I believed I
had everything I needed when I went on my first international journey by myself;
three heavy jackets, four pairs of shoes, and a curling iron that I had only
used once.
I was
mistaken. I mastered traveling light after five countries, many stairs, and one
sore back. Yes, with only one carry-on bag.
These packing tips I've learned the hard way will help you conserve space, reduce stress, and even save some money at the airport, whether you're organizing your first solo trip or just want to make your travels easier.
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| Solo Female Packing Secrets |
1. The Power of the Packing Cube
People who
became obsessed with packing
cubes used to make me laugh. Then I gave them a try. I used these zipped
pockets as portable mini-drawers.
I used,
- One cube for tops
- One for bottoms
- One for underwear and socks
- A small cube for electronics and cords
In addition
to making the most of available space, they also helped me stay organized and
unpack in the hostel.
Everything
fit better and wrinkled less when clothes were rolled inside the cubes.
2. The 3-Shoe Rule (and Yes, It Works!)
I never
needed more than three pairs of shoes during my travels to Indonesia, Italy,
Vietnam, Portugal, and Turkey,
- Light-weight shoes for exploration and strolling
- Flat sandals for the beach or relaxed days
- One adorable pair of folding flats for nights out
No heels.
Hiking boots are not required unless you want to go on a challenging hike.
Believe me, after walking 10,000 steps in Rome, nobody gives a damn what shoes
you're wearing.
3. Multipurpose Clothing Is a Game-Changer
Packing items
that may be used in many situations was necessary.
My
essentials,
- I wore a single, neutral dress to restaurants, to
the temples (with a scarf), and even to take a walk on the beach.
- A thin scarf that can be used as a blanket, beach
sarong, or head wrap during cold flights
- Black leggings that may be worn as pajamas, dressed
up, or down
It didn't
make the cut if it didn't go with at least three other outfits.
4. Toiletries? Less Is More
Keep in mind
that you can purchase the majority of things abroad before packing full-size
shampoo bottles and a range of beauty products.
I changed to,
- A strong shampoo bar that doesn't leak
- A little moisturizer and oil for the face
- A small sunscreen tube (refilled as needed)
- A pair of tweezers and a travel-sized razor
I packed only
the necessities in a tiny pouch: mascara, tinted balm, brow pencil, and
concealer, leaving the heavy makeup behind. Powerful and little
5. Your Travel Outfit Is Part of Your Luggage
On travel
days, I saved a ton of space by wearing my bulkiest stuff.
What I wore,
Sneakers
A light
jacket or long cardigan
My biggest
scarf
Leggings and
a comfortable t-shirt
Bonus: It was comfortable for lengthy trips and cold airport air conditioning. Packing smartly means layering.
6. Digital Copies and a Light Backpack
I had a
Google Drive folder with scanned copies of my passport, travel insurance, and
key reservations.
I was once
saved by having digital backups when my printed confirmation was misplaced at
my hostel.
What about my personal belongings? A compact backpack including,
- Always-present snacks
- A water container that can be filled again
- My charger and phone
- Lighter than books, an e-reader
- A pen and notepad
That's all.
Don't carry a big purse. No
additional luggage.
7. Laundry Is Not the Enemy
When I was
abroad, I used to hate washing laundry. But you know what? I didn't need ten
outfits because I could wash them quickly in a nearby Laundromat or in a hostel
sink. No matter how lengthy the vacation was, I only packed for a maximum of
seven days.
You only need
to pack a quick-dry towel, a sink stopper, and a travel-sized detergent.
Clothing dries overnight in hotter countries.
8. Weight Over Space
It's not
necessarily light just because it fits. Weight is important to airlines, not
simply volume.
Since most
airlines have carry-on weight restrictions of 7 to 10 kg, I always check the
weight of my bag and remove anything unnecessary.
Hardcover
books, heavy denim, and "just in case" items were removed
9. Comfort and Safety Essentials
When I
traveled solo as a woman, I always brought,
- A doorstop alarm (for extra hostel/hotel safety)
- A small flashlight or headlamp
- Period products I trust (these aren’t always easy to
find abroad)
- Pepper spray (where legal) or a loud whistle
These offered
me comfort without taking up much room.
10. The Confidence You Gain Is Priceless
I had to
trust myself because I was traveling solo with just one carry-on. I accepted
the freedom of having less and let go of the anxiety of not having enough.
Don't drag
your bags across cobblestone streets. No need to wait at baggage claim. No
misplaced bags. It's just myself, my necessities, and an exciting journey
ahead.
Final Thoughts
Making wise
decisions is more important than making sacrifices when traveling solo as a
woman.
I now
understand what is important after visiting five different countries and taking
dozens of travel lessons - comfort, usefulness, and making space for memories
(and unexpected plans).
I assure you that you can manage your first vacation with just one carry-on. And you may never back.
Read: Packing
for 30 Days Alone in Europe: What Worked and What Didn’t
