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Travel Essentials to Pack for Women: The Ultimate Packing Checklist

What to pack in your travel backpack, ladies

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  • 23 April 2019
  • • 7 min read

Packing a travel backpack can be hard work - but not anymore. Need a packing checklist for your backpacking adventure around Europe? We’ve got you ladies covered with our ultimate Travel Packing List for Women so you don’t forget any essentials, and so you know exactly what to pack in your travel backpack. Whether you’re going interrailing with friends or exploring Europe solo, these are the Travel Essentials you simply can’t forget. Use the list and tick each item off one by one once it’s packed. Boys, if you need a packing checklist, head to 


EUROS

Don’t forget to go to your local currency exchange and take out some euros. Your best bet is finding a currency exchange that gives you the best rate. Once you have the cash, don’t forget to pack it in either in your hand luggage or travel backpack (or in both).


A VALID PASSPORT

You won’t get too far without this bad boy. Always be sure to check the expiry date on your passport at least one month before your trip (to give you time to apply for a new one if you have to). If you’re from the EU, you can travel anywhere in Europe up to the expiry date however if you’re travelling outside of the EU some countries expect an EU passport to be valid for at least 6 months prior to the expiry date. If you’re unsure, just do some research about the passport regulations in the country that issued your passport as well as the country you’re travelling to.


SUNGLASSES

Perfect to shade yourself the sun, to look cool in a photo and also to mask a hangover. Sunglasses are a saviour. Our favourite (and affordable) sunglasses for women at the moment are just £10. We love these  round sunnies from Asos . As well as this chic  cat eye style.


GLASSES/CONTACT LENSES (AND CLEANER)

These are items we often take for granted but would be a nightmare if we forgot to pack. When you’re travelling Europe, don’t miss any special moments due to poor eyesight. Whether you wear glasses or contact lenses, pack them and embrace every sight, landscape or scenery you come across in full HD.


TANGLE TEEZER

Our hair gets so tangled after a day sightseeing and I’m sure you guys have the same problem. That’s why we swear by a tangle teezer as the ultimate travel accessory to pack in your day bag. A tangle teezer is great for thick, curly locks as well as thin straight hair. Detangling has never been easier.


ENOUGH GOING OUT CLOTHES

You don’t want to overpack and cram your travel backpack with too many clothes. But you do want some cool stuff to wear out, too. Pack enough tops and skirts/trousers/dresses that you can mix and match for any partying you plan to do. Try and keep your going out clothes more lightweight as they will be easier to pack and makes more room for the heavier things.


MOISTURISER

Goodbye dry skin. Whatever the weather, cold or warm, moisturiser will come to the rescue and hydrate your skin on the road. Moisturise every day, even more so if your skin is feeling super dry in colder weather. If you are going somewhere a little colder and you prone to dry skin, we recommend Aveeno or E45 cream. And that brings us onto our next travel essential...


SUN PROTECTING LOTION

Wear your SPF! It’s great to get some vitamin D but travelling in the summer also exposes your skin to the sun’s harsh rays so protect yourself and wear sun lotion/sunblock every day. If you tend to get itchy/prickly skin in the summer, try the Eucerin Sun Protection gel. You can also buy SPF foundations to really help protect your skin.


MAKEUP REMOVER

Anyone else hate the feeling of waking up with makeup still on? Makeup remover or wipes are a travel essential that will leave you feeling fresh before you go to sleep. Wipes are great for travelling because they’re disposable and easy to pack. A foamy face wash is also a great product to really clean your skin from the day’s activities and pollution.


FLIP FLOPS

They’ll come in handy when using the hostel’s communal showers. Thank us later.

Only you know your essential makeup items that form your daily makeup routine. Pack what you need and don’t go overboard. Try and fit all of your facial cosmetics into one makeup bag and you’re good to go! If you’re only carrying hand luggage make sure all of your liquids are 100ml or less and can squeeze into one small plastic seal bag.


HAND SANITISER

This will probably come in handy on your travels, especially before and after meals when you can give your hands a quick refresh.


REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

Do your bit for the planet and carry a reusable water bottle. Fill it up on the go and stay hydrated whilst exploring a new city. Make sure you can drink the tap water in the city you’re in first before you refill your bottle.


SANITARY PADS/TAMPONS

You’ll always be able to find pads in Europe, whatever city you’re in. But if you know you’ll be due on during your travels, be prepared and pack your favourite pads/tampons for the road and you’ll be all the more thankful. It will save you the hassle of finding sanitary products in a new city.


PACKET OF TISSUES

This is just in case you use a public bathroom that has no loo roll. Tissues are a Godsend in these scenarios.


PHONE CHARGER/PORTABLE CHARGER

Don’t forget to pack your phone charger! Saves you buying a new one at the airport (which is not cheap, let’s be honest). With a portable charger, you’ll never have to worry about losing phone battery again. Just whip out your portable charger in the middle of the city and voila, your set.


UNDIES

Our advice. Always pack a couple more undies than you’ll actually need.


SOCKS

An essential part of your footwear. Stock up on enough ankle socks before your trip so that you have a fresh pair to wear every day.


ANY MEDICATION

Including the pill. Don't forget the pill.


PACKING CUBES

If you’re carrying a travel backpack or a suitcase, then think about investing in packing cubes. If you haven’t already discovered this amazing product, these cubes divide up your packing into different bags, making it easier to find what you’re looking for when you need it. Organisation at its finest. You can buy packing cubes from Amazon,  are favourites from £14.99.


CAP/SUN HAT

Whether caps are your thing or you prefer a straw sun hat, either will come in handy when you’re in the scorching heat.


HAIRSPRAY

Hairspray is an optional travel item but if you have extra room in your backpack, go for it.


DRY SHAMPOO

When you’re on the road, it can be hard to wash your hair as regularly as you normally would. But to keep it refreshed in the meantime, dry shampoo has you covered. It will give your hair a temporary clean in between washes and all the grease will disappear. We like the Batiste dry shampoo which you can find in Boots or Superdrug. Dry shampoo also adds some extra volume to you hair making it look extra bouncy.


NAIL VARNISH/REMOVER

It’s probably easier to leave your nails au natural when travelling so you don’t have to worry about them chipping on the road. But if you simply love a bit of colour on your nails, then pack one varnish, a remover and cotton buds to last you the whole trip.


STRAIGHTENERS/CURLERS

Take one or the other to save space. It’s always nice to have a little luxury on the road so straighteners or curlers are great to pack for days when you feel like making a little extra effort or to battle the humidity.


TRAINERS

They’re comfortable to walk in, run in, to cycle in, even to club in! So many bars and clubs around Europe are chilled enough to allow trainers. Plus, you’ll want some comfy footwear for all that sightseeing you’ll be doing. We recommend wearing your trainers to the airport because they can be quite bulky to pack.

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