The Ultimate Solo Travel Packing List — and Essential Tips

From safety alarms to anti-theft backpacks, here's what you need for the best solo travel.

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Ultimate Solo Travel Packing List

Travel & Leisure / Kevin Liang

One of the most delightful — and daunting — aspects of solo travel is that you’re in charge of everything. Much like how you get to choose wherever and whenever you eat and sleep or can opt to relax rather than rush to sightsee each day, you also determine what objects are worthy of making the journey with you. 

Packing for such a trip embodies the ethos of solo travel itself: While it’s nice to leave a little wiggle room (be it in your itinerary or for souvenirs), it also pays to be prepared. Ensuring you have everything you need to set the baseline for a safe and enjoyable trip ultimately allows you more flexibility in your day-to-day decisions. Plus, when traveling alone, there’s no one else to blame (or borrow from) if you forget your universal charger or toothpaste at home. 

We’ve rounded up T+L editor-approved, tried-and-true packing essentials for safer, more comfortable, and convenient solo trips. Use this guide when you’re gearing up for your next getaway — and don’t forget your general essentials as well, such as your passport and any necessary visas or vaccination cards. 

Best Portable Door Lock

Addalock The Original Portable Door Lock

Addalock The Original Portable Door Lock

Amazon

We love that this lock is easy to install (once you get the hang of it) and doesn’t require any tools to set up. "I get wigged out by how easy it is to break through many hotel doors. This tiny lock basically adds an extra deadbolt to make sure no one gets through," says T+L senior commerce editor Lydia Price. "I love the handy carrying pouch it comes in so that the hard metal won't damage anything else in your bag."

Best Door Alarm

Lewis N Clark Travel Door Alarm

Lewis N Clark Travel Door Alarm

Amazon

As an added level of safety whether you're at a hotel, hostel, or home rental, pack the Lewis N Clark Travel Door Alarm, "It works with most hotel and rental doors and windows and it'll make a loud noise if the alarm is triggered, which will wake you up and alert anyone else in earshot that something is amiss," Price says. It's incredibly light and compact, so it's easy to bring with you wherever you go.

Best Zipper Lock

Bobino Zipper Clip

Bobino Zipper Clip.jpg
Bobino Zipper Clip.jpg.

Amazon

Utilizing a zipper lock can keep your items safe and provide you extra comfort when you're on the go. "You can attach [the Bobino Zipper Clip] to any bag or purse with a zipper to make it hard for pickpockets to open them," Price says. "It gives me extra peace of mind when I'm in crowds or wearing a backpack anywhere. I'm also hopeful it can deter thieves from seeing you as a target in the first place. Plus, it's very small and light so it's an extra layer of protection without much hassle."

Best Personal Safety Device

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

Amazon

Personal safety alarms are invaluable protection for solo travelers and offer peace of mind while out walking alone, especially at night. “Personal alarms are great for added peace of mind and this is the most subtle and stylish, one I’ve ever seen,” says Associate Editorial Director of T+L Commerce Morgan Ashley Parker. “I’ve held it in my hand while walking on a semi-busy street after dark, but I’ll keep it clipped onto a belt bag or backpack in certain destinations (so I can easily yank the alarm part off as needed). Note: I did this while unpacking once and, let’s just say, I won’t forget the sound—and flashing strobe light—anytime soon.”

Best Hotspot Router

GlocalMe 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot

Amazon GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot

Amazon

As much as we all would love to “go off the grid” a bit more, it’s less relaxing than it sounds—and sometimes outright dangerous —when you find yourself somewhere with limited WiFi and no way to contact friends or family. “If I'm traveling overseas and don't have access to my phone plan, a mobile hotspot is essential for staying on the grid while flying solo,” says T+L commerce writer Anna Popp, who loves Glocal Me’s G4 Pro LTE Mobile Hotspot Router. “It gives me so much peace of mind knowing I have access to the internet 24/7 in case there isn't WiFi readily available.” Mobile hotspots are also great for digital nomads who may find themselves working from remote areas with limited internet access. 

