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Are you a first-time solo traveler wondering what travel essentials you actually need to bring?
One of the biggest lessons I learned early on is that packing light matters far more when you’re traveling alone. Picture juggling two suitcases and a personal item while trying to catch a train. I don’t have to imagine it. That was me on my first trip to Europe.
I learned the hard way that solo travel requires simplifying your packing. Less stuff, more intention.
After a few trips (and a few mistakes), I finally figured out what truly earns a place in my bag. That’s when I put together this guide to solo female travel essentials, based on what I actually use and what consistently makes travel easier.
When you’re traveling alone, being prepared isn’t about overpacking. It’s about having the right essentials with you so you’re not wasting time hunting down forgotten items when you could be exploring instead.
My travel style is minimal, functional, and still chic, and this list reflects exactly that.
Let’s Talk About Packing The Essentials: Packing Tips 101
- Pack Smart! While packing a bag sounds easy enough, first-timers should be careful not to overpack and end up carrying a lot of dead weight. If you are going for 10 days or less, try to carry on only.
- Limit the number of shoes! My biggest packing mistake on my first trip was overpacking with shoes! Pack the most comfortable walking shoes you have, a backup pair, and one slightly nicer pair, I wouldn’t bother with heels if possible.
- Consider buying compression packing cubes. These are real space-savers and can help you stay organized! Also, rolling your clothes is a good way to create more space. If you are packing bulky shoes, stuff socks and undergarments in them for extra space.
- Don’t forget supplements and prescription medications. You should prioritize this essential item and purchase a handy pill organizer.
- Limit your liquids! We are still using clear plastic bags for liquids, so consider getting powdered products whenever you can. Items such as dry shampoo, sunscreen, and toothpaste are available in powder form. For all liquids, use travel-sized toiletries.
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Luggage & Purses
I can’t stress this phrase enough, “you get what you pay for.” Investing in a quality suitcase is something I suggest you consider.
It is the staple of your travel style and your best friend along the way.
I am not suggesting you go and break the bank, but you can expect to pay $250 + for quality. Level 8 & Calpak are both brands I trust and currently travel with.
Level 8
Laptop Carry On
Best Mini-Luggage
Calpak
I am in love with my mini carry from Calpak. It’s easy knowing it will always fit in the overhead compartment.
Tales From My Overpacked Suitcase
I overpacked on my first solo trip because I wanted to be prepared for everything. That meant I packed for any occasion that could possibly come up, like dinner with the Queen.
I packed outfits for this trip that covered every possible scenario. What if I were to find myself going to a fancy restaurant or on a hike in the woods? I packed more shoes and purses than you can imagine.
My biggest takeaway from this trip was how little I used the checked suitcase. I came to realize two things. I wanted to be comfortable and carry the least amount of crap possible.
If you are wondering what the most important item to pack, let me tell you…It’s comfortable shoes!
What I Wear on Every Solo Trip
Essential Accessories
When packing extra accessories, pack wisely. I really suggest you go understated as well.
Traveling is not the time to show off your trendy bag. You want the least amount of attention possible when traveling alone.
During the day I like to carry a little bit bigger purse so that I can fit my camera in it. I like a really small lightweight bag that can go hidden under my arm for dinner.
It’s good to have a thin fabric bag within your bag just in case you buy a couple of souvenirs. Having an extra bag just in case you need it is a good idea.
Best Purse for Mirrorless Camera
Lo & Sons
I absolutely love this camera purse! It is by far the chicest bag I have found that can fit a mirrorless camera.
This purse comes in black full-grain vegan leather as well as in cognac.
It is nice enough to use later in the evening as your travel purse.
Fanny Pack / Money Belt
on Amazon
Another essential accessory to consider when traveling solo is packing is a fanny pack and/or money belt.
Both are great to have if you are taking solo excursions and don’t want to bother with a purse.
Travel Tech Items You Really Need
Safety Essentials For Solo Female Travelers
The most important thing when you travel alone is staying safe. In this ultimate packing guide of solo travel essentials, I wanted to include some of the key safety items you can bring with you.
While I have luckily not had issues around personal safety, I was pickpocketed in Athens. And that was on me. I did not have an anti-theft bag, so I was an easy target.
Personal Safety Alarm
on Amazon
If you are traveling to a different country for the first time, and want a little peace of mind, you can get a personal safety alarm.
I like this one from Birdie. It has a strobe light and keychain. Small and easy to pack!
Portable Door Locks
on Amazon
A portable door lock is great if you are looking to make your hotel room extra secure.
It can be an important item to bring if you are staying in an Airbnb in a shared space.
Anti-Theft Bag
by Thafael
I wanted an anti-theft bag that was also stylish. Most of the bags on the market look too cheap, and as they are all about function. Then I found Thafael!
Those Little Essential Extras
Don’t forget all those little travel extras you’ll need along the way!
A Few Helpful Tips for Solo Travelers
Looking for more travel gear for solo travelers? What you are looking for is here on the list of best travel gear for women!
FAQs for Solo Travel Essentials
The most important items to be sure you have is a passport, credit cards, prescriptions, and battery chargers. Anything you forget can likely be purchased in a pinch.
You never want to be without phone service, identification, money, or medicine.
After countless solo trips of lugging around items I thought I might need, and didn’t, my answer is no.
Instead of bringing things you might not need, leave room in your carry-on for gifts and things you might want to buy.
Bringing your computer on trips is a personal choice. When I travel I do bring my laptop, but only if I know I will use it. Ultimately, it is one more thing that will weigh you down and have to worry about its safety.
Great tips! Highly recommend the Capitola watch. I’ve had it for 2 years…still going strong.
Thank you for sharing these tips! Will keep this in mind when packing for my carry-on
Thanks so much for sharing these tips!! I always struggle with packing for a trip. I also love the passport cover idea!
Sorry not related to this post, but I do want to comment how clean and beautiful your page is!
This article is so incredibly useful!! I never thought about buying an external battery but it’s something I definitely need!!
Great tips, I would agree with you completely on not over packing, I am lucky and don’t over pack on clothes or shoes, but I know so many who do. I also could not live without my extra battery bank, they are so small and compact but so easy to recharge the batteries on my electronics.
Great tips! As a woman who always travel solo myself, I like having things that make easier a breeze. I definitely need to bring extra fabric bag for small item purchases.
This is such a great packing guide. I travel solo all the time. Love it!