So, you’ve decided to head off on a solo adventure! Everyone should experience traveling alone at some point in their lifetime; after all, it’s the ultimate act of empowerment. Whether you choose to embark on an epic hiking trip or prefer to spend your holiday indulging in sun, sea, and sand, when you decide to travel alone, you become the sole architect of your adventure.
Of course, traveling the world solo can sometimes seem easier said than done. There’s often a lot more that you have to plan in advance, from methods of transportation to accommodation, but it’s certainly worth the effort. What’s more, there are several essentials you can get hold of that will ensure your adventures stay as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Keep reading to find out more!
Compact Luggage
The last thing you want to be doing when you head off on your trip of solo discovery is lugging multiple items of luggage around with you. Depending on the length of your trip and your final destination, you might not be able to avoid travelling without a suitcase, but, wherever possible, we advise using a backpack as your main luggage item.
It makes sense to invest in a versatile and durable piece — especially if you’re planning to go on a long haul trip — so look for a backpack with multiple compartments to keep your belongings organized. The perfect backpack is one that has anti-theft features, but they typically start at $100 so they might not be within your price range. If that’s the case, consider investing in a smaller, lockable crossbody bag so you can keep your valuables, travel cheques and passport as safe as possible. Ziplock bags are also a great idea to take with you, as you’ll be able to use them to securely store liquids and delicate items away from the rest of your belongings.
Power Bank
Sure, you might already have a travel charger and a battery pack for your laptop, but a power bank is one of the most useful things you can take with you on your solo trip. Unexpected delays, long journeys, and using mobile data to load maps in remote areas can all drain your devices, and you may not have immediate access to plug sockets to charge them up again.
Power banks are lightweight and small enough to not take up much room in your luggage, plus they can provide hours of charge for multiple devices. After all, during this once in a lifetime solo trip, you definitely don’t want to miss out on all those Instagrammable moments and selfies in exotic destinations!
On-the-Go Entertainment
One of the many positives of traveling alone is that you’ll often have quite a nice chunk of downtime to yourself. While you’ll no doubt spend some of that contemplating the beauty of whichever new part of the world you’re visiting, it’s always nice to have some entertaining content to hand. Whether you have a laptop or just your smartphone or tablet, one of the best ways to stay entertained on the go is by playing digital games online
Just ensure you’re in a location with secure WiFi, and you can play online games no matter where in the world you’ve travelled to.
If you won’t be traveling with a device larger than a portable one, you can still enjoy a whole host of digital gaming experiences on the go, too. And no, we’re not suggesting you pack your Nintendo Switch, but rather, download a few gaming apps onto your mobile or tablet to ensure you’ve got entertainment at your fingertips.
With the mobile sector making up over 50% of the global gaming industry, you’ll find there are plenty of apps to get your hands on, including casino games and even major studio releases like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile. If you’re more of a casual gamer, meanwhile, downloading a mobile games compendium like Higgster’s Games Compendium will give you access to tons of puzzles, logic, word and memory games.
Multipurpose Clothing
Packing light is essential if you’re heading off on a solo jaunt, especially if you’re only taking your trusty backpack with you. That’s why it makes sense to pack items of clothing that are versatile and can be worn in various different scenarios. Fabrics that are quick-dry are often best, as they’re easy to wash and dry on the go. And don’t forget a lightweight, waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes, especially if you’d like to head off on impromptu escapades.
Mobile Apps
While we’d suggest taking a break from productivity apps, work emails, and social media when you’re on your solo trip, there are nevertheless a number of important apps that you should definitely download onto your devices before traveling. Plus, certain apps can make the experience of traveling alone a lot smoother, not to mention safer.
First and foremost, a reliable navigation app is crucial. Google Maps, for instance, provides directions in real time that will ensure you can navigate new streets and even public transport systems with ease. Head off any mistranslations before they happen with a translation app, and, to ensure your safety, download a personal security app like TripWhistle Global SOS. This ingenious application can connect you to local emergency services no matter where you are.
If you’re planning to spend a fair while in your destination country, it’s worth downloading language apps onto your phone too. Duolingo is a classic and for good reason, it’ll get you up to speed with basic vocabulary, alphabets and more in over 40 different languages. Don’t forget to prep your mobile with a good currency converter, either. An app like XE will provide live exchange rates and analysis charts so you can always be sure you’re spending within your budget, irrespective of the currency.