The must-haves for solo female travel
What’s in my Backpack?
Solo female travel is a daunting thing, but knowing what to pack can work miracles for your nerves. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked, “What’s in your backpack, Mikaela?”, I’d probably be writing this post from a hammock in the Maldives (with a solar-powered WiFi, obviously). Whether you’re gearing up for your first solo trip or just looking to streamline your packing, this guide is brewed from years of on-the-road mishaps, close shaves, and triumphant “so glad I brought THAT” moments.
Travel is magical- but only if you’re prepared for the unmagical bits. This is your no-nonsense, slightly dramtatic breakdown of solo female backpacker essentials that let you wander bravely, live boldly, and still look halfway decent for those spontaneous Insta shoots.
And because I’m so generous, I’ve already gathered my favourite essentials into one easy to access location for you. Browse my gear picks and hidden gems in my Amazon shop here!
Safety, Security, and Your Peace of Mind
I’m all for living fearlessly… but there’s a fine line between “bold explorer” and “unintentional sitcom protagonist.” If you’re an anxious solo female traveller, here are some of my recommendations:
Door Stop Alarm
Slide this under your lodging door and sleep soundly; if anyone tries a surprise visit, it’ll screech like your enthusiasm for that sixth overnight bus.
Decoy Wallet
My “just in case” wallet holds expired cards and a few notes, while my real stash is tucked away. Potential thieves: foiled. (Bonus: my snack-finding money stays safe.)
Personal Safety Alarm
It’s tiny, loud, and can be worn as a keychain. Thankfully, I’ve never had reason to use this one… so far.
Digital & Paper Backups
Copies of my passport, emergency contacts, and two spare passport photos live separately in my pack, and in my cloud storage. Paranoid? Maybe. Safe? Definitely.
Clothes That Multitask- Even if You Can’t
Raise your hand if you’ve ever regretted those “just in case” heels. (Don’t worry, mine’s up too.) When space is gold and every gram is a decision, these are my MVPs:
Packable Rain Jacket
A must for surprise downpours or aggressive AC buses. No more soggy (or shivering) travel tales for me.
Multi-Use Shoes
One pair for walking (think “urban exploring crossed with hiking trail chic”), and flip-flops for showers/beaches. Trust me, blister prevention is happiness insurance.
Pro Tip: A single “polish-me-up” piece (cute dress or shirt) helps for nights out or the odd, swanky dinner invite. It packs light but delivers big style- and confidence- points.
Hygiene & Health: Stay Fresh, Stay Sane
Confession: The worst kind of travel drama is toiletry drama. Here’s how I skip the stress and stay (mostly) fresh:
Solid Toiletries
Although most hostels (or hotels if you’re fancyyy) provide the basic shampoo/conditioner/soap combo, it never hurts to bring your own travel-sized toiletries. In fact, I highly recommend… you never know when you might otherwise be stuck with some funky smelling body wash. Oh, and absolutely do not forget moisturiser!! Your travel-worn skin will thank me later.
Microfibre Towel
Light, fast-drying, and odour-resistant. Perfect for beaches, hostels, and those “I wasn’t planning to swim, but…” moments.
Mini Medical Kit
Plasters, rehydration sachets (hangover or heatstroke *choose your own adventure*), basic meds, and a tiny tin of Tiger Balm (my miracle fix for headaches, bug bites, and the existential angst of missed trains).
Pro Tip: Throw in extra hair ties. If you know, you know.
Tech Tools—Empower, Entertain, Escape
Sure, there’s beauty in unplugging from the world. But trust me: you still want your phone very alive when Google Maps becomes your only hope at midnight in Barcelona.
Universal Adapter & Power Bank
Plugs change, currencies change, but your need to charge is eternal. A sturdy power bank has saved my sanity (and Spotify queue) more times than I care to admit.
E-Reader or Travel Journal
For the literary-inclined or doodlers; lightweight, efficient, and helps melt those awkward solo dinner moments.
Headlamp
Laugh if you must, but you haven’t lived until you’ve tried packing or finding the hostel bathroom in pitch darkness.
Reusable Filter Water Bottle
Saves money, reduces waste, and means you’ll always have safe water… even if “purified” is suspiciously absent from the hostel’s vocabulary.
Pro Tip: Download important documents, translations, and Google Maps offline before you go off-grid. Your future self stranded at a random bus terminal will be grateful.
Snacks and “Wait—You Packed WHAT?” Surprises
If you’ve never been hangry in transit, you’re either a Zen master or a robot. Snacks are peace offerings (for you, or the equally hangry stranger next to you… maybe that’s why I’m always offered biscuits at bus stops).
Protein Bars or Trail Mix
Lightweight, filling, and immune to heat. Perfect for hikes, layovers, and long bus marathons.
Collapsible Coffee Mug
Because caffeine doesn’t judge time zones. Handy for instant coffee, on-the-go soups, or pretending you’re fancy at the hostel kitchen.
Mini Utility Tool & Duct Tape
Scissors, tweezers, (a wine opener?) plus a slim roll of duct tape for repairs or emergency fixes (blisters, broken bags, busted sandals. Trust me, this is a lifesaver).
Foldable Tote Bag
Grocery runs, impromptu beach days, or squeezing in “just one more” souvenir. It’s the unsung hero of sustainable travel.
The Final Zip: Travel Smarter, Wander Further
At the end of the day, your backpack is less about stuff and more about feeling ready: for the planned, the unplanned, and the spectacularly unexpected. The right essentials mean more confidence, fewer “wish I had…” moments, and more space for spontaneity- and maybe a tiny wooden elephant from Thailand.
