Solo Travel – Packing Tips to get you to your destination and back
As a virtual assistant or freelancer, you have the perfect opportunity to live life as a digital nomad. And for many of us, traveling is fun. However, packing for travel … not so much. Here are some solo travel packing tips to ensure that you have what you need when you need it.
See related post: Travel Hacks and Apps That Can Save Your Life
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Scope Out the Area Before Leaving
No matter where you’re going, check out places you can go shopping before you leave.
When you get to your destination, you’ll want to know that you have access to everything you’ll need immediately, in case you don’t want to venture out alone until you get comfortable with your surroundings. If you do your research, you can then pack accordingly.
Learn Some of the Language
Even though many foreign citizens speak English (a lot of them learn this in school as part of the normal curriculum), you should try to learn at least the basics of the local language. Or get an app to help you as you go out and about.
Taking the time the learn the lingo not only helps you, but it also goes a long way to creating positivity and good vibes between you and those you meet.
Language-learning apps like Busuu, Duolingo, and Babbel, are all fun and easy to use.
If you can’t or don’t have time to learn a new language, remember that a genuine smile along with hand signals can go a long way!
Make Room for Emergency Items
Although you’ll be carrying your own luggage, you’ll want to leave room for a copy of your birth certificate and passport, in case your originals are stolen or get lost.
The last thing you want is to end up alone in a different country without any proof of who you are or where you came from.
Don’t Pack More Than You Can Carry at One Time
When you have a travel companion, you can get away with carrying more since you have someone to sit by your luggage while you find a way to haul it from Point A to Point B.
When you’re alone, never carry more than you can hold onto at one time on your own. Leaving your luggage alone for even a few minutes can spell disaster and invite theft.
Use a Backpack or bags that you can carry with ease
Even if you pack light, the bags you pack your luggage into will make a difference. Use a large backpack that is created especially for backpacking, and smaller bags that comfortably fit onto your back and arms.
Try on all your luggage before leaving on your trip to ensure that you’ll be comfy for long periods without causing a back or neck ache. A good idea (though it might seem silly,) is to take all your luggage on a walk around your neighborhood a few times to see how it feels.
Wear Layers
Layers will come in real handy when traveling alone. Since it’s just you on the trip, you won’t have a companion to wait at a table while you run to grab a sweater or to go get one for you if the weather turns cold.
Use layers so you’re prepared for all weather and situations.
Take Plastic Bags With You
Plastic bags are any traveler’s best friend and as a solo traveler, they are even more useful. You can use extra plastic bags to store wet bathing suits, dirty shoes, and garbage.
You can fill them with essentials when you head out for the day, or wear them on your feet if an unexpected rainstorm comes along.
Ziplock bags work well here too and are a great way to protect items from getting wet.
Learn How You’ll Make Calls and Access the Internet
Your phone plan may include an international package that allows you to make calls and use data while you’re traveling. Be sure to check the plans carefully and take the time to understand the countries that are covered. Choose the plan that will cover you the best if you’re unable to access a Wifi connection, and you can use your phone as a hotspot for your computer in the absence of such a connection.
If you’re staying with someone or at a hostel, for example, ask for the Wifi information before you leave if you can.
Make Your Downloads Before You Leave
If you’re planning to catch up on reading or watching your favorite shows while abroad, take some time to download as many shows and titles as possible before you get on that plane.
Once your items are downloaded, they’re ready to access without you having to use Wifi or data.
I know you’d hate to have to dive into your data plan if you’re ready for some entertainment.
Keep a Copy of Important Numbers On You
Keep a copy of essential phone numbers and contacts in your pocket or elsewhere (in your bra 😊) at all times.
This will be critical in case of an emergency where you may be incapacitated and unable to find help for yourself.
You don’t want to end up in a situation where someone trying to help you is unable to contact your family and friends.
Here’s a list of items you’ll want have easy access to while traveling:
- Headphones (don’t forget the jack if you have an iPhone 7 or higher!)
- Cell phone Powerbank
- Sweater or small blanket
- Travel Adapter
- Comb
- Lip gloss or chapstick
- Deodorant
- Mouth wash
- Gum
- Small snacks like trail mix and crackers
- Sleep mask
- Change of underwear
- Eye drops
- Nasal spray
- Minipack of wipes or tissues
- Hand sanitizer
So, what do you think about my solo travel packing tips? Anything else you’d like to add?
Traveling solo may be one of the best experiences you ever have. The way you pack will determine whether your focus ends up on your special moments or on your aching back and lack of foresight. Use these packing tips to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
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