Top Social

Packing Essentials for the Savvy Female Traveler

Monday, December 15, 2014
'Tis the season for traveling! Whether the holidays bring you across the ocean for several weeks or to a new city for a quick weekend getaway, there are certain staples that you'll want to remember to pack. After countless trips of forgetting basic items here and there, I've finally created the ultimate packing list so I don't forget to bring anything crucial. Here is my list of packing essentials for the savvy female traveler:




Of course these are just the basics - if you plan on doing any outdoorsy things or are going somewhere especially hot or cold, you'll want to pack accordingly! Or if you're one of those  people who hit the gym every morning on vacation, you can add work out gear to your list. (I'll applaud you from afar, ya psychos.) And don't forget something to store your dirty clothes in - I always bring an empty pillow case with a dryer sheet inside!


Still not quite sure what to pack? Here's the run down on my favorite travel essentials:



1. When I fly, I always carry a cashmere scarf as a make-shift blanket. Airplanes are notoriously chilly, but the blankets provided by the airlines can really trouble my inner-germaphobe. Plus, if you're packing for autumn or winter, you can never bring too many scarves!

2. A cozy sweater for layering is a must. Despite the fact that I'm generally cold on airplanes, those few experiences where I've felt as if I were melting have taught me that layering is the only solution to varying airplane temperatures. Casual tee + loose fitting sweater = problem solved. This also applies to cheap hostels with unpredictable heating and cooling systems.

3. Tokyo Milk Gin & Rosewater Shea Butter Lotion is the most delicious smelling hand lotion I've ever owned. Not only does it smell heavenly, but it also does a pretty good job of keeping my hands moisturized during long flights and cold weather. 

4. Thank you, Parisian purse gods. My Longchamp Le Pliage Tote has been my trusty sidekick for over three years now, and it is my absolute saving grace. It can fit just about anything inside - and after all of our adventures, it's still in decent condition. This bag is a must for when you need to stuff as much as possible into one carry-on, or when you need a make-shift camera bag while sightseeing. 

5. I can't get enough of Fresh Sugar Lip Balm, my favorite lip color for on-the-go. Subtle and understated, these are perfect for powering through travel days without looking like a zombie. I alternate between the Berry and Coral colors when I'm going for the I'm still half asleep minimalist look. (Which is basically every day that I have to wake up before 8 am.)

6. I will never, ever understand the people who wear heels when they travel. For me, comfort > style every time. (... which is why I'm not a fashion blogger.) On long flights, you can find me wearing my moccasins... that is, my moccasins that bear an uncanny resemblance to slippers. Some might even go as far to say that they actually are slippers. Your call. 

7. Packing Rule #1: always bring extra socks! Since my feet are always cold on planes (and in general), I always carry a spare pair of socks in my purse to whip out once I buckle my seatbelt. No shame. 

8. Pretty iPad cases make me feel chic even when I'm reading the nerdiest of books. Plus, they're helpful for when you need to cram as much stuff as possible into your carry-on, but you don't want to scratch your tablet. (Because who knows what will end up in the chaotic abyss that is my Longchamp?)


What are your travel essentials? 
Would you add anything to this packing list?

50 comments on "Packing Essentials for the Savvy Female Traveler"
  1. Good list -- I hate packing so sometimes it's nice to have something to refer to. The only thing I would add to your list would be an empty water bottle to fill up on the other side of security! It's nice for the plane but also while out and about travelling.

    ReplyDelete
  2. God I'm such a space cadet when it comes to packing. I always always leave it to last minute and forget something important! I will definitely be using this list last time. Can you believe I almost forgot my passport for Ireland last week? Even the obvious things aren't so obvious over here in lalaland! Thanks for the great list :D

    ReplyDelete
  3. I always try to bring some grapeseed oil with me on the plane for when my skin gets dry. And I usually try to streamline my bath & body stuff by bringing multi-tasking, solid stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I always go with comfort first! Always! That's a good rule to live by when it comes to fashion. I'm definitely saving this post for my next traveling adventures. Thank you, Courtney!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks Gina! I'm glad you found it relevant!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ooh, I've never tried grapeseed oil before! I'm intrigued! My hands get SO dry during the winter, so I might have to try that out. I would also probably save a ton of room in my suitcase if I bought the multi-tasking products, but I'm too stubborn to change my beauty routine haha

