An incredible advantage of traveling solo is being able to customize your experience exactly how you’d like it – be that visiting museums all day or lounging by the beach all day, it’s your time and you should use it wisely!
Travelling solo requires a minimal packing list if you plan to be gone for any extended period. Here are our T+L editors’ top packing tips:
1. Passport
At the forefront of your travel packing list should be a passport. In order to travel overseas legally and enter some countries without being denied entrance due to an expired passport.
Be sure to take an additional copy of your passport, just in case its loss or theft. Store this photocopy separately in a bag from its counterpart.
2. Money
Money is one of the most essential items to bring on any solo trip. Make sure that your wallet and backpack contain multiple currencies, as well as emergency contact phone numbers written down for anyone that could help if there’s ever an incident or emergency situation. Also keep a list of hotel contacts, travel agent details, maps etc in an organized folder in case they come in handy during your travels.
Women traveling solo benefit greatly from having cash available when embarking on solo journeys. Being independent allows them to freely make decisions without consulting other travellers; the experience fosters independence.
Solo travelers can save money on expensive tour packages by opting for more cost-effective accommodation and taking public transport; selecting cheaper restaurants; purchasing travel insurance to cover medical emergencies; and carrying an extra water bottle around. These measures can all help solo travellers save money!
3. Clothes
Clothing choices for solo travel depend heavily on your destination’s climate, whether or not it’s winter or summer and how long of a journey you have planned. Layers should always be packed so as to easily adjust to changing weather conditions.
Your essential clothing items for adventure activities and casual use include tops and t-shirts that are breathable, quick-drying and layerable – such as Libin cargo joggers. Pants or shorts (e.g. Libin cargo joggers) should also be packed along with flip flops as these double as slippers in hostel showers.
Waterproof jackets or ponchos should be essential on any male solo travel packing list, particularly if participating in any water sports activities. Furthermore, you should bring along an umbrella in case the weather turns rainy during your journey.
Travel journals can be an excellent way to document and reflect upon your adventures, as well as being handy tools for keeping track of important information during trips such as contact numbers and itinerary details. Moleskine notebooks offer high quality writing instruments in various colors.
4. Toiletries
No matter if it’s your first solo travel experience or not, all backpackers should possess certain essential items in their arsenal for solo exploration. From a reusable water bottle to a passport wallet, this gear could make all the difference on your next voyage abroad.
Packing light when travelling solo will save money and reduce stress on your body. To keep luggage weight low, pack one shirt, set of underwear and pair of socks per day of your trip; additionally bring a light jacket, shoes and basic toiletries for each day of travel.
Men should invest in lightweight trousers like Libin cargo joggers that are comfortable, quick-drying and feature multiple pockets for storage purposes. Also bring along a light jacket for unexpected rain or cold temperatures.
Don’t forget to upgrade from single-use plastic toiletries by switching over to Cadence Capsules – editor-approved, TSA-approved leakproof customizable containers designed for travel that save space in your wash bag and are leakproof! Great for everything from shampoo sachets, face wash, toothpaste and deodorant to toothpaste for flights 3.4oz decantation bottles are also an easy solution for airline carry on regulations.
5. Camera
Travelling alone? Your camera is an invaluable travel companion. Not only can it capture amazing photographs and videos of your adventures, it can also help connect you with fellow travellers when homesickness strikes – plus sharing those adventures on social media helps build up your travel following.
Pack a high-quality camera, extra batteries (and ideally backup ones!), and extra memory cards when embarking on solo adventures. Capturing memories will only enhance the journey.
Solo male travellers should bring three essential equipment items: a tripod, water bottle and headlamp/torch. Tripods can come in handy when taking photos at night or during windy conditions; water bottles come in handy when refilling at restaurants and hostels; while headlamp/torches come in handy when exploring at night or exploring in dark rooms.
Be sure to include some key items for male solo travel such as flip flops (great for use at hostel showers) and ear plugs if staying at hostels with noisy roommates.
6. Travel Journal
One of the challenges and pleasures of traveling alone lies in packing everything yourself. Unless you are visiting someone in close proximity or family in nearby cities, your travel bag must hold all your clothing and personal items for your entire journey.
Keep a travel journal as an effective way of remembering everything on your trip and recording purchases and expenses during it. Plus, add pages for writing down memorable experiences or lessons learned along the way!
The ideal travel journals are lightweight yet sturdy, featuring rounded corners to help protect against damage to both pages and cover of the book. There is a range of sizes, from slim versions like Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917 notebooks to larger notebooks by The Traveler’s Company or Midori; some even include special features like maps, memento pouches waterproof covers writing prompts boredom sections and more!
7. Reusable Bag
Reusable bags can make an invaluable addition to a man’s solo travel packing list, providing an efficient means of organizing dirty clothing from personal belongings while offering laundry on-the-go. Available at most stores, these reusable bags may even be made of recyclable materials!
Backpacks are another essential item on a man’s packing list for solo travel or traveling alone. A backpack offers more convenience than suitcases as they’re easier to maneuver, lighter and more portable – saving time on carousels as you reach your destination faster.
An essential item for solo male travel includes a first aid kit and extra toiletries. An essential item when traveling solo for men would be an antihistamine and ibuprofen pack as well as some sun protection products; roll-on deodorant may also come in handy to maintain fresh smelling body odour during a sunny journey; razor and shaving soap make keeping up a well-groomed appearance easier; flashlight and Swiss knife will come in handy on this type of journey as well.
