The Ultimate PACKING LIST for FEMALE TRAVELERS
It can be overwhelming to plan your trip abroad for a week, month or year without prior experience. Eight years ago, I was in the same position, but I have the benefit of hindsight and experience on all continents (except Antarctica)! I might have finally figured out the female packing list thing.
I have learned that you can travel anywhere with just a few basic items.
I have used these favourite products and methods for almost eight years. They make the perfect packing list. You can mix and match to take what you need. Enjoy!
What bag should you bring?
Do you prefer a backpack to a suitcase? It all depends on where you are going and how long it will take.
Backpacks are a great option because they allow me to move around easily. (Truth be told, it is no fun to drag a suitcase up a flight of stairs with wheels!). It is also nice to not have your luggage wait at the airport when you arrive.
People often fear carrying a backpack on their backs will cause pain. But if the right backpack fits you, you’ll be fine. Because everyone is different, I recommend you test out backpacks with weights in person (REI shops are great for this).
These are the tried-and-true staples that I carry with me everywhere I go.
- I carry a 65L REI backpack that is large enough to hold all my belongings, even some hiking gear.
- These Pacsafe messenger bags I use as a day bag, especially in cities like Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City, where motorbike thieves are a constant threat. Or, in Europe or South America, where people will try to zip your purse when they’re distracted. The strap is wired, and the colours aren’t too flashy. It also has hidden pockets that prevent RFID readers from reading passport or credit card information. The zippers are a lock.
- Eagle Creek packing cubes have been my best friend in organizing and compressing my clothes.
- I carry large cameras and a laptop in an electronic backpack that I lock with zippers. I keep it in my front pocket.
What Clothes Should You Bring?
Don’t worry about packing a complete wardrobe if you travel to places like India and Southeast Asia, where clothing is very cheap. Nearly every girl I met in these regions wore clothes she bought on the way. It will be appropriate for the climate and won’t cost you more than $3-6 USD per item.
You might not find affordable clothing in Europe, Oceania or elsewhere, so ensure you have everything you need. These packing suggestions will help you:
Hot Environments
- A selection of 5-7 simple, thin tank tops or T-shirts that you can mix and match with other bottoms
- 2-3 pairs of shorts in varying lengths (avoid the denim in humid areas, it takes a while to dry).
- 2 long skirts or dresses
- 2-3 pairs of leggings and pants in light cotton
- 1 set of sleepwear
- You will need enough underwear to last at least one week. I recommend 7 pairs of panties, 2 bras and 2 sports bras.
- 2 sets of interchangeable swimwear
- 2 pairs of socks, 1 pair of socks normal for hiking
- 1 pair of running or hiking shoes
- 1 pair of flip-flops (jandals or thongs) or sandals
- A hat with a wide brim to shade your face, and sunglasses
- A big scarf or sarong is a good choice for modest dresses and colder evenings.
Temperate Environments
- 2-3 tank tops for layering
- Layering: 2-3 long-sleeved shirts
- 2-3 T-shirts
- 2-3 tunic shirts or dresses (that can be worn with leggings)
- 1 set of sleepwear
- 1 pair of jeans, or thick pants
- A couple of pairs of shorts in varying lengths
- 1 – 2 pairs of leggings
- You will need enough underwear to last at least one week. I recommend 7 pairs of panties, 2 bras and 2 sports bras.
- 4 pairs of socks, one for sports shoes, and one for boots
- One pair of boots or closed-toed shoes (wear in transit to conserve space).
- 1 pair of running or hiking shoes
- 1 pair of flip-flops (jandals or thongs) or sandals
- 1 Jacket, preferably waterproof for all occasions
Cold Environments
- Layering: 3-4 long-sleeved shirts
- 2 Thermal Shirts
- 2-3 sweaters or sweater dresses
- 1 pair of jeans, or thick pants
- Layering: 2-3 pairs of leggings
- 1 set of sleepwear
- You will need enough underwear to last at least one week. I recommend 7 pairs of panties, 2 bras and 2 sports bras.
- 7 pairs of thick socks
- 1 pair of Snow Boots
- 1 heavy coat
- 1 pair gloves
- 1 scarf
- 1 beanie or winter hat
Toiletries to bring
It’s easy to find shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and soap. These products are also used by ladies abroad!
Pantene products and Dove products are universal. Except for some remote areas, like tiny islands or extremely poor regions where people subsistence-farm for their livelihood, basic toiletries can be found easily on the roads.
The following items are on my basic toiletry packing lists:
- 1 Hanging Toiletry Bag
- Refillable travel containers (shampoo and conditioner, body wash, facial soap, and body wash)
- Facial moisturizer
- Razor refills
- Extra contacts
- You can use birth control to limit the length of your trip (if available) or monitor your cycle using an app like Period. Condoms are also available worldwide.
- Ibuprofen
- A travel first aid kit
- Toothpaste, toothpaste, and floss
- Minimum one deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Tweezers
- An eyeglasses repair kit
- Nail clippers
- Makeup
- 1 palette of eyeshadows (though I prefer to be makeup-free in hot weather!)
- 1 light powder foundation with bronzer
- 1 mascara and eyeliner
Prescriptions can be difficult to travel with. It all depends on what you need and how much money you have. There are no one-size fits all approach. Talk to your doctor about how much you can get and how you can best transport it.