A solo traveler basically means you are traveling alone. Your reasons could be as personal as getting over a breakup or merely wanting to explore the world on your own. Packing can be quite a challenge mainly because you have to be careful not to pack excess stuff which will make it harder during the journey.
Here are some few packing tips to consider:
1. Get the right travel luggage
How long do you plan to go for vacation? This helps in deciding what travel luggage to carry with you. Identify the suitable bag depending on the items on your list.
For convenience, a suitcase seems like the most suitable, but it doesn’t make sense carry it if you are planning a hike. However, if you choose to carry a suitcase and feel you need to purchase a new one, there are some things you need to consider. Factors such as weight, size, price, and durability are among them.
2. Pack clothes that can mix and match
One of the things that make us pack excessive clothes is carrying those that can only be worn in a specific outfit.
Sort your clothes and see what can be “multi-purpose.” However, it is essential to put into consideration what activities you have planned during your vacation so that you can carry clothes for the occasion.
3. Fill every space
Being a solo traveler will mean that pretty much the time you’ll be alone. As such, find a way to minimize your luggage so that it’s easy to transport it from different points.
Instead of adding an extra bag, make sure that every space is filled. One way is ensuring that you minimize the luggage, so it’s easier to move.
Puzzles exist for us to solve. Think of your luggage as a puzzle that needs to be solved. Strategically pack everything so that it fits.
4. Pack and unpack to half
Most of the times when packing, it’s only natural to pack too much. You may end up carrying ¾ of your wardrobe with you which you’ll probably use on 40 percent of it.
How about this, pack everything you need, lay it on the bed, neatly folded and place it in the suitcase. Once you do this, remove half of the luggage. This sounds extreme, but you will thank me later because most of the clothes you pack you don’t even get to use.
Whatever you pack should have an absolute function; you have to be sure that you will use it during the vacation.
5. Cut down on the shoes
Honestly, shoes are pretty heavy and carrying six pairs does not really help anything at all. Carry a maximum of three or less. Choose the necessary ones only. If you are a female traveler, you are bound to find some cute shoes during vacation and impulse buy; that’s a total of seven pairs! (If you had carried six from home)
6. Think about emergencies
Being a solo traveler means being self-reliant. Accidents happen, and you need to prepare for that. Have a simple checklist of the basic things you need for first aid.
Painkillers, multi-vitamins and patch bandages are necessary items if where you are going is a place you don’t know anybody. Have a card of listed numbers of family members in case you lose your phone.
Low battery is probably the worst thing that can happen if you rely on it for directions. It could be your tool for getting a cab, checking in to the hotel or communicating with your host. When your phone shuts down, and you are at the airport, you were supposed to be picked by a hotel chauffeur, that’s probably one of the worst things that could happen.
A power bank is a lifesaver. Pack a power bank before leaving home as this will ensure that you are on the whole time; you don’t need any surprises.
7. Pack your credit cards
Apart from packing clothes, it is essential to carry your credit card with you. Also, have some cash with you at all times as you may get into activities that need cash.
Consider getting a credit card used in overseas countries. Getting the Best Banks for International Travel is easy as information is online and there are comparisons based on different fees charged. Options are available, and you choose what suits you depending on your financial capability. Consider having an automatic payment system for your credit cards to avoid going on an extended vacation and forgetting that there is credit card payment. Late payments ultimately lower your credit scores.
Light packing lightly saves you the headache of having people helping you. Identify what is necessary and enjoy your vacation with ease. Don’t forget to spend wisely too.
