Certain checkmarks are inevitable when traveling. One of those checkmarks to complete is packing. Packing is an essential part of the journey, but also a hectic process. As someone who spent two weeks packing for my move to Washington, D.C., I’ve had to retrain. No matter how many times I have packed my suitcases for moving or traveling, I do not know where to begin, and I know I am not alone.
Packing is one of the travelers’ favorite frenemies. When you are planning a trip and reach the packing stage, it is exciting because it signals your approach to your travel adventure. However, as you start packing, the joy begins to dwindle, and the task becomes a chore you desperately want to finish. We’ve previously discussed six packing must-haves. This post will discuss eight packing essentials for women solo travelers. As women make up the majority of solo travelers, discussing in depth the considerations they should keep in mind when packing is vital. Before diving into our lists, let’s discuss the relationship between women and packing.
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Women & Packing
It is no secret that one of women’s characteristics is planning. Women plan for everything, including traveling. Research shows that women are more likely than men to travel solo, suggesting that women’s natural planning ability enables them to enjoy solo travel regardless of their marital status. When traveling, we must discuss the packing process when designing. As women are known planners, they are also known to pack — or overpack. Because women foresee the unforeseeable, we pack more than we need.
We sometimes forget that airlines have weight limits, and instead of reducing our packing list, we end up paying for extra luggage. By the time we get to our destinations, we often end up not using much of what we brought. Therefore, it is essential to pack efficiently and carry only the necessary items. To do so, we must understand the packing requirements before embarking on a packing extravaganza. Before diving into the eight packing essentials for women solo travelers, here are three packing requirements.
The 3 Packing Requirements.
When packing for travel, consider three factors to ensure efficient packing: duration, purpose, and location. It is crucial to consider your trip duration when packing, as it is the primary indicator of how much to pack. Someone going to live abroad for a year and someone going on a weekend trip should not pack the same way (unless you are my friend Jasmine!). Should you go abroad for a year, you will inevitably have to bring two suitcases and a carry-on. However, someone going on a weekend trip may only need to pack a carry-on, indicating that the items they get are sufficient for the journey.
The second consideration is purpose—why are you traveling? The purpose of your trip dictates what to prioritize when packing. Someone going on a business trip will not pack as someone traveling for leisure would. The purpose of your journey will help you focus on the essentials you need for a successful trip. If you are traveling for business, your packing should be more business-oriented, as that is the purpose of your trip. For example, you should not wear a bathing suit to a three-day conference. Therefore, it will be futile to pack things that are not important to your trip.
Thirdly, you should consider location. As with purpose, considering location helps determine what to include in your packing essentials. Someone going to Canada and Bali will pack differently. By considering location, you are also considering the weather and local culture of your destinations when deciding what to pack. Going to Canada in winter requires packing differently than you would for summer. Understanding the local culture of your destination helps you dress respectfully. For example, if you are traveling to a conservative country where women must not show skin, it will be more appropriate for you to pack according to their culture.
Considering all three requirements helps you make informed packing decisions. Regardless of duration, purpose, or location, the items listed below are essential for solo women travelers. We all need the essentials when embarking on a solo trip. The caveat is choosing the right amount of each item for your solo adventure. To select the right amount of each item for your solo adventure, you must understand the psychology of being a solo female traveler.
The Psychology of Being a Solo Female Traveler
It is crucial to understand the psychology of solo female travel. As a solo traveler, you are responsible for yourself. Although solo traveling gives you peace and space to care for yourself, you must understand that you are alone. You are your own protector and compass, and you are responsible for carrying your own suitcases. When planning your solo trips, it is vital to take all the necessary steps to ensure your safety and ability to care for yourself when you are alone.
You should have this mindset when packing. When you overpack, you are solely responsible for carrying all your bags. As a solo traveler, you are responsible for yourself, your luggage, and how you will transport it from the airport to your accommodation. On my recent move to Washington, D.C., I had two checked bags—one weighing 85 lbs and the other 65 lbs—plus my carry-on and purse. When I was at baggage claim retrieving my checked bags, I prayed I would find a man right there to help me carry my suitcases.
