Featured image: Get your holiday groove on with these recommended products from women travellers | Photo by oneinchpunchphotos on Envato

Over 150+ travel products for women 

Curated by JourneyWoman

With the holidays coming, we rounded up all of our favourite items from 2024 into the biggest gift guide for women in our 30-year history! Oprah has her 100 favourite things, and we have ours! We’re calling this the Ultimate Travel Gift Guide for Women, with everything a woman traveller could need, including clothing, travel gear, safety products, boots, mobility aids and electronics.

Everything on this curated list is based on recommendations from JourneyWoman readers who have used all of these products, so you can be sure they are tried and tested.  If you have more products to recommend, send them in here and we’ll add them to the list! Better yet, share it with your friends who may need gifting ideas (hint, hint!).  

Please note: This travel gift guide for women contains Amazon and other affiliate links, but we only ever recommend items we think are relevant for you and we’ve tried ourselves that will benefit you on your travels. If you decide to purchase a product through one of these links, we will receive a small commission that doesn’t add any cost to the purchase of an item and helps us maintain our website and other services to you!)

Our Ultimate Travel Gift Guide for Women

Click an image below to jump to a section in the guide.

Travel Gear

Safety Products

Door Stopper: Sleep with extra peace of mind in your hotel room with a rubber door stopper. Simply place it under your door to prevent it from being opened from the outside while you are inside.

Headlamp: “A headlamp is my #1 essential item on all trips. You just never know when the power might be out, or you need to keep your hands free.” — Carolyn R.  Jacqueline R. agrees, saying: A headlamp is much better than a flashlight. I keep one in my bedside table.” 

Lifestraw: Heading out on an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Make sure you always have access to clean drinking water with a Lifestraw.

Earplugs

Leslie H says “Custom-made earplugs! You can get them made at a hearing centre, they are just the best.”. Nat H suggests Loop sleep earplugs, which offer a sleek design and are comfortable to wear for long periods.

Sharon P. likes her earplugs from Happy Ears and says “They are so comfortable to sleep in and block almost all noise – I never fear noise in hotels anymore”.

Travel Pillows

“I used the Cabeau memory foam neck pillow in my travels across Europe. It’s soft, comfortable, and has a high wall on the collar that holds your head in a neutral position. I love that it folds into a very small bag that I can clip onto my backpack. Pair it with the Cabeau eye mask for even more sound sleep on the plane.” — Carolyn R.

My memory foam bed pillow. Crazy but true. I even took it to India last year! Definitely worth it. — Gabriela N

A butt cushion for long flights — Jonea M

Reusable Watter Bottles

“The S’well drink bottle keeps water cool for over 36 hours. It’s good if you’re travelling in hot weather right now. Plus, it comes in so many fun colours!” — Esther F.

If you don’t have your own reusable water bottle, brands like Yeti or HydroFlask are great options. – Joy

Nora says: “Reusable coffee cups drive me crazy because when you have limited space they take up so much room. I have a collapsible one and am obsessed.” She uses the Stojo Collapsible cup, made of BPA silicone that is lightweight and perfect for throwing in your carry-on.

Other Travel Gear

Cool Cloth: “The Cool Cloth is a must! They come in packs of four or more, each with a plastic pouch with a hook to attach to your bag, so the cloth can be kept wet and ready for use in hot temperatures. — Joy F.

Chilly pad: “A Chilly Pad is like a cooling pad that you can sleep on at night. It’s really great.” — Shawna R.

Contact lens container: I used my former ( leakproof) contact lens holders for small amounts of lotions, pills etc, labelled with a permanent Sharpie to keep my handbag lighter, and less bulky. These are permanently in my day handbag, even at home, and they do hold a lot, surprisingly! — Lenna N

Tinkle Belle: The Tinkle Belle was designed for women who love to get out there and explore without worrying about finding a bathroom or squatting in a bush. Created by a group of adventurous women from Montana, the Tinkle Belle is a discreet stand-to-pee accessory that allows women to pee fully clothed while standing up. Lightweight and foldable, it’s easy to travel with. With no need for a bathroom or toilet paper, the Tinkle Belle is perfect for women who want to explore and adventure without worry.

