Best Items to Pack for a Solo Trip

Perhaps the bane of several women traveler’s existence is figuring out how to pack a bag that fits weight restrictions and has everything needed. Being called a light travel packer is a status many one day aspire to achieve.

It’s important to pack quickly and efficiently for any trip, anywhere in the world without the benefit of a partner’s suitcase to share. In many ways packing for a solo trip isn’t much different than packing for a trip with someone else. When traveling alone, packing light isn’t as important as packing smart. You want to prepare for any scenario that will cause a setback on your journey.

The items at the top of the priority list should provide comfort and convenience and ideally serve more than one purpose. Leave behind the wedges you’ll only wear once and choose items efficiently. Be sure you are able to singlehandedly manage your own luggage for a solid distance.

Here are some of the best travel items for solo trips.

Hard-Shell Rolling Carry-On Suitcase

The hard-shell rolling suitcase will protect your clothes in rainy weather, unlike soft suitcases. The Samsonite Ziplite 2.0 20-inch Hardside Spinner Carry-On Luggage includes expandable zippers allowing for extra space even when feeling overstuffed. If you’re able to re-zip the extra zipper completely, you’ll create bonus room.

Dummy Wallet and Money Belt

If you’re traveling with a companion, you can split your money and credit cards so there’s less of an impact if one is robbed. If you’re alone; however, you’ll still want your valuables to be in more than one place. Carry the bulk of your cash and cards in a money belt hidden under your clothes, while keeping what you need in an inexpensive wallet you can put in a front pocket or crossbody bag. You’ll want to keep emergency money in a place a mugger would unlikely access, like your shoe or bra.

Carry a Medical ID Card or Jewelry

It’s vital to have your medical information in a place where first responders can find it easily just in case something happens and you don’t have anyone to speak on your behalf. NomadSOS is a medical ID card which allows you to customize information like your blood type, allergies, medications and emergency contacts. Try a service called My Important Information which gives you a card with a QR code first responders can use to access your medical and other essential data. Perhaps you want to consider wearing a medical bracelet or necklace engraved with important health conditions.

Inexpensive Wedding Band

Wearing a wedding band may help deter unwanted attention — even if you aren’t married. Some travelers who are married purchase cheaper wedding bands to wear on the road in place of nicer jewelry that will attract more attention.

Plastic Bags

While smaller bags are perfect for holding medication, larger sizes fit everything from chargers to passports and phones. Opt for the thicker size bags to protect against moisture. The clear bags make it easy to stay organized.

Blanket Size Scarf

Whether to keep warm, dress up an outfit, cover your head or use an extra blanket, a scarf can serve numerous purposes when traveling.