Packing for a Solo Trip? Here Are 5 Mistakes I See All the Time
Packing Smart Starts with Packing Less
Let’s be honest — packing for a solo trip can spiral fast. You start with a neat little list and somehow end up with a mountain of clothes, three pairs of “just in case” shoes, and enough toiletries to open a mini pharmacy.
Sound familiar?
It’s one of the most common things I see women do before heading off alone — and I totally get it. When you’re travelling solo, packing becomes a bit of a safety blanket. You tell yourself you need options, back-ups, and comfort items because there’s no one else to borrow from if something goes wrong.
But here’s the truth: the lighter you pack, the freer you feel.
Every extra item is something you’ll carry, worry about, and dig through later. And when you’re the only one responsible for your luggage, less really is more.
Packing smart isn’t about being minimalist or trendy — it’s about making your trip easier, calmer, and more enjoyable.
So before your next adventure, let’s go through the five packing mistakes I see solo travellers make all the time — and how you can avoid them so your trip feels light, simple, and completely stress-free.
Mistake #1 — Overpacking and Lack of Versatility
If I had a pound for every time I’ve seen someone turn up with a 23kg suitcase and only wear half of what’s inside, I’d probably have enough to pay for everyone’s excess baggage fees.
Overpacking is the ultimate solo travel trap. It comes from that little voice that says, “What if I need it?” But here’s the thing — you almost never do. Instead, you end up carrying clothes you don’t wear, shoes that give you blisters, and stress you really don’t need.
When you’re travelling solo, everything you bring is yours to lug, lift, and live with. And when you’re navigating airports, train stations, or cobbled old streets on your own, that extra weight gets old fast.
The fix?
Think versatility, not variety.
- Create a capsule wardrobe with pieces that mix, match, and layer easily.
- Stick to neutral colours and lightweight fabrics so you can put together multiple outfits with fewer items.
- Pack clothing that’s comfortable but still feels like you — things you’ll actually wear, not things that look good in theory.
And here’s my best rule of thumb:
Lay out everything you think you need… then remove half.
You’ll never regret packing light — but you’ll definitely regret dragging a heavy suitcase up a flight of stairs when no one’s around to help.
Mistake #2 — Poor Organisation
(And Why Packing Cubes Are Your Secret Weapon)
Here’s something I’ve learned from years of travelling — it’s not how much you pack, it’s how you pack that makes all the difference.
When your bag’s a jumble of clothes, cords, and toiletries, every travel day feels stressful. You end up rummaging for things at airport security, pulling everything out just to find one top, or worse — misplacing your passport when you need it most.
And when you’re travelling solo, that chaos doubles. There’s no one else to keep an eye on your stuff or help you sort it out
That’s why I swear by packing cubes — honestly, they’re a game changer.
These are the exact packing cubes I use and recommend — lightweight, affordable, and perfect for staying organised on solo trips. You can find them here on Amazon.
Think of them as tiny drawers for your suitcase. They keep everything organised and easy to find, which is priceless when you’re on your own and trying to stay calm and collected.
Here’s why they’re worth every bit of space they take up:
They save time. No more digging around in your bag — you know exactly where everything is.
They keep you calm. When your bag’s organised, your mind is too. It’s one less thing to stress about when you’re navigating new places.
They make you feel safer. You’ll spot instantly if something’s missing, and it’s easier to keep valuables tucked away.
They actually save space. Compression cubes help squeeze out air, so you can fit more without feeling cluttered.
My system:
One cube for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear, and one for “other bits.”
A small cube or zip pouch for “grab and go” items — passport, charger, headphones, snacks.
Keep one clean cube empty — it’s perfect for dirty laundry or souvenirs later on.
And here’s the best part — when you unpack at your destination, it’s done in minutes. You just open your cubes, pop them in a drawer, and you’re sorted.
If you’re new to packing cubes, trust me — they’ll change how you travel. You can grab a set for cheap online, and I’ve linked the ones I personally love here.
Packing cubes might sound simple, but for solo travellers, they’re a secret confidence booster. When everything’s in its place, you move through travel days smoother, lighter, and with a lot less chaos.
Mistake #3 — Packing for Fantasy, Not Reality
One of the biggest mistakes I see solo travellers make — especially women — is packing for the trip they wish they were going on, not the one they actually are.
You picture yourself dressed perfectly for every occasion: flowing outfits, glamorous dinners, those “Instagram moment” shoes that never quite make it out of the bag. But once the trip begins, real travel takes over — airport floors, bumpy buses, surprise rainstorms, and long, happy days spent exploring.
The truth is, travel rarely looks like the Pinterest board version in your head. And that’s exactly why it’s amazing — it’s real, spontaneous, and alive.
So instead of packing for fantasy, pack for how you actually travel.
Here’s how to do it:
Be honest about your itinerary. If you’re sightseeing all day, walking shoes will serve you better than heels.
Choose comfort that still feels like you. You’ll wear what makes you feel good — not what looks best in a photo.
Plan around practicality. Breathable fabrics, light layers, and pieces that dry quickly are worth their weight in gold.
Ask yourself: would I wear this twice? If the answer’s no, it stays home.
Packing for reality doesn’t mean sacrificing style — it means dressing for the kind of travel that makes you feel free, not restricted.
When you pack with honesty, not fantasy, you travel lighter, move easier, and end up with a suitcase full of clothes that actually fit your adventure — not the one you imagined.
Mistake #4 — Ignoring Local Regulations and Carry-On Rules
This one doesn’t sound glamorous, but it’s a mistake that catches solo travellers off guard all the time.
If you’re flying within the UK or Europe, every airline seems to have its own rules — and some are stricter than you’d expect.
