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Contrary to popular belief, you can still look good when you travel, even when you backpack the world.
For many solo female travelers, what you pack as your travel wardrobe is one of the biggest worries when planning what to pack.
How many skirts do you need? Do you bother with jeans? And how many nice dresses is too many?
The list of travel essentials seems to multiply the more you think about it, and before you know it, you’ve filled up a 20 kg suitcase.
If you’re embarking on your first solo trip and you’re not sure what clothes to pack, this guide is for you!
Below are my top solo female traveler packing tips, to help you pack with style but also with efficiency, so you can still fly carry-on and look good on your solo adventure.
Solo Female Traveler Packing Tips
Over packing is something I’ve always been exceptionally good at.
The thought of heading to my destination without an outfit that I will take to an impromptu spectacular dinner or last minute drinks at sunset is a reality that I was unprepared to face!
Over the last few years, it is with great pride that I can reveal that I have travelled on week long holidays with only carry on!!
I may have given myself a cheeky high five when I accomplished this on my last trip to Melbourne while sitting on the plane next to my husband who was not impressed.
To help you realise your full packing potential, I’ve put together 10 packing tips that will have you ladies packing like a minimalist ninja in no time!
1. Know the weather forecast for your destination
Check the extended weather forecast and do a bit of research on weather patterns for your travel destination.
You need to pack for the climate you are heading to, if they’re in the middle of winter leave the summer dresses and shorts behind and instead take a beautifully versatile coat that can be worn day and night.
Knowing the weather and packing accordingly is by far the most important factor to consider when packing for your vacation.
You can also wear layers. If you are going to a cold destination, bring one or two sweaters, a few long sleeve t-shirts, and one really warm jacket. If it warms up, you can wear the sweaters and remove the jacket.
2. Write down your packing list and plan your daily outfits
There is no point jamming a whole bunch of clothes that you like into a suitcase, and finding they don’t make any sense together.
Make a travel packing list and write it down. This way you can get organized, start packing a few days before you leave, and look at your itinerary and work out what outfits you will need each day.
Unless you are heading somewhere super hot, most of your items can be worn twice (obviously except undergarments), which saves packing space too!
Planning your outfits also takes the stress and guessing out of getting ready each day and instead might allow you an extra 15 minutes sleep in the morning.
3. Stick to a colour palette
Planning your outfits becomes a whole lot easier when you are sticking to one colour palette. Or choose colours that work together.
I like to keep it neutral and when travelling I opt for monochrome colours. Black, grey, and sometimes a little khaki thrown in the mix. Navy and beige are also colours that work well with neutral tones.
This way I know every piece in my case works with a least three other items and multiple outfits can be created.
Don’t wear white, as you cannot keep them white. It’s best to choose colours that you can throw into one load of washing together.
4. Pack new underwear
I will always pack my best underwear that works with the outfits chosen (make sure you check if you need a strapless bra at any point).
I will go and purchase new underwear just for the holiday.
Why you ask?
I have been scarred after a trip to India that saw my bag be flung open on New Year’s Eve in the middle of a 5-star hotel lobby with my contents flung everywhere.
I was in desperate search of cash to pay the waiting taxi driver, and do you know what happened?
Underwear was handed back to me by some of the lovely hotel guests!
Now you can see why I will ALWAYS have fresh new underwear on holidays.
You never know who is going to be seeing it flying out of your suitcase, and it also makes you feel a little special too.
As a woman, I find wearing new underwear empowering.
5. Keep shoes to a minimum
Shoes can take up a lot of weight and packing space. Try to work with the following suggestions to free up space for holiday purchases instead.
- One every day shoe for walking – this might be a pair of white converse, boots if it’s a colder climate, or leather sandals if it’s a tropical getaway.
- One going out shoe – this could include a dressier boot or jewelled flats depending on the location.
- Flip flops – for the beach and for walking around hostels/hotel rooms with.
- Hiking boots – this is personal preference and dependent on whether you plan on doing serious hiking on your trip.