Travel tripod: “I’ve recently started using this travel tripod for solo photos. It works perfectly and is collapsable so it packs light. It also extends to about five feet tall to get the perfect shot.” — Carolyn R.

Reusable cutlery: When travelling, it’s not only convenient to have your own set of cutlery and straws, but also much less wasteful. This stainless steel travel cutlery by Let’s Go Eco includes three different straws and straw cleaner, a fork, knife and spoon as well as a cotton travel bag. They are durable, easy to clean and perfect to throw in your backpack whenever you need them.

Travel clothesline: Need to do laundry on the go? Pack a travel clothesline like this one from Riveda. Make sure to pack biodegradable laundry detergent. We like the laundry sheets from Eco-Living Club found here.

Duct tape: “Small roll of duct tape. I’ve used it to fix a broken suitcase, hold a rental car trunk down, and around a wine bottle to prevent breakage!” — Debi L. 

Electronics

Tracking tags: “Find and track your belongings with Bluetooth-enabled ​Apple AirTag​, ​Tile​ or Samsung ​Tracker​, which acts as a digital leash for your personal belongings. Make sure to set them up in advance and name them! If someone places an unwanted device in your belongings your phone should alert you that an unknown device is moving with you.” — Paige H.

Headphones and Earbuds

These headphones from Bose are highly recommended for their superior sound quality, sleek design, and comfort, with a battery life of up to 24 hours on one charge. Choose from a variety of colours, like white, pink, navy and more.

If you are looking for something a little more portable, these Bose Bluetooth earbuds come highly rated. They are noise cancelling, ergonomically designed, and are also available in a variety of colours.

My Soundcore noise-cancelling Bluetooth earphones. They’re small and work for so many reasons. -Erin N

These Sony over-ear Bluetooth headphones are fantastic. Not only are they super sleek, but they offer amazing sound quality and are very noise cancelling, perfect for watching movies or listening to music on the plane. — Stephanie C.

If you want to wear your own headphones during your flight, consider a Bluetooth transmitter like this one. You simply plug it into the entertainment system, and it allows you to listen with your own Bluetooth headphones (which are often more comfortable and better sounding!)

Tablets and eReaders

This Samsung Galaxy tablet is lightweight, comes in a variety of colours, and is perfect for reading or keeping entertained on the go.

Apple iPads offer a sustainable and lightweight alternative to bringing books. Amazon Kindles​ are great e-readers and you can access over 2 million titles, thousands of audiobooks, and more on ​Kindle Unlimited.

Laptop sleeve: “If you travel with a laptop, keep it protected on the go with a sleek Landici laptop sleeve. This model is slimmer and takes up less room in your carry-on bag while offering full protection from bumps and spills.” — Carolyn R.

Electronic organizer: “Keep your electronics and wires neat and organized with this BAGSMART travel electronic organizer. It has separate pouches for smaller gadgets and elastic straps to keep all your wires tidy and tangle-free. It comes in cute colours too!” — Carolyn R.

Travel fan: “Always bring a small battery-powered or rechargeable fan that can sit on your nightstand or be held in your hand. You can use it to cool off inside a stuffy hotel room where windows don’t open and AC is minimal. You can also use it to make yourself comfortable after a hike or as a white noise machine in a loud hotel.” — Emilie F.

White noise machine: Shawna R recommends this travel white noise machine. “If you are a light sleeper, a white noise machine can help you sleep more soundly by blocking out external noise. Perfect for hotels in lively areas!”

Portable Chargers and Power Adapters:  Kathy B recommends Anker’s portable chargers. “They are great for keeping your electronics charged during long travel days or day trips. Look for something with at least 20,000mAh for faster charging and more power.”

“I also love the Anker charging hub so you can charge multiple items in one outlet.” — Carolyn R.

Apple Watch: Be on time and easily stay connected with an Apple Watch. Choose a model with GPS capabilities to help with navigation while travelling. They have built-in features like a loud alarm and fall detection to help keep you safe. 

Mobility Aids

Folding stool: “A folding stool that goes inside a daypack for when you’re waiting in line and there’s no place to sit. You can usually take it on a plane as a carry-on.” — Wendy B.

