15 Best Travel Accessories for Women: The Things I ALWAYS Pack

Cindy Richards Avatar

As women, we carry So. Much. Stuff. That’s especially true when we’re traveling. From cosmetics to jewelry, our bags are full. This list of travel accessories is the one I use to pare down, lighten up and still have everything I need. My secret? Packing versatile, multi-functional travel accessories that are compact but provide plenty of functionality.

Product Highlights

Meta Starfire Kylie Edition Sunglasses

This section is sponsored by Meta.

woman's hand holding a pair of Meta AI glasses
Photo credit: Breeze Leonard
  • Attractive Kylie Jenner-designed styling with slim, oval frames, adjustable nose pads and a custom gem detail 
  • Provides live translation of 20+ languages via the open-ear speakers via Meta AI voiced by Kylie Jenner
  • Built-in 12MP camera and 3K Ultra HD video quality
  • Battery lasts more than 8 hours, with a compact, foldable case that provides up to 40 hours of additional battery life
  • Meta AI offers travel-friendly real-time answers to questions such as “Hey, Meta, give me directions to my hotel.”
  • Manage and customize the glasses via an app on your phone

Smartphones have long been the key to easier travel. Now, Meta’s AI glasses take that ease up a notch, by doing everything your phone used to do hands-free. No more juggling a phone, coffee, backpack and suitcase. Just ask your Meta AI glasses to take that photo, provide those directions or translate that menu. And the Meta Starfire Kylie Edition sunglasses means you’ll look great doing it!

2. BAGSMART Compression Packing Cubes

  • Sets include multiple sizes for organizing different clothing categories
  • Strong zippers compress clothes to keep them wrinkle-free and take up far less space in your luggage
  • Lightweight nylon construction
  • Sturdy carrying handles
  • Machine washable

Once I started using compression packing cubes, I never stopped. But I have learned that quality matters. Other packing cubes might be cheaper, but they aren’t worth the risk the zippers will break. That’s why I stick with BAGSMART. They have never let me down. I bought sets for everyone in the family in different colors so there’s no confusion about whose clothes is where.

3. BAGSMART Hanging Toiletry Bag Travel Bag

  • Large capacity with 4 separate compartments and a back open pocket
  • Inner main pockets with elastic straps 
  • Double zipper compartment
  • Transparent sides for clear overview of contents
  • Stow-away 360-degree swivel non-slip metal hook
  • Carry handle doubles as a hanging strap
  • Water-resistant polyester peach skin material

Hotel bathroom counters are rarely big enough to hold all of my stuff. And I never like to leave things like my toothbrush laying on the counter anyway. This BAGSMART toiletry bag has multiple see-through pockets so I can hang it up, keep everything organized and clean and easily see what I need.

4. ProCase Travel Jewelry Box

  • Compact and portable design
  • Multiple compartments to organize and protect jewelry
  • Secure lock feature for added security
  • Faux leather material
  • Hanging feature to keep necklaces tangle-free
  • Suitable for storing rings, earrings, and necklaces

I never travel with expensive jewelry, but I do like to accessorize! Having a safe, compact place to keep my earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces organized is important. The ProCase Jewelry Box keeps smaller pieces separated and doesn’t take up much space in my carry-on. It is especially useful for trips, such as destination weddings, cruises, and girlfriend getaways that call for more than one pair of earrings.

5. SARISUN Travel Pillow

  • Secures to the headrest to keep your head from drooping
  • Comes in a handy carrying case
  • Soft material around your ears makes it feel like a pillow
  • Easily adjusts to the size of your head
  • Full eye coverage blocks the light to make it easier to sleep

I have spend more hours than I care to admit trying to sleep sitting up in an economy airplane seat. Every time I drift off, my head droops and I’m jolted awake. This SARISUN Travel Pillow solves that by securing your head to the headrest so no more bobblehead! And the neck pillow ensures your head is fully supported.

6. Anker Nano 10,000mAh Power Bank

  • 10,000mAh battery capacity
  • Built-in USB-C charging cable
  • Up to 30W charging output
  • USB-C and USB-A ports
  • Weighs just 7.6 ounces

I live on my smartphone when I’m traveling. Running out of juice is simply not an option. I’ve tried a lot of portable chargers over the years. But once I tried an Anker power bank, I never switched again. This charger charges a smartphone to 50% in just 30 minutes.

7. Anker Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

  • Four built-in mics work together to filter out background noise 
  • 40-hour battery life
  • Comes in colors other than black
  • Connects to two devices at once
  • Manage the headphones via an app
  • Weighs just 9.1 ounces

Hearing the drone of a plane for hours on end adds to my travel exhaustion. So noise-cancelling headphones are important for blocking unwanted sounds so I can focus on the podcast, audiobook or movie that will get me to my destination. And the long battery life means I’ll never miss the end of the movie again!

8. Travelon RFID-Blocking Passport Zip Wallet

  • Compact size  4.5”W x 6”H x 0.75”D
  • RFID-blocking technology
  • Solid color design for a timeless look
  • Nylon material is easy to clean
  • Lightweight for comfortable carrying

Travelon is another of my favorite always-reliable, go-to travel brands. This RFID-blocking wallet protects my credit cards and passport from unauthorized scans no matter where I am in the world. I especially like that it zips closed to keep my ID, passport and cash safely tucked inside.

