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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., packing requires retraining. No matter how often I have packed my suitcases when moving or traveling when confronted with packing, I feel like I do not know where to begin, and I know I am not alone feeling this way. 

Packing is one of the travelers’ favorite frenemies. When you are planning a trip and reach the packing process, it brings out excitement because the packing stage signifies your closeness to your travel adventure. However, when you start packing, the joy begins to dwindle, and packing becomes a chore you desperately want to be done with. We’ve previously discussed six packing must-haves. This post, however, will specifically discuss eight packing essentials for women solo travelers. As women make up the majority of solo travelers, discussing in-depth things they should consider when packing is vital. Before diving into our lists, let’s discuss the relationship between women and packing. 

Women & Packing

It is no secret that one of the characteristics of women is that they are planners. Women plan for everything, including traveling. Research shows that women choose to travel solo more than men because men do not want to prepare, highlighting how women’s natural ability to plan allows them to enjoy solo travels regardless of whether or not they are married. When traveling, we must discuss the packing process when we are planning. As women are known to be planners, they are also known to pack–or overpack. Because women foresee the unforeseeable, we pack more items than necessary. We sometimes forget that airlines have weight limits, and instead of reducing our packing list, we tend to pay for extra luggage, and when we get to our destinations, we end up not using a large amount of what we brought in. Thus, it is crucial to pack efficiently and only bring essential 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 traveling, there are three requirements to consider to ensure you pack efficiently: duration, purpose, and location. It is crucial to consider the duration of your trip when traveling because it is the primary indicator of how much you should pack. Someone going to live abroad for one year and someone who is 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 get a carry-on with them, demonstrating that the number of things they put in a carry-on suffices for the journey they are going on. 

The second thing to consider is purpose–why are you traveling? Considering the purpose of your trip dictates what to prioritize when packing. Someone going on a business trip will not pack like someone traveling for leisure. The purpose of your trip will allow you to focus on the essentials you need to have a successful trip. If you are traveling for business, the content of your packing will be more business-related because that is the purpose of your trip. For example, you should not wear a bathing suit if you are going 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. Similar to purpose, considering location indicates how to pack what to include in your packing essentials. Someone going to Canada and Bali will pack differently. By considering location, you are also considering the effect the weather and the local culture of your destinations have on what you should pack. Going to Canada during the winter season requires you to pack differently if you were going to Canada during the summer. Understanding the local culture of your destination enables you to be culturally respectful in your attire. 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 allows you to make informed decisions when packing. However, regardless of the duration, purpose, and location, the items listed below are essential for solo women travelers. We all need to have our necessities 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, as a solo female traveler, 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 being a solo female traveler. 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 protector, your compass, and you are responsible for carrying your suitcases. When planning for your solo trips, it is vital to take all the necessary steps to ensure you will be safe and capable of caring for yourself because you are all alone. 

You should have this mindset when packing. When you decide to overpack, you should understand that you are the only one responsible for carrying all the bags you are packing. As a solo traveler, you are responsible for yourself, your suitcases, and how you will transport your belongings 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 and had to retrieve my checked bags, I prayed I found a man right there and then 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 think someone else will help you. Hence, it is essential to consider the three requirements before packing. Thus, considering duration, purpose, and location will help you manage your packing list as a solo female traveler and ensure you can transport your suitcases from different places. Without further ado, here are the eight essentials for women solo travelers. 

8 Essentials Packing Items for Women Solo Travelers

1. 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 a lot of 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 likes 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 things because I hooked the boarding tote on 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 help to carry my luggage. 

Another reason I like this four-piece luggage set is because it is affordable and durable. The set is $118.22 on Amazon. 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 give you options to choose which piece to take with you, depending on your packing requirements. You do not have to buy new suitcases every time you go on a trip because you have a lot of luggage to pick from. Another suitcase brand perfect for solo travelers is the Long Vacation’s 4-piece luggage set, which offers 6 pieces because it has 4-wheel suitcases, a weekend travel bag, and a toiletry bag. This set gives you plenty of options, depending on the duration of your trip. 

2. Female Hygiene

The most essential thing I pack whenever I travel, especially when I go on international trips, is my female hygiene products.  Although it is inevitable to bring feminine hygiene products when we travel, we tend to buy such items in small portions because we think such products exist everywhere. We will find them in more immense amounts at our destination. This mentality can work if you are traveling for a short duration. Still, if you plan to study abroad for a year or move abroad, you might need to stock up on your feminine hygiene products because not all products are created equal, and you may not find what you are used to. 

As someone who struggled to find the usual pads that I use, because I had heavy periods when I lived in France, I no longer leave the United States without my feminine hygiene products. One of the cultural shocks of living abroad was figuring out where to buy things in bulk the way I do back home. My mother usually shops at BJ’s and buys items in bulk. She would buy Dove Body Wash, Secret Deodorants, and my Always Pads. Because she would stock them up, I never had to go to the store to purchase items when I ran out. Therefore, when I went to study abroad in France and ran out of soap, deodorant, and pads, my mother made me pack before I left, and finding my usual hygiene products became a nightmare. 

