As a female solo traveler who recently backpacked through Mexico for 3 months and then Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru for 5 months, I wanted to share the most useful things that I always bring with my while I travel including my backpack, shoes, personal hygiene, and how I take photos while traveling by myself. I’m a big believer that you can buy anything you really need while you’re traveling but here are some of my essentials that I always get.
Here is my Amazon storefront for all of my other favorites I use while traveling: Amazon Storefront
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1. The Osprey Farpoint Backpack 
I will recommend this backpack to literally anyone. This is by far the best luggage I’ve traveled with and it’s perfect for backpackers. It comes with a detachable backpack for day excursions that also fits my laptop and toiletries. And the actual backpack opens like a suitcase so it’s super easy to pack and fits as a carry on.
2. My Kindle!!! 
This is the best item I bring with me when I solo travel. It’s perfect for getting back into reading (always download books with the Libby app so you don’t have to pay for them) and the best entertainment while I’m eating by myself.
3. Packing Cubes
They are so helpful in organizing my clothes and fitting perfectly into my backpack. I’ve linked the packing cubes I typically use but you can also reuse old Shein bags.
4. Waterproof Birkenstocks 
These sandals are my go to beach/shower shoes. If you can’t tell, they’ve clearly been through it but have stuck with me through months of traveling. Since I always stay in hostels, I cannot go into showers with my bare feet so shower shoes are essential. And even better, they double as the best beach shoes and can survive some hikes as well. They are also insanely comfortable which is imperative.
5. Camera/Phone Tripod 
I haven’t traveled anywhere without my tripod since I am always looking to get good pictures of myself and sometimes this is the only way if you’re a solo traveler like me! This one is only $20 and very sturdy and compact so it doesn’t take up too much space. Would highly recommend it!
6. A Microfiber Towel 
If you’re looking for a new towel while traveling, this is the one. This compact towel is perfect for hostels since they don’t always offer a towel or will charge you for one. It’s only $15 and super soft and also comes with a face towel. It also doesn’t take up much space in my backpack which is perfect.
7. At least one workout set 
This is my favorite workout set because it’s light and really comfy. It’s perfect for any hikes and as pajamas. I most recently brought it to Colombia and wore it hiking Cocora Valley and it was the ideal outfit.
8. Hiking boots
These are usually my airplane and travel day shoes since they take up the most space. I have Timberland’s mixed media shoes that are really cute, waterproof, and great for hiking. These ones that I’ve linked aren’t exact but they’re pretty similar.
9. Swimsuits
No matter how long my trip is, I always need multiple swimsuits. The one I’ve linked is one of my favorites. But every time I travel, I have to go swimming somewhere; the beach, a pool, a lake, I’ll find it. A swimsuit is always one of my essential items.
10. A headlamp
You never know when you’ll come by a situation where you won’t have electricity at night and have to use the bathroom. A headlamp is perfect for these emergency situations.
11. Goggles
You never know when you’ll have the opportunity to go for a swim so I like to always be ready with my goggles.
12. Sea bands
These are great for any multi day boat trip if you get motion sickness like I do. With sea bands, you won’t have to take Dramamine or other medication. I wore them on a 8 day Galapagos cruise and they worked perfectly!
13. Anti-Diahrreal medicine
As someone who is lactose intolerant and has a sensitive stomach, this is so important! You can usually get these anywhere before your trip or on your trip.
I don’t typically bring a ton of medicine since I know pharmacies abroad are usually just as good or better than ones at home so I can get everything I need there.
Besides these essentials, I always pack an abundance of underwear so I don’t have to do laundry as often. I always bring some linen pants for comfort, jean shorts, and at least one other pair of sandals for day to day walking around.
I hope this list makes your packing a little easier and your trip a little more convenient!