Best Skin Refresher

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Mist

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist

Sephora

Without a friend to remind you to drink water on a long flight, you’ll likely be in need of a quick hydration hack when you get wherever you’re going. Here’s a shortcut to radiant skin that doesn’t look like it was just smushed against the window for 12 hours: Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow facial mist. Maria Yagoda, the travel-focused senior editor at Food + Wine, swears by it as a pick-me-up when on the go. “My skin gets super dehydrated on the plane, and this is so soothing to spritz on my face during a long travel day (it is also the perfect size to pack in my carry-on.) It smells amazing and is just so refreshing,” she says.

Best Money Belt

Eagle Creek Money Belt

Eagle Creek Money Belt

Amazon

“I use money belts while traveling to avoid getting my credit cards or cash stolen,” says Popp, who recommends Eagle Creek’s Silk Undercover Money Belt. This satin-lined accessory is sweat-resistant and features two handy zippered pockets to keep your passport, cash, and credit cards organized and secured. “I usually carry a regular purse, too, but having a hidden money belt is helpful for keeping track of money or other small valuables,” notes Popp. 

Best Headphones

Marshall Wireless Headphones

Marshall Motif A.N.C. Wireless Headphones

Marshall

Ultra-comfortable and boasting 20 hours of playtime on a single charge, Marshall’s Motif A.N.C. earbuds are my go-to for making long plane or train rides more manageable. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with how personalizable their active noise-canceling capabilities are, which makes it easy to tune out crying babies or to adjust the transparency level when I need to hear any important announcements (or just pay closer attention to my surroundings). 

Popp points out that earbuds can also come in handy as a signal that you’re not looking for company, explaining, “Sometimes (most of the time) I just wear them so I don't get bothered when I'm on the train alone.” 

Best Backpack

Herschel Packable Daypack

Herschel Packable Daypack

Amazon

Whether you’re backpacking or carry-on-ing, it’s always a good idea to bring a small, packable bag that you can use for day trips or hikes—and Herschel’s version, made of rugged ripstop material, folds up into next to nothing. “A packable backpack can be a godsend for storing items like a water bottle, extra sweater, phone chargers, etc. while I'm on the go,” says Popp. “I love that this backpack folds up into a built-in small pouch to make storing it even easier when it's not needed.” 

Best Headlamp

Energizer LED Headlamp Flashlight

Energizer LED Headlamp Flashlight

Amazon

While this may sound unnecessary when you’ve got a phone flashlight, you’ll never regret having a battery-operated headlamp in case of emergency, particularly when traveling alone. “Not only did I use it to navigate my way to the restroom in the Sahara, but when I was in Cuba, there was a blackout while I was packing, so I simply strapped it on my head and continued without missing a beat,” writes T+L contributor Rachel Chang. It’s always better to be prepared! We love this model because it’s super lightweight and budget-friendly.

Best Toiletry Bottles

cadence The Capsule

cadence The Capsule

keepyourcadence.

Swap single-use plastic toiletries for Cadence Capsules, the editor-loved (and TSA-approved), leak-proof, and customizable containers made from recycled ocean plastic that you can fill with anything from cleanser to conditioner to your weekly vitamins. When traveling solo, it’s comforting (and in the case of medication, crucial) to have your go-to products all within easy reach. These magnetic capsules snap together to form a honeycomb, which makes them easy to keep track of in your toiletry bag (not to mention, chic).

Best Eye Mask

Lumos Mask

Lumos Mask
Lumos Mask.

Lumos

Sleep masks in general are a must-have for solo travelers — they’re great for flights when aisle-mates don’t want to close the window shade and can be game-changing in hotels without blackout curtains. We love that this one uses low-intensity light therapy technology, so you have the best sleep possible. "Not only does it fit super well without putting pressure on your eyes, but is also helps you to actually fall asleep, which is a game-changer," updates writer Taylor Fox says.

