skin is not the same as everyday skin, more sun, more sweat, more forgetting to reapply because you’re having too much fun. Here’s what actually makes it into my bag.
11. Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Let’s start with the most important beauty product of them all—PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen with zinc oxide that’s 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 every day 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 let’s make sure you feel good in them.
13. Makeup Remover Wipes
I may not use Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipe Singles in my everyday beauty routine at home, but I do use them when I travel. They’re handy and cut down on the space other products take.
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.
Just The Basics
14. Blistex — My lips do not do well with dry airplane air or high-altitude sun, so Blistex rides in every travel purse and toiletry bag I own. Cheap insurance against a trip of chapped lips.
15. Toothbrush, Toothpaste & Dental Floss — No one wants you to be without these essentials. I keep a spare toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss permanently packed in my toiletry bag, so a last-minute trip never means brushing with my finger.
16. Razor — Swimsuit season sneaks up fast, and hotel gift shops mark these up shamelessly. Pack a travel razor.
17. Deodorant — Not glamorous, but nobody’s essentials list survives without deodorant. Travel-size, always.
18. Q-tips — Cheap, tiny, and somehow always the thing you forgot. A handful in a snack bag takes zero space.
19. Perfume — Mini rollerball beats a full bottle every time, no spill risk, no wasted space.
20. Lotion — Gold Bond Healing Lotion is my go-to for dry travel skin, especially after a day in recycled airplane air.
21. Hand Sanitizer — A travel-size hand sanitizer bottle lives in my purse for airports, planes, and everywhere in between.
22. Body Sunscreen — Your face isn’t the only thing exposed all day. Don’t skip the rest of you.
Meds & First-Aid
Some of these aren’t glamorous, but they’re the difference between pushing through a rough travel day and being stuck in your hotel room. Here’s what lives in my meds pouch.
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’re always handy.
24. Nasal Spray for Allergies
Sadly allergies do not take a break for vacation, this nasal spray is my go-to allergy defense 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
Advil: it’s a pain reliever for sore feet from walking on cobblestones or “why does my back hurt from that hotel mattress” fix. One bottle, does it all.
27. Excedrin
For the headaches Advil doesn’t touch, jet lag, dehydration, too much sun. I pack Advil and Excedrin and let the headache decide which one wins.
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 & Gummies
I don’t love being sick on a regular Tuesday, let alone on vacation. I start using Airborne at the first hint of a scratchy throat.
29. Mosquito & Insect Repellent Wipes
I usually tuck a few packets of Off! Wipes in my toiletry bag. After river rafting in New Zealand, my legs were attacked by tiny biting bugs. I pulled out these wipes to keep the bugs at bay. I also like Buggins Insect Repellent 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
Bandages are non-negotiable for blisters, scrapes, or that mystery cut you don’t remember getting. Skip buying them piecemeal and just pack a small first aid kit instead.
32. Blister Bandages
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
Moleskin Patches are the preventive move. Apply a patch on a hot spot before it turns into a full blister. A day of sightseeing will test every seam in your shoes.
Laundry
Trips longer than a few days mean laundry becomes non-negotiable eventually. These items make doing laundry on vacation so much easier.
34. Laundry Pods & Tabs
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 only have a few small items to wash.
35. Tide To Go Stain Remover
Spills and accidents will happen. Use stain remover to take care of them when they do.
Packing List
And if you’re headed overseas, I’ve got a free International Packing List that covers exactly what you need (and don’t)—plus more free Packing List Freebies for every other kind of trip.
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)— that includes liquids, gels, aerosols, and pastes, even if the container itself isn’t full.
What should be on a toiletries list for ladies?
The basics: a hanging toiletry bag, TSA-approved travel bottles, hair and skincare products in travel sizes, sunscreen, meds like allergy relief and pain reliever, and a stain remover pen for laundry mishaps. I break my full list down by category earlier in this post.
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Zip It Up & Go Have Some Funial 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. Don’t want to hunt back through 35 items to find what you need? My Amazon Storefront has every product from this list in one spot, and my free printable International Packing List means you’re not relying on memory at 5 a.m. before a flight.
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?