Although over the years, I have been fortunate to meet good Samaritans who helped me carry my suitcases, it is irresponsible to pack carelessly because you expect others to help you. Hence, it is essential to consider the three requirements before packing. Thus, considering the duration, purpose, and location will help you manage your packing list as a solo female traveler and ensure you can transport your suitcases effectively. Without further ado, here are the eight essentials for women solo travelers.
8 Essentials Packing Items for Women Solo Travelers
- Travel Luggage
Every traveler needs luggage. Depending on duration, purpose, and location, you may bring a three-piece luggage set or a carry-on. One of my favorite travel luggage brands is Travelers Club. I bought their four-piece luggage travel rose gold set early last year, and it was an excellent investment. The set consists of a 26” spinner suitcase, a 20” carry-on suitcase, a 10” boarding tote, and a travel kit toiletry bag. I like this set because, as a solo traveler, it does not require me to carry many suitcases. When I traveled to New Orleans, Italy, and Greece, I only used the 20” carry-on, the boarding tote, and the travel kit toiletry bag. The 10” boarding tote is wide enough to fit your clothes and other necessary items, and leave the heavy items like shoes in the carry-on bag.
Because I traveled with a carry-on in most of my recent trips, I could use the boarding tote as my carry-on and received a free checked bag for the 20” carry-on suitcases. When I was going for a more extended stay in D.C. and needed to use all four pieces, I quickly carried everything by attaching the boarding tote to the carry-on. The toiletry bag was inside the 26” spinner suitcase, allowing me to move around the airport and to my destination quickly. I did not need assistance carrying my luggage. Another luggage set is the 6-piece Orion Luggage Set, which offers even more luggage space.
Another reason I prefer this four-piece luggage set is its affordability and durability. The 4-piece set is $82.46 on Amazon, and the 6-piece set is $112.92. With Prime, you can get it the next day, which is convenient for some of us who realize the luggage we have had for years is no longer functional, and we need to fly within days, but we are too busy to go to the store and start shuffling through suitcases. Also, I like 4-piece luggage sets because they let you choose which piece to take, depending on your packing needs. You do not have to buy new suitcases every time you travel because you have plenty of luggage to choose from. Another suitcase brand perfect for solo travelers is Long Vacation’s 4-piece luggage set, which includes 4 wheels: 2 suitcases, a weekend travel bag, and a toiletry bag. This set offers plenty of options, depending on your trip duration. I also like the Romswi Expandable 21” 3Pcs Luggage Set. It is fashionable and provides ample space for short-term travel.
- Female Hygiene
The most essential thing I pack whenever I travel, especially on international trips, is my feminine hygiene products. Although it is necessary to bring feminine hygiene products when we travel, we tend to buy them in small quantities because they are readily available. We will find them in much greater quantities at our destination. This mentality can work if you are traveling for a short duration. However, if you plan to study abroad for a year or move abroad, you might need to stock up on your feminine hygiene products, as not all products are created equal, and you may not find what you are used to.
During my study abroad in France, I struggled to find my usual pads. I am someone with heavy periods and ran out of the pads I brought with me. My second month in France, my period came early due to environmental change, leaving me pharmacy hopping, looking for pads similar to what I use. One of the cultural shocks of living abroad was figuring out where to buy things in bulk the way I do back home. I was looking for a store similar to BJ’s to purchase items in bulk and save money. Therefore, my first instinct was to look for a store similar to BJ’s. To my dismay, there was no BJ’s equivalent where I could buy items in bulk. Secondly, when I went shopping for feminine products, I could not find what I needed. When I tried a different product, I had allergic reactions. When it came to shopping for pads, the nightmare was even worse. I usually use Always Maxi Extra Heavy Overnight Pads #5 or Always Ultra Thin Extra Heavy Overnight #5. Finding them at a store was impossible.