Best Tripod

Joby Tripod Large Kit

Joby Podzilla Tripod Large Kit

Amazon

Traveling solo means documenting your trip is all up to you, and a reliable tripod makes capturing special moments that much easier, whether you’re on a solid surface or not. Joby’s top-rated flexible tripod is made from a strong aluminum core that’s coated in grippy rubber, so it can wrap around just about anything, from a tree branch to a curtain rod if that’s what it takes to get the shot.

Best Travel Journal

Moleskine Lined Professional Journal

Moleskine Lined Professional Journal

Target

A travel journal might just be the most important item on this list. When flying solo, there’s no one else to recap the trip with at the end—you’re the sole keeper of those experiences. “I always bring (at least) one Moleskine for note-taking during my trip!” says Yagoda, who explains that journaling helps her remember her trip more clearly. Writing things down as you go is a way to preserve them as they happen and serves as a point of reflection during trips when you’re often on the move and meeting all sorts of new people each day. Moreover, journals come in handy as a way to entertain yourself during solo dinners. While there are plenty of patterned or monogrammed options out there, a simple Moleskine is a sleek and sophisticated classic.

Best In-flight Entertainment

Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch Lite

Walmart

It always pays to have some fail-safe entertainment at your fingertips for unexpected delays or long travel days. “My Nintendo Switch is a solo travel essential!” says Yagoda, whose go-to game is Kirby. “Kirby can keep me occupied for every single minute of any layover, delay, or inconvenience on my trip,” she says. The lite model is designed for handheld play, easy to toss into a carry-on bag, and is compatible with over 5,000 games. 

Best Water Bottle

Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle

Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle

Amazon

When traveling solo, you may be packing lighter than usual, so Nomader’s Collapsible Water Bottle is a space-saving hack that will still allow you to fill up at a water fountain after going through airport security. It’s insulated as well, so you can skip the nasty plane coffee and enjoy your piping hot Starbucks brew instead. In many European restaurants, they also charge for  water—toting around your own water bottle to stay hydrated is an eco-and-budget-friendly must.

Best Portable Charger

Anker Slim 10000 Portable Charger

Anker PowerCore Slim 10000

Amazon

We’ve all run down our battery while taking too many photos or attempting to connect to poor WiFi while traveling. Portable chargers take the anxiety out of desperately trying to find a café to charge your phone when it’s at one percent and you don’t know your way around. Anker’s lightweight model weighs 7.5 ounces and can deliver two and a quarter charges to a standard iPhone 12.

Best Zipper-helper

ShareMoon Zipper Pulls

ShareMoon Zipper Pulls

Amazon

Your wardrobe is one thing that definitely should not be limited by traveling alone. “You don’t want to corner a stranger in the elevator or walk down to the front desk partially clothed, so something like this is incredibly convenient when traveling solo,” says Parker. “While there are many styles to buy, I’d recommend one with a spring clip versus a hook or lobster clasp as this style can work with the widest range of zippers.”

Best Hydration Packets

Liquid I.V. Hydration Hero Bundle

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Hydration Hero Bundle

Amazon

"I tend to forget to drink water as much as I should when I travel, but these individual packets are a helpful reminder to stay hydrated," T+L testing editor Jackie Cucco says. "I like that they come in individual packets so you can carry as much as you need for the day." They're especially helpful if you've also packed your own water bottle, so you can stick the travel-size packets in your day pack and fill up wherever the day takes you.

Best First Aid Kit

Curad Compact First Aid Kit

Curad Compact First Aid Kit
Curad Compact First Aid Kit.

Amazon

Wherever you go, it's important to prioritize your health — this first aid kit has all of the basics you need to feel your best for a full day out. "It includes three different bandage sizes plus other first-aid essentials like cleansing towelettes, alcohol pads, and antibiotic ointment," Parker says. "I actually keep this travel-sized first-aid kit at home and pull from it to make smaller kits in snack-sized plastic bags when I travel. Then I can restock the larger travel kit as needed to have all my essentials in one place at home, plus have several little first-aid 'go bags' to stash in my various travel bags."

