The Solo Travel List

Introduction

Here is our handy guide for what to carry on a solo backpacking trip:

• Universal Adapter. ...
• Extension Cord. ...
• Power Bank. ...
• Padded Bag/Backpack. ...
• Passport Size Photographs. ...
• Medical Kit. ...
• Currency (Forex) ...
• Ready-to-eat food.

Learn a few words in the local language

It's always good to learn a new language. While travelling it helps you communicate better and helps understand a culture. So, make an effort to communicate in the local language.

Interact with locals

Often there are local, independent coffee shops that have communal tables. So over coffee, you can meet new people and enjoy a cultural mix.

Pick the right stay

Choose a homestay, a hostel or B&B BED AND BREAKFAST. Such places have common rooms and are great places to meet people. There are exchange programs - you stay with a family and then when ever they come to your city, they stay with you- it helps you grow and makes a solo trip more fun,

Get the right gear for photos

Asking the locals to  click for your helps in communications with  them as  well as getting a nice photograph. However, if you want professional shots, get the right equipment." I get message every day about who takes my photo while traveling /  how I take my own photo / question from people who  want to travel solo but want great photos, too,(My)photos were take with a tripod and interval timer. I set up to snap, a photo every second, get it started. Then go have some fun while in shoots away. With the right equipment and some practice, you can be your own personal photographer," explains you tuber and solo travel influencer Allison Anderson in one of her social media post..

Travel light

Since you are alone and there is no body to help you with the luggage, make sure you pack light and smart. Carry a backpack at all tomes for essentials.

Take interactive tours

There are walking tours wherein you can interactive with  the host and the other members. Go for a drink with them to develop new friendships. You can also opt for workshop such as cooking or learning a skill specific to the city that brings you closer to its culture.

Don't forget to take insurance

You are alone and in case of an emergency, you must have insurance. This is because many countries refuse to admit you in the hospital, if you don't have one. In case of health issue or emergency you don't have anyone to take you to the hospital. 'however if you make connections there, it might be helpful.

Get the right apps

Identify what you need in your mobile phone. You might need a translation app if going to a China or Japan. Research for apps that are country specific, in terms of food and transportation that you can book easily. Apps like uber work in Europe and UK, but you need to change the settings. Trip adviser is good for  things to do  while google map is your go to for navigation

Currency management

Inform the bank (Indian) beforehand that  you will be using the  (Indian) card so that they can activate international payments. You don't need to carry a lot of cash and different currencies if travelling to multiple  places. Get a pre paid currency card. It is safe and secure.

• baggage fees because they just had to bring that extra pair of jeans;
• Ease of access: The less stuff you have in your suitcase, the easier it is to find the stuff you’re looking for. Your hostel roommates will be grateful that you don’t need to fumble in your bag for your travel adapter at 2 am;
• Health: Not only does packing light make it easier to move around, but it’s also much better for your body. Your back, feet and shoulders will thank you down the road;
• Carry-on only travel: Once you have truly mastered the art of packing light, you can start to travel carry-on only, meaning that you don’t even have to pay for checked baggage any more.

In short: packing light puts you in control.

Minimalist packing tips for solo travellers

Now that you know why it’s so important to pack light, here’s the best way to do it.

• Use a small suitcase: With a smaller bag, you’ll be forced to pack less clutter. Start by choosing a bag to use and laying out everything that needs to fit inside. Everything that doesn’t fit in the bag – so, anything non-essential – stays home;
• Plan ahead: Knowing what you’ll be doing on your trip before you’ve left your home makes coordinating your baggage and outfits a lot easier;
• Don’t take any just-in-case items: Go through every item that you laid out next to your suitcase or backpack and ask yourself if you’re going to need it at your destination. If the answer is no, don’t take it;
• Wear bulky items on travel days: One way to make your bags lighter is to wear your bulkiest items on travel days so that you don’t have to jam them into your suitcase;
• Use travel-sized toiletries: Besides the sheer weight and volume of full-sized toiletries, you won’t even be allowed to bring them in your carry-on bag. You’re better off bringing travel-size toiletries, or even solid alternatives from brands like Lush or Ethique;
• Roll your clothes: The best way to avoid wrinkling clothes is to roll them up. Yes, really. Bonus: you’ll save space in your bag;
• Use a packing list: A solo travel packing list will help you pack what you need and take the stress off packing.
• Choose your clothing wisely: Wear one pair of shoes on travel days and bring one more pair in your suitcase or backpack. Use durable, lightweight, comfortable clothing;
• Underwear & socks: You can save more space than you think by rolling up your underwear around your socks and stuffing those packages into your shoes or any other crevices in your bag (e.g. trouser pockets or inside your shirts);
• Technology: These days, our smartphones are powerful enough to act as a music player, camera, podcast library, newspaper, weather predictor, contact directory and credit card at the same time. Take advantage of this fact.

