If you’ve ever fallen for those “must-have travel accessories” lists only to realize half the stuff never left your suitcase, you’re not alone. There are so many travel products that look cute but take up precious space without adding real value.
As a full-time carry-on traveler, I’ve tested my fair share of travel accessories for women and can confidently say: 🚫 most of them are not worth packing. But these seven? They’ve earned their spot in my suitcase trip after trip.
These are the real MVPs—the ones that make traveling lighter, easier, and way more organized.
Not Everything is Necessary… But These 7 Are Game-Changers!
Keep reading to learn about the 7 best travel accessories for women! Let’s dive in!
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means that if you shop for certain things by clicking the links in this blog post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
1️⃣ Packing Cubes – The Secret to Staying Organized
If you’re not using packing cubes, you’re making packing harder than it needs to be. These little zippered wonders keep your clothes compact, organized, and easy to find.
Instead of rummaging through your entire suitcase to find that one top, you just grab the cube that holds your shirts.
✅ Keep clothes from shifting in your bag
✅ Help you fit more in your suitcase (without overpacking)
✅ Make packing and unpacking a breeze
Personally, the reason I use them is for space management – each packing cube has a category. I have one just for tops, and whatever fits in there is what goes with me. It’s my packing rule for staying minimal. (do make sure they’re compressible, like these ones)
But of course, packing cubes are NOT for everyone! My husband? He hates them. He thinks they’re pointless 😅 But if you love an organized suitcase and are looking for a quick and easy hack to stop overpacking, I think they help.
👉🏻 Find out if packing cubes are right for you by reading this blog post.
2️⃣ A Clear Toiletry Bag – Because Airport Security is Annoying Enough As It Is
If you travel often, you know the pain of digging through your bag for liquids at security. Enter: the clear toiletry bag.
✅ Speeds up security checks
✅ Prevents spills from ruining your clothes
✅ Keeps toiletries easy to find and grab when in hotels & Airbnbs
A clear toiletry bag is actually mandatory at a lot of European airports. They’ll make you take your toiletries out of your suitcase and put them in a clear plastic bag that they provide. Imagine a busy security line where everyone has to do this.
⭐️ But not you! You’ll already have your clear toiletry bag!
Having a clear bag ready saves you the hassle and extra stress. Just trust me on this one!
3️⃣ Travel-Sized Toiletry Bottles
Not all travel-sized bottles are created equal. Cheap ones leak or crack, leaving your bag covered in shampoo. High-quality travel toiletry bottles? Game-changers!
✅ They’re leak-proof (no suitcase disasters)
✅ You can bring your favorite shampoo, conditioner & lotion
✅ They save money—no more overpriced travel-sized products
✅ They’re TSA friendly!
And don’t underestimate how much they hold! I use these Kitsch bottles. They’re cute, don’t leak, and are great quality. I’ve been using the same ones for a year now (and I travel full time!).
👉🏻 To learn more about choosing the right toiletries depending on the kind of trip, read this blog post.
4️⃣ Crossbody Bag with a Zipper – The Ultimate Hands-Free Essential
A crossbody bag isn’t just an accessory, it’s a travel safety essential.
Whether you’re exploring a European city, navigating an airport, or grabbing coffee on a road trip, you want a hands-free, zippered bag that keeps your valuables safe and within reach.
✨ Why this is one of the best travel accessories for women:
✅ Keeps essentials secure (phone, passport, wallet)
✅ Lightweight & easy to carry all day
✅ Harder for pickpockets to access
There are so many overpriced “anti-theft” bags, but honestly, that’s just marketing. Just get a cute, neutral-colored crossbody bag that you actually love and can wear at home, too. Spend the money once, use it for a long time!
💡 Tip: When choosing the size, think about what you actually want to fit in there. I carry a travel wallet, sunglasses, lip balm, phone, and not much more than that. Anything bigger is just annoying to lug around.
