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Remember the Bic Pen For Her debacle of 2012? Or the "lady-friendly" Doritos idea of 2018? While women don't need pens in “cute” colors or chips with minimal crunch and crumbs, we do want products that address specific needs on the road—like a hiking backpack that properly fits our frame, or period products that allow us to travel with fewer items, and worry less about where to dispose of said items. We tapped women in the travel community, as well as our own Condé Nast Traveler editors, to cull together a list of products designed for women that actually make a frequent traveler's life less stressful and more convenient. Shop these picks below, and then find more great gear from women-owned brands.
- For the urban explorer
- For the adventure travelers and athletes
- For traveling on your period
- For the corporate jet-setter
- More great travel products for women
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meaghan Kenny and Paris Wilson.
For the urban explorer
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Universal Standard is one of our go-tos for basics because of its inclusive sizing and plethora of options. These slightly stretchy skinny jeans, perfect for a day of exploring a new city are no different. They come in sizes 00 to 40, five different washes from black to distressed blue, in mid- and high-rise options, and in regular, tall, and petite lengths. Our favorite part of Universal Standard's line is that most of its jeans are eligible for its Fit Liberty program, with lets you exchange your jeans should you go up or down a size within a year of purchase.
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If you're swapping out jeans for shorts or a dress, female-founded Megababe's thigh chafe stick is a lifesaver on long walks through city streets, no matter the season, and is an absolute must for beach trips or theme park visits. The balm-like formula allows your thighs to glide past each other while aloe, pomegranate, and grapeseed oils keep your skin hydrated. (We also love the natural, aluminum free deodorant available on Amazon or at Target.)
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Safety remains a concern for women on the road, and that fear can be heightened for women of color and trans women. But there are ways to be prepared and feel more secure. “As a woman who travels the world, I like using this door stopper for extra security,” says Gerry Isabelle, a travel influencer and writer of the Dominican Abroad blog. “It sits against your hotel door so that if someone tries to open it, the friction against the floor stops the door, plus a loud alarm will go off. This helps me sleep with extra peace of mind when I solo travel.”
For the adventure travelers and athletes
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This swimwear comes recommended by senior editor Megan Spurrell, who says: “The Seaa wetsuits are just so clearly made by women, for women. The cuts on everything from spring suits to short-and-jacket combos hug my body in just the right way and, from talking to other surfers, seem to do the same for a range of body types. I also love how they are made out of a plant-based neoprene alternative, Yulex (much better for the environment!).” Spurrell has tried a number of suits from different brands and says “none of the others feel this good—no wonder women regularly come up to me on the beach and tell me how much they love The Seaa too.”
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As a pretty consistent runner, I've spent a lot of time searching for the best accessories and activewear to improve my runs—or at least give me fewer things to adjust as I go. One of the best for women, or anyone with long hair: a hat that's specifically designed with room for ponytails. Sure, you might be able to slip it through the opening on standard baseball hats, but depending on your hair thickness, that's not always an option, and it might mean your pony is lower down on your neck than you'd like. The wide opening on this Lululemon hat solves these problems, and allows for more airflow.
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In 2019, Lexie Alford became the youngest person to travel to every country—a feat that, among many other things, means she knows a thing or two about putting together a solid packing list. A frequent addition? Hiking sandals. “Because I strive to be a carry-on traveler, I have to think carefully about the types of shoes I pack. One pair that has never steered me wrong are hiking sandals. Even if I don’t have any specific hiking trails planned on my trip, I’ve found that they are comfortable and durable enough to bring along for everyday exploring. They feel like a no-brainer, especially for a summer trip. I usually opt for Tevas because they are breathable and the best part is that they can get wet! As an added bonus: They pack down small.”
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Your height doesn't matter quite as much as you'd think when it comes to finding a hiking backpack that fits; it's your torso length and width that needs to be considered. In theory, you can buy a unisex backpack and hike perfectly well, with some fit help. Gregory, however, makes a pack specifically for a woman's body: It has a contoured hip belt and shoulder straps, and an adjustable frame design. In 2021, Gregory launched the industry's first line of plus-size packs, with enhancements like larger hip belts with extended padding and easier pocket accessibility (check out the women's Kalmia 60 pack for longer treks).
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When we had Bruso, climber Shelma Jun, and dog musher Blair Braverman on the Women Who Travel podcast, they all agreed on one must-have for anyone who needs to stand to pee: the pStyle. It allows you to relieve yourself standing up—a real plus when you're wearing lots of layers in the winter. “[It's] a piece of women's gear that people ask me about privately all the time,” Braverman told us. Now the secret's out.
