*You will also find further tips on travel gear in this forum. Click Here.
To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, it's crucial to invest in reliable and functional travel gear for every solo traveller whether male or female, but here we will concentrate on gear for the women solo travellers.
Here's a curated list of essential items for any solo female traveller:
Your Safety Comes First, Always:
- Personal Safety Alarm: On the market you will find many small, portable devices that can emit a loud alarm to deter potential threats. Search for these using Google and invest in a quality option.
- Pepper Spray: Handy to have as it is a non-lethal self-defence tool which can incapacitate an attacker, giving you time to get away. There are small and large options in pepper sprays, even mini sized ones you can attach to keyrings, and on your handbag straps
- Door Stop Alarm: For your accommodations, take along a small wedge that slips under a door to alert you to intruders, or jams when the door is pushed.
- Anti-Theft Backpack: Choose a sturdy, durable, backpack with slash-proof material and hidden compartments with zips and Velcro to protect your belongings.
- Packing Cubes: These are useful help you organize your luggage, personal female accessories, and help make packing more efficient.
- Luggage Locks: Secure your luggage, accommodation lockers, and backpacks with TSA-approved locks to prevent theft.
- Portable Charger: Make a point and habit to keep your devices charged on the go. A mini solar power phone charger is a useful investment if you are on hiking trips.
- Travel Adapter: Every solo traveller should own a universal adapter to power tech devices in different countries.
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones: useful to block out noise on flights, trains, crowded busses, and in other crowded areas like busy restaurants.
- Quick-Dry Clothing: As a woman we know you are sensible and you will choose lightweight, breathable clothing that dries quickly in mix and match outfits.
- Versatile Layers: Pack these versatile clothing items that can be layered for different weather conditions, and investigate weather conditions at your destinations using travel advisories.
- Comfortable Footwear: Invest in top quality comfortable walking shoes or sneakers which are essential for exploring cities and for hiking trails.
- First-Aid Kit: At pharmacies you can purchased a basic mini first-aid kit to handle minor injuries.
- Medication: Pack any personal female accessories and your necessary medications, including prescription drugs in a small carry case or zip bag for easy access.
- Reusable Water Bottle: You need stay well hydrated while travelling, especially on hikes so buy a quality water bottle which also helps reduce plastic waste.
- Research Your Destination: Familiarize yourself with local customs, laws, and safety guidelines which is simple doing some research online while planning your solo travels.
- Inform Loved Ones: Share your itinerary with your friends and family and check in regularly using technology.
- Trust Your Instincts: Women’s instinct is powerful, and trustworthy, so when something feels wrong, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation asap.
- Blend In: Dress modestly and avoid flashy jewellery like expensive rings, neck chains, and fancy watches, to minimize attention.
- Learn Basic Phrases: Buy mini travel language phrase books and use translation applications because knowing a few basic phrases in the local language can be helpful. Something we recommend for all solo travellers.
- Stay Connected: Have a reliable international roaming plan or purchase a local SIM card.
- Book Accommodations Wisely: Shop around, read reviews and then choose reputable accommodations with good reviews.
- Travel Insurance: Invest in sensible comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events. Read content in our forum for advice on this