🎯 Here’s the link to the one I have right now (the same as in the photo). I’ve had it for almost a year now and it’s still in GREAT shape! (it’s the only bag I own)
Stress-Free Packing Starts Here ⬇️
I know packing can still feel a little overwhelming — even with the right travel accessories. So, let me help!
Answer just two quick questions, and I’ll send you a customized packing list based on your trip length and type of trip. It’s like having me pack alongside you — making sure you have exactly what you need (and nothing you don’t).
Get started right away by answering these 2 questions:
5️⃣ A Jewelry Organizer:
Ever thrown your jewelry in a pouch thinking it would be fine, only to spend 15 minutes untangling necklaces before dinner? Yep 🙋🏻♀️.
✨ Why you need it:
✅ No more lost earrings or tangled necklaces
✅ Takes up very little space in your suitcase
✅ Makes getting ready faster
I fit at least six pairs of earrings in mine. Statement earrings instantly elevate my travel outfits without taking up any real space. If you love accessorizing, you need one of these.
6️⃣ A Chic Pashmina – The Most Underrated Travel Accessory
A pashmina is a travel MVP. It’s lightweight, packs small, and has a million uses.
Cold on the plane? Scarf.
Need a quick beach cover-up? Done.
Want to dress up a basic outfit? Voila!
✨ Ways to use a pashmina when traveling:
✅ Airplane blanket
✅ Scarf for chilly nights (and you can tie it in many ways!)
✅ Stylish cover-up for religious sites
✅ Emergency pillow (trust me, it works!)
✅ Makeshift picnic blanket
✅ Beach cover-up
✅ Chic wrap
✅ I’ve even used mine as a pillow during travel days!
A pashmina is definitely one of the best travel accessories for women because it’s practical, stylish, and endlessly versatile.
7️⃣ A Face Towel – Small but Mighty!
A face towel might not sound exciting, but it’s honestly one of the smartest travel accessories for women you can pack. It’s lightweight and takes up almost no space — but beyond that, it’s about peace of mind and comfort.
Whether you’re dealing with questionable hotel towels, unexpected skin breakouts, or trying to avoid makeup stains on Airbnb towels, having your own clean, soft towel makes a huge difference.
Plus, it feels like a little luxury on the road — something familiar and personal in an unfamiliar place. (this is very important for me as a full time traveler!)
🎯 This is just one of the 13 most commonly forgotten travel items! (you can read about the other 12 here)
✅ You know exactly where it’s been — way better than using a random hotel or Airbnb towel on your face
✅ Hotels and Airbnbs don’t always provide face towels
✅ Makeup can stain Airbnb towels, and yes, they might charge you for it
I never travel without mine. It’s such a simple item, but I swear it makes traveling so much better!
Final Thoughts: Pack Light, Travel Smart!
I know how overwhelming it can feel when every packing list out there tells you to buy all the things. But after years of traveling full-time with just a carry-on, I’ve learned that the best travel accessories for women are the ones that actually make your trip smoother, lighter, and more enjoyable — not more cluttered.
And this varies depending on the person. There’s not ‘one size fits all’.
What’s important to remember is that it’s not about having more stuff — it’s about having the right stuff.
So as you get ready for your next adventure, I hope this small list helps you focus on what really matters. Pack only what you need, travel light, and trust that you’ve got everything you need to make your trip amazing.
Wishing you easy packing, smooth travels, and unforgettable memories. ❤️
XO,
Aimara
PPS: want immediate access to all my best packing resources? Get 17 packing lists + guides for $17!
About The Author:
Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own.
I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.
Other Articles That Will Help You Pack & Travel Better:
1️⃣ The 7 most common packing mistakes women make ALL the time!
2️⃣ The BEST shoes for summer in Europe
3️⃣ The 10 WORST things I’ve ever packed, so you don’t have to!
4️⃣ The 15 BEST travel essentials for women
5️⃣ Common airport MISTAKES to avoid!
Did you find this post about 7 travel accessories for women useful? Please share it on Pinterest!
Leave a Reply