I’ve Been Solo Traveling for 10+ Years, and I Told My Sister to Pack These 15 Items for Her First Trip Alone

When I took my first solo trip abroad, I was 22 years old, and I’d never been more excited. My plan was to spend two months traversing Europe in a classic post-college backpacking extravaganza, and then meet up with my mom for the last two weeks of the trip. It was, to this day, one of the most impactful trips of my life — I learned so much about myself and gained immeasurable confidence. Plus, it really solidified my deep love of travel. 

As for what I packed, most of my inspiration came from suggestions from my parents (both of whom had also gone on post-grad adventures of their own) and a few travel blogs I followed at the time. I felt pretty prepared and proud of my ability to strategically pack light for a lengthy trip (it’s probably why I’m still a steadfast carry-on-only traveler). Now with over a decade of experience under my belt, I have a few amendments to my solo travel packing list essentials. In fact, I had the opportunity to relay this knowledge recently, when my younger sister took her first solo trip across Europe. Below, you’ll find the items I recommended she take on her travels — from comfy shoes to easy-to-carry travel bags that make the journey safer, easier, and more enjoyable.

Lightweight Luggage

When my sister asked what kind of suitcase she should bring, I suggested one that is compact, soft-sided, and lightweight. For my trip, I used one that had wheels but could double as a backpack for ultimate convenience. While the luggage I used 10 years ago doesn’t exist anymore, the Osprey Sojourn is a close comp (and a bag I’ve personally brought on many trips over the last couple of years). I love that you can carry it as a backpack or duffel or wheel it around when your back needs a break. It’s also compact enough to fit in overhead bins and train luggage areas with ease. If wheels seem unnecessary for your travels, I’d recommend the Calpak Terra Terra Large Duffel Backpack, which converts from an organized duffel bag to an easy-to-carry pack. 

Belt Bag or Crossbody Bag 

In addition to compact luggage, I love bringing a smaller personal bag that sits close to my body and can hold my essentials during travel days and exploratory excursions. I’m personally a big fan of belt bags, specifically this editor-loved Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. Its 1-liter size means that it can hold an impressive amount of must-have items, like your phone, wallet, passport, portable charger, and more. Plus, its water-repellent fabric will hold up even during bad weather conditions. I also recommend the Calpak Terra Small Sling Bag, or — my absolute favorite — the Hyer Goods Upcycled Leather Fanny Pack (which is currently half-price). Sling crossbody bags are another travel bag ideal for solo exploration because of their versatility; I love the Gigi Pip Drew Genuine Leather Slouchy Bag, MZ Wallace Metro Sling Bag, and FP Movement Bulls Eye Sling Bag.

Portable Charger

There is nothing more frustrating (or potentially unsafe) than a dead phone battery while you’re out and about on a solo trip. As someone who used to chronically let my phone die in my early twenties (okay, I’m still not great about it a decade later), a portable charger is key — and I was sure to convey that to my younger sister who is cut from the same cloth as me when it comes to phone maintenance. After spending a day taking photos or mapping a new destination, your phone can lose juice pretty quickly, and it provides so much peace of mind to know you can recharge on the go with a power bank like this one. The Charmcast power bank also has built-in cords so you’ll never forget yours behind in the hotel room. And its universal compatibility means you can use it for multiple devices to keep earbuds and tablets charged, too.

Comfortable Sneakers

Footwear can make or break a trip, especially if you plan to do a lot of walking. On my first solo trip, I opted for a pair of trendy shoes that were touted for comfort (I won’t name names), and ultimately left my feet a blister-covered nightmare. I never made that mistake again when packing, which is why I advised my sister to pack a pair of reliable walking shoes for her trip. These Reebok Club C come highly recommended with 7,700+ five-star ratings at Amazon, praising the durable rubber soles, padded sock liner (to prevent rubbing), and easy-to-clean leather exterior. Other popular options include the Travel + Leisure editor- and celeb-recommended Cariuma shoes or another pair I’ve worn all over, the Allbirds Tree Flyer.

Personal Safety Device

I didn’t discover the She’s Birdie Original Personal Safety Alarm until my sister returned from her trip (shoutout to this rave T+L editor review for introducing me to the product), but next time, I’m making sure she has it packed. This slim device appears to be just a keychain — but when you pull its secure pin, it emits a loud siren noise and flashes lights to alert others in the area that you’re in danger. At just $30, I now consider this small but mighty safety device a must-have for solo female travelers. 

Door Alarm

Generally, I feel pretty safe during my solo travels. I pride myself on staying aware of my surroundings, and listening to my intuition if a situation or place feels off. That said, when it comes time to get ready for bed … I start to feel less at ease alone in a hotel room. Another safety device that I recommend to both my sister and other travelers for peace of mind is a door alarm like this one from Sabre. You simply set this compact device at the entrance of your room, and the alarm will sound if anyone opens the door — and it will prevent the door from opening any further to keep you out of harm’s way. 