I stock up on feminine hygiene products rather than other items when traveling alone as a woman. There is nothing more embarrassing for us women than leaking through our pants in public transportation. After experiencing a lot of uncomfortable events, I would never leave my comfort zone without my feminine product, and you shouldn’t either. Hence, I became an avid Amazon shopper to ensure I always have my usual supply of feminine products overseas. Other products I stock up on are my usual Secret Clear Gel deodorants, Goldbong Eczema lotions since I struggle with eczema, and my Aveno Stress Relief Body Wash, which I love after a long day of exploring. If you have a favorite product and realize you cannot find it at your destination, stock up before leaving or use Amazon to restock after you move.
- Clothing
It is impossible to omit clothing from the list of packing essentials. However, unlike other items, clothes are the only ones you should not stress about, and they are the only items on this list you really should pack based on the three requirements listed above. If you consider the duration, purpose, and location, you will pack your clothing accordingly. If you are traveling to Bali in the summer, you will pack lighter clothing. If you will ski in the Swiss Alps, you will pack accordingly. You will need more clothes if you are going abroad for a long trip, and fewer if you are traveling for a shorter stay.
However, solo female travelers should not stress too much about clothing, as women tend to enjoy shopping abroad. It is unnecessary to pack lots of clothes if you plan to shop; you only need to include specific items on your packing list. As someone who has traveled to different countries with different climates, I know these articles of clothing are necessary. First, every female traveler needs a jacket and a blazer. One of my favorite blazers is the Quince’s Knit Blazer, and I like the Quince’s Comfort Stretch Chore Jacket. You can wear these two articles of clothing anywhere. It is perfect to wear even in the summer breeze.
When traveling, my goal is to pack only the essentials. I prefer adding different types of clothing for various purposes. As a young professional, networking is available everywhere, even when I travel for leisure. Therefore, when I pack, I choose clothes that I can wear in professional settings or a business-casual ensemble. That is why I love jumpsuits. You can wear a jumpsuit for both casual and professional occasions, making it an essential wardrobe piece. I love this Amiah Jumpsuit from Revolve. It is a flirty jumpsuit that you can wear for a night out with friends, a date, or a professional network event. You can wear it with sandals or heels, depending on the event you are heading to. Another article of clothing every solo traveler should add to their wardrobe is a black dress. A black dress is a woman’s favorite go-to item because you can wear it for any occasion. Here’s a comprehensive list for any adventure.
- Two pairs of Jeans
- One slack pant
- Two dresses(one short & one long)
- Three Jumpsuits
- Bras & panties
- Walking Sneakers
Fourthly, another packing essential for women solo travelers is shoes. As someone who loves to walk and became a religious walker because I lived in France, I can assure you that walking is the best way to discover a new place. Walking lets you find out hidden local gems, get some exercise, and unwind. Indeed, it is crucial to consider your trip purpose and evaluate which type of sneakers to buy. If you know you’ll be running, include running shoes in your travel packing. If you know you will not use a specific pair of footwear, please do not pack it. Don’t pack hiking shoes if you aren’t planning to go hiking. However, there are particular footwear items you must pass regardless of the purpose or duration.
Since most tourists walk a lot abroad, finding comfortable footwear is essential. As women, we have plenty of footwear options to choose from. Should you bring our high heels, pumps, wedges, sandals, or sneakers? As someone who has lived in Europe for 2 years and has traveled there for leisure, I recommend investing in walking sneakers. My worst decision when I moved to France was packing shoes I had no business packing. Even though I loved wearing heels and brought many pairs, the cobbled-stone street made it hard for me to move at the pace I wanted, so sneakers became my go-to footwear for the entire year I lived abroad. Since I packed shoes I did not wear, I wasted valuable space in my luggage. After living in France, I invested more in sneakers because they were the footwear I used most.
