Travelling solo for the first time can be intimidating. But, with the right information in the back of your mind, it doesn’t have to be. This is everything you need to know about packing for your first solo trip. In other words: this is the ultimate solo travel packing list.
Let’s dive in!
Latest update: December 2022
Should you travel with a suitcase or backpack?
Before we go into the solo travel packing list, let’s take a look at the age-old debate between solo travellers: suitcase vs. backpack — which should you travel with?
The truth is, both options are terrific in some situations and less-than-ideal in others. In other words: it all comes down to personal preference. Once you’ve found a bag type you’re comfortable with, it’s very unlikely that you’ll change your mind a few years down the road.
That being said, you can still make an informed decision when choosing between a suitcase and a backpack. Here’s everything you need to know.
Advantages of travelling with a suitcase
Many people swear by using a suitcase whenever they travel, whether they are travelling solo or with other people. And, if I’m being honest, they have good reason to.
Ease of packing: It’s generally easier to pack all your baggage into a suitcase than into a backpack, and it’s easier to find what you need when the content of your suitcase is laid open on the ground;
Convenience: Especially in economically advanced regions, a suitcase is more convenient than a backpack due to the extensive road infrastructure available;
Sturdiness: Suitcases tend to be sturdier than backpacks, especially if they have a hard shell.
Finding a good suitcase
Choosing the right suitcase for your trips is a lot easier than you might think. There are some things you need to consider, but if you know what to look for, it’s a piece of cake.
Keep an eye on these things:
360-degree wheels: Say what you will about travelling with a suitcase, but it’s convenient. Having a suitcase with wheels that spin in all directions changes your life as a traveller in ways that you can’t imagine if you haven’t experienced it yourself;
Sections: The more compartments your suitcase has, the easier it is to organise, pack and unpack your baggage;
Weight: A lightweight suitcase is generally easier to travel with, and it may also help you avoid overweight baggage fees on travel days;
Security: You’ll want a way to safely lock away your belongings if you have to leave your suitcase unattended or check it for your flight;
Hardside vs. softside: Suitcases with a hard shell are more weather resistant and offer more protection, while suitcases with a soft exterior are more flexible and easier to stow away. Think about your travel needs and choose accordingly.
Of course, there’s not much of a heated debate if nobody disagrees with the die-hard suitcase travellers. Especially among adventurous solo travellers, backpacks are the more popular option, and they’re quickly picking up speed.
But why are travel backpacks becoming so popular? Here are some of the most common reasons solo travellers opt for a backpack over a suitcase:
Manoeuvrability: Backpackers generally move around more easily than travellers who use a suitcase. They can climb stairs, walk on dirt roads and jump over puddles without skipping a beat, which suitcase travellers cannot do as easily;
Versatility: A backpack usually has more pockets than a suitcase, meaning it is easier to find creative ways to keep your clothes wrinkle-free and avoid being pickpocketed because your valuables are more spread out across all these compartments;
Safety: It’s much easier to keep an eye on your belongings when they are strapped to your body.
Finding a good backpack
Just like it is important to know what to look for in a suitcase, you need to be aware of the pros and cons of different backpacks so you can make an informed decision.
I’m a backpack traveller myself, and here are some things I find important in backpacks:
Weight: Since you will have your baggage strapped to your back, you want your backpack to be as lightweight as possible to avoid any injuries;
Physical support: A backpack is something I recommend you buy in-store — you can’t underestimate the advantage of seeing how the backpack adapts to your body and physically feeling the suspension, weight distribution and padding;
Volume: The size of the backpack you use logically depends on how much baggage you have. You probably won’t use the same backpack for a 3-day city break as for a 6-month round-the-world trip;
Access: The majority of backpacks are accessed from the top, but a growing number of side-access backpacks has been developed recently. This makes it much easier to pack and unpack your belongings, which is why a side-loading backpack is perfect for a trip with multiple destinations.
Note: the recommendations above are based on which backpack I personally use. Whichever one you choose, please make sure it’s a high-quality product. After all, you’ll be using it for years to come. Reputable brands for travel backpacks are Deuter, Osprey, Tortuga, The North Face, and Nomatic.
How to pack like a pro: My best light packing tips
Why solo travellers should pack light
Before we dive into some expert minimalist packing tips, let’s take a look at the most important reasons why solo travellers need to pack light at all.
Manoeuvrability: With a light bag, you can move around more easily, making your trip much more pleasant (trust me — I’m speaking from experience);
No overweight baggage fees: Light packers are much less likely to be charged overweight baggage fees because they just had to bring that extra pair of jeans;
Ease of access: The less stuff you have in your suitcase, the easier it is to find the stuff you’re looking for. Your hostel roommates will be grateful that you don’t need to fumble in your bag for your travel adapter at 2 am;
Health: Not only does packing light make it easier to move around, but it’s also much better for your body. Your back, feet and shoulders will thank you down the road;
Carry-on only travel: Once you have truly mastered the art of packing light, you can start to travel carry-on only, meaning that you don’t even have to pay for checked baggage any more.
In short: packing light puts you in control.
Minimalist packing tips for solo travellers
Now that you know why it’s so important to pack light, here’s the best way to do it.
Use a small suitcase: With a smaller bag, you’ll be forced to pack less clutter. Start by choosing a bag to use and laying out everything that needs to fit inside. Everything that doesn’t fit in the bag – so, anything non-essential – stays home;
Plan ahead: Knowing what you’ll be doing on your trip before you’ve left your home makes coordinating your baggage and outfits a lot easier;
Don’t take any just-in-case items: Go through every item that you laid out next to your suitcase or backpack and ask yourself if you’re going to need it at your destination. If the answer is no, don’t take it;
Wear bulky items on travel days: One way to make your bags lighter is to wear your bulkiest items on travel days so that you don’t have to jam them into your suitcase;
Use travel-sized toiletries: Besides the sheer weight and volume of full-sized toiletries, you won’t even be allowed to bring them in your carry-on bag. You’re better off bringing travel-size toiletries, or even solid alternatives from brands like Lush or Ethique;
Roll your clothes: The best way to avoid wrinkling clothes is to roll them up. Yes, really. Bonus: you’ll save space in your bag;
Use a packing list: A solo travel packing list will help you pack what you need and take the stress off packing.
Choose your clothing wisely: Wear one pair of shoes on travel days and bring one more pair in your suitcase or backpack. Use durable, lightweight, comfortable clothing;
Underwear & socks: You can save more space than you think by rolling up your underwear around your socks and stuffing those packages into your shoes or any other crevices in your bag (e.g. trouser pockets or inside your shirts);
Technology: These days, our smartphones are powerful enough to act as a music player, camera, podcast library, newspaper, weather predictor, contact directory and credit card at the same time. Take advantage of this fact.
Two additional tips regarding packing clothes for your next solo trip:
Bring some “last-chance clothes” — items of clothing that you don’t wear anymore at home because they are just about one use away from the trash can. Use these as base layers or sleepwear and throw them out after your trip.
Buy your clothes on location — if you’re travelling to cheap regions (e.g. South East Asia or South America), it’s often cheaper and easier to buy clothes at your destination than to bring them from home.
Solo travel packing list: Toiletries
Next up on the list: toiletries.
Solid shampoo, conditioner and body wash (from brands like Ethique, Lush, or Naples)
Toothbrush and toothpaste (pro tip: bring toothpaste tablets to avoid luggage restrictions for liquids)
You always need documents when travelling. I usually rely on their digital versions, but it’s always good to have a backup paper version in case your smartphone dies or something happens to it.
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