Pain relief: Karen recommends the TENS muscle stimulator for back pain and muscle spasms caused by conditions like arthritis, period pain, nerve pain, back pain, or neck pain. It’s portable and rechargeable with a large touchscreen display allows easy navigation through 12 programs and 20 intensity levels. Get yours here Another option is Dr. Ho’s, which provides a range of pain relief products including a decompression belt and circulation aids to help aching legs and feet. 

Sit anywhere comfortably: “I arrived at a park only to find all the benches were occupied. I now carry a baby change pad with a pattern on one side and waterproof plastic on the reverse side. It folds up flat into my backpack and is great for damp grass.” — Margaret R.

Collapsable trekking poles: “When I’m visiting the jungle in Honduras, I don’t leave home without my Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles. They are collapsible for travelling, sturdy and lightweight. When walking in the wild, every bit of comfort counts – these poles help to reduce the impact on knees and back, and improve balance on muddy, slippery pathways.” — Deborah, Las Cascadas Lodge.

Another option is Trekology, which fold up small and are easy to pack and travel with.

Poncho and shower chair: Miriam recommends a Poncho for use with a wheelchair: Try the Longsinger Rain Ponchos, available here and a shower and commode chair: The Go-Anywhere Chair Multi-fold Padded Seat is the perfect answer for turning any uncomfortable seating, like metal bleachers, into a comforting experience.

Clothing + Underwear

Clothing

Anti-chafing shorts: “I love packing up and heading somewhere warm, but my thighs don’t. With all the walking and/or hiking, my thighs chaff and burn with the combination of heat and sweat. Thigh Society anti-chafing shorts are a must-have in my luggage. They’re made with silky, hi-tech performance fabric that pulls heat and moisture away from the body. Moisture wicking for hot days and very light coverage that doesn’t roll or ride up. They come in multiple lengths and sizes. Great under a sundress.” — Jacquie C.

Leggings: “I’m probably behind the curve, but I just discovered the joy of leggings for all seasons. They also pack lighter than jeans and I can dress them up or down. I wore this pair from Spanx several times and they also have tummy control yay!” — Carolyn R.

Travel bathrobe: What better way to pamper yourself on your travels than a warm shower followed by wrapping yourself in a comfy robe after a long day of exploring? This lightweight robe from Ekouaer comes in lots of colours and packs up nicely for travel.

UPF Clothing

Many JourneyWoman readers recommend Coolibar, the first sun-protective clothing company to receive The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.

“It used to be very difficult to find clothing that was sun-protective. I discovered a company called Coolibar, which makes clothing that is treated for sun protection, including bathing suits with long sleeves and covered shoulders. I’m delighted to have found all those things in one place. Coolibar is endorsed by the Cancer Society.” — Diana E.

“I had melanoma and it was something I hope to never go back to. I found Coolibar after my melanoma diagnosis in 2006. It’s been a life changer for me. I spent five years 100% out of the sun after my cancer recovery. I used their swim pants that kind of look like Lululemon tights.” — Shawna R.
​
Bathing suits with UPF Protection: If you’re looking for a new suit in the middle price range, Athleta may be for you. Using 100% recycled materials, Athleta accommodates bra sizes from B-DD, and is quick-drying. It has a wide range of style and print options, including a selection of rash-guard and UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) styles. Another option is Title Nine, recommended by Kitty. Size ranges from an XS to an XL, and cup support goes up to a DDD. If you’re looking to support smaller brands on your bathing suit journey, this brand might be perfect for you.

Fun jackets: JourneyWoman Editor Carolyn Ray LOVES this silver bomber jacket or this sequin jacket which packs light for New Year’s Eve.

Underwear, Bras and Socks

Dry-wicking underwear: “I only travel with 4-5 pairs of underwear that are all technical, dry-wicking material. Merino wool is a comfortable, quick-dry material that makes for great travel underwear and is lightweight, durable and odour resistant.” — Anne-Marie L. These underwear by Icebreaker dry in under three hours. They are lightweight, durable and odour resistant.