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my god - I can't believe you almost forgot your passport!!! That would have been a disaster! I tend to forget things like toothpaste or deodorant, which granted aren't as important as a passport persay, but still pretty necessary. I have a hand-written version of the packing list graphic above that I've been using all year to remember what to pack! I wouldn't be able to survive without it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ooh, that's a great idea! I always forget to bring a water bottle, because generally speaking I'm pretty horrible at remembering to hydrate. Then when I'm eventually dying of thirst, I end up paying 2 euros for a bottle of water at the most inconveniently touristy and overpriced places! I should really just save myself the trouble and bring my own, haha.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks Cynthia! I have to mentally prepare myself for this 11 hour flight/20 day trip back home. Although the good news is that if I forget anything, I can just pop by TARGET!!! I totally agree with you about the second outfit in the carry-on idea. I only do this about 50% of the time though, because usually I'm more concerned with, "how many snacks from Whole Foods can I hoard in this bag?" The struggle is real.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Excellent list - I usually bring ear plugs (headphones make my ears hurt after a couple of hours) and hydrating facial wipes. The wipes are a great way to hydrate and cleanse without having to use teh tap water from the airplane (which is supposedly really gross).

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm with you on the yummy-smelling lotion on flights. Whenever I get irritated or uncomfortable, I just rub a bunch into my hands and neck. Also, I save up NPR podcasts for long trips :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Honestly, most of the time I don't do it either... I just really want to do it :) You know, good intentions.... they gotta count for something, hah. I wish you a great flight back to Sea-town!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is a great list! Even about almost 30 flights this year...I still suck at packing! Ugh, one of these days :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Good list! I wouldn't add anything, but I would say that if space or weight is an issue, leave the soap/shampoo/conditioner/sunscreen stuff behind -- you can buy that stuff in any country, usually for pretty cheap, as long as you're not particular about certain brands.

    ReplyDelete
  15. ...Idk if this is an actual thing you can pack, but always be sure to contact both your cellphone company and bank and ask about roaming fees, charges, and the like--Lord knows you don't want a nasty shock when you get home!!...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Scarf that doubles as a blanket is brilliant - you can also bunch it up for neck support if you have a window seat!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Man, I remember lusting over the Longchamp bags because they were the rage in France when I was there! Love the packing list. That's exactly how I categorize all my necessities!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks so much for featuring me this week. Such a wonderful surprise when I got to the end of your post just now and saw my name.
    I've been lusting after the tote you've featured the whole post now, especially since I have a slight obsession for all things Parisian. But how many carry-on bags can a gal have? Hmmm...maybe just one more eh? :-)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Danielle @ Seoul TapperillaDecember 17, 2014 at 3:52 AM

    Nice list! I ALWAYS pack a ton of drugs, hand sanitizer or wipes, and emergen-c. Always emergen-c and some kind of stomach medicine, because god know the stomach always loves to act up when on the go :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I LOVE the Fresh Sugar Lip Balms too! My mistake is only buying one for my 6+ months trip, so I think I need to find a Sephora somewhere to stock up on more :D. For carry-on essentials, my boyfriend swears by noise-cancelling earphones, nose spray, and jet-lag pills (though I don't see how they really help with eliminating jetlag).

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great tips! For flights I'd add some type of anti-bacterial throat lozenges - I feel like they help cut down on all the germs that are floating round! And a sleeping mask can be a life-saver on planes or in too-bright hostel rooms.

    ReplyDelete
  22. It's like we travel together! Flying almost anywhere from Australia can be taxing on your system, having a few comforts is essential. The only things I would add are mentos (chewing them during take-off and landing help with ear pressure), my own headphones (the free ones can hurt your ears a bit after a few hours) and wipes (for when you feel really gross).

