Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Michela
Packing can be one of the most exciting and stressful parts of trip planning. It’s fun to jump into your closet and choose what you are going to wear at a new, beautiful destination. However, it can also be super stressful trying to remember the little things that are just as important as the outfits you’ll be wearing. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the 10 things female travelers – aka things YOU forget to pack!
There are so many things going on when planning a trip that at least some of the necessities will slip your mind when packing. And if you’re like me, you often leave packing to the last minute, which doesn’t help you to remember small stuff!
Instead, add these essential things you forget to pack to your packing list and be prepared ahead of time.
I’ve suggested my travel favorites of these items to help you out, as well as extra packing tips!
Pair this post with all the essentials in my Girl Boss Packing & Styling guide, free in The Travel Library!
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The 10 Things Girls Forget to Pack
1. Makeup Remover
There’s nothing more annoying than getting to a destination, wanting to relax, redo your makeup or literally just pass out on the bed – and then you realize you don’t have makeup remover.
I personally think makeup wipes are the easiest to travel with.
You can throw them in your carry on to freshen up after surviving a long-haul flight.
Plus, I prefer it over liquid makeup removers for two reasons. Firstly, if you have it in your carry-on then you won’t have to worry about messing with extra liquids when going through airport security!
Secondly, you have no worries about something spilling in your bag.
They also come in tons of packaging sizes as well to fit your trip. My budget-friendly favorites are Neutrogena wipes, either as the standard refill pack or in the singles pack.
2. Medications/The Pill
Obviously this won’t apply to every girl, but for those who are taking contraception or any medication, it can be so easy to overlook when packing for a trip.
Be sure to order enough beforehand for your trip and keep it with you when you fly!
You don’t want to pack any medications in a checked bag just in case your luggage gets lost. Always pack medications in your carry-on!
Also, if you’re on the pill, I recommend tracking it with the My Pill app and having that downloaded on your phone before your trip. It adjusts to the time zone you are traveling to so you continue to take it at the right time.
Of course, I’m not a doctor, so be sure to understand your medication and when you’re supposed to take it.
You can also check some of the other best apps out there for female travelers!
3. Correct Undergarments
A lot of times when I’m packing, I throw in my cutest clothes and go!
Only to find I have a strapless dress, a sheer top, white pants – and one black bra and colorful underwear.
You can see the problem here…
I’m so focused on the outfits that I almost always forget to inventory what kinds of undergarments I’ve packed to go with them. It’s one of those things you forget to pack that you notice at the totally wrong moment when you get to your destination and have to find a last-minute solution.
Don’t forget a strapless bra, nude-colored undergarments, bralettes, breast petals, and dress tape, if necessary.
Target and Amazon have one of my favorite brands for special undergarments that’s also budget-friendly, called Fashion Forms.
One of my favorites is a backless, strapless plunge bra for dresses that are backless and/or low cut in the front!
Moral of the story: do your undergarment research! I’d love to write a full post on travel undergarment essentials to keep you girls covered – let me know in the comments if that’s something you’d like to see!
4. Feminine Hygiene Products
You should know when it’s coming and going, but the time of the month can sneak up on you!
Often you’re also planning trips far in advance and you’re not thinking about your cycle.
I suggest to always take a few feminine products with you on a trip for emergencies. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may or may not have easy access to a local pharmacy or the products you’re comfortable using.
Also, don’t forget to bring a little makeup bag or pouch to store them in, that way everything’s kept private and organized while you’re traveling!
5. Mirror
Let’s just be real, hotel mirrors and lighting do not cut it for doing makeup or hair.
You need some kind of portable mirror to be able to take in front of natural lighting to see the best and get an accurate view of how your styling and makeup looks!
I tend to rely on the mirrors in makeup palettes, but I often forget to make sure I’ve packed one. So, sometimes I don’t have any palettes with mirrors!
Luckily, there are tons of affordable travel mirrors. Or just make sure you pack a palette with one!
6. Perfume
I absolutely love perfume but it’s usually at the back of my mind while I’m packing. It’s typically more difficult to pack since bottles are glass and bulky.
To fix this problem, opt for easy to travel with rollerball perfumes that don’t have such delicate packaging.
The best solution, however, is to use a travel atomizer. Simply pour the scent into the atomizer and you have a travel-friendly version of your favorite perfume!
7. Hair Ties
Leaving for a trip and forgetting hair ties is so frustrating! Pack a few in your purse, in your carry on, and in your normal toiletry bag so you always have some on hand.
I also love to grab a little pouch and just grab a clump of each hair accessory – hair ties, scrunchies, and bobby pins! That way it’s just taken care of as one of the first things I’ve packed and I don’t have to think about it!
8. Tweezers
You never know when you need tweezers. It’s one of those things you forget to pack because you didn’t think you’d need them. But you do know you’ll be so frustrated when you need them and don’t have them!
I do my brows myself so I just fix them as I go along. If I notice on vacation they’ve gotten out of hand, I need my tweezers & scissors!
I recommend buying just a little eyebrow & manicure tool kit to take with you while you travel so you have every little accessory you could need.
Hairbrush & Hair Towel
On my last vacation, I forgot my hairbrush. Needless to say, I got my inspiration for this post!
Leave bulky paddle brushes at home if you can and opt for slimmer boar bristle brushes if your hair allows it.
Another travel essential for women you might not know about is the Turbie Twist! I’ve been obsessed with this hair towel for years in my daily life and am even more obsessed with it when I travel.
This thin microfiber towel perfectly wraps up my wet hair so I don’t have to uncomfortably wrap it in a hotel towel or leave it down, dripping all over me.
Belt
I’m sure there are more things you forget to pack as a female traveler, but I’m rounding off the essentials with probably one of the most forgotten accessories – a belt!
Save your waist and all those cute jeans you packed by throwing a belt in your suitcase. Even if you don’t think you need one or it won’t go with your outfit, just bring it in case.
Belts aren’t bulky in most cases to pack and they could save you from a whole lot of discomfort!
Girls, let me know what I’ve forgotten from this list by leaving a comment!
Add this to your trip planning Pinterest board so you can reference this list while you pack!
I hope this was a fun and relatable read that will help you prepare better for your next vacay!
XOXO
Michela
Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!
