Solo travel essentials to pack for your next getaway
Whether you’re heading off on your first lone work trip or are well-versed in flying solo, consult our checklist to ensure you’re prepped and primed for your holiday
Travelling – especially solo – does not mean you have to skimp on luxury. With increasing numbers of five-star hotels welcoming guests to rooms for one, and with solo travel on the rise (the number of people holidaying alone rose 10 per cent between 2011 and 2023, according to the Association of British Travel Agents), there’s never been a better time to hit the road, or the plane, on your own. Whether you’re planning a city break on your own terms or need to get away from it all with a digital detox in a far-flung paradise, we’ve rounded up the best solo travel destinations here. But what to pack when you’re relying only on yours truly? Discover our handy checklist of solo travel essentials below.
The suitcase: Carl Friedrik The Carry-On
Let’s start with the basics – your suitcase – and no one does them better than Carl Friedrik. New for 2025 is its reimagined Carry-On, rendered in the smart white and navy colourway of the Atlassian Formula One team, perfect for both short-haul trips or as hand luggage for longer journeys. With ample space to house five days’ worth of luggage, its stand-out feature is its 360° spinner design meaning you can get from A to B without the hassle (or an extra pair of hands).
The packing cubes: Monos Compress Nylon Packing Cubes
Make perhaps the weariest part of any trip – the packing – a seamless operation thanks to Monos’ compression cubes. Designed to reduce volume by up to 60 per cent, and crafted with a tear-resistant, water-resistant twill, they also boast antimicrobial fabric and anti-catch zips. Plus, this pack of six caters for everything, from chunkier waterproof coats to all your smalls and delicates. Tick, tick, tick.
The airport attire: Tala 365 Sculpting Lounge
The activewear brand by fitness-influencer-turned-entrepreneur Grace Beverley has long been our go-to for environmentally-friendly off-duty styles – and its airport outfits are no exception. Pair the multi-fold flared trousers, rendered in stretchy and comfortable ribbed wood based fibres, with the matching reversible tank, which can be worn as a sporty racer style or a chic V-neck. We love a multi-tasker, especially when packing light.
The eye mask: Elizabeth Scarlett Sun Goddess Eye Mask
Every solo traveller needs their beauty sleep. Enter Elizabeth Scarlett’s pretty eye masks, which already have a cult following. Filled with soothing lavender and finished in soft velvet, they impart enough compression to ensure total darkness and lull you to sleep. Plus, with its gorgeous golden sun motifs, this design couldn’t be more fitting for where you’re heading…
The GPS tracker: Apple AirTag and Christian Louboutin Mooncrest case
Enjoy peace of mind with an Apple AirTag, which can helpfully and efficiently track your luggage while you’re travelling. It’s no secret how handy these are, especially if your solo trip involves multiple journeys and flights where there’s a chance your belongings could get left behind during layovers. Package it up discreetly in Christian Louboutin’s chic Mooncrest leather case.
The tripod: Joby RangePod Smart tripod
How does one get that Instagrammable money shot when there’s no one around to help? By using a tripod, of course. Take the hassle out of your holiday album with Joby’s nifty tripod, which features a phone clamp to attach your device both horizontally or vertically, as well as the capacity to attach larger DSLR cameras. Plus, it comes with a useful shoulder bag for hands-free use so it won’t get in the way when you’re seeing the sights.
The headphones: Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
The latest addition to Sony’s highly regarded headphone collection, the WH-1000XM6s build on the crisp sound quality of the award-winning 1000X range. Add to that cushioned pads for premium comfort, a 30-hour battery life, foldable design, and noise cancelling properties that adapt to your environment, from countryside walks to the bustle of Bangkok, and you have a solid pair of headphones to take with you anywhere and everywhere. Just thank us later.
The power bank: ANKER Magnetic Power Bank
Juice up your phone with Anker’s super speedy magnetic charger, promising to charge an iPhone13 eight times faster than a regular charger. Either charge via the USB-C port or place your device on top of the magnet – perfect for when you’re watching your favourite show or video-calling friends from the airport terminal. Anker’s advanced safety standards include temperature control, foreign object detection, and radiation shielding to protect you, wherever you might be.
The phone holder: Aspinal of London Ella Phone Pouch
With ample room to store all your phone and card essentials, this gorgeous full-grain leather pouch features a lanyard-style leather crossbody strap for versatile hands-free styling while an external slot ensures easy access to your card if needed. Rendered in an array of hues – we love the tan, racing green and coral orange – this is a practical yet chic addition to your solo travel wardrobe.
The crossbody bag: Burberry Horseshoe Bag
It’s essential to keep your essentials close while travelling – and that’s where Burberry’s crossbody bag comes in. Taking cues from its outerwear heritage, and rendered in forest green nylon and corduroy, it features an adjustable webbing strap, two-way zip closure for extra security and two side exterior slip pockets providing plenty of room for all your must-haves.
The water bottle: LULULEMON Back to Life sport bottle
Swap your Stanley for Lululemon’s trusty steel water bottle when on the move. With a fold straw lid designed for easy sipping, and vacuum insulation to regulate temperature, buy once and use forever. Yes, it is that simple.
The steamer: Steamery Cirrus X Handheld Steamer
Essential for work trips, this nifty steamer promises to bring the best out of your wardrobe. With innovative features like a visible water tank and hanging loop, this efficient device quickly removes wrinkles and creases, making your clothes look fresh and new again. It heats up in just 20 seconds, with no waiting around and no ironing board required. Trust us, this is the essential you didn’t know you needed.
The hand sanitiser: Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash
Another essential for when you find yourself in sticky situations, this rinse-free hand wash cleanses effectively and leaves hands feeling fresh and fragrant. Scented with notes of mandarin rind, rosemary leaf and cedar, this alcohol-based gel comes in both 500ml and travel sizes – perfect for both short-haul and long-haul trips.
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