If you wanted to, take one pair of basic, dressy heels that will take you to an unexpected night out – stick with black or a neutral colour that will work with the multiple items you have packed.
6. Use accessories to update your look
I always keep jewelry simple. I pack a pair of statement earrings and a necklace. These two items get a call up when I’m heading out to dinner and need to take one of my day looks to night.
Don’t forget to pack a couple of scarves that can be used in multiple ways.
Winter, to keep warm. Summer, poolside cover up head scarf. They can also be used to cover your hair or shoulders in religious places.
These can instantly change the look of your basic capsule pieces and take up minimal room in your luggage.
Don’t forget to pack your hanging jewellery organizer.
7. Roll vs Fold
This one I am leaving with you as it is definitely an individual’s choice as to which one you prefer, but most solo female travelers swear by rolling.
Rolling is good because it avoids creasing your clothes, but folding takes less time to pack.
To save on space make sure you stuff all your shoes with socks and underwear, and layer your accessories between each layer of clothing.
8. Keep mini toiletries in a well zipped waterproof bag
Who hasn’t experienced shampoo leaking through a suitcase? I keep my shampoo bottles in separate zip lock bags and then include in the main toiletries bag to save on leakage disasters.
The 100 ml silicone travel bottles are a great idea to put your shampoo and conditioner in.
9. Makeup basics only
Keep your make up to the bare necessities that can give you both a day look and a night look.
Opt for wearing a tinted moisturiser over a foundation, as it’s easier to apply and can double up as a sunscreen if you choose one with SPF.
If you wear lipstick or eye shadow, might need to find a cheap small palette that will work for you whilst away, but taking your whole makeup collection is simply a waste of space.
Better yet, you could go sans makeup for the trip and give the skin a holiday too!
10. Don’t forget your day bag
A well-chosen cross body bag for your day bag can fit your daily essentials and then have the strap removed and turn into a night clutch is a must.
Again choose a neutral colour, black or tan and make sure it is sturdy and secure.
A cross body bag is perfect as it will force you to pack lightly for your daily adventures and also frees up your hands to take the zillion selfies and holiday snaps!
It also prevents theft as you can wear it on your front and then pickpockets can’t reach the pockets.
Planning on taking a cruise? Here’s a cruise packing checklist to help!
11. Buy when you get there
If you want to fly with only a carry-on bag, then you can buy your toiletries and liquids when you arrive and save space in your bag.
Things like toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner are available in most countries.
You can also buy clothes in markets at your destination, which doubles up as a nice souvenir.
12. Use packing cubes
You can keep your belongings organized by using packing cubes. I usually have three – one for bras and pants, one for clean clothes, and one for dirty clothes.
You might also want to get a bag to carry accessories like your camera, portable charger, and other cables and things.
Keep everything separated in bags, and you’ll find it much easier to find things.
13. Get an eye mask and ear buds
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning on visiting the most remote destination in the world, you will need an eye mask and ear buds at least once, if not to help you sleep on the plane.
If you’re on a solo travel adventure and you plan to stay in hostels, these will be a life saver for you!
After all, a good night’s sleep is the number one item you need in your beauty bag!
14. Leave pepper spray at home
Most solo female travelers worry about safety, and this is a valid concern, but most TSA guidelines prohibit pepper spray, so you should leave this at home.
If you want to take something to keep you safe, pack a whistle or alarm that you can sound if you feel you’re in danger.
Or try to choose destinations where you know you’ll feel safe.
If safety is a concern for you, rather than packing safety equipment, change your travel plans so you don’t need them.
On the note of safety, be sure to get travel insurance. You never need it if you have it, but you need it if you don’t.
Get an RFID blocking pouch to help prevent electronic theft.
15. Money belts
Money belts are also a personal preference. I personally don’t have one as I think they advertise thieves, but other people swear by them.
You should have a safe space to keep your passport and credit cards on your person at all times though.
Factor this in when choosing a cross body bag, which I mentioned earlier.
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What do you think of these packing tips? Have you found them useful? Let us know in the comments.
