My Ultimate “Non-Clothing” Packing List For Women

My ultimate “non-clothing” packing list for women is my go to list for any trip.

Although clothing and gear requirements vary for different travel destinations, non clothing items such as toiletries, cosmetics, medicines, electronics etc.. will probably not change very much, if at all, by destination. After over three decades of traveling in all different phases of life (singleton, couple, family with young children), this list is my go to list and never fails me.

Let’s assume the following for this packing list:

• You are flying to to your destination. But this packing advice is perfect for a road trip as well!
• You are bringing ONLY one TSA /airline approved carry on bag AND one TSA friendly knapsack. No checked luggage for me!
• You can assume that you can shop where you’re going in case you forget anything!

To start your packing , make sure that you have the following types of bags:

• One quart size zip lock bag (For ALL liquid Items that are no larger than 3.4 ounces each — a TSA Requirement)
• One hanging travel toiletry bag (For all NON-LIQUID items)
• One money belt (For money, passport, credit cards, airline tickets)

Quart Size Zip Lock Bag for Liquid Items

The TSA requires that all liquids, aerosols, and gels carried onto an airplane fit into 3.4-ounce bottles in a 1-quart bag.

Don’t feel cheated! If you were allowed to bring all of your full-size personal care items, you’d likely end up carrying extra weight in your bag that you don’t need. This may limit you but is that really a bad thing? It forces you to pack lighter and you will not regret it.

DO NOT put any items that don’t fall into this category in this bag AND make sure to place this bag in an easily accessible place for TSA to check, if necessary. I suggest putting it either on the very top of your carry on bag OR in your knapsack/handbag. I usually put my zip lock bag in my knapsack so I can access it more easily once on the plane.

When it comes to makeup, the following items are considered liquid cosmetics: nail polish, perfume, moisturizers, eyeliner, foundation, and mascara. Lipsticks and lip balms don’t need to be in this bag unless they are in a gel form.

Item list for zip lock bag includes:

Hanging Toiletry Bag For Non-Liquid Items

Purchasing a travel toiletry bag that opens up into sections and folds up into a compact bag as well as hangs will be one of the best investments for your travels. Here is what I use:

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In this bag, include ALL non liquid toiletries, medications and cosmetics.

TIP: Print out a list and keep in this bag for all future travels. If you use it correctly, you will always be organized and be prepared to pack in a moment’s notice.

Item list for toiletry bag include:

MONEY BELT

For safety, I wear a Rick Steves’ money belt that I’ve used for YEARS!!

Credit cards, passport, money and airline tickets are safely stored around my waist, under my clothes. Once on the plane, I take it off and put it back on when I arrive. And yes, I do pack a small handbag and day pack in my carry on to use when sight seeing. However, this item is used along with them.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

There are, of course, a few non clothing items that I don’t pack into these bags but I pack for EVERY trip. I usually place them in my knapsack. They include:

• Cell phone/charger/ear buds
• Umbrella
• Plastic bag for laundry
• Travel books

TIP: One item that I stopped packing long ago is a hairdryer since most accommodations will provide one and it just takes up space.

FINAL ADVICE

Prior to any trip, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website for all up to date requirements at https://www.tsa.gov/

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HAPPY PACKING & HAPPY TRAILS!