These days, solo travel is becoming more and more popular, with people of all ages choosing to travel the earth alone! If you want to get in on the action though, it’s more important than ever to be well-prepared, as you will only have yourself to rely on! For this reason, knowing what essentials to take with you is incredibly important, no matter where you’re traveling to, or how you choose to travel.
Whether you’re jet-setting for a solo retreat in the Caribbean, or heading off on the backpacking adventure of a lifetime; whether you’re a solo male traveler, or a woman going it alone, this checklist has everything you could need when it comes to solo travel must-haves!
Essentials for Solo Male Travelers
If you’re a man traveling alone, there’s a whole host of things you’ll need to bring with you. Of course, some of these can come in useful for women too, but the ones we chose to include on this section of our solo travel packing list are especially important for solo male travelers!
Focusing on safety, practicality, and efficiency, these must-haves are an important part of any solo travel checklist.
1. Secure Travel Wallet
When it comes to paying for things overseas or during your travels, you may think that taking your regular, everyday wallet with you is the easiest solution. Instead though, you should opt for a more secure travel wallet. After all, there isn’t much worse that can happen than getting stuck in a foreign country with no money and a missing card!
Choose a compact, RFID-blocking travel wallet to ensure that your passport, credit, and debit cards are all protected from digital theft. Many of these have multiple compartments too, ideal for hiding away various cards and keeping different currencies separate.
2. Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife
Depending on where you’re traveling to, a versatile multi-tool can come in very handy. Be sure that you don’t pack pocket knives in hold luggage when traveling by plane though, as these are not permitted.
If you plan on road tripping, or taking checked luggage with you though, any multi-tool will come in handy, even those that have a knife attached! These are especially useful if you plan on being out and about in the wilderness and camping during your travels.
3. Quick-Dry Clothing
Though the usefulness of this one depends on your destination, it’s important to keep in mind that men typically perspire a lot more than women. For this reason, ensuring you pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing as a guy traveling solo is essential for keeping sweat at bay!
Choosing fast-drying fabrics that require minimal maintenance and reduce odor is not only beneficial for you but also for any travel companions you meet along the way, especially when you’re traveling for longer periods.
4. Compact Travel Grooming Kit
If you’re a guy who typically goes for the clean-shaven look, it’s easy to very quickly become quite unruly looking when traveling. This is where a compact travel grooming kit can come in handy!
Choosing TSA-approved travel-sized products that fit within carry-on regulations is important when traveling with carry-on luggage.
Essentials for Solo Female Travelers
When it comes to women traveling solo, it’s important to prioritize safety, convenience, and comfort. Female solo travelers often encounter many different situations and safety hazards than their male counterparts, so making sure they’re prepared with all the most important essentials is crucial. Here is a solo travel packing list for female travelers
5. Personal Safety Alarm
Keeping a small, portable safety alarm with you is a convenient way of deterring potential threats and is a good way of alerting others if you feel unsafe or are in danger.
These small alarms can emit a loud sound in case of emergencies. These items are a must-have if you’re a solo female traveler visiting a country that isn’t particularly safe for women.
6. Door Stop Alarm
A doorstop alarm is a handy, lightweight device that you can use for extra security purposes in your hotel. An essential for anyone staying in unfamiliar locations and unbranded hotels, these devices not only act as a doorstop to prevent anyone from entering your room but also act as an alarm should they be tampered with by someone trying to move it!
7. Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
When traveling solo as a woman, it’s important not to put style and fashion choices over your safety. Instead of a cute purse, it’s a good idea to opt for an anti-theft crossbody bag.
These bags are often designed with RFID-blocking technology so that digital items such as credit and debit cards cannot have their data stolen. Many anti-theft bags are also slash-resistant, so if someone tries to cut it open to steal your belongings, the fabric will not break.
8. Period Trackers and Feminine Hygiene Kit
Large changes in diet or exercise levels can often affect your cycle as a woman, so many face the unexpected surprise of getting their period while traveling. If you’re traveling solo, especially for long periods of time, it’s a good idea to keep track of any changes to your cycle, and also have a hygiene kit handy in case of any emergencies.
