Traveling with friends or family is fun, but have you ever traveled alone? Since my graduation, I’ve been saving money and traveling to my dream destinations around the country, all by myself.
I believe solo traveling has a lot of perks, but the best one is that you get to experience everything at your own pace. With no friends or family around, you can choose which places to visit or foods to try.
That being said, solo travelers have to be extra cautious on their trips. It’s because they’re responsible for keeping their belongings secure and in case they face uninvited problems, they cannot rely on anyone.
From my recent experiences, I’ve listed a few items I believe are a must-have for solo travelers. These items would keep them safe, and they may also help them enjoy the trip a lot.
Essential Items for Solo Travelers
Reliable Internet Connection
On my first few solo trips, I relied on mobile hotspots. However, I quickly realized that mobile hotspots were an unreliable option. Especially in remote areas, I had no access to cellular signals most of the time, let alone mobile hotspots.
As a solo traveler, you may need to stay in touch with family or friends. You may also need to navigate your router, make online bookings, or upload pictures/videos of your trip on social media platforms.
A few times, I had to connect to public hotspots which I believe are totally unsafe. So, to find a solution, I started my research and explored multiple options. Eventually, a friend of mine suggested that I switch my home internet to Spectrum, which qualifies me for its countrywide hotspots.
I called the Spectrum customer service, inquired about their internet plans, and got a blazing fast home internet along with millions of countrywide WiFi zones.
So, this is how I resolved my connectivity issues and if you’re planning a solo trip, ensure you have a solid internet connection.
Travel Insurance
I believe it’s best to insure your trip, even if it is only for a day or two. It does not matter how thoroughly you plan the trip; unexpected problems may arise. And, in such situations, travel insurance may come in handy.
Additionally, travel insurance is not overly expensive, and if you keep in mind the pros of travel insurance, having one seems a fair deal.
Travel insurance may help in different ways, such as:
- If you get sick on a trip, travel insurance may cover the cost of medication or hospitalization.
- Travel insurance may cover you in case your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Some travel insurance may offer compensation if your flight is delayed or canceled.
First-Aid Box
A first-aid box should be by your side on any trip, let alone a solo trip. Ideally, you should take all the medications you may need on a solo trip. In addition to the medication, you may also carry bandages, painkillers, cotton wipes, and other essentials in a first-aid box.
It’s because, in remote locations, these essentials may not be easily available. Plus, having a medical toolbox would keep your mind at peace as you won’t have to depend on anyone.
Multi-Purpose Knife
A multi-purpose knife may be compact, lightweight, and safe to carry in your backpack. And, just like a first-aid box, it may be significantly helpful for solo travelers.
A multi-purpose knife has different tools that may help you in cutting ropes or bushes, opening food cans, or even preparing food on the journey. Additionally, you may also use it for self-defense or to start a fire while camping.
Bonus Suggestions: Miscellaneous Items
- A Smart Water Bottle: Most smart water bottles emit UV radiation from the lid which removes the bacteria and impurities from the water.
- A Portable Power Station: A portable power station may help in charging your electronics or lighting up the campsite when there’s no electric supply.
- A Water-Proof Backpack: While hiking or camping, a water-proof backpack may come in handy to keep your electronics like a camera, smartphone, drone, etc. safe and dry.
- A Tracking Device: A tracking device like Apple Air Tags or Tile Pro can be helpful to keep tabs on your belongings.
