The Ultimate Packing Guide for Solo Women Travelers
Solo female travel is more than a vacation—it’s an act of empowerment. Whether it’s your first solo trip or your tenth, traveling as a woman comes with unique challenges and joys. Packing the right essentials can make all the difference between feeling vulnerable and feeling unstoppable.
This feminist travel packing guide highlights the best gear, safety tools, and empowering books for women traveling alone. Everything here is chosen to support independence, confidence, and conscious exploration.
Solo Female Travel Safety Gear
Safety is usually the biggest concern for traveling alone as a woman, Here are some of my favorite things to bring along with me to help ease my mind and enjoy my trip.
Anti-theft purse/bags
I really like the travelon purses on Amazon, the zippers clip so you don’t have to worry about someone breaking into your bag (yes this has happened to me right under my legs) I then switched to one of these bags and it has been a game changer for my mental load.
RFID Blocking Wallet
to keep your cards safe, I like this one because it has a clip so it makes it easy to find in your bag.
Personal Safety Alarm Keychain
I thankfully have never had to use this but I always keep it on me just in case. you never know if you’re going to end up in a situation where you need to draw attention to yourself.
Portable Door Lock/Door Stop
These are great for staying in hostels, airbnb’s, and hotels. To give you some extra security and help you sleep peacefully.
Solo Travel Tech Essentials
These small but mighty devices keep you connected, organized, and stress-free.
Portable Charger/Power Bank
never let your phone die when you need to use maps or translation apps
(bonus tip: Always download the map of your area you are traveling to use offline)
Universal Travel Adapter
If you are traveling abroad, this is an absolute necessity. Find a universal one that is compatible everywhere, You can use throughout all your travels.
Airtags/GPS trackers
slip these into your luggage, purse, and wallet to track belongings anywhere.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
These are essential for me for travel days, but women PLEASE be aware of your surroundings when wearing headphones. I usually keep one off the ear if i’m walking in public spaces to have extra awareness.
Eco-Friendly Travel Gear for Women
Many solo female travelers also identify with eco-feminism—caring for the planet while caring for themselves. These swaps are sustainable, practical, and cost-effective.
Menstrual Cup/Period Undies
I have been using a menstrual cup for about 6+ years now. These have truly changed my life. It saves so much money on tampons, They are so easy to clean and reuse and honestly have reduced my cramping so much. Majority of tampons are made with harmful ingredients that should not be absorbed by your cooch (and if you’re from the US like me, a lot of other countries don’t make applicators with their tampons which could be a culture shock and learning curve for some.)
I ADORE period undies for the days where you don’t feel like sticking anything up there and wanna just let it flow (as our bodies are intended to do). The Period Company makes their undies with non toxic ingredients, and it doesn’t feel like your wearing a diaper like you do (at least I do ) with pads.
Solid Toiletries
When traveling, I like to use solid shampoo, conditioner, and soap. It’s compact, you don’t have to worry about liquids spilling in your bag, TSA-Approved, and its plastic free!
I like to use a toothpaste powder instead of travel size toothpaste tubes which tend to run out quickly. Toothpaste powder is an eco-friendly alternative that will last a lot longer compared to paste.
Reusable Filter Waterbottle
Stay hydrated without buying endless plastic bottles.
Versatile Clothing for Women on the Road
Dresses/Skirts
When i’m traveling, I personally love something simple that I can just throw on and head out, I don’t like to spend too much time getting ready when i’m traveling, I try to spend as much time out exploring while I can. I love these dresses and skirts with built in shorts for comfort. I like that you can dress it up or dress it down, you can wear them out adventuring or a night out.
A Pashmina/Scarf
this is one thing I cannot travel without. It is so versatile. If you are in a country where you need to cover up to enter somewhere, pull out the scarf, you can roll it up and use it as a pillow, or cover your head on the plane. It’s lightweight and packs small.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a game changer for organization. Especially if you are traveling out of a backpack, It saves so much time and energy to know where everything is and not have to pull out your entire bag to look for one thing.
Quick Drying Towels
Quick Drying Towels are an essential if you are moving around a lot, or staying in hostels, or just simply want something to sit on at the beach or park. They are incredibly compact so it doesn’t take up much space in your bag
Best Books for Women Traveling Alone
Empowerment doesn’t stop at your backpack, Bring inspiration with you
The Alchemist -
Women Who Run With The Wolves
Eat, Pray, Love
Bonus Tip: Pack these books on a Kindle to save space and weight
Packing for solo female travel is more than just logistics—it’s about equipping yourself with tools that build confidence and freedom. After 8+ years of travel I have found that these are items that help me to feel safe, supported, and empowered to explore the world on my own terms. My goal is to help you feel the same.
So the next time you’re preparing for a trip, remember: your suitcase is not just luggage—it’s your toolbox for independence.
Here you can find all my favorite solo female travel essentials on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/shop/lizardkissez/list/242M5NNYLA4D4?ref_=aipsflist
Enjoy your journey
peace & love