Essential Travel Accessories for Women on the Road

Certain travel accessories for women are absolutely essential when you travel - they're of the 'don't leave home without them' variety.

When you travel, certain basic things will probably travel with you - but are you sure you have everything you need?

A complete travel list
One of the most important items in my travel arsenal is my travel packing list. I'd rather get it right from the start, and the list saves a huge amount of time by turning packing into an organized activity.

And something to pack it in!
That would involve choosing a women's backpack and believe me, not all packs are made alike. This should be one of your most important purchases! And if you're not backpacking, your luggage may well determine whether your trip is a joy or a slog.

Something to write in
It's not strictly for women of course but as women we tend to want to share our feelings more, and also tend to write more when we're on the road. Despite the availability of computers, I still find writing a travel journal one of my most rewarding travel activities and I'd never leave without mine.

Speaking of computers
The jury is still out on whether you should travel with one but if you do, make sure it's the best travel laptop for your needs. Carrying a heavy bulky antique is something I've done before and I don't recommend it. The best laptop will be light, sturdy, with a legible screen.

The best clothes for travel
Women's travel clothing is among the most important of all travel accessories for women: women's hiking boots that fit, sturdy but soft hiking sandals, the perfect travel skirt, comfortable travel bras and long-lasting travel underwear.

Tiny toiletries
These days your toiletries have to fit into minuscule bottles if you have any intention of flying. The good news is you'll find most basics anywhere so you don't have to take it all with you. Just take along what you know you won't find elsewhere: special creams and lotions, your favorite toothpaste...

Health and hygiene stuff
Your own prescriptions of course (including for glasses or contacts!) but also specific travel accessories for women - sanitary pads, tampons, painkillers - if you're not sure of what to take have a look at my travel personal hygiene tips.

Places to keep your money safe...
Money is one thing you'll have to keep a close watch on, but thankfully there are plenty of money-related travel accessories for women on the market, ranging from an attractive travel money belt to a convenient leg or neck wallet (I go for the belt).

...and yourself safe
Safety is always something I keep in mind when I travel, and simple things like a flashlight, a Swiss Army knife, a travel mosquito net, a first aid kit checklist or a personal locator beacon always make me feel safer.

Then there are convenient things
These are the little things that make your trip so much better, things like a great travel towel or a non-run pen or one of those little handheld electronic translators that are increasingly replacing language phrasebooks.

And don't forget the gadgets!
Even if someone thinks you're flashpacking, there are things no self-respecting woman on the road would go without. Do all travelers carry travel cameras? Or cellphones? What about the perfect-fit backpack designed specifically for women? And my own favorite (which I got as a Christmas present): a Kindle! If you've never heard of this before (where have you been?), it's an electronic book, larger than an iPhone but smaller than an iPad. It carries up to 1500 books - enough for several round-the-world trips.