First, there was no BJ’s equivalent where I could buy items in bulk. My mother instilled in me that buying this in bulk helps you save money by ensuring you are not constantly buying things. Therefore, I always carried that mindset, especially when realizing the products I used were three times more in France for a single item than how much it cost to buy them in bulk. Buying my usual Dove Body Wash for sensitive skin in bulk would save me $2.00 and prevent me from purchasing a new batch for six months. Secondly, when I ran out and could not find the deodorant I used and tried different options in France, I faced two problems. First, it was not last, and I experienced allergic reactions to almost all of the deodorants I tried. Thirdly, finding pads became the worst nightmare because I could not find my size and thick pads. I usually purchase Always Maxi Extra Heavy Overnight #5 pads or the Always Ultra Thin Extra Heavy Overnight #5. Finding them at a store was impossible. Then I discovered that such items are usually found at pharmacies rather than at a warehouse club like BJ’s or hypermarkets like Walmart. When I went to the pharmacies, the closest thing I could find to what I am used to was a depend pad for senior citizens. 

Experiencing this struggle is why I stock up on my feminine hygiene products rather than any items as a solo female traveler. 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 without my feminine product, and you shouldn’t either. I became an avid Amazon shopper because I struggled with finding feminine products overseas. Before traveling, I was not a fan of online shopping. I liked going to stores, reading the details of the products I bought, and asking people questions. I love face-to-face interactions, so I was not on the online shopping bandwagon. Before traveling, the only thing I did on Amazon was rent books for my college classes, making this specific issue with female hygiene products the reason I became an Amazon shopper. 

3. Clothing

It is evitable to include clothing in packing essentials. However, unlike other items, clothes are the only items you should not have too much stress on and are the only items on this list that you really should pack based on the three requirements listed above. If you consider the duration, purpose, and location, you will pack articles of clothing according to your requirements. If you are going on a summer trip to Bali, you will pack lighter clothes. 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 duration and less if you travel for a shorter stay.

However, solo female travelers should not stress too much about clothes because, as women, we tend to like going shopping when we are abroad, and it is unnecessary to pack lots of clothes when you are hoping to shop; there are particular articles of clothing that you must include in 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 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 you go. It is perfect to wear even in the summer breeze. 

When traveling, the goal of my clothing list is to pack light but necessary articles of clothing. I prefer adding different types of clothing for various purposes. As a young professional, networking is available everywhere, even if I only travel for leisure. Therefore, when I pack, I choose clothes that I can wear for professional settings or a business casual ensemble. That is why I love jumpsuits. You can wear a jumpsuit for a casual and professional function, making it an essential article of clothing. 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 is a black dress. A black dress is a woman’s favorite go-to item because you can wear it for any occasion. As for dresses, I like Nordstrom’s Strapless Shirred Sheer Mesh Body-Con Dress. It is fun, flirty, and sexy and brings out the classy in you for any event you get invited to. 

Overall, the goal is to pack light but have necessary clothing you can wear in any climate and for multiple purposes. Here is what I pack regarding clothes for a weekend trip or week-long destination, regardless of the purpose. 

• Two pairs of Jeans
• One slack pant
• Two dresses(one short & one long)
• Three Jumpsuits
• Bras & panties

4. Walking Sneakers

Fourthly, another packing essential for women solo travelers is shoes. One of the most accurate memes I saw online states, “Me walking 20 hours on vacation in Europe when I usually walk 500 steps back home.” I laughed so hard when I saw this meme on TikTok because that has always been my experience. 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 see the hidden local gems, exercise, and unwind.  

Since most tourists walk a lot abroad, finding comfortable footwear is essential. As women, we have plenty of categories of footwear to choose from. Should you bring our high heels, pumps, wedges, sandals, or sneakers? As someone who has lived in Europe for two years and has traveled to the Old Continent for leisure, I recommended 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 high heels to wear, the cobbled-stone street made it hard for me to move at the pace I wanted, making sneakers 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. On my future trips after living in France, I invested more in sneakers since they were the footwear I used the most. 

There are a variety of sneakers to choose from, and it is crucial to evaluate different aspects before deciding which to pack on your overseas trips. When looking for a sneaker, consider comfortability, style, and whether you can wear this sneaker with different outfits. Since we are trying to pack efficiently, bringing one or two pairs of sneakers is a good idea. I used to get one pair of running shoes like this Nike React Infinity for women and a pair of slip-on sneakers. I stopped bringing the running shoes because I was not using them for their purpose and started investing more in slip-on sneakers because I could walk with them and pair them with any outfit. One slip-on sneaker I love is the Vince’s Warren Leather Slip-On 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, and you can walk with it for a long time without your feet hurting. Another slip-on sneaker I recommend is the Common Projects slip-on sneakers. It is easy to walk with and has a good grip. It is cobbled-stone friendly for those who want to travel to Europe. 

