Solo Traveler Packing Checklist: The Essentials for Your Next Vacation

Essential toiletries and medicines

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Perfume/cologne
• Facial wash
• Sunscreen
• Moisturizer
• Other skincare products
• Makeup
• Makeup remover
• Comb/brush
• Hair ties
• Shaving kit
• Towel
• Tissue
• Sanitary pads/tampons/menstrual cup
• Birth control pills
• Prescription medication with the script so you can buy more and to avoid questions at immigration
• First aid kit
• Vitamins
• Face masks
• Hand sanitizer

For toiletries, you always want to bring them in small travel bottles. Don’t bring the whole 1L of your body wash with you because you’re not going to use all of it and it’ll just be a waste of space. Per TSA’s 3-1-1 rule, pack no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per item. You might also want to consider a waterproof toiletries bag to keep everything in place and to protect the rest of your luggage from possible spills.

Essential mobile apps

Airalo app

This one is a huge lifesaver! Instead of buying a local SIM card, you can use a digital eSIM of a local provider.

MAPS.ME

You never know when you’re going to be lost without an internet connection. Use MAPS.ME to download local maps so you’ll be able to use it offline.

Google Translate

Even with its context-understanding errors, Google Translate is still arguably the best translation app for traveling. It’s got a camera function that translates signs and you can also speak into the mic to get your words translated.

Blablacar

This one is a must if you’re trying to stay on budget in Europe. Blablacar is an app for travelers looking to carpool to places in Europe and the rates are relatively cheap. For safety measures, there’s a rating feature so you can see if someone is legit.

Lens Buddy

Instead of setting your timer over and over, Lens Buddy takes multiple photos. It’s different with burst mode because you can set how long you want the duration between shots to be.

TravelSpend

Track your expenses, set budget plans, and convert currencies using TravelSpend.

Your favorite hostel/airbnb/couchsurfing app

This is especially important if you’re traveling for a long time and don’t have all your itinerary planned out yet. Airbnb has a feature that’s perfect for solo travelers where users can share their itinerary with trusted family and friends as a safety measure.

Other essential items

• Chargers
• Earphones (consider the noise-canceling earphones to work as ear plugs too)
• Portable battery
• Waterproof phone case (especially those that you can sling around your neck)
• Neck pillow
• Travel blanket/pashmina
• Sleeping eye mask/ear plugs
• Glasses
• Spare contact lenses
• Empty water bottle (fill it once you got through security)
• Travel umbrella (folding umbrella)
• Plastic bags/laundry bags

You might want to consider also bringing:

• Tripods (both the standing one and the gorilla one)
• A defensive weapon like pepper spray (you have to put it in your checked bag) or this TSA-approved emergency alarm.

Keep in mind that for some of the things listed, it might be easier to just buy them at your destination if it could cause a hassle at immigration (pepper spray) or if it’s cheap and disposable (sanitary pads, tissue, etc).

Choosing the right travel bag

Whether you’re taking a quick weekend getaway or embarking on a long-awaited vacation, choosing the right travel bag is essential. The last thing you want is to be lugging around a heavy suitcase when you could have packed lighter. Here are a few tips for choosing the right travel bag for your next trip:

Size matters: Choose a bag that’s large enough to fit everything you need, but not so big that it’s cumbersome to carry.

The longer your vacation the more stuff you’re going to bring, hence the bigger the luggage you need. However, the bigger the luggage the more hassle it becomes since you have to check it in. The standard carry-on luggage size is usually only 18″ – 20”.

Bringing only one 20” luggage (plus one personal item like a handbag) is suitable if you’re traveling for only 2-3 days. If you’re staying more than 3 days, we suggest you give it up and bring more and bigger bags.

Even for checked bags, there’s still a limit to how big of a bag would still be comfortable for you. Typically, a 25” – 27” luggage is already considered large, anything more than that is just bulky and difficult to maneuver.

Think about how you’ll be traveling: If you’ll be doing a lot of walking, look for a bag with wheels. If you’ll be taking public transportation, choose something that can easily be stowed away.

Rolling vs duffel bag? For most people, there’s no question here: rolling luggage is the obvious winner. It’s a lot easier to carry, more durable, and more elegant-looking. However, some might prefer duffel bags because of their flexibility, making it easier to fit into the overhead cabin.

Hardshell vs softshell? Softshell luggage bags are made from fabric, they’re lighter and more flexible so you can stretch them out more to fit in your clothes and it’s easier to squeeze into the overhead cabin.

On the flip side, hardshell luggage bags are more durable and sturdy. The outer layer is coated with plastic material so it’s waterproof and easier to clean. If you need to bring something fragile, it’s better to opt for hardshell luggage.