What to Pack When Travelling Solo: The Essential Checklist for First-Time & Female Travellers

Don't forget your underwear!

Introduction: Packing Anxiety Is Real (But Fixable)

You’ve booked the flight. You’ve stalked your destination on Instagram. You’ve watched one too many “solo travel glow-up” reels and now… the hard part: packing.

If you’re a first-time solo traveller, staring at an empty suitcase feels like staring into the abyss. What if you forget something important? What if you overpack and end up dragging 27 kilos of “just in case” items through cobbled streets? What if you lose your passport (cue horror soundtrack)?

Take a breath. This isn’t your first rodeo—well, okay, maybe it is—but I’m here to hand you the ultimate travel checklist that balances safety, comfort, and a sprinkle of humour.

And yes, one of the must-haves we’ll talk about is the Lost in Paradise Trackable Passport Cover—because losing your passport on day two of your solo trip is a nightmare you don’t need.

1. The Non-Negotiables (aka “Don’t Even Think About Leaving Without These”)

Passport & Passport Cover

Your passport is the golden ticket. Without it, you’re not going anywhere beyond duty-free.

But here’s the deal: passports are sneaky little escape artists. They slide out of bags, get left behind at hotel desks, and sometimes even fall victim to a rogue splash of sangria.

That’s why a trackable passport cover is no longer a “cute accessory.” It’s survival gear. The Lost in Paradise Trackable Passport Cover comes with:

• RFID blocking technology (so digital pickpockets can’t clone your details).

• Trackable features so if you misplace it, you’re not reenacting a spy film to get it back.

• Durable, stylish design that doesn’t scream “I’m a tourist!”

It’s travel gear under £50, but it could literally save you hundreds in replacement fees and ruined plans.

Money & Cards

Don’t carry your entire life savings in cash. Split it up:

• One debit/credit card in your wallet the other.

• A backup card hidden in your luggage.

• Emergency cash (£50–£100) tucked in a money belt or even in a sock (yes, the sock trick still works).

  
  

Phone & Chargers

Your phone is your map, camera, translator, and emergency hotline. Forgetting it is like forgetting your trousers.

Pack:

• Universal adapter

• Power bank (pro tip: buy one that charges 2+ devices at once—you’ll make instant friends in airports and hostels)

  
  

2. The Travel Safety Checklist (Because Your Mum Will Sleep Better)

Solo travel is liberating, but let’s be real—it comes with risks. Here’s your travel safety checklist to keep both you and your mum calm:

• ✅ Trackable and RFID blocking cover for passport & cards

• ✅ Copy of your passport stored separately (and digitally)

• ✅ Travel insurance details printed + saved in your phone

• ✅ Personal safety alarm or whistle

• ✅ Padlock (hostel lockers aren’t always trustworthy)

• ✅ Meds: painkillers, rehydration sachets, antihistamines, and your personal prescriptions

Funny but true: rehydration sachets have saved more hangovers than hospitals.

3. Clothing: Less “Fashion Week,” More “Functional Chic”

Here’s the secret: everyone packs too much. Nobody cares if you wear the same outfit twice. Pack layers, not looks.

• 2–3 breathable tops

• 2 bottoms (one comfy, one “dressier”)

• 1 light jacket

• 1 pair trainers, 1 pair sandals

• Quick-dry underwear (your laundry fairy is you now)

If you’re a female solo traveller, add:

• A scarf or shawl (works as cover-up, blanket, or makeshift pillow)

• Comfy dress that transitions day-to-night

• Flip-flops (for questionable hostel showers)

• Research where you are going and pack for the climate.

  (Top tip: iPhone weather app often lies so do more in depth research)

  
  

4. Travel Gear Under £50 That’s Worth Every Penny

Here’s the honest list of travel gear under £50 that actually matters:

• Trackable passport cover (seriously, just get it)

• Microfibre towel (dries in minutes, doubles as beach mat)

• Packing cubes (separate clean from dirty, sanity from chaos)

• Collapsible water bottle (hydration > overpriced airport water)

• Sleep mask & earplugs (the ultimate hostel survival kit)

All small, affordable, and life-changing for the solo traveller.

Trackable Passport Cover

Buy Now

5. The Fun Extras (aka The “Oh Damn, I’m Glad I Packed That” Items)

• A mini first-aid kit (blisters are not character building)

• Duct tape (fixes luggage, shoes, tents, friendships)

• Ziplock bags (snacks, toiletries, wet clothes—MVP item)

• Journal (you’ll thank yourself later)

• Snacks (future you stuck on a bus for 9 hours will cry happy tears)

  
  

6. The Mindset Packing List (Cheesy But True)

Not everything fits in a backpack. Solo travel requires packing a few invisible essentials:

• Confidence (fake it until the street vendor gives you a local price)

• Curiosity (say yes to that random food market tour)

• Humour (things will go wrong; laugh, don’t cry)

  
  

Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Travel Freer

Packing for your first solo trip doesn’t have to feel like prepping for the apocalypse. With the right essentials, and one or two game-changing accessories (hello, trackable passport cover), you’re setting yourself up for adventure, not stress.

Now go pack light, travel safe, and maybe call your mum once in a while.