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My solo travel essentials 🚞

19 items

nana | sillylilbooks

Through trial and error I've come to a little list of reminders for myself, when I go solo travelling, that might just help you too! (Contains some affiliate links)

Sections

Prep

During

Post

Prep

What to pack:

Having a bottle you can fill at the airport and also whilst you're out an about is so helpful! Not only can it save you money and reduce plastic waste it can also keep your water cool! Nothing like sipping hot water in July in Rome 🥲

Stainless steel bottle

I'm embarrassed by how long it took to realise this is a great idea…Again, not only great for the environment but you can save up on your liquid allowances by opting for things like soap bars for showering.

Solid Soap + Shampoo

Any one will do, but these according to the Telegraph are some of the best. When I travel I rarely pay extra for luggage so maximising space in my carry on is a must.

Packing Cubes

A sturdy pair of flips flops are a must for shared showers. Absolutely HATE when the toe bit pops out. I like these croc ones as they're waterproof, supportive on the foot and could even be worn to the beach too.

Sturdy Flip Flops

Gone are the massive towels I was trying to stuff in my bags. Opting for a thinner, microfibre towel that can be easily folded up is such a packing game changer.

Microfibre Travel Towel

Hostels are busy and sometimes you want to turn the volume down a notch. I also just like to where these out and about as I can get a little sensitive to noise sometimes. Might also help on the plane. (P.S I wouldn't sleep in them though).

Earplugs

A tip my mum gave me to help with my ears on take off/landing is to suck a hard sweet/lollipop. Handy to have these in your bag just incase.

Suck on a hard sweet

Multiple cable charger head, multi head cables, multi international charger adapters - no more charging your airpods only to leave the room with 30% battery.

Double up on electronics

Carry a small purse/pouch with you with essential medication you need, plasters, pain killers, bug ointments xyz. Be sure to check the rules/limits/regulations of where you're travelling to as well!

First Aid Pouch

Always essential that I bring a book. This ones helpful for pre planning, especially longer trips, but take this as a double tip - don't get caught with nothing to read!

The Solo Travel Handbook

Whatever the weather may LOOK like…bring an umbrella.

Compact Umbrella

By no means essential but if you want to take a scent to wear, decanting into a smaller atomiser is super helpful.

Atomiser

Check the use of cash/card where you're going. Most places take card but there have been instances where I've tried to get a bus from an airport and needed cash on me. Carrying 10-20 euros (or equivalent) on me as a back up would avoid currency conve...

Small amount of cash

During

What to do:

Citymapper has saved me on many occasions. I use it daily to get around London, and when I travel to other cities so I can navigate their transport systems.

Citymapper

I saved a lot of places I wanted to go onto a list on Google maps so I could see where nearby sights/eats were if I ever had a wonder around. Helped a lot with planning and making sure I didn't miss anything.

Google Maps

Find the trainers that work for you. Trainers you can walk around if for hours AND match outfits you tend to gravitate towards. If I'm away for 3-4 days I tend to stick to one pair of shoes with me.

A good pair of trainers

My documentation mode of choice is my phone, film camera or digital! I wanted to add in an app that I use which is the best of both worlds - Tezza gives a filmy/analogue look to photos that I love.

Document It!

Post

Reminiscing…

Write down your experiences whilst you're there, print out your photos - capture the memory, it'll feel like a lifetime ago so quickly.

Travel Journals & Photo Albums

I don't know about you but travel wipes me out. If you can plan to come home on a weekend or add another day to your leave, just to rest your feet and unpack metaphorically and physically.

Self care day