Are you planning your first solo trip, but feeling completely lost on what to pack? I’ve been there, and there’s no bigger source of anxiety before a trip than feeling unprepared. Especially when traveling solo, the most important thing is that you pack light, smart, and with purpose. This packing guide will give you a complete solo travel packing list with essential items that will help even first time travelers feel confident for their next adventure.
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The Key to Creating a Solo Travel Packing List
For solo travelers packing smart and efficiently is more than just a convenience– it’s a necessity. Since you’ll be solely responsible for all the details of your trip, making the right packing choices is completely on you. No pressure… this is exactly what makes solo travel so empowering!
The key to creating an efficient packing list is that every item should serve a purpose. If you’re on the fence about including something in your bag, you likely do not need it. In this way, solo travel definitely teaches the difference between what you want vs. what you actually need.
The Benefits of Traveling Carry-On Only
When I first started my solo travels, I had a persistent fear of losing my luggage and being stuck in a foreign country with nothing but my phone. This is where my love of carry-on bags stems from. In my opinion, the best way to travel is carry-on only. I’ve now been to over 25 countries with just my carry-on and there are so many benefits, other than ensuring your stuff stays with you at all times.
Saves Time
Not checking a bag will save you time and hassle at the airport. There’s nothing worse than having to wait in line behind someone rearranging their luggage to make the weight limit before your flight. Or having to wait for your bag at the carousel after a long travel day. With just your carry-on, you can breeze right through to security after checking in, and leave the airport as soon as you’re done with customs.
Saves Money
One of the best benefits of traveling with just a carry-on bag is avoiding the checked baggage fees that many airlines charge. Over time, these fees will add up, especially for budget-conscious travelers. For solo travelers, these savings are especially important. The extra cost of baggage fees can be better spent on experiences, food, or accommodations during your trip.
Gives You More Freedom
Another huge advantage of packing light is the freedom it provides. When you travel solo, you won’t have anyone to help you lug around heavy suitcases. A lightweight bag gives you mobility, flexibility, and the independence to navigate unfamiliar terrain easily. Whether you’re crossing the cobblestone streets in Europe or running to catch a last-minute train, being able to move freely without excess baggage is priceless.
Pick the Perfect Carry-On
Now that I’ve hyped it up, how do you pick the perfect carry-on that fits all your travel essentials? Picking the perfect carry-on bag involves balancing size, functionality, and comfort to suit your travel needs. I personally opt for travel backpacks so I can navigate my surroundings as effortlessly as possible.
I use the Osprey Fairview 55L as my carry-on of choice. It comes with a daypack that can be detached and used as your personal item! When the daypack is detached, it fits overhead for all the major airlines I’ve flown. I’ve only been forced to check it one time while flying Air France… just because the gate agent didn’t like how big it looked on my back (but it definitely would have fit overhead). I can comfortably fit 2 weeks’ worth of clothes, plus all my travel essentials in this bag.
These are the most important things to remember when choosing a carry-on:
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The most common set of dimensions for carry-ons is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but it varies for every airline. The best practice is to check directly on the airline’s website for the exact dimensions.
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Some airlines use a single number that represents the total of all three dimensions (height, width and depth). It’s most commonly 45 inches, but again, it’s best to check directly on the airline’s website!
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A carry-on is different from a personal item, which should fit under the seat in front of you. Some basic airfares don’t include a carry-on item, so be sure to check if it’s included in your ticket price.
Here’s a guide to carry-on luggage sizes!
Also knowing everything you know now, if you choose to check a bag your essentials should still be in your carry-on! This way if your bag gets lost in transit, all your most important items are still with you. 
What to Wear and Pack
When planning your wardrobe, think about comfort, climate, and culture. The last thing you want is to be stuck with clothing that doesn’t suit the weather at your destination. Also, as female solo traveler, I especially consider cultural norms when packing, just so that I feel comfortable wherever I am.
Essential Clothing
Your wardrobe should be functional, comfortable, and flexible enough to adapt to varying weather conditions. Pack clothes that you can wear multiple times in different ways. Aim for one outfit for every day of your trip, but remember that you can always do laundry at your hotel/ hostel if needed! This is important to remember if you’re traveling for an extended period of time.
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Start with the basics: a few lightweight tops, a couple of pairs of pants, and layers if you’re packing for colder weather.
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Dresses are a great option because they’re a complete outfit in just one piece. Depending on the purpose of my trip I try to pack as many of them as possible.
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Choose moisture-wicking, quick-drying materials like merino wool.
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Pack a versatile jacket that’s waterproof and can handle wind and rain. For colder climates, invest in a packable down jacket.
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Pack just as much underwear as you think you’ll need, and I always pack extra socks!
As far as actually packing your clothes, make sure you invest in some high-quality compression packing cubes. Regular packing cubes might keep you organized, but compression has the added benefit of saving space in your bag for other essential items.
Essential Footwear
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when packing is trying to fit multiple pairs of shoes in your bag. Pack one pair of comfortable walking shoes that you’ve already broken in, and one pair of casual or dressy shoes, depending on your itinerary. For warm destinations, add lightweight sandals or flip-flops that can double as water shoes. I linked my go-to’s below:
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Hiking shoes (double as my everyday walking shoes)– I wear these on the plane
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Water shoes that I wear pretty much everywhere
I always wear my bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane, and if they’re uncomfortable, I change into my travel slippers while I’m in my seat. They come with a zippered case so it’s super easy to pack in your carry-on or personal item.