Silk long underwear: “I always take silk long underwear no matter what climate I’m travelling to; very light and wearable under anything. Can use them as PJs if necessary. Even wore them sleeping in a hammock in the Amazon. And yes, order them ahead of time. Winter Silks is a great brand, but my latest set is from Grenasasilk.” — Elena H.

“Long underwear made from Merino wool kept me warm during my expedition to see the Northern Lights in Norway. They are so lightweight but very effective.” — Carolyn R.

Bras: Donna recommends the Warners Women’s Blissful Benefits bra for travel. “It’s a great bang for your buck and is also made for comfort and durability. The bra has a back clasp and adjustable straps, making it easy to get on and off and adjust to your liking. Sizes range from XS-XXXL.”

Period underwear: Managing your period when travelling can sometimes be difficult. Tampons can be hard to come by and if travelling for long stretches, it can take a lot of space to pack the necessary amount of period products. Several women recommend period underwear from Knix, which saves you from using little to no pads or tampons.

Size inclusive: Juno Activewear is great for comfortable and size-inclusive bras, underwear, and activewear.

Compression socks: “I decided to finally give compression socks a try before a 13-hour long-haul flight to Cape Town, and couldn’t believe the difference they made. I walked off the flight with zero swelling and discomfort in my feet and legs and overall felt so much better when I landed. Compression socks work!” ​ — Stephanie C.

Wool socks: “Darn Tough is the best. Guaranteed for life.” — Barbara M.

Footwear + Accessories

Shoes, Boots, and Slippers

If you plan on exploring a new city on foot, comfortable walking shoes are a must! Don’t forget to break them in before your trip. If you plan on hiking, Merrell hiking shoes are highly recommended.

“When backpacking for 3 months last year in Europe, I wore Teva sandals every day. Not only were they super comfortable, but I could wear them into the water – super helpful when on the pebbly beaches!” — Kim H.

“I got these VIVIVIA shoes for my last trip which was 9 days in Morocco followed by 9 days in Barcelona, and there was A LOT of walking involved. I had a pair of classic slip-on Vans for casual/daytime, and these ankle boots for more dressy or evening outings and they were perfect. They have a non-slip good grip for uneven pavement, are breathable and waterproof, and are easy to clean. I got them 1 size up, the fit is just right.” — Nat H.

Kick-ass Boots: Joy loves her red boots, which caused a flurry of attention in our Facebook group. She says: “Sometimes, you need kick-ass boots to keep moving.” Don’t we know that! These hot red Taos boots are the same as Evelyn’s that we donated to the Bata Shoe Museum in 2021. You can get your pair here (and they come in multiple colours too!)

Travel slippers: Show your feet some love with these comfortable and compact memory foam travel slippers. They even come with a travel pouch for ease.

Be comfortable when you travel: I always pack my Ugg slippers and a robe! — Carolyn R

Insoles: “I get one or two extra sets of insoles for my walking shoes. My feet are always fresh and dry with no need to pack more shoes.” — Marti

Accessories

Scarf and sunhat: A large cotton scarf that’s so versatile and a black hat that’s also versatile and lightweight enough for beach and hot weather and stylish enough for the city, even in fall, spring and moderate winter. The brim rolls up and stays up for a different look. — Val MR

Sparkle and shine: If you’re looking to add a little sparkle and glitter to your wardrobe, consider this jean jacket with pearl embellishments. Some other ideas to add some sparkle include these glitter sneakers, this bedazzled belt, or these glitter glasses.

UPF Hats: Shawna also loves her UPF hats: “The Sedona one is always in my car. They have foldable hats that you can pack up that are brilliant. Put them in your bag and they unfold in perfect condition.”

UPF Coverup: “After my father died of melanoma, I decided it was time to take action. I love my Coolibar sun cover-up with long sleeves, which I also wear as a dress for travel.” — Carolyn R.

Luggage and Bags

Luggage

Samsonite: “I love my Samsonite spinners. They are relatively light and hard-shelled. The disadvantage is no outer pockets, but this is outweighed, in my opinion, by the fact that I have never had anything break, including decorative plates and my storyteller doll.” — Margaret B.