9. A Lightweight Scarf / Shawl
Less for safety purposes and more just for comfort, a lightweight scarf or shawl is a must-have when it comes to traveling solo as a woman. You can use it as a blanket when traveling long distances, fold it up to use it as a pillow for added comfort, or even use it as a convenient and easy way to cover up when visiting cultural sites that require you to dress modestly.
This is especially important as a first-time flying tip, as planes often change temperature drastically when at high altitudes.
General Essentials for Solo Traveling
No matter whether you’re a man or a woman, there are some solo travel essentials you simply can’t miss out on bringing with you, regardless of your gender. Here are some important must-haves to bring with you when solo traveling that can help ensure your comfort and security.
10. Portable Charger
Ensuring you always stay connected is a crucial part of traveling alone in the modern day. A high-capacity portable charger ensures that your phone and camera are always charged throughout the day while traveling.
11. A Reusable Water Bottle
A refillable, leak-proof water bottle is a great way of ensuring you stay hydrated during your travels while reducing plastic waste. Insulated options can help keep your drink hot or cold for hours at a time, which can be a great benefit when traveling in more extreme temperatures.
12. Packing Cubes
When it comes to packing for your solo getaway, utilizing packing cubes is a great way of ensuring that your luggage is organized and compact.
This efficient packing system can make it easier to access clothes and essentials if you need to get to things in a hurry while traveling, and can help ensure you pack lighter.
13. A Microfiber Towel
Microfiber towels are a truly underrated essential for solo travels. Thanks to their material, these convenient towels are both lightweight and fast-drying.
An essential must-have for hostels, beach trips, or even getting caught in unexpected rain, these convenient little towels help keep you dry and clean, while taking up very little space in your luggage.
14. Electrolyte Packets
If you’re heading off on a solo adventure, it’s easy to become dehydrated without noticing. This is especially true for those traveling in hot temperatures or across long distances.
Bringing some electrolyte packets with you can be a true lifesaver, as these can help replenish lost minerals, rehydrate your body, and keep your energy levels up.
15. A First-Aid Kit
Regardless of whether you’re a man or a woman, it’s always good to be prepared in case of emergencies. Ensuring you pack a first-aid kit with you that includes bandages, pain relief medication, antiseptic wipes, and any other medication you may require can help to make sure that you’re prepared in case of any minor medical issues or accidents that may occur.
Whether it’s to include in your luggage for a longer getaway, or simply an important part of your weekend trip packing list, a first aid kit is an unmissable essential, particularly if you’re venturing out on some of the world’s most stunning treks.
16. A Universal Travel Adapter
Different countries have different plug types. A universal adapter with multiple USB ports can ensure all of your electronics stay charged during your travels, no matter where you go.
These are especially useful when traveling to multiple destinations or when backpacking, as they can adapt to various different outlet types.
17. An Offline Maps App or Physical Map
In the modern day, everyone knows that the easiest way to get around is by using Google Maps. This allows you to download maps for offline use and can help make sure that you never get lost, even when you don’t have an internet connection.
If you have concerns about your battery holding up, and haven’t brought a portable charger, a recent physical map of your destination can also come in handy.
Travel Tips for Solo Travel Beginners
If you’re new to solo travel, here are some useful travel tips for beginners.
- Pack Light: Learning how to pack a suitcase efficiently can be extremely useful. This way you can avoid overpacking, and make sure that your luggage adheres to airline weight restrictions.
Research Local Customs: Before you travel, it’s important to thoroughly research your destination, this way, you can gain a better understanding of cultural norms and etiquette that can be crucial for having a smooth, stress-free experience during your travels. - Plan for Emergencies: Be sure you always have with you a copy of any of your important documents and emergency contacts. Keep these saved digitally, and have a paper copy to hand for added security.
- Stay Aware: Always be mindful of your surroundings and trust your instincts if anything feels wrong.