9. Universal Travel Adapter, TESSAN International Plug Adapter

  • All-in-one travel adapter that works in 150 countries
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Compatible with various plug types used in Europe, UK, EU, AUS,
  • Features 3 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports for charging multiple devices
  • Input voltage of 250 volts

I keep this travel adapter in my suitcase, even when I’m traveling domestically. Why? Because I can plug it into an outlet and — voila! — turn that one outlet into six. This adapter has 1 AC outlet, 2 USB ports and 3 USB-C ports, so I can charge 6 devices at once. P;us, it’s lightweight and small enough to tuck in a corner of my suitcase.

10. MZOO Sleep Mask for Women

  • 100% light blocking for a restful sleep
  • The 3D contoured cup design eliminates any pressure on the eyes
  • Plenty of room for eyelashes to move freely
  • Skin-friendly memory foam 
  • Adjustable buckle strap
  • Available in 6 colors

It always seems like the hotel room curtains never close all the way, leaving room for that sliver of sunlight that wakes me way too early. So I always travel with a sleep mask (and a large slip to hold the curtain shut). This sleep mask has a concave molded design so there’s no pressure on my eyes.

11. Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Compression Socks

  • Made with a stay-put nylon and spandex blend
  • Machine washable
  • Mild compression level
  • Available in 1- and 2-pair packs
  • One-size-fits-all

You don’t have to be old to benefit from compression socks on long plane or car rides. I started wearing them when I was pregnant with my son and keep a pair handy any time the flight or road trip passes five hours. That is simply too much time to sit in one spot. Compression socks help me arrive feeling refreshed.

12. EACHY Travel Makeup Bag Large Capacity Cosmetic Bag

  • Waterproof material to protect your cosmetics
  • Opens flat for convenient access
  • Divider inside to keep your cosmetics organized
  • Features a handle for easy carry
  • Offered in several stylish colors

I’m not a big makeup user, but my daughter certainly is. She need all the space she can get, which is why the EACHY Travel Makeup Bag works so well for her. iIt can accommodate all of her essential cosmetics and it opens flat, so it’s easy to find what she needs.

13. Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale

  • Weighs bags up to 110 pounds
  • Easy-to-read digital display
  • Compact, lightweight design
  • Strap attaches to suitcase handles
  • Battery included

I’m committed Team Carry-On. Most of the time. But there was that one trip to Italy when we bought so much stuff, crammed it all into our checked bag and then got the bad news: $75 in overweight fees! We avoided the fee by redistributing the suitcase contents, but it was an embarrassing process, spreading our things around the floor of the Venice airport. So now I carry this luggage scale if I know I’ll be going heavy on the souvenirs. It is a small investment that can save money and an embarrassing check-in-counter repacking session.

14. SPECIAL MADE Collapsible Water Bottle

  • Silicone material is durable and BPA-free
  • Holds 600ml of liquid
  • The collapsible design folds down small for travel
  • Leak-proof valve prevents spills when folded
  • Heat and cold resistance
  • Easy-to-clean silicone won’t crack or break

I never go ANYWHERE without a refillable water bottle. I have many, but love this collapsible one for traveling. I can tuck it in the corner of my bag to go through security, then fill it at the first water fountain I see.

15. Portable Door Lock

  • Installs from inside the room without tools
  • Prevents the door from being opened from outside
  • Compact enough for a purse or carry-on
  • Designed for many inward-opening hinged doors

I started packing this small but mighty travel product after staying in a hotel room with a deadbolt that didn’t work. When I told the front desk, they told me not to worry. It was a very safe place. Not surprisingly, I didn’t sleep well. This portable door lock is worth the peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the most useful travel accessories for women?

The most useful travel accessories solve common problems without adding much weight. Start with compression packing cubes, a portable charger, a universal travel adapter, and a digital luggage scale. For longer flights, add compression socks, noise-canceling earbuds, a sleep mask, and a supportive neck pillow.

How do I choose travel accessories that are worth packing?

Choose compact, lightweight products that solve a problem you regularly encounter. The best accessories organize your belongings, keep devices charged, improve comfort, or provide added security. Before packing something, ask whether you will use it more than once and whether its usefulness justifies the space and weight it adds.

What products should I buy before a big trip?

Depending on your destination, some must-have items include a universal travel adapter that works in different countries, a durable suitcase or backpack that suits your travel style, a cozy and supportive travel pillow for long journeys, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and a compact first aid kit for any unexpected situations that may arise.

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SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.
Cindy Richards is a Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist who serves as the Editor-in-Chief of SheBuysTravel.com. She also is the mom of two now grown kids who have traveled with her since that first, fateful plane ride when one preschooler discovered a barf bag in his seat pocket and his sister, finding none in hers, demanded, “I want a barf bag too!” She has been a reporter, editor and columnist at the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, an editor at Chicago Parent and Catalyst Chicago and an instructor in the graduate school at Northwestern’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism.
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