Travel Pro: “I travel about 25% of the year, and have been for years. I have tried every kind of luggage. In my opinion, you cannot beat the incredibly easy rolling wheels of Travel Pro luggage. I prefer the hard side. Seriously, these things roll like a dream, even on heavy carpeting. I have three sizes!” — Jeanne F.

Delsey: If you’re looking for French elegance and savoir-faire, DELSEY​ may be for you. In 1970, DELSEY was the first to provide tough luggage with a hard shell offering better protection for travellers’ belongings. In 1972, they added wheels to their hardshell suitcases. 

Backpacks

Nordace Siena: “For my trip to Malta, I got a new Nordace Siena backpack. You can see the USB for your phone on the outside. The battery pack connects to the cord inside. It is water-repellent, lightweight, and has four compartments with various pockets plus a secret pocket. Comes in a variety of colours but I prefer turquoise.” — Joy F.

Gregory: “This backpack from Gregory is incredibly comfortable and has so much room. It’s designed specifically for women’s bodies and features smart pockets to make smaller gadgets easily accessible on the go.” — Carolyn R.

Cotopaxi: Need a new backpack? Consider Cotopaxi! Each Cotopaxi backpack is ethically handmade with sustainable fabrics. There are lots of styles and colours to choose from.

Crossbody / Anti-Theft Bags

Crossbody bags are essential for travel to carry your wallet, passport and phone on your body at all times. Sherpani’s cross-body belt bag comes in some fun colours. 

For purses and crossbody bags, Donna suggests Travelon. “Travelon bags have cut-resistant straps and ways to lock the zippers to keep your belongings safe from prying fingers.”

Packing cubes

“I love packing cubes. Especially love the eBags version. Made for easy emptying of my bag at the airport when my airline ticket/printout was inadvertently left at the bottom of my bag. The airport check-in person was amazed at how fast I got my ticket out of my carry-on and immediately became a packing cube convert!” — Jennifer L.

Make more efficient use of your luggage with these Thule compression packing cubes. They allow you to pack more in less space.

Cosmetics travel bag: Fit all your travel toiletries and cosmetics in a high-quality travel bag. We like this one from BagSmart, which has a separate pocket for your jewelry and a built-in hanger so your items are always easily accessible.

Toiletry bag: This convenient travel toiletry bag from Nishel features a compact design that unfolds and can be hung in your hotel bathroom while travelling. Choose from lots of different colours too!

Toiletries and Beauty

Hydrating Skin Care: “The air in airplanes is extremely dry, so I’ve started bringing a little kit on board with me to help combat that. I spray a hydrating facial spray every couple of hours, lather my hands with hand cream, and reapply my sunscreen, especially if I’m sitting beside the window!

I’ve also been using this Laneige Water Bank travel set during my recent travels and my skin loves it! The products focus on hydration and moisture, which is severely impacted on long plane rides.” — Stephanie C

Hydrating lip balm: Keep your lips hydrated and protected from dry airplanes and changing climates with a Honey for Healing hydrating lip balm. It also contains SPF 15 to help prevent sunburn while nourishing dry lips.

Shampoos: Choose a shampoo without sulphates, parabens, hormone disrupters and fragrances. Libby recommends a shampoo bar which is travel-sized and sulphate-free Each 65g bar replaces up to 3 bottles of liquid shampoo.

Travel blowdryer: Some places I stay in have nicer hairdryers than I do. When my travel-sized hairdryer stopped working, I chose an ionic hairdryer from Conair, which is quieter and easier on your hair, according to my hairdresser.

Moisturizers: Shawna recommends natural, plant-based oils like jojoba oil, nut oils, macadamia nut, and coconut oil. Jacquie recommends The One – Satya, an easy glide, refillable stick that delivers Satya’s holy grail, multi-purpose moisturizing formula that travels with you wherever you go.

I now live in Germany but had no idea Nivea was a German brand. Their moisturizers are so nourishing and so affordable here! A lot of my friends back in Canada beg me for tins of the “German” Nivea – it’s completely different than the North American versions.

Sunscreen: “Badger Balm Sunscreen is a women-owned business that strives to protect natural resources and incorporate climate justice into their everyday production. Their products are chemical-free and reef safe.” — Nora L.