There are many sneakers to choose from. When selecting a sneaker, consider comfort, style, and whether it pairs well with different outfits. To pack efficiently, bringing one or two pairs of sneakers is a good idea. I recommend getting a pair of walking shoes like the Ryka Women’s Podflow Lace Walking Shoes Sneaker. The second pair I would get is a slip-on sneaker like the FitFlop Women’s Rtg Leather Slip-on Sneakers. Although I stopped bringing running shoes because I wasn’t using them for their intended purpose, I still enjoyed having a pair for their comfort and foot support on long walking trips. One good option is the Cettire On Running Cloudtilt Lace-Up Sneaker. For the slip-on option, I recommend the Vince Warren Slip-On Loafer Sneakers. This platform heel gives you the feel of wearing high heels for those of us who enjoy feeling tall, and the cushioned insole makes it comfortable, so you can walk with it for a long time without your feet hurting. The Common Projects slip-on sneakers are another fantastic choice. It is easy to walk with and has a good grip. It is cobblestone-friendly for those traveling to Europe. For those of us who love sandals, the A.EMERY Jalen Sandal in Black is a good choice as well, ensuring your feet stay comfortable as you walk and discover new places.
- International Adapter
Another packing essential is an international adapter. With technology being our daily companion, we cannot travel without thinking about our electronics. When traveling, you need a charged phone, tablet, or other electronics for maps, researching different places, and so much more. Hence, having the proper charging device for our electronics is vital. However, not every country uses the same electrical outlet as the one you are used to. I first learned this fact while preparing for my trip to Shanghai. While I thought I needed to buy a different charger and not bring my U.S. charger, I discovered I could just invest in international adapters. This discovery became extremely helpful as I had more study abroad trips in the following years.
International adapters are an excellent investment for travelers because they save money by allowing them to use a single charger across different countries. They are affordable and durable. With so many choices, analyzing which option will deliver the most significant benefit for your upcoming travel plans is vital. In 2017, I purchased this Universal All-in-One Worldwide Travel Adapter. You can use this adapter in 150 countries, and it includes five plug types and three USB ports for iPhone 14, Samsung, Xiaomi, and other Android phones. You can also charge smart watches, earphones, tablets, power banks, cameras, and game consoles. You can purchase various adapters; however, some are region-specific, such as this European Travel Plug Adapter. It is a good choice for travelers who plan to visit only Europe.
However, the drawback is that if you purchase electronics in Europe and bring them back to the U.S., you will not be able to charge them because they will have a European plug. I bought blow dryers, hair curlers, and electric combs in Europe, but I wouldn’t be able to use them without an international charger. When I returned to the U.S., I was able to use these electronics because the international adapters had a U.S.-compatible port, allowing me to plug the EU charger into it and charge it. However, if you had only the EU adapter with a single EU port, I could not use it in the U.S. For those who buy a European Adapter like the 2-pack European Travel Plug, it is only compatible with a few European cities. Hence, I prefer packing an international adapter.
- Wireless Charger
Sixthly, women solo travelers should invest in wireless chargers. As mentioned above, we need our electronics and the right apparel to ensure we do not find ourselves stranded with a dead phone or at the airport without the ability to call for an Uber because our phone died on a plane, as it happened to me more than once. Getting a wireless charger is essential because it ensures your phone won’t run out of power in environments without charging stations. As a traveler, I realized that airport, bus, or train chargers do not charge your phone correctly. Whenever I tried to charge my phone at airports, PeterPan, FlixBus, or train stations, the battery drained instead of charging. When I am abroad, I need to keep my battery fully charged at all times, since I leave my hotel around 10 AM and return at 11 PM. Hence, I invest in wireless chargers.
One wireless charger travelers should invest in is the 3-in-1 charger stand. This charger is great for Apple users. It can charge various iPhones, AirPods, and Apple watches. The wireless charger station is lightweight, foldable, and portable. You can toss it in your purse, backpack, or carry-on without taking up space. Another option for travelers with Apple products is the 3-in-1 Charging Station. It is compatible with all Apple devices, including the iPhone 17, 16, 15, Pro Max, the watch series, and AirPods. The Magnetic Wireless Charger for Apple products is another excellent choice.
