Planning a solo trip? Here’s how to pack your solo travel bags and luggages with tips for your trip!

The world is obsessed with solo travelling. Though exciting, travelling alone can be daunting. Don’t worry, it’s normal to be nervous! Here’s your essential solo travel packing list and tips to get you ready.

1. Travel Documents

Though an electronic version of these documents might be sufficient, it’s always good to have a hard copy. You wouldn’t want to get into trouble with the immigration officer!

• Passport
• Visa (if required)
• Student ID & School Documents (if required) – An official ‘Letter of Acceptance’ from your school as proof
• Boarding Pass & Travel Tickets – Sometimes a printout is required, especially if you need to get a visa check
• Accommodation Reservations
• Travel Insurance Documents
• Cash & emergency credit card or YouTrip card

2. Carry-On (and Luggage)

“Which bag is best for solo travelling?” Of course this entirely depends on how long you’re travelling for.

• Haversack – Using a haversack keeps your hands free, but remember to check your airline carry-on allowance.
• Small Sling Bag – Keep your travel documents and valuables in this bag, in front of you, for safety and easy access.
• Luggage – Necessary for long trips and souvenirs but if you can go without the luggage, please do. Lugging your luggage up and down the stairs, dragging it over cobblestones or ploughing through snow laden roads, is not fun.

3. Clothes

You want to look the best for your Instagram posts, but remember to dress practically while at it! Dress codes vary from country to country, so do some research to avoid offending the locals.

• Versatile Travel Clothing – Mix and match tops and bottoms for variety! For the ladies, a dress doubles up as a top and bottom, so that’s saving space for one more article of clothing.
• Disposable Undergarments – Hygienic, convenient, and more luggage space for your trip back.
• Microfiber Towel – These towels often have better absorbency, allowing you to dry yourself quicker, and it dries quicker too.
• Light Jacket – For the airport and chilly nights.
• Comfortable Footwear & Socks – The wrong pair of shoes could ruin your whole trip, leaving your feet sore and covered in blisters.
• Slippers – Useful for hostels, or if you need to grab something from the nearest supermarket.
• Cap – Shields you from the sun and rain.

If you’re going solo in winter, here are the 10 Winter Essentials You Must Have to Keep Warm.

4. Electronics

If your phone battery dies, how will your Instagram followers know what you’re eating? Oh the horror.

• Power Bank – YOU. WILL. NEED. THIS. Your phone’s gonna be your camera, GPS, and social media gateway, so keep it charged!
• Charging Cables
• Earpiece
• Camera & Memory Card – For the professional photographers.
• Data Plan/Local SIM – You’re likely going to be navigating yourself around in a foreign land. Ensure you have a data plan that works or get a local SIM.
• Universal Travel Adaptor with multiple USB ports – Especially if you’re staying in hostels where you’re only entitled to one power plug, this is a lifesaver to juice up your mobile phone, wireless earbuds, and power banks.

5. Toiletries

If your liquids are going into your carry-on, ensure they’re 100ml or below, and in a 1L clear resealable bag. You don’t want to get held up at customs for your toiletries, it’s a long wait.

• Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Soap
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• Face Wash
• Lotion
• Lip balm
• Comb
• Eye Drops
• Personal Hygiene Items
• Hanging toiletry bag – Especially useful for small bathrooms and hostels.

6. Travel Accessories

These items will come in handy during your solo travel. Since you’re travelling alone, it’s always better to be prepared and self-sufficient.

• Foldable Reusable Bag – In the event you end up buying too many things, you can use it as a carry-on or check it in as luggage.
• Plastic Bags – For your dirty laundry and anything, really.
• Umbrella/Raincoat – You wouldn’t want to end up soaked for the rest of the day and risk catching a cold.
• Inflatable Neck Pillow – It makes your trip a lot more comfy, I promise! It also doubles as a bolster at travel hostels.
• Pen – Don’t scramble for one when filling in arrival cards.

7. Consumables

• Personal Medication – Paracetamol, charcoal pills, and anything else you might need. No one plans to get sick, but when it happens you need to be prepared.
• Snack Bars – Yes, you want to try the local food as much as possible, but when you’re budget travelling (catching midnight coaches and early flights) you need to be armed with granola bars.

There you have it, your essential solo travel packing list and tips for your trip! Going solo might be scary and unexpected circumstances will always arise, but that’s what you signed up for right? Independence! Freedom! New experiences! Expect the unexpected, but embrace the inevitable changes. Off you go for your solo travels!

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Enjoy a worldwide fees-less travel experience!