What to pack for solo travel? From best luggage to safety gadgets for female travelers and solo travel gear…this solo trip packing list accompanies me on all my adventures and are essentials for a safe and fun trip.
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Best Luggage & Packing Solutions
Eagle Creek Doubleback22 3-in-1 Carry-on Luggage
Love this carryon backpack convertible. Unfortunately, they discontinued it. The Eagle Creek Expanse 21″ is its replacement along with the Load Warrior 22. Read my review. Helps me downsize my packing. Highly recommended.

Hynes Eagle 42L Wheeled Backpack
Carry-On compliant convertible wheeled backpack with a laptop sleeve and business organizer section. Comes with wheel covers to protect wheels when in transit. Read more in Best Wheeled Backpacks for Solo Travel
Best bag for young backpackers. Several easy-access pockets to store things in the front, top and sides. Ergonomic: its back + hip support is ideal.
Eagle Creek Packing Cubes (3pk)
While i’ll always love my Super Saver bags, but I’ve fallen for packing cubes. They make organizing easy.
I carry a lot of chargers, batteries and cables, so I need pouches to organize ’em. See-through mesh pouches are great.
SpaceSaver Premium Storage bags (2Sm,2M, 2L)
Space Saver bags are the air tight solution to packing and size reduction. I use medium to small sizes and medium to large for bulky winter clothes.
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Movon Money Belt RFID-blocking
I don’t like wearing money belts but I always take one to store important travel docs.
10%off if you buy from my link in 30 days. I have Clever Travel Companion tank top and underwear. My fave -the tank top has a hidden pocket to store belongings. It operates a bit like a fanny pack. My review.

10%off if you buy from my link in 30 days. I have Clever Travel Companion tank top and underwear. My fave -the tank top has a hidden pocket to store belongings. It operates a bit like a fanny pack. My review.
You’ll see me wearing these in my videos. Stash my money and credit cards on my wrist for quick access to them. My fave is this 2-pocket reversible design. Review here.
FitBit Charge 3 is a swim-proof watch fitness band & tracks everything from steps, heart rate, calories and sleeping patterns (it records REM, light & deep cycles). It vibrates to let me know when it’s time to start moving!
I take a backup doorstop with me in the case I feel like my hotel is shady and I want to sleep with peace of mind. Haven’t had to use it much thankfully. I have a simple doorstop; this is for the traveler who wants extra security.
Made in Japan, this is one of my favorite hypoallergenic face masks. It is comfortable but secure and breathable. The masks allow you to breathe while working out and help prevent dust or allergen inhalation. This is not proven to protect you against COVID.
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is highly affordable and flexible travel insurance with COVID-19 and quarantine coverage in 180 countries. Read more
5 Minimalist Anti-theft Cross-body Bags for Solo Travelers
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Solo Travel Gear for Outdoor/Adventure
What to Pack for Solo Travel for Outdoor Adventures & Developing Countries
A silk liner is the best travel sheet. It’s lightweight, but keeps you warm & protected from bedbugs. One liner has lasted me over 10 years+. Highly recommended.
Possibly the best self-eating, flexy, reusable bags I’ve gotten! The fabric is flexible (not cheap). Perfect for toiletries and tucking in your daypack for emergencies.
Never used a squat toilet but fear accidentally peeing on yourself? A female urinary device is “training wheels”. My review here.
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Travel doctor recommended, it is a super strong (and toxic) insect and bed bug repellant you spray onto your bag and clothes and let set. It’s meant to treat items before you take them on the road.
I always bring a small bottle of undiluted Solumel to spritz on my hotel bed. Melaleuca is Tea Tree Oil, a powerful natural anti-bacterial. It’s a cleaner, disinfectant and deodorizer. Read my post on bed bug prevention..
Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm | Plant Based | DEET Free | Travel/Pocket Size | 0.75 oz
SteriPEN is recommended for water purification in countries with unsafe water. It has a built-in flashlight, discharges a 40 second UV light to purify contaminated water and more. Read my review.
Protects mobile devices from the elements. Submerge it 65ft or 20M deep. Con: Submerged in water, mobile touch capabilities can feel wonky. I use it as a beach buddy pouch.
Manduka EXO Lite travel yoga mat
Manduka is a great no-slip yoga mats. Lighter than its standard weight, you can pack this in your luggage to take it on the go!
Check out my Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Guide & Recommendations
I’ve seen videos where people tested the Lifestraw water purification/ filtration device by drinking their vomit and pee. That’s extreme but you get the point. This can handle the hardcore.
Sun Bum Reef-Safe Face Stick (I pack this in my daily bag)
Bare Republic 50SPF sunscreen facial stick
I have freckles which grow into sunspots; I always pack a facial sunscreen stick. Bare Republic is all natural, eco-friendly & coral safe. The zinc protection is a bit thick; so I rub it in.
DevaCurl No-Poo Quick Cleanser (1.5 oz).
Dry shampoo is a brilliant invention. When there’s no water to wash your hair.
The citrus scent of lemongrass gives me a zing, it refreshes the air, doubles as a light perfume and it repels mosquitoes. It’s also an antiseptic. Always carry it in my daypack.
Faceshop FaceIt Waterproof BB cream.
Feels like water going on, but smooth. SPF 50 and durable foundation. Sustains the sweatiest of beach and travel days.

