Calling all aspiring solo travelers! Although traveling on your own may sound somewhat daunting, it’s way easier than it sounds. And if solo travel is one of your 2026 goals, we’ve compiled a list of essentials, including power banks, RFID wallets, compression packing cubes sets and more, that will help ensure your adventures are safe and efficient. That way, you won’t be stranded in any sticky situations.
Shop our list of solo travel essentials if you’re planning some big adventures this year.
15 Solo Travel Essentials
- Stay Connected: Traveling with a buddy generally means having an additional phone to use for navigation, calling Ubers and beyond. But Anker’s MagGo Power Bank serves as a fantastic backup if your phone battery starts to plummet after a long day out — $80
- Immuno-Must: Air travel, compounded with a change in your sleep schedule, can take a toll on your health and well-being. So, consider adding Emergen-C Crystals to your morning water to help support your immune system — $32
- Sleep Tight: A good night’s sleep is essential for a successful solo trip. Whether you’re staying in a shared hostel space or alone in a hotel room, we strongly suggest bringing a travel blackout mask with you. Regardless of your sleeping situation, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated — $8
- Versatile Essential: The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is the ultimate travel must-have. It’s ultra compact, and you can use it as a picnic blanket, to wick away sweat or to dry your hair after a hostel shower. Regardless, it’ll likely come in handy at some point amid your solo adventures — $13
- Bug Be Gone: Especially if you’re staying in hostels, protecting yourself from potential bug infestations is crucial. That’s where CHOMP! Travel Size Bed Bug & Insect Repellent can come in handy. It deters any critters from infiltrating your luggage and bedding — $13
- Cool Off: There’s truly nothing worse than overheating. Fortunately, Aecooly’s Slim Portable Fan is super lightweight, and it’ll keep you cool even on the hottest of days — $8
- Safety First: Bring General Medi’s Mini First Aid Kit wherever you go. It comes with all the first aid essentials: bandages, gauze, an emergency foil blanket and more. That way, you’ll be prepared for anything — $10
- Keep Track: If you tend to misplace your belongings, the Tile by Life360 Sticker is a total must-have. Even if you don’t have a partner or buddy to keep track of your things, the Tiles will have you covered — $45
- Sleep Secure: Regardless of where you stay, MBBEST Portable Door Lock & Door Stop Alarm provides additional security when you sleep. Intruders won’t stand a chance — $11
- Protect Yourself: Avoid getting pick-pocketed or having your information stolen with an RFID wallet. Featuring a number of pockets, it keeps your cards, passport and cash safe from whatever comes your way — $40
- Rain Go Away: Although we truly hope it won’t rain on your solo adventures, this mini umbrella will keep you dry in case it does. It’s small enough to fit into your purse, so you can take it anywhere— $13
- Pack Smart: When traveling solo, you won’t have another person’s suitcase to rely on for extra space. Consider investing in a compression packing cubes set—they’ll keep you organized and will provide you with even more space — $50
- Say Cheese: The C21 53″ Hidden Design Selfie Stick is retractable and anti-slip to help you take high-quality photos on your trip. That way you can avoid bad selfies or having to ask a stranger to take a photo of you — $25
- Dear Diary: Since you’ll be experiencing everything alone, record your experiences in the Kunitsa Co. Travel Journal. It’s durable and stylish, serving as the perfect travel journal on your solo journey — $25
- Inspo: Interested in traveling solo but don’t know where to go? Consider picking up a copy of “Fifty Places to Travel Solo” for inspiration. It’ll be super helpful while booking and planning your trip — $16