    ReplyDelete
  23. Perfect timing, I am just about to start my packing list! I like yours v much x

    ReplyDelete
  24. That's a great idea! My face always feels so gross after long plane rides. I'll have to search for some good facial wipes!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oooh, good idea. If I'm going to waste 11 hours on a plane, I might as well educate myself! Haha

    ReplyDelete
  26. Nice! I've never flown with Emirates before, but their advertising makes it looks so fancy. How is it in reality?

    ReplyDelete
  27. I feel ya! Sometimes practice doesn't make perfect... which is why lists are so handy!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Good call! There's nothing worse than getting your debit card shut down in a foreign country...

    ReplyDelete
  29. I got mine in France many moons ago! I think they will always be the rage there, and I am a-okay with that :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. You're so welcome! Thanks for sharing such a relevant post last week! As a fellow Francophile, I fully support you acquiring one more carry-on bag/French bag/bag for everything in general ;)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Definitely! I always carry a mini-pharmacy with me in my purse. But I'm no good at remembering to drink Emergen-C before I fly! I should probably go do that like, right meow.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Indeed, one Sugar lip balm is not enough!! Also, what are these jet lag pills you speak of?! I usually take Melatonin, but they really don't help me thaaaat much.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oh yeah, good call! I ALWAYS get sick after long airplane rides. Something to look forward to this Christmas... hah. And you are so right about the sleeping mask! I can't survive long flights (or hostels) without one. I should have added that to the list!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Definitely - your own headphones are a must! Except mine like to break at the worst possible times, so I try to travel with a spare pair just in case!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks Holly! So glad you found it helpful :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Very true - but I'm beyond picky when it comes to beauty products, so I'm willing to sacrifice! When I fly back and forth from Seattle to Madrid, I'm almost always hauling 2-3 bottles of my favorite shampoos, conditioners, exfoliators, etc. I may have a slight problem...

    ReplyDelete
  37. Exactly! I like to bring a travel pillow for long flights, and sometimes I use my scarf/blanket as an extra armrest cushion too.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Exaaactly. And thank you! I hope you have a wonderful holiday break!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Haha! Too funny. I'm that way more in Asia because a lot of the lotions and creams have whiteners in them, and I don't need to be any paler than I already am. But I'm all about using hotel shampoos :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Good point. They are also useful if you do audio guides at tourist spots.
    Oh how I wish I was packing for a holiday right now

    ReplyDelete
  41. You convinced me! One French bag officially on my wish list. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  42. It's this homeopathic pill. It's called the Lewis N. Clark No-Jet-Lag Homeopathic Flight Fatigue Remedy (super wordy! lol). I can't give you my word that they work though! My bf seems to think so, but I think that could just be a placebo effect??

    ReplyDelete
  43. I agree! They're so classic and cute :) And why not get a long-term use out of a bag like that?!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Whitening lotion?!? Wow! If that's pretty popular, I bet you would have an impossible time finding bronzer there, huh? I think it's really interesting to see how culture affects what sort of beauty products are sold!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Definitely! Using the communal headphones for audio guides seriously grosses me out! I highly doubt they ever disinfect them!!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Interesting!! I want to give it a try, even if it's just for a placebo effect. Jet leg always affects so intensely... at this point, I'd try anything to make it go away faster!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Exactly! If they last forever, it's worth the investment! (Or at least that's how I justify my shopping addiction/poor financial decisions. Hah.)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Yeah! Treat yo'self! Or maybe Santa will be extra generous this year :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. I love this! I have to agree with your essential fly list - hand cream (and sometimes a face cream or mist) is absolutely essential, layers, a nice scarf to wrap up, the largest handbag ever to fit as many carry ons haha! Always have some extra socks on me too! Especially when I travel during summer time - because if I'm in sandals or flats, then I really want to warm up on the plane! And I completely agree - I have no idea how people travel in high heels, uncomfortable stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Yup, being pale is popular all over Asia--when I ran out of the bronzer I brought from home I had to have my sister get me a new one from the states! And everyone thought I was crazy when I came back to Korea after being in Thailand and had a tan. They couldn't believe I would purposefully darken my skin.

    ReplyDelete