How to Pack for a Solo Trip

Since I was 25 years old, I have been traveling solo. I’m in my mid-40s now, so I would say that is a lot of years of experience to share, and I love sharing. While packing for a solo trip or one within a group or with one other person looks similar, I’m going to dive a little deeper into how to pack for a solo trip. There are slight differences, and it’s important to keep that in mind when traveling alone. Traveling alone is an extremely liberating, freeing, and brave thing to do, and it needs to be approached with the best plan.

Of course, I love a little (ok, a lot) of spontaneity, but mostly I like to know I’m maximizing my experience. My love for solo travel only grows, and my encouragement for others to do it persists. Let’s see what good insight I have for you.

Carry On Bags Only!

What I have learned over the years of solo travel is that you can look fashionable and not haul your entire closet with you. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, worse than not being able to comfortably carry your own luggage while traveling, solo or not. Unless you are hiring porters, this is the biggest consideration I take. A pro tip to how to pack for a solo trip is to only pack what you can carry.

At this point in my travels, I only take carry on going to my destination, and I take great lengths to achieve this. I’ve accumulated a few types of carry on pieces: a Calpak, an Away carry on, and a have a Cuyana weekender bag. Depending on where I’m going and how big I need them, I typically take two of them. This is more than sufficient and I have traveled two weeks in cold weather with only carry on. I promise you can do it too with a little preparation.

Travel Cubes I Own and Use for Every Trip

If you have not gotten travel cubes yet, my darling, it’s time. These have helped me get organized on the way there and back. How? They are like my luggage drawers. I’m not talking about underwear. It’s like having my sock drawer, pajama drawer, and my jeans drawers nicely packed in my suitcase. Compartmentalizing your things helps with feeling more mentally at ease during your trip. Travel cubes are something I use for every trip, no matter how long or short.

However, the longer the trip the more helpful they are. They help organize your items so you’re not rooting through your entire luggage for a tiny pair of tights you want to wear with a particular skirt. Can you tell this has happened to me? Get the travel cubes - they are essential in learning how to pack for a solo trip like a pro.

My Paris Map in Google Maps

Using Google maps is one of these free tools that any traveler can utilize. I hate “should-ing” people, but in this case I might. Being able to pinpoint your hotel or a restaurant you want to eat at in a hurry is clutch and a big time saver. While I know you’re not “packing” the Google map, it’s still high on my how to pack for a solo trip list because you don’t want to forget this. I include it as one of the things to know before you go to Europe as well.

As you’re researching your trip, save the things you want to do so you don’t forget. While you’re on your trip and a local makes a recommendation, pop it in there. It’s really worked wonders for me throughout my years. I use this tool more than almost anything else. It’s made my life worlds easier, and more secure when I am traveling solo.

Battery Charger

I have a lot to say about this. It’s not complicated, but I’m strongly opinionated about this as a female solo traveler. High on my how to pack for a solo trip list is a battery recharger for your devices, particularly your phone. Everyone’s phone is at different ages and battery lifespans, and we know they don’t last forever during the days. This charger linked is my favorite, despite its rather heavy weight. It has a charger for all of my smaller devices, and it lasts a long time. Charging my AirPods, my phone, and my iPad while I’m out and about on a travel day is an option I want.

Getting around with my Google maps fully loaded and charged makes me feel safe and secure, and many times I owe it to this charger. My advice if you’re traveling solo is to get yourself some kind of portable charger, Do not compromise on this. Your feeling of security will go up tremendously.

PacSafe Convertible Backpack

We, as women, always want to look cute when we travel. I know this. In fact, I like looking cute all the time. My willingness to be flexible with this while I am traveling is to have my items be safe and sound in my security purse. One that I can secure the zippers so no one can easily unzip and grab my passport out of. And one that I can wrap the strap around a table leg while I’m eating so some bugger doesn’t come and grab it off of a chair or stool while I’m enjoying a glass of wine in Paris.

The purse I have (this one) is nice because it converts from a backpack to a crossbody and vice versa. It’s been a bag that have used repeatedly, and it’s way less expensive and safer than my Prada bag. Again, we are traveling. We are not in a fashion show. Unless you are, and in that case, move on from my opinions of how to pack for a solo trip.

My Usual on a Trip - Hand Sanitizing Wipes

A few things I like to make sure I have. Because I’m not *that* great at keeping track of my pesky period, I always have some tampons in my bag. They don’t take up a ton of room, and I feel safe with them there “just in case.” Another item I never leave without and is on my how to pack for a solo trip list always is a hand sanitizing wipe. Many, actually. I use them throughout my trip, wiping off my phone and my Apple Watch since I like to take them into the toilet with me. And don’t act like this is weird because we all do it.

My personal section in the plane also gets a wipe down when I board. There’s nothing worse than getting other people’s gross germs on you and getting sick. Looking like a germaphobe is worth it, trust me. While you’re at it, grab some liquid sanitizer so you can wipe off before eating at a restaurant. It’s not worth getting sick while traveling.

I’ve used credit cards since I was in college. As many of my fellow humans, I abused my card, ran myself into debt, paid it off, and now I am able to control myself. We’ve been full circle. The reason I say a credit card is because a debit card can be a nightmare to deal with if it gets stolen while traveling. If you want my expertise on how to pack for a solo trip, travel with and use a credit card and commit to paying it off.

The two that I have are the Chase Sapphire Reserve Visa and the American Express Delta Reserve. American Express is taken many places, but not all, so I got the Visa. Both of them have tremendous travel benefits, so I keep them both. Regardless of which card you have, my recommendation is to get a credit card and not just use a debit card. And exercise that control to not spend more than you have. You’ve got this.

After this reasonable and practical list of how to pack for a solo trip, I think it’s time to book a trip. I’m writing this on the heel of my fourth solo trip this year, so I know what I’m doing. Making other people’s lives easier by giving them my pro tips is a way to give back for the tremendous benefits I get from going on these trips. I feel very fortunate to be able to do this, and I never take it for granted. This is what I live for, and I take huge delight in seeing how other people benefit from the advice of people who know what they are doing. Keep traveling, keep growing, and keep believing in yourself. I can’t wait to hear about your next travels.

Sign up for my newsletter here for more awesome content, tips, and personal stories from me.

Some of the links go to my affiliate account. If you purchase from one, it’s no cost to you and you’re helping me grow my small business. Thank you!