Shawna recommends Alba Botanica Hawaiian, which has no parabens, phthalates or sulphates.

Hair care: This Umberto Gianni anti-frizz hair cream I bought at Boots in England. I am now trying to find a Canadian distributor otherwise I’m gonna have to ask my cousin to send me some!

Toothpaste: Marvis toothpaste! I never tried it until in Italy, and so much cheaper than on Amazon. And Voltaren gel, the 2% is over the counter in Italy…makes my arthritis happy — Liz M

Toothpaste tabs: Are not only convenient for travel, but they also reduce plastic usage. These tablets by SuperBee are made from 100% food-grade ingredients. Simply place the tablet in your mouth, crush it with your teeth and then brush as normal.

Insect repellent: Protect yourself from insect bites with an organic and DEET-free bug repellent, like this one from Badger. Sometimes bites are inevitable, so when they happen help heal them faster with this all-natural bite relief ointment.

Hand sanitizer: Keep your hands clean and prevent the spread of germs on the go with a good-quality hand sanitizer. We like this travel-sized spray from Mother’s Miracle, it’s vegan and organic!

Wellness

Gratitude journal: Take some time to reflect on your travels with a Daily Gratitude Journal. It includes daily affirmations and writing prompts to inspire deep reflection on your day, and what you might want to change moving forward.

Weighted blanket: When you’ve finally arrived home after a long journey, take some time to unwind and relax under a comforting weighted blanket. We like this one from Topcee.

Electrolytes: Shawna R suggests packing these LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes on your next trip. “Electrolytes help keep you hydrated more than water alone can and can help you fight jet lag too.”

Motion sickness relief: Are you prone to motion or sea sickness? Kathy B suggests these motion sickness relief wristbands that help to combat seasickness and sickness from a car or bus.

Chripwheel: If my trip is longer than 3 days, I take my smallest Chirpwheel, which I can use to roll out my feet, back, or tight muscles in my legs to keep going when there’s a lot of standing or walking. — Erin N

Travel blender: Having a smoothie with protein every morning helps me get my body started. For years I’ve used a large noisy blender, and after doing some research, decided to get a travel-sized NutriBullet. It is quiet, incredibly powerful and I can use the same cup. I’m going to bring it with me on my next trip.

Oura Ring: “I’ve been using the Oura Smart Ring lately to track my steps while I travel. It integrates with Apple Health so I can have an accurate overview of my activity level. It also shows you how much REM sleep you’re getting and tracks your body temperature.” — Carolyn R.

Shawna R also recommends the Oura Ring and says: “The Oura Ring​ shows you how much REM sleep you’re getting and tracks your body temperature. It syncs with your phone, and downloads everything about your heart rate, your breathing, your oxygen saturation.”

Foot massager: “I have a tendency to walk a lot when I travel so my feet are always sore. This week in Rome, my hotel room had a foot massager, which I originally thought was a bit goofy. And then I used it and totally changed my mind. I just ordered a Renpho Foot Massager to arrive when I get home from Italy! Rempho has lots of other products to help with circulation.” — Carolyn R.

Heating pads: “This travel-sized heating pad connects to any USB and relieves fatigue, stiff shoulders, tight lower back muscles, and menstrual cramps and improves blood circulation.”

Patch for muscle pain: “I originally saw this nanotechnology patch (for chronic and acute muscle or joint pain) on Innovation Nation about a year ago. I bought it and have suggested it to friends who also bought it and had success. I should add that it has limited success with sciatica. It weighs nothing and saves you from buying and discarding other patches.” — Margaret C.

Diva Cup: Another alternative to tampons and pads is the Diva Cup, a reusable and environmentally responsible period cup that is easy to use and pack.

Probiotics: BioK Probiotics in capsule form. I use these to keep my belly happy with the new foods we encounter while exploring this big, beautiful world. After that, earplugs and a mini sound machine. — Vivian F

Personal massager: New research suggests that post-menopausal women who use personal massagers like this one from Abseis can find relief from some menopausal symptoms – so why not travel with one? — Kathy B

More Products We Love