One week you’re fine with your bag as hand luggage, the next you’re standing at the gate repacking toiletries into the nearest bin bag or paying for an unplanned baggage upgrade.
Not fun.
The fix? Do a quick check before you pack.
It takes five minutes, and it’ll save you so much stress later.
Here’s what I always do:
Check your airline’s carry-on size and weight limits before you even start packing. Don’t assume — Ryanair and easyJet are not created equal.
Liquids: stick to travel sizes (100ml or under) and keep them together in one clear zip bag.
Toiletries: buy what you can at your destination — it’s often easier, cheaper, and lighter than hauling everything from home.
Electronics: pack chargers, power banks, and adapters in your carry-on — they’re essential and can’t always be checked.
And one more thing — don’t forget about local regulations once you land. Some countries have different rules for things like medication, vapes, or even drone equipment. A quick Google search before you go can save a lot of awkward airport conversations.
The goal? Breeze through security, avoid those “bag shuffle” moments, and start your trip calm, not flustered.
Mistake #5 — Not Planning Outfits by Activity or Weather
Packing for Bali usually means bikinis and light layers, but for hikes like Mount Batur, you’ll need warmer clothes like leggings and a jumper. When we did this on our girls trip to Bali, the sunrise was worth every step — and those comfy clothes definitely came in handy.
This one might sound simple, but it’s honestly a travel game changer.
So many solo travellers — especially first-timers — pack for the idea of their destination, not the reality of it.
They picture endless sunshine, perfect dinners, and light strolls… then end up soaked, cold, or blistered on day two.
The truth is, weather and activity matter a lot when you’re travelling solo. There’s no one else to lend you a jumper, share an umbrella, or carry your extra jacket. You’ve got to plan smart.
Here’s what helps:
Check the forecast — properly. Look beyond just temperature. Wind, humidity, and rain forecasts will tell you what to expect.
Plan by activity, not outfit.
Long walks? Comfortable shoes and breathable layers.
Beach days? Lightweight cover-ups and easy-dry fabrics.
Dinners out? One simple outfit you can dress up with accessories.
Layer up. A good base layer, light jumper, and a packable rain jacket will take you almost anywhere.
Roll your clothes instead of folding. It saves space and keeps everything crease-free (and feels a bit like a life hack every time).
When you pack with your plans in mind, not just your Pinterest board, you’ll be ready for whatever the trip throws at you — sunshine, storms, or last-minute detours.
Because the best travel moments aren’t always the ones you plan for — but it’s a lot easier to enjoy them when you’re dressed for them.
Quick Fixes & Smart Packing Habits
By now, you’ve probably realised packing smart isn’t about being the most organised person in the world — it’s about making small, easy choices that make solo travel lighter and less stressful.
Here are a few quick wins that always help me (and the women on my trips):
Make a checklist — then stick to it. It keeps you accountable and stops last-minute “maybe I’ll need it” packing.
Use the one-in, one-out rule. If something new goes in, something else comes out. It keeps your bag balanced.
Repack halfway through your trip. It takes ten minutes, but it resets your bag and gives you space to breathe (and shop).
Roll your clothes inside your packing cubes. It’s the ultimate combo — saves space, avoids wrinkles, and keeps everything visible.
Keep a “travel day” outfit. Something comfy, clean, and layered that makes airports and long journeys easier.
And most importantly:
Leave space.
Because you’ll always find something you want to bring home — whether it’s a handmade scarf, a piece of jewellery, or a little reminder of your trip.
Packing light isn’t about restriction — it’s about freedom.
When your bag’s lighter, your mind is too.
Real Talk on Packing for Freedom
Here’s the truth I’ve learned — how you pack sets the tone for your trip.
When you pack heavy, you move through the world with a bit of resistance. Every stair, every transfer, every “oh no, where’s my charger” moment feels harder. But when you pack light — really light — you travel differently. You say yes to spontaneous plans, you walk further, and you stress less.
I’ve watched so many women on my trips go through this shift. They start out worried about forgetting something… and end up realising that they already had everything they needed the whole time.
Packing light isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about trusting yourself.
Trusting that you can adapt, that you can figure things out, that you don’t need a suitcase full of “just in case” to feel secure.
Because solo travel isn’t just about seeing new places — it’s about seeing yourself differently.
You realise you’re capable, resourceful, and stronger than you thought.
So next time you pack, remember this:
You don’t need everything to feel ready.
You just need the essentials, your confidence, and a little room left for adventure.
If you’d love to travel light and with like-minded women, check out our group trips for solo female travellers — we take care of the details, so you can focus on the journey.
Just a few Faqs…
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If you can’t carry your bag comfortably on your own, you’ve overpacked. It’s that simple.
Try lifting your suitcase and walking around the room with it — if it feels heavy now, it’ll feel ten times worse when you’re rushing through an airport. A good test: if you haven’t worn or used something on your last two trips, leave it behind next time. -
Five or six mix-and-match pieces can easily last a week if you choose versatile layers.
Focus on neutrals and light fabrics that can be dressed up or down. You don’t need seven outfits — just a few you love wearing that work for both day and night. -
Yes — a thousand times yes. They keep you organised, calm, and make repacking a breeze. When you’re travelling solo, that kind of order is gold. You can find the ones I personally use here.
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A small “grab-and-go” pouch — something that keeps your essentials (passport, wallet, phone, charger) all in one place.
It sounds small, but when you’re in transit, having your important things together makes you feel safer and more in control. -
It’s all about trusting yourself. You don’t need to bring your whole wardrobe “just in case.”
Pack smart, not scared. Bring versatile items, leave space for surprises, and remember — anything you truly need, you can buy on the road.