Traveling solo can be fun and challenging all at the same time. It throws you into the deep end and pushes you outside of your comfort zone. Without a traveling companion to rely on for second opinions and company, you’ll be tested to step outside of your comfort zone and approach other travelers to potentially hang out with and you may find yourself asking strangers for help on more than one occasion. On the flipside, it’s generally a lot easier to make new friends and you’ll learn so much more about yourself and probably do things you never thought you ever would! While any form of travel is fun, where solo or with other people, packing and planning for it can be a drag. But as a solo traveler, heed needs to be paid to your packing as you have only yourself to rely on. Read on for five tips to help you pack well and travel light as a solo traveler.
1. Use an anti-theft backpack as your carry-on
The best carry-on luggage may be your backpack, especially if the airline you’re flying with has strict weight restrictions. As a bonus, you can use it as a daypack during your travels.
Keep your possessions safe with an anti-theft backpack. Get one with a slash- and water-resistant exterior and anti-theft zippers. RFID-blocking compartments are a must to protect you from credit card skimming and identity theft.
Roll up a small tote bag and keep it in one of the side pockets of your backpack. Once you’re on the plane, pull it out and put everything you might need during the flight: laptop, noise-canceling headphones, Kindle, traveler’s journal, travel pillow, compression socks, moisturizer, toothbrush and toothpaste. This way, you’re free to store your carry-on in the overhead bin and not have to reach for it till you’ve landed. Get your vacation off to an excellent start with these travel tips.
2. Be minimalist with your travel wardrobe
Schlepping around a heavy suitcase and having to pay airline baggage fees can put a damper on your solo travels. Hence the appeal of minimalism when packing your wardrobe.
A minimalist travel wardrobe is a collection of your clothes that compliment each other in a number of combinations. Don’t pack clothes that can only be worn as one outfit. Choose versatile pieces based on the weather of your travel destination and activities that will require specific clothing. For example, if you plan on visiting the historic temples in Bali, you’ll need to cover your shoulders as well as your legs.
A maximum of 3 pairs of shoes should be ideal as they tend to be heavy and take up space and weight. If you’re traveling somewhere warm like Costa Rica, a pair of flip-flops, flats, and sneakers will do.
Packing light is the key to a stress-free trip, and lightweight cabin bags provide the perfect solution. Try to choose hard-shell ones, for example, Eminent’s hard-case cabin bag which is designed so to protect your belongings while also allowing you to reduce the number of items that you take with you. Not only are hard-case cabin bags incredibly lightweight and durable, they prevent you from overpacking – giving you peace of mind that everything you need can fit within its hard-case walls.
3. Roll + fold your clothes
Fitting your travel wardrobe into a limited space is tricky. And making sure they emerge wrinkle-free at your destination may seem nothing short of magical.
One surefire way to prevent wrinkles from forming is to pack clothes made from wrinkle-free fabrics, like lycra, nylon, polyester, wool, knits, and cotton. Check if the item wrinkles easily by grabbing a corner and crushing it in your fist for 40 seconds. If it doesn’t wrinkle or the wrinkles are gone after a minute, feel free to pack it.
To maximize your luggage space, roll tight the items of clothing made from wrinkle-resistant materials. This could be your t-shirts, shorts, underwear, and the like. Bulky items like jackets, hoodies, and sweaters will take up more space if you roll them up. Try the KonMari method and fold them into ⅓ of their size. Marie Kondo also has a handy folding method for wrinkle-prone items like pants, button-up shirts, and dressier items.
4. Pack spare clothes in your carry-on
The airline can lose your luggage. No one wants to think of that happening, but it’s a genuine possibility. If you’ve been traveling for more than one day, a spare set of clothes in your carry-on can be a lifesaver until your bags are found (or you decide to shop for new clothes).
Pack a set of lightweight clothing (don’t forget underwear!) made of wrinkle-resistant fabric like bamboo underwear. If the material is fast-drying, that’s a bonus in case you’ll need to hand wash them in the sink of your hotel room.
5. Split your money and credit cards
Another genuine possibility when traveling alone is getting mugged or pickpocketed. That’s why it’s a good idea to divide your travel cash and credit cards into several safe spots.
Leave all the cards, money, and important documents you don’t need immediately in a safe, hard-to-get-to location at your vacation rental or hotel. When you’re out and about, have some money on your person and some more in your bag.
Though it may not make the most fashionable accessory, a money belt that’s large enough to hold your cash, as well as your passport, can be very helpful. Pick a slim, waterproof version made from lightweight synthetics and cotton.
3 Best Places To Travel Alone
Here are three destinations to inspire your wanderlust.
1. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Perfect for: beach lovers
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Located off the coast of East Africa, Zanzibar is a tropical gem in the Indian Ocean. It has pristine, sandy beaches that stretch for miles, and the aquamarine water is so clear, you can see the coral reefs at the bottom.
Things to do: If you get tired of lazing around the beach and snorkelling, take a trip to Stone Town or go on a spice tour.
2. Iceland
Perfect for: outdoor adventure lovers
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This Nordic island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean is a geological wonderland. Not only is it home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes, but it also has some of the most massive glaciers in Europe. Iceland is one of the top places in the world to see the northern lights, and there are plenty of caves and caverns to explore.
Things to do: Have a swim in one of the country’s legendary natural hot springs or go on a whale-watching boat tour in Faxaflói Bay.
3. Singapore
Perfect for: culture lovers
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Apart from having the world’s best airport (Changi Airport has claimed this title for eight consecutive years), this island nation in Southeast Asia is a cultural melting pot. Although most of the population is Chinese Singaporean, there are significant Indian, Malay, and Eurasian minorities with plenty of European influences. This means you get to experience different cultures and cuisines without having to leave the island.
Things to do: Visit Gardens by the Bay, a striking landmark with 18 vertical gardens, or pay a visit to the country’s colorful cultural neighborhoods like Little India, Arab Street, and Chinatown.