Pack Right, Travel Light: The Guide for Packing for Solo Travelling
The core principle of travelling right is packing according to need and destination. There are certain moments a solo traveller experiences during their trip, at any point in their journey. Usually it happens during a crowded train or at the bottom of a very long staircase in some country. The moment makes you look at the bags and think, I packed too much. It is one of the most common mistakes every amateur solo traveller makes on their first trip. But this mistake can be easily avoided with a little planning.
Packing for a solo trip is different from packing for a group trip. In a group, the load can be shared with the other members, but this cannot happen during solo travelling. You cannot share the load with others. You have to carry everything yourself through the stairs, hills, streets, and into tiny hostels. How much you pack determines how free or how burdened you feel on your trip. This guide tells you exactly what to bring and what to avoid during your solo trip to make your travels feel more thrilling rather than a tiring workout.
The Golden Rule: One Bag Only
The most important rule of any solo travelling is packing with one bag. Ideally, a carry-on-sized bag packs of between 30 and 40 liters. It does sound extreme for first-time travelers, but it is not, as it is even recommended by many experienced travelers as well. Everything you need for a trip of any length will fit into a 35-litre backpack if you pack thoughtfully. Packing only one bag gives you the freedom of not only movement, but it also saves time at the airport or carousels. You can easily step out of the plane and walk straight out of the airport.
The key to packing one bag and packing less is packing smartly. Pack versatile pieces that can be worn across multiple contexts, fabrics that can be washed easily and be worn multiple times. Always leave behind the pieces that fall into the category of “just in case”.
The Clothing Capsule: choose versatility
Most of the first mistake solo travellers make during packing is over packing their clothes. The goals while packing clothes is packing a small collection of pieces that mix, match, and work across a range of temperatures, activities and social contexts.
Packing neutral colors and tops with a couple of pairs of jeans can work on several occasions. Then comes the smart layer, a lightweight button-down shirt or blouse that elevates any outfit. Lastly, come shoes, where packing not according to the outfit will result in over packing. The best way to go is to bring two pairs maximum. One is a walking shoe, and the other is for the evenings and beaches.
Always keep the destination in your mind while packing your clothes, especially while visiting a Muslim-majority country like Pakistan or any state in the Middle East. Pack a lightweight shawl or scarf that covers you appropriately for mosques, temples and conservative communities.
The Minimal Approach towards Toiletries:
The toiletries can take up space that can be used for other useful items, but toiletries are one of the most important items that you cannot ignore. The golden rule to remember is that you can buy toiletries at your destination. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, sunscreen, these items can usually be bought at the destination and often at a lower price. The thing that needs to be packed is a small first aid kit. It should contain bandages and your important medicine. Some tips from the pack right for a short trip for a solo traveler.
Documentation and Money: Important Items to Never Forget
Nothing matters more in your backpack than your documentation and financial access. Forgetting it creates problems which are almost impossible to solve.
Always carry your passport, which has to be valid for six months beyond your travel dates. First, make physical copies of your original documents and store them separately from your original ones. Also, store the digital copies in your cloud storage accessible on your device. Another tip is writing your emergency contact on paper, not just storing it in your phone, in case you lose your digital device.
For money, always keep a modest amount of local currency cash for immediate needs on arrival. Never keep all your money and cards in the same place, and split them between your bag and a money belt or hidden pocket.
Packing for Different Climates:
Travelling across different climate zones can make you over pack. To be effective and not over pack, layering is layering. If you are visiting Southeast Asia or South America, then the layering system is your answer. Research your destination before travelling, and you can easily buy the clothes as you visit the destination as well. Build your clothing around the extreme weather of your destination, and then everything else can be handled with layering or purchasing.
Always remember to keep space for memories and gifts you will be bringing back, so pack lightly.