Have difficulty sleeping on planes, trains and hostels? This mask is ah-mazing! It blocks out light and is so snuggle, it gives me the deepest most relaxed sleep!
Check out my 10 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen for Hawaii
Electronics

Anker 10,000mAh portable charger
One of the worst feelings is when your phone dies on you, but an Anker 10,000mAh portable charger will last you a long-distance flight.
MyCharge Hub Mini Portable Charger 3000mAh
This portable charger charges like lightning. Lipstick size, a little bigger than most but the fold out cords, make me love it.
Universal Travel Adapter with 4 USB
This Universal Travel Adapter has four USB adapters spaced apart and a Smart IC device, gauging battery charge so it doesn’t over-charge. The smartest travel adapter!
Belkin 6-Outlet Power Strip Surge e protector
The 6 outlet power strip surge protector is perfect for charging all my devices. These days, finding a power strip with USB hubs is my next target. 6 foot cord is an ideal length.
Travel Footwear for Comfort
Ergonomically supportive and stabilizing for over-pronation. It’s been helpful for my Plantar Fasciitus. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance recognizes products that have been found beneficial to foot health.
Smartwool Women’s Cable II Socks
70% Merino wool, 29% nylon, 1% elastene. Didn’t want to promote this as it uses animal products, but it’s the best in cold locations & winter climates.
Podiatrist recommended for my plantar fasciitus, the Oofos sandal footbed cradles and supports arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles. So walking is easier. Recovery is faster. Many TV crew have also recommended this to me. It takes a bit getting used to but the rubber is soft and flexible.
5 Minimalist Anti-theft Cross-body Bags for Solo Travelers
11 Anti-theft bags for travel (2023 UPDATED)
Ultimate Hotel Guide : Essential Tips for Staying in a Hotel
14 Street Food Safety Tips to Avoid Getting Sick Whilst Traveling
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8 Street Smart Safety Tips for Solo Travelers (Updated 2023)
Travel Clothing for Female Travelers

North Face Paramount 2.0 Convertible Pants
All purpose pants I take on every trip. Converts from long pants, into shorts and cargo pants. Durable and tough but still feels good aganst your skin.
Havianas is one of my main footwear choices, for hostels, hotels, temple hopping in Asia and just strolling around. Being from Hawaii, I know flip-flops. Havianas are top notch. (Read why I like it )
Comfortable and soft yoga pants, which feels like skin. Not see through. Side pockets hold a cellphone and secret waist pocket is enough to hold money and keys
SOMI wear bikini-workout-underwear
Ecofriendly, sustainable, comfy… the SOMI wear is a bikini-workout-underwear all in one.
Packable Lightweight Hooded Long Raincoat
Windproof, Waterproof & Breathable Raincoat with hood, button and zipper front designed can keep you dry and warm in rainy, snowy or windy day, very good water-resistance easy to quick-drying. Quite fashionable and lightweight to pack in a day pack.
My all-time fave multi-purpose fashion accessory and travel must! I got my green pashmina for $5 from a New York street vendor. Pashmina scarves are fairly soft, cozy and long.
SOMI wear bikini-workout-underwear
Ecofriendly, sustainable, comfy… the SOMI wear is a bikini-workout-underwear all in one.
Spray your wrinkles away- it actually works! Great for business and lazy travelers. I did a hands on video review here.

Unbound Merino 100% wool travel apparel. Classy, moisture-wicking, suuuuper soft, the apparel does not take on body odor. They are known to take many wears before washing so you can take it on a trip and not worry about having to wash it religiously. The Unbound Merino tshirt and Unbound Merino black dress is my favorite due to the classy and slimming.
Body Wrappers 27″ Acrylic Legwarmers
My ballet legwarmers have been with me forever. They’re originally made for ballet warmups; so they’re soft and long. I pack them on every trip. Ideal for planes, trains and air-conditioned buses. They provide that add-on layer of warmth,.

GRRRLTRAVELER Super Soft Flip Flops
Get my Original GRRRLTRAVELER super soft flip flops. Light-weight and packable for any trip! See my merch shop for more options
Travel Insurance & Communication
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is highly affordable and flexible travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage in 180 countries. They also offer Remote Health Insurance to cover remote workers in live abroad situations.. Read more.
World Nomads travel insurance offers affordable travel insurance rates (especially for Americans, who pay a premium for coverage). Cover sports most things and theft. Read more.
One of the best and most affordable VPN solutions for travelers. Use my referral code: grrrltraveler to get 70% off 3-year plan + 1 month free
Best economical mobile plan in U.S.
U.S. prepaid SIM plan at 10MB/monthly 5G speed.
Friend referral here.
VYPR VPN protects my laptop over public WiFi. Easy to use. Offers fast and fairly consistent internet connections, even in China.
Pack your WiFi anywhere you go! Get 10% off when you use my referral code GRRRLTRAVELER
Allianz Travel Insurance Inexpensive travel insurance for regular and business travelers. Standard insurance. I got an annual plan for $129.
Check out more => Recommended Trip Resources for Solo Travelers
Packing Lists
23 In-Flight Essentials for Long Haul Flights
5 Minimalist Anti-theft Cross-body Bags for Solo Travelers
Reef-Safe Sunscreen Guide for Travel | 13 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Unbound Merino Review: Ways Merino Wool revolutionizes Travel Packing
Complete Guide to Wheeled Backpacks | 6 Top Convertible Carryons for Solo Travelers 2023
11 Anti-theft bags for travel (2023 UPDATED)
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post which helps support the work I do. The companies listed, I recommend because I think they’re awesome and they’ve helped me a lot in my travels. If you support this site in some way and want to book your trip, these links will help you do that.