Best Quick-dry towel

Better Homes & Gardens Ultimate Travel Quick-Dry Towel

BHG Ultimate Travel Quick-Dry Towel
Walmart.

From days at the beach to using post-shower when you want something a bit more comforting, packing a towel can be a handy solo travel accessory. "I liked how compact the towel is," photo assistant Morgan Glaze says. "With its portable carrying bag, it takes up very minimal space in my beach bag so I have room for multiple towels. I think this towel is well worth its value."

Best Adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Epicka Universal Travel Adapter

Amazon

When you're traveling on your own, it's important to have all of your tech items fully charged, so you can keep safe and connected. This travel adapter works anywhere and allows you to travel multiple items at once without overheating or slowing down the charge. "This worked perfectly. There are so many ports to charge everything and an easy way to switch from country to country," Allison Lowery, VP of Content Studios, says. "I also like how lightweight it was — with a case to keep it safe in transit."

Best Reusable Bags

W&P Porter Silicone Reusable Bags

W&P Porter Silicone Reusable Bags

Amazon

"I love that these bags are dishwasher-safe when I return home from a trip," Parker says. "I love these reusable bags when traveling, especially the stand-up ones so I can have my snacks set out on the airplane tray in front of me. I've bought other brands and find the quality of these to be top-notch, and I also like that they have a roll-top version that can be sized smaller when I'm halfway through what I'm eating. I usually stash one of the traditional ones in my purse since I'm prone to buying snacks that I don't finish while I'm on my shopping adventures so I don't need to go out alone late at night if I get hungry again."

Tips for Solo Travel

Share your itinerary (or location) with someone before you go

Most of my close friends and I share our location using “Find My Friends,” an iPhone app that shares where we are in real time (which can be very comforting while traveling solo). If you’re not keen to share that level of detail, consider at least sharing an itinerary and any general travel confirmations (i.e. flight numbers and hotel addresses) with someone you trust. 

You can also add friends to ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft so that they’re notified whenever you book a ride and reach your destination. (The auto-texts generated by the app have unexpectedly been a great prompt for staying in touch with friends while traveling, leading us to check-in about where we’ve been that weekend or dish on late-night rides home from evenings out.)  

Skip the selfie stick

Paris-based T+L contributor Sara Lieberman, who has traveled to over fifteen countries on her own, suggests skipping selfies and instead asking someone to take your photo, which is often an easy and no-pressure conversation starter. “Asking someone to take a photo of you will not only (hopefully) result in a better shot—feel free to direct them and set it up to your liking—but perhaps a conversation or even a shared experience. Maybe they'd be interested in joining you on a local tour that required a two-person minimum.” 

Go guilt-free

When traveling with someone else, you typically need to make some compromises to ensure you both get what you want out of the trip, perhaps waking up earlier than you’d like, or sightseeing longer than you’d want. The beauty of traveling alone is you get to call the shots, and leave the guilt of not feeling always-aligned with someone else behind. 

“Solo travel has always been my preferred way of seeing the world. I love the feeling of exploring a new place entirely on my own, which leaves me more open to unexpected discoveries and connecting with strangers,” says Yagoda. “Also, I can't lie, I love to do exactly what I want, when I want it—without worrying about a travel partner who may have a different vision in mind. I'm someone who needs a lot of rest and relaxation while traveling, so when I'm alone I don't have to feel guilty about skipping an afternoon of sightseeing if I don't feel up to it.”

Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers

It may go against what we’re taught as kids, but it’s crucial to trust your gut and chat up friendly-looking folks as you go about your travels. I recently climbed up 500 very steep steps to catch a sunset in Vietnam and found myself laughing with the other out-of-breath people at the top, lamenting the climb, which segued naturally into chatting about our respective trips.  

