My partner and I are currently on a 6-month travel stint and so far, we have done just over one month in Thailand, 2 weeks in Laos and a week in Vietnam. Throughout this time, I have been writing down some of my travel essentials, including what I brought that has been useful and what I wish I had. I have listed them below in hopes I can help some women before they head off on their travels.
In non-western countries it can be hard to find products that we can get back home, so I made sure I brought everything I need with me from the start to help combat this. Below are a few items that I believe are essentials for women to have when travelling
Period Cup
If you are a woman who gets periods, then you will know how much of a pain they can be when travelling. I know that period cups aren’t for everyone, and I used to agree. However, I bought one with me as I knew that it might be difficult or expensive to get some good sanitary products and it has honestly been a lifesaver. I have learnt how to use it whilst we have been away, and it means you don’t need to worry about having anything else with you. Also, it can be easily carried around day to day, as it is so small. A period cup lasts you 25 years, so unless your travels are longer than this (jealous if so), it will last your whole trip. You just need to sterilize it every now and then by putting it in boiling water.
Reusable face cloth for makeup removal
I have often found it very difficult to get make up wipes whist I have been away an as an avid user of them, I have been super glad that I bought two reusable face cloths with me, where all you have to do is add water and you can easily remove your make up. I have found that one cloth can last me 2 to 3 days and once used you can just add these to your laundry to be cleaned.
Long dress with sleeves
In Southeast Asia and other parts of the world, temples are a plenty, so it is always handy to have a long dress with sleeves with you in case you stumble across one and need to cover up. You can also bring a tie around skirt; however you need to cover up your shoulders whilst at temples so sometimes that isn’t always as handy. Obviously trousers are also an option, however in most countries I have found it too hot to wear them!
Over the shoulder strap bag
An over the shoulder strappy bag is brilliant to have with you for when you are walking around in the day or at night time. It means it is harder to grab off of you, as it is more secure to your body. It is also handy to have when you are actually travelling to have your passports handy and other travel documents and essentials within your reach.
Power charger
There is nothing worse than being in an unfamiliar place and your phone dies. A good power charger is essential for travelling in my eyes. We have a pretty hefty one that has around 10 charges in it, which has come in handy on long journeys, when there are power cuts or when plug sockets are limited in our accommodation. However, it might also be useful to have a smaller one that can fit in your day bag if you are out and about and just need to make sure your phone stays charged up.
Multi plug world adapters
Multi plug world adapters are perfect for travelling as they allow you to charge multiple things at once. These have come in really handy for us when we are in accommodation that doesn’t have a lot of sockets. The ones we have, have 4 charging ports.
An electronic organiser case
If you are carrying quite a few chargers and electronics, it is probably a good idea you have an electronic organiser with you. We have one and it means that all our wires are kept together and protected whilst travelling around.
Some travel beauty products and essentials
Almost all make up, sun cream and beauty products have whitening chemicals in them in Southeast Asia, which is really sad to see. I am really glad that I packed 2 of my foundation bottles to last me a couple of months and some moisturiser, which luckily, I only sparingly use because it is too hot to wear it anyway. If you have some beauty essentials, it might be worth stocking up on some travel bottles if you are able to fit it in your travel bag. You are obviously able to buy some products that don’t have whitening chemicals in it, but they will be much more expensive and harder to find.
A travel washbag organiser
We have travel washbags that have multiple compartments, so it is easy to pack and find things like sun cream, shampoo and toothpaste etc. They have come in so handy and ours can even hang up, so it is easier to see everything in there and keep it all in one place.
Thick sandals
This is not an essential, however it is very important to have shoes that are comfortable to wear in the day if you are walking around a lot. It was often too hot to wear trainers, so having a pair of cushioned and comfortable sandals really comes in handy.
Toilet roll or tissues
In South East Asia plumbing is not as robust. This means that you are unable to put toilet roll down the toilet and therefore a lot of public bathrooms will not provide it. We also found that hotels and hostels were very stingy with it and we ran out quite often, so It is always handy to have some toilet roll or tissues with you wherever you go. You can easily buy toilet paper and tissues from shops whilst away, so don’t worry about stocking up before you jet off, just make sure you have some with you day to day.
Waterproof covers
Downpours can often happen, especially if you are visiting somewhere in their rainy season, so in order to keep all of your stuff dry, especially when travelling around, you will need a waterproof bag cover. I can’t tell you how many times these have come in handy for us.
More underwear than you think you need
I bought 10 pairs with me, I now have about 7 and it has only been a month and a half. I assume this is because either I have left them in hotel rooms, or they have been lost at a laundrette. If you are able to, then I would bring a few more pairs than you think you need. This goes for socks as well, although to be honest I have barely worn socks since we got here and just worn sandals.
A rape alarm
Unfortunately, if you are a woman, and especially if you are a solo traveller it is a good idea to have a rape alarm with you that you can carry in your bag day and night when you are out and about as a safety precaution.
Those are all my travel essentials! Do you have anymore to add? Please let us know in the comments below!
Without A Paddle Travel 