In many ways, packing for a solo trip isn’t that different than packing for a trip with someone else. But there are certain concerns that become more pressing when you’re traveling alone — particularly when it comes to personal safety. If you don’t have a companion to watch your back, you’ll want to take a few extra precautions and consider packing the following things with you,
When you are traveling with a companion, you can split your money and credit cards between the two of you so there’s less impact if one of you is robbed. But if you are alone, you will still want your valuables to be in more than one place. It is recommend to carry the bulk of your cash and cards in a money belt hidden under your clothes, while keeping only what you need for the day in an inexpensive wallet, which you can put in a front pocket or in a crossbody bag that’s difficult to steal. If you are mugged, you can toss this dummy wallet away from you without giving up all your valuables.
Traveling solo also means there’s no one there with you to watch out for you, so you’ll want to keep something on you that can help you in case of an emergency. Since things like mace and pepper spray can’t be brought on a plane with you (sometimes they’re allowed in checked baggage, but that doesn’t help if you’re a carry-on only kind of person) a personal alarm that you can set off or a whistle you can blow to make a loud noise can help in those times when you need help or feel unsafe. It’ll draw attention to you and deter any attackers.
It is highly recommended that every traveler bring a few medical necessities, but it’s even more essential when you don’t have a travel buddy to run down the street to the nearest pharmacy on your behalf. You can create your own first-aid kit with items such as antibacterial wipes, adhesive bandages, tweezers and over-the-counter pain medications. Or you can buy a ready-made first-aid kit.
Travelling may involve running and sprinting and crossbody bags are prone to easily slide off your body and fall on the ground. It is recommended that two straps are better than one. Not only does a backpack spread the weight out better, but anything that lets you be hands-free while navigating routes solo is a godsend. You can fit much more things in a backpack than in a crossbody or tote bag.
Being on your own, you want to avoid getting sick at all costs, so I go crazy with wipes to ensure minimal contact with germs. Before every trip stock up on various wipes such as Anti-Bacterial Wipes for your hands, Disinfecting Wipes to Go for plane and train seats and the hotel room and Flushable Cleansing Cloths to, well, to keep you feeling fresh and clean in all those public restrooms.
Of course you should bring your usual charger and any adapters you might need if you are going abroad, but you should also have something you can take with you on-the-go. A portable power bank can come in super handy when you are traveling in all situations, but especially when you are alone. With a portable charger, you will always be able to keep your phone charged, so you’ll always have your lifeline with you no matter where you go.
Traveling solo means you’re doing everything solo, including eating at restaurants and riding public transit. Bring a book (or multiple, if you tend to go through them quickly) or magazines with you to read when you have down time or when you’re by yourself and want something else to focus on, so you’re not just on your phone. It is something to do, but it’s also something that will make you look busy if you’re worried about strangers approaching you.
The last thing you want is to be stranded somewhere unfamiliar without any of your important information. Make copies of every document you’re taking with you—your license or ID, your passport, your visa, travel insurance, traveler’s checks if you have them, your credit cards, plane tickets, hotel reservations and anything else you may be bringing with you. Also include extra passport photos, in case you need to get a new one. Keep a physical copy of everything in a safe, waterproof place, and back-up copies electronically as well.
No matter where you’re traveling, you should keep an emergency card in your wallet or on your person, just in case something happens to you. Include contact information for someone back home and any relevant information about your health, like allergies or conditions you have. You should also fill out similar info on your smartphone. If you have an iPhone, you can access the Medical ID section from the Health app—an emergency responder doesn’t need your lock code to access it (it’s under Emergency on your lock screen). If you have an Android device or other smartphone, look for a similar option (it depends on the model of your phone) or download an app that can do the same thing, like ICE.
If you’re travelling to a country with a different power socket outlet, then you’ll need a travel adaptor to use any of your chargers or plugs. If you travel to lots of different countries around the world then save yourself any hassle and get a one-adaptor-does-it-all gadget.
Noisy neighbours? A 12 hour bus journey with glaring strip lights and relentless “music”? Crying babies and an aisle seat on a long haul flight? A good set of earplugs, an eye mask and a travel pillow that offers neck support are lifesavers in these kind of situations.
