Travel gear guides for solo female travelers

Kristin Addis, a solo travel specialist from Be My Travel Muse, offers her packing suggestions and recommendations in this guest article.I understand how intimidating it may be to attempt to decide what to bring for a week, a month, or a year overseas if you have little to no expertise in the destination. Although I was in a similar predicament eight years ago, I think I may have finally sorted out the female packing list problem with the use of hindsight and more than ten years of travel experience.

Fortunately, I've discovered that you can go almost anyplace without breaking the bank with a few basic essentials.

My go-to packing list consists of the following items and tried-and-true techniques that I still love and use after years of traveling. Feel free to take what you want and mix and combine. Have fun!

Tip 1: What Bag to Bring

Is it better to bring a suitcase or a backpack? Your journey duration and the destination or destinations you choose will determine this.

I love backpacks because they allow me to be more mobile (believe me, it's not enjoyable to lug a wheeled suitcase up a staircase!). Not having to wait for your bags at the airport when you arrive is also fantastic!

Many people worry that carrying a backpack may strain their backs, but if you have the correct one that suits your body, you won't have any problems because the weight will be spread evenly. Because every individual's body is unique, I strongly advise trying out backpacks (with weights inside) in person. REI stores are a great place to do this.

Having said that, here are the tried-and-true essentials I always bring with me when I travel:

I carry all of my possessions, including some hiking equipment, in a 65L REI bag.
In cities like Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City, where motorbike theft and bag snatching might happen, or in regions of Europe or South America where individuals try to unzip your
pocketbook while you're preoccupied, I use this Pacsafe messenger bag as a day bag. The strap has a wire in it, the colors are subdued, and it has concealed compartments that prevent RFID scanners from reading credit card and passport data. The zippers also lock.
The most crucial item for condensing my possessions and arranging my clothes are packing cubes.
I use an electronics backpack with lockable zippers in the front while I'm hauling a computer and big cameras.

Tip 2: What Should I Pack

In regions like Southeast Asia and India where apparel is inexpensive, don't worry too much about packing a whole wardrobe before you leave. Almost all of the girls I encountered in those areas wore clothes that they had purchased while traveling. It won't break the money because each clothing just costs a few dollars, and it will fit the climate.

Bring whatever you believe you'll need, whether you're in Europe, Oceania, or any other remote location where you might not be able to find inexpensive apparel or purchase it on the road. The following packing lists will be helpful:

Warm Climates

5–7 lightweight, basic T-shirts and tank tops that go well with a variety of bottoms.
Two to three pairs of shorts in different lengths (denim takes a long time to line dry in humid places, so avoid wearing it there).
Two long dresses or skirts.
Two or three pairs of leggings or light cotton pants.
One pair of pajamas.
Enough underwear for a week or longer; I recommend Two bras, two sports bras, and seven sets of underwear.
Two pieces of swimsuits that are interchangeable.
One pair of regular hiking socks and two pairs of thin socks.
One pair of running or hiking shoes (if you're looking for options, this page offers the finest walking shoes for travel).
One pair of sandals or flip-flops.
A pair of sunglasses and a hat with a brim to protect your face.
On chilly evenings and occasions when modest clothing is required, one sarong or large scarf.

Chilly climates

Three or four long-sleeved shirts to wear in layers.
Two foundation leggings or thermal shirts.
Two or three sweaters, or sweater dresses.
Two pairs of thick pants or jeans.
Leggings in two or three pairs for layering.
One pair of pajamas.
Enough underwear for a week or longer; I recommend Two bras, two sports bras, and seven sets of underwear.
Seven pairs of thick socks.
One set of snow boots.
One thick coat.
One pair of gloves.
One scarf.
One winter cap or beanie.

Tip 3: Do You Need to Bring Toiletries

I'm pleased to say that finding shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and soap is simple and uncomplicated. These are also used by women overseas!

Except for a few really remote locations, such small islands and impoverished areas where people mostly subsistence farm, Pantene and Dove products appear to be widely available. You can also readily buy basic amenities when traveling.

Tip 4: Useful Things

Hostels usually include bedding and pillows, but you'll need a few extras to make your trip more convenient and less expensive. My must-haves are as follows:

A travel line for drying clothes (keep your budget in mind, as washing your clothes at a laundry is costly in North America, Europe, and Oceania).
A reusable menstruation cup known as a "Diva Cup.
Bring your own quick-drying towel to save money and effort because many hostels and camping areas, no matter where they go in the globe, will not provide towels. Get 15% off your order when you use the coupon "nomadicmatt."
A sleeping bag liner, just in case you come into a dirty hostel.
A sarong, which you can get on the street, is a simple way to cover yourself at temples or on the beach.
A camping headlamp that may also be used as a nighttime personal flashlight.

Tip 5: Items to Protect You and Your Property

I've been traveling for eight years, and nothing significant has ever been taken. I attribute this to employing thief-safe travel gear, keeping the most vital items on me at all times, and keeping a close eye on my possessions. I vouch for the following security-related items:

When you're somewhere without lockers or a safe, your possessions are protected by the wire mesh bag known as the Pacsafe backpack and bag protector.
Instead of mace or pepper spray, which are prohibited in many nations and occasionally prohibited even in checked luggage, it is a good idea to include a personal safety alert. It's compact and portable, and when you press it in an emergency, it emits a loud sound.
When necessary, a lock for doors, lockers, and personal property.
COVID considerations: Greetings from the new normal! To protect both yourself and other people, bring a mask or several. Wearing it in polluted cities is also beneficial.

Travel Gear Guides For Solo Female Travelers