After 12 years of solo travel, I have learned what items or ideas are really helpful to me and which ones are not.
Sections
4
Keep organized, travel light.
Reflect, plan, dream
Stay safe & stay comfortable
Shoes & your capsule wardrobe
Keep organized, travel light.
Organized and light makes traveling by yourself easier. It helps when you want to go places fast, and when you don't have someone to watch your stuff while you're in line.
These are expensive but I'm obsessed with them. They keep your things organized in your small bag. You don't have to unzip everything to find the things. Beautiful.
Compressible Packing Cubes
You really don't need more than a carry on for... well... any trip. When I'm on my own, I want luggage I can scurry with.
Stack'd Quick Entry Carry-on Spinner
This is durable, it fits way more than you would think, and you have enough compartments to make sense but not enough to lose things. I spent three weeks in west Africa with this and a crossbody bag. Brought home all the gifts.
The Weekender in Black
Since we are committed to traveling light, we are going to have to do laundry. A lot of places have drop off laundry locations for a small fee but you don't want to show up with arm loads of clothes. Use this instead.
Travelpro® Essentials™ Washable Travel Laundry Bag
Travel cubes are useless if you don't know what you're doing. Here's a quick guide
How to Use Packing Cubes for Organized Traveling | Travelpro
Reflect, plan, dream
You are your own best company which means you may have more than a meal or two to plan, journal or brainstorm. Here are some helpful items.
If you have a lot of notebooks, get one that states the obvious about what it's for. Keep your journeys organized.
Joy
Keep your documents safe and protected. I know we all have everything on our phones these days, but don't do that. Especially when you're alone. Have a back up.
Globe-Weis Poly Zip Envelope, Letter, Open Side, Assorted, 5/Pack (PFX85292)
Make sure you pack a pen. I know it's silly but how many times have you gone to fill out a landing card for someone to ask you for a pen.
Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Pens, Fine Point, Black Ink, 5/Pack (31078)
Stay safe & stay comfortable
Traveling solo can be intimidating at first, but it doesn't have to be scary and you don't have to be paranoid.
You know what sucks? Losing your bag or having it stolen. Forgetting which luggage locker you used in the station. This can help with that.
Apple AirTag Silver MX532AM/A - Best Buy
This is perfect for an emergency $50 and a copy of your passport.
Hidden Pocket Travel Scarf | Travel Apparel
I love cocoon products - the sleep sack is great if you're unsure about where you're sleeping (like an overnight train or the sketchy hostel by the station).
TravelSheet™ Silk
You probably need a lock, at some point. Maybe not, but better to have it.
Travel Sentry® Cable Lock - Airport Security
Shoes & your capsule wardrobe
Less is more. More room for souvenirs.
I love these. They're comfortable and can be dressed up or down. They pack flat. Brilliant.
Women's Ella™ II Sandal
This dress does not take up room. You can wash it in your sink and dry it your room. Day to night, that's a thing isn't it? Add some accessories, and you can make it work for an evening out.
Vantage Dress
I like the longer length with built in shorts. Again, this is one of those adventure by day into nice evening out dresses.
Bestsellers - HALARA
These joggers can dress up or down (are we seeing a theme yet?). They can also be washed and dried in your room if it comes to that.
Brooklyn Heights Jogger
This is great for summer travel when you might get cold on the plane or in the evenings but don't need a heavy jacket.