For Android users, there are many wireless chargers to choose from. One of them is the INIU Wireless Charger. Although Apple users can also use this charger, the INIU wireless charger offers 15W speed-boosted charging, so your phone charges quickly. Another great wireless charger for travelers is the Yootech Wireless Charger. The circular design is made of ABS, making it fire-resistant. The top and bottom of the charger feature rubber rings that keep your device in place and prevent it from slipping. Whichever you choose, these wireless chargers are great to add to your packing list.
- Medicines/Medications
If there is one thing I do not compromise as a traveler, it is medicine, especially pain relievers. Thinking about your health and wellness is vital for solo travelers. As mentioned in a previous post, being a solo traveler means you are responsible for yourself. You are your primary caregiver and protector. Therefore, you need the proper tools to ensure you take care of yourself and your health should you not feel well. Hence, it is crucial to stock up on medicine.
When you are planning to travel abroad, there are specific groups of medications that should be on your travel list. Some of these medications should be motion sickness medication like Dramamine Motion Sickness, diarrhea medication like Imodium A-D Fast Acting Softgels, antacids, pain or fever relievers, laxatives, and sleep aids. These medicines are essential for your solo travel journey. Traveling by airplane, train, or bus can be very troublesome for those who get motion sickness. You should also get a sleep aid for people who wish to beat jet lag quickly.
Although you can find medicines at your destination, I am the type of traveler who prefers to use what I am familiar with. Because of my painful cramps, I use Aleve Back & Muscle Pain. Of all the over-the-counter painkillers I tried, this is the only one that has worked for me. So, when I went to France and used Paracetamol, equivalent to the Ibuprofen and Tylenol we take, it did not work the same way. Plus, European pharmacies aren’t like those in the U.S., where you have easy access to over-the-counter medications, and some pharmacies are not open 24 hours like in the U.S., leaving you to fend for yourself during an emergency. For that reason, and having unpleasant experiences running out of meds and not being able to buy some at the neighborhood pharmacy, I recommend you stock and include medication in your essential packing list. Here are additional CDC tips for preparing for your trip.
- Snacks
Last but not least, snacks are another essential for packing, especially for those with a sweet tooth. As someone who has visited eleven countries and four continents, I have to add snacks to my packing list whenever I travel because not all snacks are equal. Having your favorite snacks with you gives you a sense of familiarity and saves you money when purchasing snacks abroad, because what we are used to may cost more.
For example, as someone who chews gum to ease my nerves during road trips and flights, I include it in my must-have packing list. Other travelers pack snacks to manage the anxiety of unforeseen flight delays because they are cheaper at their local store than at the airport. You can pack a healthy snack for those planning mini road trips or traveling on planes without meals.
As women, our health is crucial; eating healthy snacks while traveling helps us feel fuller and more energized. Here are some tips on what to pack for various types of trips. I would buy the BelVita breakfast bar and the KIND Nut Bars with Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt. My new snack-to-pack is the Think! Protein Bar Brownies Crunch. Having snacks on flights, road trips, or weekend getaways not only nourishes me but also adds a bit of sweetness to my adventure. Hence, a must-have packing item!
Conclusion
To conclude, packing is one of the traveler’s most exciting steps in the journey. Therefore, knowing what to pack and how much to pack is essential. To pack efficiently, you must consider the three packing requirements: duration, purpose, and location. After considering these three requirements, you will have a clear vision of what to include in your packing list. As a solo female traveler, I find it crucial to pack efficiently. Packing efficiently saves you time and money and eliminates the hassle of going over the weight limit when you check a bag at the airport or when it is time to carry your suitcases. The eight packing essentials in this post will satisfy your needs rather than your wants, which is why it is essential.
Thank you greatly for reading. Please leave a like, comment, and share!
Until next time,
Xoxo,
Cy!
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