Travel Essentials for Women: Things to Take on a Long Haul-Flight
- Naureen Chhipa
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
One of the most challenging aspects of travel is enduring those lengthy long-haul flights. My longest nonstop flight, a grueling 16 hours, was only survivable because I had all my travel essentials to keep me comfortable and at ease. Taking a few moments to organize yourself before a flight can make a world of difference. So, without further ado, I'm here to share some travel essentials for women and things to take on a long-haul flight. These items will not only ensure your comfort but also provide a sense of relief and preparedness when traveling abroad! Here's your complete travel essentials list curated from my favorite Amazon must-haves + travel tips to make your flight and trip as enjoyable as possible.
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My longest nonstop flight, a grueling 16 hours, was only survivable because I had all my travel essentials to keep me comfortable and at ease.
Travel Essentials for Women: Things to Take with You on a Long-Haul Flight (Amazon Travel Must-Haves)
Essential Travel Items at a Glance
Best Travel Gear for Women
When it comes to traveling, comfort is essential. I prefer clothing that allows me to move freely, like flowy pants, wide-leg rompers, and matching two-piece sets. These outfits are not only comfortable and stylish with minimal effort, but they also serve a practical purpose, making you feel prepared and efficient. Adding accessories, such as oversized sunglasses, can further elevate the outfit. Dressing in layers that I can easily add or remove, depending on the temperature inside the airplane or at the airport, is a smart and efficient way to pack. Another tip for saving luggage space is to wear your bulkiest shoes on your travel day instead of packing them. If I'm traveling during fall/winter, I opt for low-heel boots; if I'm traveling during spring/summer, I'll usually wear comfy sneakers.
Shop the Look at a Glance
Comfortable Luggage & Carry-On Bags
When it comes to choosing travel bags, I use a backpack for about 80% of my travels. The freedom it provides, especially when navigating Europe's cobbled streets, is unparalleled. However, there are certain exceptions. I prefer a rolling hard-shell carry-on suitcase for weekend trips lasting about 4 days. Not only does it look more sophisticated, but it is also very convenient for short-term travel.
To complement the carry-on, I bring a personal item bag that can fit my laptop, camera, and other essentials for immediate use during the flight. I rely on my backpack as the primary travel companion for trips lasting a week or more. I particularly favor backpacks with back-support straps, as they distribute the weight evenly across my shoulders and back, making long journeys more manageable.
The only scenario in which I would consider using a traditional checked-size suitcase with wheels is when I plan to rent a car for the entire trip. In such cases, it makes sense to go with regular luggage, since I won't need to carry my bags for most of the time.
Shop Amazon Luggage Sets at a Glance
Packing Cubes | Luggage Packing Essentials
Consider using packing cubes and organizers when you travel! These handy tools can help you save significant space in your luggage, allowing you to pack efficiently and skip the hassle of sorting through your belongings at your destination. Initially, I was skeptical about using them; I would think, "Are they really necessary?" But after trying them, I found them indispensable. Not only do they keep my clothes, toiletries, and accessories neatly organized throughout my trip, but they also serve as convenient containers for dirty laundry. In my experience, packing cubes and organizers are truly a game-changer, making me feel more organized and efficient on my travels!
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In-Flight Travel Essentials for Women
What's inside my [personal item] bag?
When choosing a personal item bag for your flight, remember that it should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Its dimensions should be 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). I prefer bags with a zipper for extra security. In my bag, I pack an electric adapter, a power bank, my camera, wired headphones for in-flight entertainment, a refillable water bottle (which I fill after passing through security), a foldable neck pillow, a phone holder for the plane, lip balm, moisturizing hand cream, and a good book. For overnight flights, I also pack deodorant, socks, and a toothbrush kit for freshening up after landing.
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Luggage Packing Essentials | Beauty Travel Essentials for Women + Accessories
What's inside my [Carry-on] bag?
I rarely check my luggage, so I pack everything in my carry-on bag. By saving space and using compression cubes, I can easily fit up to three weeks' worth of clothing in my backpack. I only take whatever fits in my toiletry bag for beauty accessories, hair, and makeup. If it doesn't fit, it's not coming with me! For hair, I love a microfiber towel wrap for a quick dry, a mini flat iron, hair ties, bobby pins, and the occasional headscarf.
Regarding makeup, I prefer products with SPF and tend to go for neutral colors so I can pack very minimally. I'll also bring a quick-dry beach towel if we're visiting a beach destination, sun hats, and the outfits I'll be wearing. I usually stay at boutique hotels, and they'll have shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and soap. If you have a favorite brand that works best for your skin and hair, I recommend finding a travel-size version and always bringing plenty of sunblocks for the face and body, mosquito repellent, and a first-aid kit.
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Travel Packing List | Traveling Essentials for Women Check List
Travel Tips
When I travel abroad, I have found that I get the best exchange rate by withdrawing money from a local bank's ATM once I arrive. Nowadays, you can also pay with credit cards. I recommend using a card with no foreign transaction fee. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is my top choice for a travel credit card. You can click here to see how I travel for free using my credit card points. Despite being able to use your credit card almost everywhere, you'll still want some local cash on you to pay for hole-in-the-wall restaurants or street vendors that are usually cash-only. When traveling, remember the daily ATM limit for your destination to avoid getting your card stuck in the machine, and always be vigilant about your surroundings.
When it comes to safety during travel, I make it a point to minimize the attention I might attract. I opt for understated jewelry to avoid drawing unnecessary notice to myself. Additionally, when traveling alone, I only post my whereabouts on social media after leaving a particular location. This slight delay in sharing ensures that I am not inadvertently revealing my current location to potential threats.
Thanks so much for reading. Till next time!
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