Solo Travel Packing Essentials (AD)

Not so long ago the thought of travelling solo would have terrified me. Despite my love of travel, the anxiety is too real! I did a few local trips then finally my solo trip to Berlin last year and what a game changer! I’m not much of a planner so just being able to decide on the flight where I wanted to get up to, then take things at my own pace without apology and only see/do things I wanted to do felt so freeing! While I don’t love planning, to help with my stress I did find that some level of prep helped ease my stress. Here is my solo travel packing essentials to help alleviate the panic.

Battery pack

Starting with the obvious, travelling solo you will reply a lot on your phone! From maps, to translating, to booking tickets, a phone is essential not only for getting around but also for safety, and this means that the battery can drain fast! I like a power bank with at least 4 full charges so I know I’m secure getting through the day and can take as many videos for Tiktok as I want without worrying about my phone dying.

Travel guide

I know so much is available online now but I find a travel guide just really good at packing all the information into something digestable and easy to navigate. I’m a big fan of the DK Like a Local books which I used on this trip too for more insider information.

Sex toys

All power to the people who are comfortable jumping on Tinder for a hookup when away but I’ve always been a bit more cautious when I’m somewhere unfamiliar. Packing your favourite adult toys can help you really enjoy having that room to yourself…

Reliable day bag

Whether your taking a huge suitcase or have luggage only, having a small and reliable day bag really helps you ease your way through a city with ease. Just being able to chuck your essentials in there and head out feels very freeing

Cash and cards and a money belt

You might think this is obvious but guess which idiot rocked up to Berlin without their bank card…Luckily I had just enough cash to pay for the hotel but then it meant I really had to test exploring Berlin on a Budget as I only had around twenty euros remaining and whatever I could get away with paying contactless on my phone. Making sure you have both at the ready, and a money belt to avoid the pickpockets who may target solo travellers is essential.

A good book and/or headphones

Braving eating solo was the hardest thing for me, knowing I had a form of entertainment with me, whether reading or listening to music, helped this feel less strange.

Personal safety alarm

While travelling solo is mostly safe, being somewhere unfamiliar it’s always best to be a bit more cautious than usual. Getting a personal safety alarm gives some reassurance when exploiting the unfamiliar.