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For light day hikes, the last thing you want is to be weighed down by your boots, plus women's toeboxes are usually a little wider than men's (who'da thought?). This pair weighs just over a pound, putting them in line with sneakers, and features a waterproof suede upper and moisture-wicking interior fabric. Bonus: The soles are made of Vibram rubber for added grip and stability on both dry and wet surfaces.
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Originally recommended to us by Olympic track and field athlete and professional hurdler Queen Harrison Claye, this front-zip bra will keep your chest secure during high-impact exercise, and is great for parents who are breastfeeding, or travelers who have difficult putting a bra on overhead. It is available in band sizes from 32-40 and cup sizes from A to DDD.
For traveling on your period
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If you don't want to be dealing with feminine products on a multi-day camping trip or would rather pack an extra jacket or a pair of shoes than a bulky box of tampons in your suitcase, look to the Diva Cup, a menstrual cup that offers 12 hours of leak-free protection and can be washed out in the shower. Contributor Ashlea Halpern brought it along when packing for a year of travel in a carry-on to make dealing with traveling on her period a breeze.
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If you haven't delved into the world of period underwear yet, consider this your starting point. “There are a lot of period underwear brands out there these days, which is a good thing, but the Saalt's models are my favorite,” Spurrell says. “They're comfy and truly leakproof—I travel with them every month. My only note is that some of the brief cuts with mesh don't hold up against wear and tear (I also find the seams uncomfortable), but the Leakproof Thong and Leakproof Bikini are fantastic.”
For the corporate jet-setter
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If you're looking for a no-fuss outfit that takes you from the plane to the board room (or to a Zoom call), Aday has a uniform with your name on it. The brand's Monday collection includes the wrinkle-free, breathable Something Borrowed blouse, which is shorter in the front with a Mandarin collar and slit on the side, perfect for a French tuck. It comes in 10 colors—three classics, seven more colorful limited-edition options—all with the same loose, slightly oversized fit. Pair it with the Turn It Up pant that features an elastic waistband for comfort and a tapered leg for immediate style. There are pockets—a must—and the pants come in midnight blue, black, and moss, and for a limited time, camel, pinstripe, and sesame.
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This triple-duty bag can work for an overnight business trip, long weekend, or even as a personal item, since it features a back pocket that slips over the top of a suitcase handle. Inside, the soft neoprene bag has Dagne Dover's signature organization system: a 15" padded laptop sleeve, a stretch key leash so they don't get lost, a removable mesh pouch, a nylon shoe/laundry bag, and two side pockets fit for water bottles. Plus, there's an exterior pocket for easy access to your phone or passport. New parents, check out the Wade Diaper Tote, too—it comes with a mini changing mat, an extra detachable key ring for binkies, an insulated bottle holder, plus space for your personal items.
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Skincare products are ultimately gender neutral, but the emphasis women often place on skincare routines can sometimes have the opposite intended effect of drying out skin. Pair that with frequent travel and hormonal shifts throughout the month, and finding products that work for your skin can shoot to the top of your priority list. Travel photographer Madeline Lu swears by Vintner's Daughter's Active Botanic Serum, which she's been using since 2006, and the Active Treatment Essence, which she found later on. “This duo is my daily skincare routine,” she says. “They help to keep my skin hydrated and radiant, no matter where I am, be it high in the mountains in Switzerland or down by the beach in Seychelles.”
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Yes, this hair tool comes with a steep price tag—but the reviews prove that it actually works. And, its interchangeable tools means you won't have to pack a bulky hair dryer and curling iron and brush sets to get a blow-out look away from home. Using classic Dyson innovation, the six-in-one tool eschews extreme heat, instead using powerful air flow to dry and style your hair at the same time. The full kit includes two different curling barrels (which attract your hair using an air vortex so you don't have to worry about curling evenly or traditional curling iron burns), two smoothing brushes (for both frizz-prone and fine hair types), a smoothing dryer, and a round brush for volume.
More great travel products for women
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Dr. Kiona, a travel influencer, author, and academic, is a fan of this hyaluronic cream made by a Korean American, LGBTQ+ owned brand, which she says is “specifically made for travel. Perfectly travel-sized & TSA friendly, I take it with me everywhere.” The quality and price point are unmatched, she says. “As an Asian traveler with sensitive skin, I have to have quality creams because my skin is prone to allergic reactions.” She prefers creams that aren't too watery, as they can stimulate acne, or too thick. “This cream lays on perfectly, and it’s only $28, which is crazy! For such quality ingredients, I’ve never seen that before.”
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Gabby Beckford, a travel influencer and founder of the Packs Light blog, calls this her favorite winter travel secret. “It's a hat/wig (hwig?)! It really keeps your head warm, the hair is very natural looking, and as a curly girl, it truly saves me hours of hair prepping that I can now spend out exploring on winter trips—I just pop on my hwig and go.”