Travel Documents
Travel documents are always at the top of my list for any international trip. There’s no point in packing at all, if you don’t have the correct paperwork to get into the country. Start by looking up exactly what important documents you need, and make sure you bring the originals with you. While doing my research, I also check to see if there are any specific travel apps that I will need, so I can download them to save me time at the airport.
The general rule is to have 2 backup copies of all necessary travel documents (especially a copy of your passport). Have I ever used the copies? No… but it definitely makes me feel more comfortable to have them on me. Invest in a sturdy document holder, and keep your copies in a separate place from the originals!
Here are the documents you will always need for an international trip:
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Passport
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Visa (if the country requires it)
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Proof of any vaccinations needed to enter the country
Some sources also list having a few passport-sized headshots for getting visas on arrival at your destination. I can safely say I’ve been lugging around the same passport-sized photos for a few years now… every country I’ve ever gotten a visa on arrival just took my picture there.
Essential Accessories
These are the most important things you will need on any big trip:
Phone Accessories
My travel mantra is, “As long as I have my phone and passport, I’ll be able to get home.” So I group everything I need to make sure my phone is charged and functional in one category.
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Local SIM card: to make sure I have service wherever I am
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Universal travel adapter: make sure I can always plug my phone in
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Portable chargers/ power bank: just in case there are no outlets available when my battery is running low or the USB ports available are not compatible with my phone chargers.
Cash/ Credit Cards
Having a way to pay for any unforeseen circumstances will ensure your peace of mind during travel. I always make sure to bring the following with me:
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One credit card with no foreign transaction fees– this is my primary form of payment when possible.
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A backup credit card (also no foreign transaction fees) that I always keep separate from the primary card.
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A debit card that can be used at foreign ATMs
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Cash in local currency– I withdraw from the airport’s ATM if possible
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Cash in USD, since it’s the most commonly accepted currency. This is my absolute last resort and I only use it in case of emergency.
Important tip: If you’re wondering if you need a money belt for traveling, I would advise against it. There’s pretty much no way you can inconspicuously use a money belt and most of them are just uncomfortable. You’re better off using these wrist-zipper pouches instead. You’ll feel more comfortable being able to feel your cash/ cards right on your wrist.
Toiletries and Personal Care
Every traveler’s list of toiletries will look different, depending on your specific needs. But in general, less is more when it comes to toiletries. The TSA rule for carry-ons is that you are only allowed a quart-sized bag of liquids, and each bottle needs to be less than 100 mL (3.4 oz).
Must-Have Toiletries for Solo Travel
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Shampoo, conditioner, and body/ face wash– if you’re not picky about these products, check to see if your accommodation has them before you pack to save space.
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Toothpaste and mouthwash– if I run out of space in my bag, I just buy them when I get to my destination.
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Sunscreen and moisturizer: I have my preferences when it comes to these products so I pack them first to make sure I have enough room.
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Makeup- only the necessities!
Important tips for travel toiletries:
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Keep in mind that unless you’re going somewhere completely remote, most essentials can be purchased at your destination.
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Opt for solid products wherever you can to save space for liquid products. For example, deodorant, shampoo, body wash, and sunscreen can all be purchased as solids.
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If you’re bringing makeup, focus on creme products that come in sticks or powdered form. They’re considered solids, and won’t count towards your toiletry limit.
Feminine Hygiene Products
If you’re traveling for an extended period, especially to remote areas, consider packing extra feminine hygiene products like tampons, pads, or menstrual cups., even if you’re not expecting your cycle. It’s hard getting used to a brand you’re not used to using while traveling, so I always make sure I have these on me.
Essentials for Health and Safety
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any health or safety event that might come up. I don’t like to dwell on the worst-case scenarios. But I still make sure to pack the following items so that I’m prepared for any unforeseen events.
Health Items
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Pocket pharmacy: include any prescription medications you absolutely need first. Then focus on the “what-if’s”. At a minimum, I always make sure to have something for motion sickness, diarrhea, and a general pain reliever like Tylenol.
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Remember that most places are way ahead of the US, and you can get many things over the counter. In Peru, I purchased antibiotics for an eye infection and altitude sickness medication for no more than 20 USD.
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First aid kit: Include basic supplies like band-aids, antibacterial wipes, and medical tape. You can purchase an affordable mini first-aid kit with many things you might need.
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Hand sanitizer and wipes: Travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes are always a good idea.
Safety Tools for Solo Travelers
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Personal safety alarms: they’re compact, and take up virtually no luggage space. Many of them can be attached to your keychain for easy access.
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Doorstop alarm: Ideal for securing your room at night, especially in hostels or unfamiliar accommodations. I prefer this to portable door locks because they don’t always work on every hotel room door.
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Bluetooth tracker: these aren’t just useful for tracking checked bags. You can stick one in your wallet or purse for peace of mind, just in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Travel insurance: While this isn’t something you physically pack, it’s a must-have for any solo traveler. Make sure you’re covered for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. I usually get mine through World Nomads.
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Packing for your solo trip might seem overwhelming, but if you stick to the above guide and only pack the essentials, you can travel light, smart, and confidently. Remember, every solo trip is a learning experience, and your packing skills will improve with each one. The most important thing is to bring items that make you feel comfortable, safe, and prepared.
If you’re looking for more travel tips or inspiration for your next solo adventure, check out my other posts and start planning your next adventure with confidence!