Quick-drying Travel Towel

This packing item generally applies to anyone staying in hostels (which was true for my first solo trip, and my sister’s): You need a reliable, quick-drying towel, as many hostels won’t supply their own (or you’ll have to rent one for a fee). This one from Nomadix is extremely lightweight and takes up virtually no space in your bag, which is key for that precious packing space. Even if you’re not staying in a hostel, a lightweight towel like this comes in handy if you plan to visit a beach during your travels, or simply want a surface to sit on while lounging in a park. 

Body Wipes

Like my first solo trip, my sister was embarking on a multi-country, multi-week excursion. That meant a lot of moving, and not always a lot of time for freshening up between destinations. That’s why I recommended she bring a simple set of body wipes — which can do wonders for helping you feel a bit refreshed after a long train or bus ride. I also love the travel-sized Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, which helps calm skin that’s been irritated by ultra-dry airplanes and varying climates during your travels. 

Collapsable Water Bottle

Hydration is always key, but let’s face it: water bottles can be cumbersome when you’re trying to pack light. During my solo trip over a decade ago, I brought this Platypus SoftBottle, and it worked like a charm. When it’s full, it doesn’t take up that much space; when it’s empty, it rolls up into nothing. If you want something more traditional, the Nathan Soft Flex is just as portable and easy to pack, but it has a bite valve which some prefer. 

A Multifunctional Dress

One of my biggest non-negotiable packing essentials for a solo trip is a dress that you can wear for multiple occasions — be it a casual dinner or a night at the theater. For warmer months, I’d suggest packing a dress that’s a simple style and more loose-fitting, for both comfort and ease. A few great options include this Dissh Scoop Neck Midi Dress or the Abercrombie High-neck Linen-blend Maxi Dress. All of these versatile dresses will save you packing space when you’re keeping things light on a solo journey — and they’re easy to dress up or down depending on where your trip takes you.

A Button-down Top

Again, the name of the game with solo travel is streamlined packing. That’s why another staple item that I always recommend is a classic button-down. It’s so versatile: wear it with jeans, over a dress, and even as a swimsuit cover-up — the options are nearly endless. I highly recommend packing a cotton or linen blend top like this Everlane Gathered Shirt in Silky Cotton or the Aritizia Archive Linen Shirt; the clean lines and cool material of these shirts will make you feel polished and put together even if you’ve just spent the night sleeping on an overnight bus!

Headphones

Sure, headphones come in handy during a long flight or train ride, but I think they are especially useful during solo travel — allow me to explain. Rather than constantly stare down at my phone when navigating an unfamiliar city — which both takes my attention away from my surroundings and labels me as an unaware tourist — I simply program the destination into Google Maps, slip on a headphone, and play the directions directly in my ear. That way, I can keep my eyes ahead and wits about me while still knowing when to turn. My favorites are these Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds; they rest on my earlobe rather than in my ear so they don’t completely block out my surroundings, which helps me stay alert.

A Versatile Swimsuit

You never know when your travels will call for a spontaneous swim — no matter the season! For instance, on a solo trip to Oslo, Norway last winter, I found myself trying out traditional contrast therapy — aka sitting in a waterside communal sauna, and then jumping in the fjord for a cold plunge. The point is, it’s always great to have a reliable swimsuit on hand when your solo travels can take you just about anywhere — after all, traveling alone means you can pivot plans at a moment’s notice. This adorable yet functional one-piece from LSpace is comfortable and provides some coverage to make it appropriate for any type of swimming occasion, whether a hot tub, beach, or sauna. 

Subtle Staple Jewelry

In general, when traveling, I tend not to pack too much jewelry: I stick to the everyday necklace stack and huggie earrings that go with everything. That strategy is especially true if I’m traveling solo because I don’t like carrying valuable items on me when I’m constantly moving from place to place. I suggested my sister stick to jewelry basics for her trip — flashy accessories can also call attention to you (which is generally a good idea to avoid when alone), and they could label you as a target for pickpocketing. What’s more, streamlining jewelry makes packing and getting dressed much easier — ideal when you’re on a busy schedule. I personally love a simple set of huggies like these from Madewell, thicker Gorjana hoops, or my favorite Gaillard earrings which allow you to swap out charms for the appearance of different earrings. 

A Travel Journal

One of the things people don’t talk about enough with solo travel is that you are the only one who holds the memories of that trip. Unlike vacations with family or friends when you have multiple eyewitnesses to bounce memories off of, a solo excursion means that you are the keeper of your experiences (which can be a really beautiful thing). That’s why I always recommend bringing a lovely journal on a solo trip, where you can document exciting moments and mundane details alike. It hardly takes up any room in your luggage, yet it can be a valuable addition to your packing list. 

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