The Ultimate Packing Guide For Female Solo Travelers

Even if you’re not backpacking, bringing a backpack makes traveling more convenient. The backpack can act as your carryon for easy access to important things while you’re moving from place to place. In addition to avoiding annoying bumps the you encounter with a suitcase, the backpack is less work to drag around especially in places with stairs and to the restroom.

This may seem like an obvious tip but make sure to pack matching clothes. It’s easier to plan out your outfits ahead of time with versatile pieces that you can mix and match. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that each item you pack matches with more than one other item.

If you’re traveling by yourself, you will most likely carrying everything on your own so you don’t want to overload luggage. Make it easier for yourself and pack a light load. For starters, take out all the extra clothes and toiletries that you won’t miss. I know it’s hard when you want to be prepared, but do you really need those extra jackets that you probably won’t wear?

Make sure to have some extra cash and a credit card, separate from your wallet. This is important in the case that your purse or wallet gets lost. Good places to stash some cash would be in an eyeglass case, a make up bag, or an empty shampoo bottle.

If you need a good credit card with travel protection then check out the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. For more travel credit cards, check out the link at the bottom of the post.

Long-Sleeved Shirt & Pants: Even if you’re not heading anywhere cold, it’s important to bring at least one set of warm clothing. Not only can airplanes get cold, there are also places such as temples that require visitors to be covered up.

Crossbody Purse or Daypack: Bringing a day bag is great for wandering around the city or going on a day hike. This bag can carry your essentials like wallet and glasses.

Sarong: These versatile staples are ideal for tropical destinations. Not only are they usually light to pack, they can be used for multiple purposes: as a towel, beach wrap, scarf, blanket, pillow, or knapsack.

Pocket Knife: These small, multi-use pocket tools are helpful when you travel and absolutely necessary for camping. Usually pocket knives come with tweezers, nail clippers, a serrated knife and a can opener. These are great for self-defense as well.

Headphones: Especially important on public transportation, headphones allow you to stay entertained without bothering those around you.

Flashlight or Headlamp: Keeping a small keychain flashlight or a headlamp is a lifesaver if your phone dies. We recommend keeping one in your shoe while you sleep, so you don’t have to dig around for it in the dark.

Power Bank: It’s important to have backup power, especially since most travel information is connected to our phones these days: boarding passes, hotel confirmation numbers, rideshare, safety apps and etc. Keeping a spare power bank on you makes you prepared and from worrying about finding an outlet.

Adapters: Make sure to check what type of plugs your destination uses. If it doesn’t match American plugs, you’ll need an adapter. In the case that the destination has different voltages, you’ll need a converter. Most electronics have a built-in converter, but we suggest playing it safe and getting a universal adapter just in case.

Selfie Stick: This is a must if you’re a photo taker traveling solo.

Tissues: You can use tissues as an alternative to toilet paper and napkins. Toilet paper is a luxury in many places abroad. Having a small pack on you keeps you prepared just in case.

Hand Sanitizer: You never know if your destination is packed with soap so be prepared with a bottle of hand sanitizer to stay clean and healthy.

Feminine Hygiene Products: Although readily available in the United States, tampons aren’t as popular worldwide. Pack some for your trip, or even better, a reusable menstrual cup.

First-Aid Kit: Your first- aid kit should include bandages, disinfectants, painkillers, bug repellent, anti-itch cream, ear plugs and upset stomach medication. This is important in case you get sick or hurt. In addition, many places abroad might not have medicine readily available.

Safety Whistle: Always be sure to keep personal safety gear on you while traveling alone. Unfortunately pepper spray is not an option while traveling because it is banned in most countries and not eligible for planes. Instead, you’ll need a safety whistle to prevent issues.

Lock: Keep your doors secured for important belongings and for your own safety.

The Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card is a great choice for new travelers because of its simple earning structure and no transaction fee. For travelers, you’ll receive credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee. Continue reading to see all of the outstanding benefits from this mid-tier card.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel. You're able to earn: • 2X Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. • 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection This card does come with a $95 annual fee. Enjoy no foreign transaction fees and receive up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®. Click here to learn how to apply

The Platinum Card® from American Express is the best luxury option with no foreign transaction fees. This card offers a wealth of premium benefits that you need as a traveler including Uber credits, airline credits, access to airport lounges, travel protection and more. In addition, you’ll get automatic Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status. Read more below.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers 125,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. You'll earn: • 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. • 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card(R). The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required. • With American Express Global Lounge Collection you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder. • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month. • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card. • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues. • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required. This card comes with a $695 annual fee.¤ (See Rates & Fees), but you cardholders can enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member and Additional Centurion Cards only. Terms Apply. Terms Apply. Click here to learn how to apply

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a fan favorite no-foreign-transaction-fee card with a big welcome bonus. The card rewards you with Ultimate Rewards points, one of the most valuable rewards currencies in existence.

Consider transferring your rewards points to one of Chase’s airline or hotel partners for maximum value. To find out more about this card, keep on reading.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You'll earn: • 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM • 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries • 2x on all other travel purchases • 1x on all other purchases • $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027. Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase TravelSM This card carries a $95 annual fee. Click here to learn how to apply

For United Airlines frequent flyers, this card is for you. The United? Explorer Card offers many benefits to frequent flyers and it charges no-foreign-transaction-fee. Continue reading for all of the benefits you’ll get from this card.

The United Explorer Card offers 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. You'll earn: • 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays. • 1x mile on all other purchases Perks of this card include: • Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary • Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. • Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit • 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95. Member FDIC Click here to learn how to apply