Last updated on November 23rd, 2024
Featured image: Get started with downsizing for travel with these tips and product suggestions | Photo by ira_evva on Envato
Best gifts recommended by women, for women
When it comes to gift-giving for Mother’s Day (or any other occasion), we go right to the source — our readers, who have the best tried and true advice. Whether you’re looking for something special for your mom, grandmother, daughter or another woman in your life, we’ve got you covered with first-hand recommendations from women. Some of these come right from our Solo Travel Wisdom group, which is a forum for honest, first-hand advice. We don’t recommend anything that we haven’t tried ourselves or isn’t recommended by women.
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For women who want to travel light
Why not bring a pop of colour into your travel accessories, instead of basic black?
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 / print out 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.
Lightweight, stylish backpack
“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 pac 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.
Cross-body bag
Our readers always recommend Travelon, Baggallini and Pacsafe but the hot brand recommended by women on our private Solo Travel Wisdom facebook group right now is Sherpani.
“They have a great deal on carryon plus rollaboard, and many fine travel purses and totes. I love my Camden model.” — Marti S.
Carry-on luggage
With airlines changing carry-on requirements faster than you can say SNAP!, JourneyWoman are choosing tried and true brands that last the test of time.
“I travel about 25% of each year. 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 hard side. Seriously, these things roll like a dream, even on heavy carpeting. I have three sizes as well as a bag with a trolley strap in which I keep my handbag and anything I will need on an airplane. I am good to go on any trip. I roll everything and hand carry nothing. I no longer use any other kind of luggage. — Jeanne F.
“Recently hubby bought a medium sized TravelPro Bold Softside Luggage and I’ve used it on 3 trips now – love it (and loved my previous more boxy luggage that the airlines often broke). We’ve just gotten a large for xmas to cover all bases. – Claudia M.
Mobility products
Portable / packable heating pad
“Trying to figure out how to pack my bulky heating pad, I looked online for an alternative. I discovered this lightweight version (it only weighs a few ounces). It is 12 “x16” and comes with a 5.9-foot USB cable that can be plugged into an outlet, or for overseas trips it can be used with any USB port. It now goes with me on every trip.” — Karen Gershowitz
Folding stool
“For the occasional need to sit down, I tried out this portable stool for the first time. It’s 3 lbs to carry and worked well when I got tired touring the Palace of the Doges [in Venice] and needed to sit, though I’m not sure I’d want to carry it around the whole time.” — Diana Eden
Walking sticks
Not only is a walking stick helpful for mobility, they can also be used to create more space and expand your personal boundaries. Lightweight and easy to store, walking sticks like these ones from Trekology can fold into smaller parts for convenient transportation and storage.
For women on the go
Finding the right shoe for active travel is important. There’s nothing worse than blisters or painful arches. However, we also want to be stylish, as these JourneyWoman readers know well!
Good walking shoes that aren’t sneakers
“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. Non-slip good grip for uneven pavement, breathable and waterproof, easy to clean. I got them 1 size up, the fit is just right.” — Nat H.
Travel boots
“Wolky are the best travel boots I have ever had. Solid construction great arch support. Moldable inner sole. I have ankle boots and get great ankle support on cobblestone roads. I can walk for miles in them and they are stylish too.” — Alisa G.
Sneakers
The most popular brands for comfort and style during travel include Keens, Ecco and Merrell.
“I love my Keens when traveling. Lightweight, supportive, easy on/off, and they are quick to dry if you are caught in the rain….or dancing in a fountain. Also, toss in the washer to clean.” — Terrie O.
Safe and stylish
SCOTTeVEST Women’s Travel Vest
A popular choice of JourneyWoman readers for years, SCOTTeVEST has over 20 concealed pockets to hold all of your essentials while traveling. It also has built-in Anti Theft RFID Pocket for Security & Protection.
“I try to put most of what I need in flight in it, earphones, tissues, hand wipes, passport, credit cards, and more. I have put a change in clothes in it too. I wear a sweater under it and a coat on top.” — June P.
“You might want to look into a Scotte Vest. You can fold clothes and fit up to 3 days worth into it and wear it. This is a picture of my husband’s. He doesn’t really look bulky in it at all.” Rhonda W.
Bathrobe and slippers
If you use slippers, a bathrobe and a hair towel at home, why not travel with them too? Being comfortable makes travel even better.
We love this fleece bathrobe from Ugg, along with these slippers. Find a hair turban here and spend less time blow drying your hair.
Weighted blanket
Made in Canada, this Hush weighted blanket is breathable cotton material with its compartments filled with hypoallergenic, non-toxic, odorless and glass micro beads. Weighted blankets can be a safe and gentle way to naturally relieve anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Foot massager
“When I was in Rome in February, my hotel had a foot massager. Okay, I admit it felt a little cheesy but it made a huge difference and I ordered one the moment I got home. Mine is a Renpho Massager with Air Compression and Heating.” — Carolyn R.
Plant it!
If you or your mom travel a lot, our garden expert, Jennifer Reynolds, recommends that you swap out the budget you have for cut flowers and send Mom an easy-to-care-for plant that she will cherish for years. Foli, a Canadian and woman-owned small business, has a solution for you.
“With a huge selection of easy-to-care-for plants that don’t mind a little neglect while Mom is travelling, plant experts at the female-founded company Foli offer personalized shopping and gift notes that accompany each delivery. Beautiful eco-friendly packaging and custom gift notes elevate the online gifting experience.” — Jen R.
Read More: Eight Things I Pack for Every Trip
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JourneyWoman Staff
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