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This might be your first (or 100th) time trekking around the world on solo female travel. As a person that has been to over 20 countries/territories and 4 continents, I feel like I’ve mastered what to pack. Whether its your first solo trip as a women or your 13th, here is the BEST packing list for solo female travel.
Be sure to use this solo female travel packing list according to your trip. Someone packing for 6 countries backpacking Europe won’t travel the same as another having a 2 week luxury trip to the Maldives. Always remember how much space you have and your airline’s weight limits when packing your bags.
Every solo female traveler has different requirements when they travel. For example, I’m big on health and always make sure I have space for my green powders and teas. However another person may want to make space for their painting supplies or gaming system. Regardless of your awesome passions, here is the BEST solo female travel packing list essentials. Each item on the list will have a pink/teal link to a recommended item to purchase as well!
Essentials- Solo Female Travel Packing list
Copies of your IDs I always walk around with printed copies of my Passport and ID so I don’t have to carry them with me.
Written Airbnb/Hotel Address Sometimes when I land in a new country, the connection is too bad for me to look up my airbnb address.
Extra Cash (local & USD) Cash is important to have at all times! Especially USD or your home’s currency.
Extra Credit/Debit Cards One time, my card got sucked up into an ATM in Thailand and my access tot he bank account was pretty much done for the trip! Its always good to carry at LEAST an extra debit card AND one other credit card.
Door Locks: This really helps to provide a sense of ease, especially during the night! Locks add extra protection and security for solo female travellers.
Journal: For recording how your day went and bettering mental health. Looking back on these years into the future is amazing!
Passport Sized Photos Just in case you need to get a new passport or photo!
Passport
License or ID
Pads/Tampons
Condoms
The Right Backpack/Accessories
Backpacking: When I traveled around Europe and hit 4 countries, I took my favorite ever 40 Liter Osprey backpacking back-pack. As I was going to be moving around the continent, I didn’t want to pack too many things. I also didn’t want to separate from my bag by checking it in. This backpack is super spacious yet is small enough to count as a carryon. (Bonus: sometimes I take this on Delta as a personal item).
Day Pack: I love the North Face’s commuter backpack. Its perfect for long travel days at the airport, school campus commute, or basically anywhere! The pack has brilliant padding that won’t hurt your back and shoulders. There’s even a built in weight support at the waist and collarbone!
Packing Cubes: To help keep everything organised. Folding your clothes straight into the suitcase/backpack takes up a lot of space and tends to get messy quickly. These compression packing cubes have double zippers and are able to free up so much packing space!
Fanny Pack: These are optional but make the world of difference when traveling. When I don’t feel like carrying a lot of things, my fanny pack always comes in handy. It safely carries all the essentials: wallet, phone, keys, etc.
Travel Clothesline: If you’re like me, you’re adventurous and love to stay in nature settings. I commonly wash my clothes by hand while traveling and rely on the sun to dry. If there is not available clothing line, this travel pocket sized one does the trick.
Pillow Cases: I’m a germ person and have unknowingly stayed in places where they don’t wash the linen properly. You never know when you’ll need it or other uses they can hold (laundry bag, etc).
Reusable Water Bottle: Very helpful when you come across a waterfall/ stream of fresh spring water. Or when you’re at the water fountain in the airport.
Hair Bonnet: For all my solo Black female travellers, a hair bonnet is a must! It can be hard to get bonnets in certain locations so be sure to pack at least 2.
Travel Neck Pillow: I know it takes up space but its become a necessity for me, especially when traveling across continents! Plus, there are plenty of travel pillows that are foldable and can compress to almost nothing.
Safety- Solo Female Travel Packing list
Door Lock: A must for solo female travellers! Many Airbnbs/Hotels have a spare set of keys for the rooms they lease. An extra added layer of protection, door locks can help to provide a good night’s sleep and safety.
First Aid Kit: This one is so underrated and super overlooked. You never know when you just might need a bandaid or gauze! Obviously get one appropriately sized for your luggage (suitcase or backpack). And if needed, purchases extra supplies hen you reach your final destination.
Airtags: Optional and a newer item. Many travellers feel safer to place these on their suitcases so they know where their luggage is at all times. This will especially help if your luggage looks like someone else’s or is lost.
TSA Lock: This always provides such a peace of mind when I’m traveling. I not only put these onto checked luggage but also my day pack when I’m walking around. If anyone tries anything during my airplane nap they’ll be surprised to see my bag is on lock down mwuahahaha (insert evil villain laugh).
Money Belt/Necklace: This may sound silly but it really helps when traveling through busy streets where pickpockets are more than likely. It safely and discreetly either hides your money under your shirt or on your waist.
Clothes to Pack
Of course every woman has her own requirements and necessities she packs during a trip. However, here are some clothing basics for packing during solo female travel regardless of weather.
Underwear: 7 Pairs (the one you wear during travel makes 8)
Bras: 1 Everyday, 1 Sports (bigger worn during travel)
Socks: 3 Ankle White socks
Hot Temperature
Tank Top
Sunglasses
Shirts
Dresses
Leggings
Shorts
Bathing Suit
Light Scarf Can double for hair, fashion, or beach towel
Sandals Preferably Chacos, they’re great for hiking, the beach, adventure, and water sports!
Closed Toe Shoes Vans or Sneakers
Medium Temperature
Leggings
Long Sleeve Shirt
Shirts
Scarf
Light Jacket
Cold Temperature
Thick Jacket
Long Socks
Gloves
Thick Scarf
Gloves
Toiletries- Solo Female Travel Packing list
Hanging Toiletry Bag: A must for hostels! This rolls down and maximises space efficiency.
Flushable Toilet Seat Covers: These have come a lot in handy when I’m in public and want to sit on the toilet without actually sitting on the seat.
Soap Bag: This is a mini travel bag that holds your soap bar and keeps it dry. Much more space effective than a chunky soap box!
Clay/Dry Toothpaste powder: This is a life saver because its natural/fluoride free and you can take a large amount via carryon without airline restrictions!
Bar Soap: Doubles as shampoo and saves tons of space!
Bug Spray
Concealer
SunScreen
Hair Tyes
Mascara
Eyeliner
Natural Deodorant
Toothbrush
Razor
Electronics- Solo Female Travel Packing list
Portable Charger: Because who loves a dead phone while you’re on the beach?!
Selfie Stick/Tripod:There may not be many people around that know how to take a good picture. Carrying a tripod/self stick has helped me take some pretty awesome photos around the world!
Universal Travel Adapter: A must if you’re planning to cross over different countries. Its much more affordable to purchase online than at the airport when both your phone and laptop are dead, trust me.
Extension Cord: I’ve stayed in hotel rooms with only one outlet. Or hostel beds with a plug across the room. Extension cords are optional but make you life easier.
Sound Proof Headphones: Noisy hostels where parties go on until 2 AM after a long train ride, crying babies on a 14 hour flight, or simply streaming your favorite song, you name it. Headphones are a great way to have some peace when traveling.
AirPods:These are optional but I always love to have these on hand!
Headlamp: When I was in Hawaii, my toilet was outside and there were no lights on the way there. Needless to say it a head lamp could have been a lot less scary!
Extra Charger: One time my ONLY phone charger broke the night before my 8 hour bus ride. In Tanzania. Extra chargers fro ALL your devices are an absolute must.
VPN: Highly recommended for those working online. A VPN helps to protect your personal information from digital thieves that may be lurking in airports, cafes, or other public spots.
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