World Tourism Day: 12 Essentials Every Woman Solo Traveller Should Pack
I love travelling. Going to new places, meeting new people, seeing different cultures, having delicious meals, and the list of why I love travelling goes on and on. Having travelled for quite some while now, I’ve realised that there are very few people in my life who want to travel the way I want to and fairly so. And this probably is one of the biggest reasons why I have shifted towards travelling solo. But one of the major challenges that I faced when I started travelling solo was wondering what to pack. However, after gaining some experience in the solo travelling department, I now have a list of things that I believe all women solo travellers should carry.
Let’s agree, that packing can be daunting – especially when you are travelling solo because what you carry with you becomes even more important. But worry not, I have a list of things that all women solo travellers – especially the newcomers – can use as a checklist when packing their bags.
Also Read: This Reddit Thread About Safety Tips For Solo Indian Female Travellers Might Help You In Your Next Trip
Here’s a travel starter pack for women solo travellers:
1. Don’t forget your female hygiene products
It is always a good idea to pack your sanitary pads/tampons/menstrual cups. While you are at it pack paper soaps and sanitiser as they occupy less space and come in pretty handy. And since you don’t know about the kind of bathrooms you’re going to find on your travel, I’d even suggest packing disposable toilet seat covers so as to avoid UTIs or any other type of infections.
2. Stock up on lotions and makeup
Whether you’re travelling to a cold climate area or a hot climate area – lotions are a must. So stock up on body lotions, moisturizers, sunscreens, serums, lip balms, and everything else you’d need to protect your skin from the weather. Also, it is advised to look gorgeous on your travels, so kajals, lipsticks, mascaras, and every other makeup product should go in right away.
3. Luggage trackers are a must
One of the main worries while travelling is that one might lose their luggage. And to prevent that from happening, add luggage trackers to your bags so you can easily track them and know their location at any point in time. Trust me, these are life savers if you’re forgetful like me.
4. A travel scarf always comes in handy
A travel scarf is not just an accessory that will elevate your look but also a great place to stash your money, credit cards, and other personal items. Thanks to the travel scarf, you can avoid carrying a purse and ensure the safety of your money and other belongings. Similar to a travel scarf, there are also travel bras that have hidden compartments where you can easily store your belongings.
Also Read: Railways Introduces Foldable Baby Berths In Trains For Women Passengers Travelling With Infants
5. First aid kit for the win
Not all places around the world are filled with medications that you might need and moreover, if you fall ill you don’t have anyone to run to the chemist for you, so carrying a customisable first aid kit is definitely recommended. Don’t forget to pack bandages, disinfectant ointments, generic pain killers, bug repellents, anti-itch creams, and medicines that you might require on your journey.
6. Flashlights are important
Phones can hang up or die at any point, so carrying a small flashlight always comes in handy. It is especially handy if you’re walking back to your room at night, out camping, or it is pitch black in your room. I’d suggest sleeping with your flashlight in your socks, that way if you need it in the middle of the night, you don’t have to go searching.
7. Get going with a personal safety alarm/whistle
A personal safety alarm or a whistle is a good item to bring along on your journey. It is small and easy to carry around and it makes a loud noise when you press or blow it during an emergency situation. Always keep it handly – especially when you’re exploring the nightlife of a place.
8. Don’t forget the power bank
From boarding passes to hotel confirmations, nowadays a lot of things needed for travel are connected to our phones so ensuring that it has enough battery to sustain you is extremely crucial. Now, you might not find plug points everywhere you go, so carrying a power bank is always a good idea.
Also Read: Safety Woes Keeping You From Jet Setting? On World Tourism Day, Here Are 5 Countries That Are Safe For Female Travellers!
9. Carrying a swiss army knife is always a good idea
Having a small, multi-use pocket tool can save you from carrying multiple tools for simple tasks. From using it while camping to opening a bottle of wine in your hotel – the swiss army knife is a true life saviour. Also, don’t forget to pack it in your checked bag so that it doesn’t get confiscated by airport security.
10. Carry digital and physical copies of your documents
Personal documents are extremely necessary while travelling so having multiple copies of both – digital and physical – come in handy. Especially if you lose your documents or are forgetful or need to submit them at the place you’re staying or for any other reason.
11. A physical map, please
I know, I know, nowadays no one carries a physical map. But if you’re in the interiors or your GPS can’t find your location or your phone battery dies down, then having a physical map is always a safe option. Carrying one along with you ensures that you don’t get lost and know where you are at any given point.
Also Read: 5 Breathtaking Places Female Solo Travellers Can Travel To In Monsoon
12. Apps come in handy, always.
Here are some of the apps you should have handy on your phone:
– Chirpey
This is an app for only women solo travellers. You can share and get advice on destinations, hotels, attractions, hostels, and more here. If you crave some company, then you can even join meet-ups and go to events with other women solo travellers who are travelling in the same place.
– MayDay
It is an app tool that can keep you safe in a threatening situation. When you hit the red MayDay button three times, your family and friends will get notified of your precise location and a message that says you’re in trouble.
– Kindle
Carrying multiple books can increase your weight and is also not practical, so having Kindle on your phone is extremely helpful. While travelling long distances or just having a quiet night in your hotel room, you can always turn to books for some company.
Ngl, in the beginning, I was worried about my safety, the travel becoming boring and even expensive. However, after taking a couple of solo trips, I can say with certainty that every woman should at least take one solo trip in their lifetime – it is a learning experience like no other.