Indeed, it is good to consider the purpose of your trip and evaluate what type of sneakers to buy. If you know you will exercise and go for a run, include running shoes in your travel packing. If you know you will not utilize a specific footwear, please do not pack it. Don’t pack hiking shoes if you are not planning on going hiking. Here is the list of footwear I include in my packing list:

• 2 Pairs of Slip-on Shoes
• Slippers
• 1 Pair of sandals like the Victoria K Knitted Floral Sandals

5. International Adapter

Another packing essential is an international adapter. With technology being our daily companion, we cannot travel without thinking about our electronics. For most of us, our electronics are our babies. We need our phones, tablets, and computers to perform our tasks, whether we are students, content creators, or professionals. Therefore, having the proper technology device to charge our electronics is vital. You will need your electronic devices if traveling for school or business. Even those who travel for leisure and want a phone-free vacation still need their electronics in case of an emergency. Hence, an international adapter is a crucial electronic apparel for travelers. 

I first discovered that not all countries had the same electrical outlet when I was preparing for my trip to Shanghai. At the pre-departure orientation, our teacher informed us we needed a compatible charging plug because China and the US electrical outlets differed. So, I went on Amazon and started looking for a Chinese charging plug because, in my mind, I needed to buy a different charger and not bring my U.S. charger, so I came across international adapters. Because of my ignorance, I did not understand the difference between a charger and an adapter, nor did I know that if I purchased the adapter, I could keep my regular charger and use the adapter to charge my phone. However, after learning about the difference and considering how I planned to travel to France in the following months, I bought an international adapter instead of investing in different chargers for different countries. 

International adapters are great investments for travelers because they save money when considering different types of chargers for various countries. They are affordable and durable. With so many choices, analyzing which will give you the most significant benefit for your foreseeable 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 has five different plugs and three different 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 ones; however, other adapters are only for specific regions, like this European Travel Plug Adapter. It is a good choice for travelers who only travel to Europe. However, the disadvantage is that if you were to purchase electronics in Europe and bring them back to the U.S., you would not be able to charge those electronics because the European electronics you buy will have a European charging, which you will not be able to use the European adapter to charge it. For example, I purchased a hair cury iron in France with a round Europan charging plug. When I lived in France, I did not need to use the adapter because the charger was compatible with the electronic outlet. However, when I returned to the U.S., I used the international adapter because it had a U.S. port, allowing me to insert the EU charger and charge it with the U.S. port. However, if you only had the EU adapter with one single EU port, you could not use it in the U.S. 

6. 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 cellphone will not die in an environment without charging stations to charge your phone or computer. As a traveler, I realized that airport, bus, or train chargers do not charge your phone correctly. Whenever I tried charging my phone at airports, PeterPan, FlixBus, or train stations, the charge on my phone depleted instead of charging. When I am abroad, I need to have a full battery at all times as someone who leaves their hotel around 10 AM and returns 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. For those of us who are 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, this INIU wireless charger has a 15W speed-boosting charging that allows your phone to charge quickly. Another wireless charger that is great for travelers is the Yootech Wireless charger. The circular design is made of ABS material, which makes it fire-resistant. The top and bottom of the charger have a rubber ring that will keep your device in place and prevent slippage. Whichever one you choose, these wireless chargers are great packing items to add to your packing list.

7. Medicines/Medications

If there is one thing I do not compromise as a traveler, it is medicine. Thinking about your health and wellness is vital as a solo traveler. 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.

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, diarrhea medicines, antacids, pain or fever relievers, laxatives, and sleep aids medicines. These medicines are essential to your travel journey as a solo traveler. Being on airplanes, trains, or buses can be troublesome for those with motion sickness. You should get some sleep aid for people who wish to beat jetlag quickly. 

Although you can find medicines at your destinations, I am the type of traveler who likes to use the things 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 other tips for preparing for your help when you travel from the CDC. 

8. Snacks

Last but not least, especially for those with a sweet tooth, snacks are another packing essential. 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. As someone who chews gum to ease my nerves during road trips or flights, I include gum in my must-have packing items. Other travelers pack snacks to manage the anxiety of unforeseen flight delays because it is cheaper at their local store than buying snacks at the airports. You can pack a healthy snack for those planning mini road trips or traveling on planes without meals. Women’s health is crucial; eating healthy snacks during travel helps you feel fuller and energized. Here are some tips on what to pack for various types of trips. I would buy the BelVita breakfast bar and the Kind Breakfast Dark Chocolate Bar. 

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 be an efficient packer. Packing efficiently saves you time and money and removes the hassles of going above 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!