Comfort Meets Function: 10 Travel Must-Haves for Women

Traveling is complicated for most people, but even more so for women: We have periods, and we sit down to pee. We also have to carry the right outfit for every situation, while worrying about safety, modesty, and the occasional nightclub dress code. 

Whether backpacking across Latin America or road tripping through Iceland, there are certain tools and items every woman traveler should remember to pack. Here’s a list of the helpful items to pack to keep you safe, clean, healthy, fashionable, and well-fed.

1. Period Panties

Conventional menstrual products, like tampons and pads, can take up a heck of a lot of room in your suitcase or backpack. To make matters more difficult, it can be impossible to find the products you need — or embarrassing, due to tampon taboos.

A few pairs of period underwear can fold sleekly in with the rest of your clothing and save you time and awkward drugstore visits. For heavier flows, bring a reusable menstrual cup or disc, and wear it with your period panties.

2. Pee Funnel

If you’re doing a lot of hiking, or traveling in a country where toilet access is limited, you’ll definitely want to bring a standing pee funnel. These ingenious devices let you go like a man — up against a tree, in a bottle, wherever.

If you have mobility limitations, a pee funnel can make traveling in countries with squat toilets a lot more accessible. They can also protect your privacy, prevent you from touching dirty seats, or keep you from having to crawl out of your tent on cold nights.

Pro tip: If you haven’t used one before, it’s a good idea to practice at home. Many brands recommend trying it out in the shower for easy clean up.

3. Travel Towel

In the book The Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy, a towel is considered the most important thing a traveler can carry. It can be used for all sorts of purposes, from lying down, keeping warm, or even sailing a mini-raft.

In the real world, a quick-dry travel towel is super-useful for impromptu beach trips, picnics, or just drying out long hair. It can also double as a privacy curtain on a bunk bed, especially when used in conjunction with a sarong (see next section).

4. Shawl (aka Scarf, Sarong, or Pashmina)

Some people say to pack either a shawl or a towel, but if you’ve got the space, it’s best to bring one of each. A cute shawl can dress up an otherwise ordinary outfit or act as a modesty scarf when visiting religious sites.

In the desert, it can help keep the sand out of your facial orifices and the sun from burning up your skin. It can also double as a blanket on a long plane, train, or bus ride — or a pillow, if you roll it up just right. 

5. Power Bank or Portable Phone Charger

Strictly speaking, every traveler should carry a power bank, but for women it can be more important. Your phone always needs to be charged, in case you need to call for help, transportation, or other assistance.

If you’re doing a lot of hiking or camping, or spending time outside, a solar charger might be a good option. Otherwise, bring along one or two small stick chargers, and toss one in your purse, pocket, money belt, or backpack.

6. Condoms

Condoms abroad may not always be manufactured to the same safety standards as the ones in your home country. If you plan to fool around, consider bringing your own supply to avoid any unwanted accidents.

Buying condoms in other countries can also be embarrassing, especially if there are taboos or you don’t know the language. Either way, don’t count on that hot guy you decide to have a one night stand with to come prepared with his own pack.

7. Chafe Stick or Shorts

If you’ve got thick thighs, don’t forget to stash something in your kit for managing the inevitable chub rub. You’ll be walking more than usual, and if you’re hanging out in a skirt or bathing suit, that rash can be serious business.

Some companies make special chafe sticks to rub on your inner thighs, though regular deodorant or baby powder can do the trick. A pair of bike shorts can provide a thicker layer of protection — and help keep your privates private in short skirt scenarios.

8. Packing Cubes & Toiletry Bag (with Hook)

What’s a girl to do when there’s no place to set out her makeup for the evening or put all of her clothes in different drawers? Putting together the perfect going-out-outfit can be downright impossible when you can’t sort out or see everything you have.

A good set of different sized packing cubes can help you keep your closet organized, even when you’re getting dressed on a hostel floor. For makeup and hair accessories, use a toiletry bag with a hook that you can hang off the side of your bunk.

9. Travel Bidet

With long days of walking and overnight train or bus rides, staying clean can be a real afterthought. Things can get gross real fast, especially down there, especially if you’ve got your period or tummy troubles.

A travel bidet is a little device you can use to squirt water on yourself after using the bathroom (or the bushes). They can help keep you fresh in almost any situation — and save you money on toilet paper in paid public restrooms.

10. Stomach Meds

Speaking of tummy troubles, no matter where you’re going, it pays to have medications for all kinds of stomach issues. Whether you’re prone to traveler’s diarrhea, bloating and gas, or cramps, bring whatever usually works for you.

Charcoal pills and Imodium are two traveler favorites, especially for managing food- and water-bourne illnesses. If you run out, consult a pharmacist — or ask a friendly local about their favorite soothing teas and other remedies.

It’s a Girl’s World

Traveling comfortably is extra hard as a woman, since you’ve got so much more to think about. You always have to be on guard for your privacy and safety, while managing an extra set of bodily functions. All that said, as a woman, you’re probably used to carrying a purse full of meds, makeup, and other emergency items. Long distance travel is no different — it just takes a little more prep and a few extra liters of bag space.