Things Solo Traveler Always Brings on Trips + Packing Tips

My first solo trip — when I arrived in Nashville a few days ahead of a work trip in 2017 to revisit some old haunts from when I lived in Tennessee — was hardly the most inspiring. But it showed me that I could handle traveling by myself and that I actually kind of liked it.

Since then, I've hiked around the US on my own, spent some alone time at Disney World, and even explored foreign cities by myself.

Each trip merits its own unique packing list, but there are a few essentials I always pack when traveling solo.

I don't read enough when I'm at home, but I try to take advantage of the solitude when I'm solo traveling. Whether I'm stuck in a seat on a train or seeking a peaceful break by the water during a full-day hike, I like to have a book or magazine.

I'm still pretty old-school, so there's no e-reader in my backpack. Instead, I usually pack one or two lightweight books and the latest issue of National Geographic.

I'm a big fan of not listening to music when traveling in most cases. When I'm hiking, I like to listen to the sounds of nature, and when I'm in a massive city, people-listening can be just as amusing as people-watching.

But traveling alone can get lonely, so I like to listen to podcasts late at night. It almost feels like you're part of a conversation, which can be nice if you're not able to call a loved one because of spotty cell service.

I just make sure to download those podcasts before my trip so I can listen to them without an internet connection.

On my first solo trip to Disney World, I had one phone charger in my backpack, and I got caught in a typical Florida rainstorm — without a poncho, rookie mistake. It was day two of my trip, and the rain destroyed my charger.

Normally, I'd just borrow my travel companion's charger for the duration of the trip and order a new one when I get home. But I don't have that luxury when traveling alone. I find that traveling alone is also when I need my phone the most, whether it's for emergencies, navigation, or even keeping in touch with loved ones back home.

To be safe, I now pack two phone chargers and, because my phone's battery life isn't what it used to be, a portable power bank to charge my phone on the go. This is especially important when I'm visiting foreign countries, where I tend to need my phone more often.

Horror stories of pickpockets in big cities were enough to scare me into buying a money belt with RFID-blocking technology to keep people from swiping my credit-card information.

It's lightweight and can fit my phone, passport, money, and EpiPen. I can even fit in travel-size sunscreen or bug spray when necessary.

The money belt makes me feel safe in crowded cities, but it's also convenient on short hikes when I don't want a backpack or in amusement parks when I don't want to worry about my phone falling out of my pocket on rides.

When you're traveling in a group, you can usually count on someone having cash (in whatever currency you need) or a card that's accepted by the merchant. But when you're on your own, you're on your own.

To be safe, I always carry a couple hundred bucks in cash (in the local currency), a debit card for ATMs, and credit cards from multiple payment networks (Visa and MasterCard are typically the most widely accepted, but Discover and American Express are becoming nearly as universal).

After ordering a pint of beer at a bar and then finding out it specifically didn't accept Capital One cards, I also started carrying cards from multiple financial institutions.

The thing I miss most when traveling alone is having a companion to process the experience with. After a thrilling kayak adventure, we might laugh about the moment we flipped the boat. When enjoying a delicious meal from a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, we can talk about our favorite dishes (and sample from each other's plates).

But when you're traveling by yourself, there's no one to talk to at the end of the day.

I find it more challenging to remember the days when I'm by myself, so I've taken to journaling. It started with a yellow legal pad in Nashville, but now on any solo trip, I pack a composition notebook to jot down things I did each day. In a pinch, I've even recorded voice memos on my phone.

It's nice for processing the things I saw and tried, but it's also a fun way to revisit the trip years later.

Whether I'm solo traveling or taking on the world with company, there are a few other things I like to have.

If I'm backpacking through multiple European countries, I never bother with a checked bag, meaning space for clothing is limited. Rather than going to a laundromat every few days, I pack laundry-detergent sheets and a portable clothes-washing bag. I can wash a few essential pieces of clothing in just a few minutes and let them hang to dry.

Packing cubes also make life easier when living out of a single carry-on bag.

If I'm spending a few indulgent days on the beach, I pack some ibuprofen and antacids with my sunscreen. Once I hit my 30s, these became travel essentials.

When I'm on a major hiking trip, I swap my refillable water bottle for a hydration backpack. It can hold my essentials, like hiking poles, snacks, and extra layers, and gives me easy access to my water.