A Female Solo Traveler’s Handbag Should Have:
It is not a secret that there are more and more female solo traveler’s taking on the world. Even though traveling alone is rewarding, it does come with some downsides.
As a female solo traveler, you should always be prepared for everything.
(1) Fully charged cell phone
To be able to contact people 24/7 is very important when you are flying solo. On your phone, save your hotels name and phone number, the local police’s number and your embassy’s phone number, e.g., if you are from the USA traveling Bali, you must have the phone number for USA embassy in Bali.
(2) Water bottle
Stay hydrated this helps you stay alert when you are traveling solo. I find when I drink water all day, I shake off the jet leg quicker, and I don’t get tired quickly.
(3) Umbrella
This is handy for sun and rain. If you are anything like me and love walking, sometimes for hours when traveling, I find the best way to see a city is by walking its unknown streets.
(4) Face wipe
When you are out and about walking, sight seen, enjoying the beauty of the new country you are visiting, a quick wipe of your face and hands refreshes you in an instant.
(5) Tissue paper
Many times, I have found this life saver. Traveling through Europe, Asia, etc., many public toilets do not provide toilet paper.
(6) Small amount of cash
When Traveling Solo, DO NOT put all your money, credit card/s, passport, and travel document in your handbag. Only a small amount of cash to see you through the day for little items is all you need to carry in your handbag.
(7) The business card of the hotel you are staying at.
To avoid language barrier or miss understanding, I have found showing the business card of the hotel to the taxi driver or bus driver helps. Also if you lose your bag and an honest soul decided to return it. They will at least know your hotel address.
(8) A photocopy of your Driver’s Licence.
Do not have your original Driver’s Licence in your bag. But you need some Identification in your handbag. A photocopy is a great solution.
(9) A pepper spray
This should be in every female’s handbag, traveling or not. Self-safety is super essential in today’s day and age. Having this in your bag empowers you to be confident when traveling solo. (Please note pepper spray is not legal in all countires, you must check the law of the country you are visiting)
(10) A whistle
Solo Traveling means you are the only one looking out for your self. There is no one else. If you get into a situation that requires help from others, a whistle is the best way to get attention and also to scare the person attacking you.
How to wear your handbag. Over your shoulder, across your body, the bag should sit in front of you at all times.
When you are traveling, you need to have your money, credit card, travel documents and passport with you all the time. These items do not go in your handbag. Travel smart and wear a Moneybelt RFID Protection or RFID PASSPORT POUCH.
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It’s always great to read what other female travellers take as essential items when on vacation.
Do you ever have issues getting pepper spray across the borders of some countries? I believe some don’t allow it.
Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!
Hi Sherri, Thank you for your comment. You only carry these items especially pepper spray in your handbag when you are in the country you are traveling. Traveling from one country to another these items should be in your suitcase. I also advise my readers to check what you are allowed in the country you are visiting. E.g., USA will let you carry tasers, but in Australia, you are not allowed.Happ Traveling 🙂
So true and so useful. You have listed almost all the essentials out here. Along with these I also carry my sunglasses and a hand sanitizer ready in my handbag. A lady’s handbag is like a treasure trove 🙂
Interesting to find a ‘whistle’ in this list. Actually now that I think of it, a whistle is the best way to grab attention. How did it never cross my mind? I am going to recommend this not just to solo women travellers I know, but also all the women I know in general, especially those with daughters.
Thanks for sharing. These are definitely some important items to have when you travel solo. The face wipes are a must. I have oil blotting sheets I carry as well.
Great list of items a women should travel with at all times! Love the idea of the whistle, it should be a must!
I love to safe everything in the Cloud! Dropbox is perfect to upload my passport, drivers licence and all my bookings! Oh and an umbrella is so important! I always forget to take one with me 😀
Great tips for what to include in your travel handbag. I really liked the idea for the hotel business card. That would have come in so handy a few times for me personally!
This is all really poignant advice for travel in general and especially so for solo female travelers. I know my girlfriend could definitely attest to the importance of face wipes — she takes them anytime she travels. Super refreshing.
Really helpful tips for all the female travellers out there. This is also a great guide for many girls/women who wish to travel solo. Sharing this with my girlfriends right away!