Lieberman puts it this way: “You know that NYC subway phrase about suspicious packages? ‘If you see something, say something’: Well, use it to meet people. But, like, with your general observations,” she suggests, noting that simple comments like, "’Amazing sunset. Do you know another good spot around here?’” can be natural openers for great conversations (and hopefully great travel tips!).

Don’t rely (only) on Google 

Another way to initiate conversations with locals or fellow travelers—and hopefully to enrich your trip in the process—is to ask them for advice. “If you don't know, ask!” Lieberman says. “We travel to learn, and when we're alone we often rely on Google or Wikipedia to educate ourselves rather than, say, another traveler who seems adept at buying metro tickets or a local who knows the right pronunciation for ‘addition’ (the bill) in French.”

Always read reviews before booking accommodations 

This applies to all travel but is particularly salient as a solo traveler: Do your homework before booking a place to stay. The worst thing when you’re weary after a long day of travel is showing up to a place that makes you feel anything less than comfortable. 

Prepare physical and digital copies of important docs

When you're traveling alone, it's important to have copied back-ups of all of your important documents like reservations, passports, IDs, and more. But it can also be helpful to have printed copies as well as digital copies on a separate device in case of lost or theft. For example, if you travel with an iPad or tablet, you should ensure that you save all of the same important documents on that second device as you do on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is traveling alone a good idea?

    Traveling alone can be one of the most incredible ways to connect more deeply with yourself and with the people and places you encounter along your journey. It’s a physical and emotional juxtaposition from your comfort zone, taking you to new places where there’s a good chance you don’t speak the language or know anyone (yet!). And that’s where the good stuff starts: Traveling alone forces you to chat up people you might never otherwise engage with if you had a friend or partner there to keep you company. Often, you may find yourself opening up about parts of your life that you haven’t even explored with your loved ones back home; there’s something about being removed from the familiar (and from the pressure of living up to what those closest to you might expect from you) that allows you to shed certain parts of yourself and try new ones on for size.


    While there are ample upsides to solo travel, there’s also an inherent risk in navigating a foreign (or even not-so-foreign) place by yourself. To mitigate that risk, it’s crucial to take proper precautions like some of the solo travel tips outlined above, whether that’s sharing your location with a friend or doing your due diligence when picking a place to stay. Carrying some of the travel safety products recommended here as well, like a personal safety alarm and a portable lock for the door in your accommodations, can offer peace of mind and an added layer of security as well. 


    For more inspiration and comfort, check out solo-travel-focused groups on Facebook. Many are dedicated specifically to female solo travel, while others may be destination-specific and offer insights into things to be aware of or visa logistics. You’re likely to find a ton of helpful tips and maybe even a travel buddy to link up with somewhere!

  • How long should a solo trip be?

    The beauty (and at times, most daunting aspect) of a solo trip is that you’re calling all the shots—including how long you’d like to travel for. Of course, there are the typical constraints, like a job that requires you to be on-site, or a family to consider. Budget is a determining factor as well, although there are ample ways to stretch your budget if you’re eager to keep traveling. Otherwise, it’s all up to you. If you’re new to solo travel, start with a shorter trip—maybe a long weekend or a five-day jaunt somewhere—to let yourself find your own rhythm without the pressure of weeks “alone” stretching ahead of you (as most solo travelers know, you’re rarely alone for long—you’re bound to meet friendly new faces along the way!).

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Sophie Dodd is a full-time freelance writer for T+L and other reputable publications. She spends her time working on vineyards, road-tripping through the Pacific Northwest, and seeking out the greatest outdoor showers of all time—all in the name of investigative journalism. She focuses on personal essays, branded content, feature writing, and just about anything that involves Paris. She and T+L writer Taylor Fox spoke with other globetrotting writers and editors to curate this list of the best products and tips for solo travel.

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Updated by
Taylor Fox
Taylor Fox, Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure
Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years.
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