The essential solo travel packing list

Solo travel packing list: Clothing

How many clothes do you need on a solo trip?

Well, that depends on a number of factors:

• The duration of your trip;
• Your destination;
• Your travel style;
• How adventurous your trip is;
• Whether or not you’re travelling solo.

That said, this is a suggested solo travel packing list for clothes — adjust the list as necessary for your specific trip.

• Rain-proof jacket: 1 (choose a jacket with zipped pockets, like this one)
• Trousers: 1
• Jeans: 1
• Shorts: 1 (avoid denim in humid countries, as it takes longer to dry)
• Skirt: 1
• Bikini or swimsuit: 1
• Thermal shirt as base layer: 1 or 2 (depending on your destination’s climate)
• Short-sleeved t-shirt or tank top: 5 (make sure these can easily mix and match with different bottoms)
• Long-sleeved top: 1
• Dress: 1
• Sweater or cardigan: 1
• Fleece: 1
• Socks: 5 (of which 1 pair of hiking socks)
• Underwear: 5
• Bras: 3
• Pajamas: 1
• Scarf or sarong: 1 (to use when modest dress is required or as a multi-purpose garment)
• Hat: 1
• Trainers or sneakers: 1
• Sandals or flip flops: 1
• High-quality hiking shoes: 1

Two additional tips regarding packing clothes for your next solo trip:

• Bring some “last-chance clothes” — items of clothing that you don’t wear anymore at home because they are just about one use away from the trash can. Use these as base layers or sleepwear and throw them out after your trip.
• Buy your clothes on location — if you’re travelling to cheap regions (e.g. South East Asia or South America), it’s often cheaper and easier to buy clothes at your destination than to bring them from home.

Solo travel packing list: Toiletries

Next up on the list: toiletries.

• Solid shampoo, conditioner and body wash (from brands like Ethique, Lush, or Naples)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste (pro tip: bring toothpaste tablets to avoid luggage restrictions for liquids)
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen
• Razor and shaving soap
• Makeup
• Sanitary products or DivaCup
• Prescription medication
• Contraceptives and/or birth control
• First-aid kit

Solo travel packing list: Gear

Once you’ve packed your clothes and toiletries, it’s time to take a look at some specific gear you might need on your solo trip.

Again: this is very specific to the kind of trip you’re taking, so adjust the list as necessary.

• Backpack or day bag
• Resealable plastic bags
• Dry sack (to store your valuable belongings on rainy days)
• Pocket knife (only allowed in checked baggage)
• Lighter
• Trash bag (this can double as a rain cover)
• TSA-approved padlock
• Travel line
• Quick-drying microfibre towel
• Headlamp

Solo travel packing list: Documents

You always need documents when travelling. I usually rely on their digital versions, but it’s always good to have a backup paper version in case your smartphone dies or something happens to it.

• Sturdy folder for printed documents
• Passport and driving licence
• Visas
• Tickets and booking information
• Credit and/or debit cards
• Cash
• Extra passport photos
• Copies of your ID card and driving licence
• Covid vaccination certificate

Solo travel packing list: Electronics

And, of course, it wouldn’t be the 21st century if you’re not travelling with electronics. These are some of my essentials when I’m travelling alone.

• Global plugin adapter
• E-reader (I use the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite)
• Action camera (I use a GoPro)
• Headphones or earbuds (I use Airpods)
• Chargers for your electronic devices
• Smartphone
• Portable battery (I use the Xtorm Solar Charger)

Solo travel packing list: Miscellaneous

This is a list of miscellaneous things that I often take on my solo trips, but that didn’t fit any of the other categories.

• Snack or protein bars (I love Nakd bars)
• Water filter (the best is the LifeStraw)
• Earplugs (I use Loop Quiet earplugs)
• Eye mask
• Face masks

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