Winter Packing Guide For Solo Female Travelers

Important logistics + safety tips:

Valid passport (at least 6 mo. prior)
Print your passport
Set up apple pay incase you lose your credit card
Drink Vitamin C 1 week prior
Share your location indefinitely
Share your itinerary with someone
Set up an international data plan (for google maps- life saver!)
Download google translate

What to Expect:

Europe is cold in the winter; mid-50s in the day and low 40s to 30s in the evening. I landed in London, took the Eurostar to Paris, then flew to Portugal, and ended my trip in Barcelona. I experienced more rain in Paris than in London. Since this was my first solo trip and my first trip to Europe, I was concerned about safety. However, I felt incredibly safe- all the main streets were busy, and the attractions were crowded. I typically started my day around 8am until 11pm or midnight. In regards to transportation, I used the metro or walked. I stayed in Hostels or Airbnbs. As a solo traveler, you meet people everywhere, especially while figuring out the metro and how to get to popular attractions- this is because most tourists are lost, and people tend to team up to problem-solve.

Necessary Items:

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Bring light thermals – buy at Uniqlo
Wool socks- to avoid blisters
A warm jacket- Patagonia’s women nano puff (you can use the secret chest pocket to hold money & passport)
Comfortable shoes- Blundstone 500 series original heel boot

Two Week Trip Items:

1 universal suitcase and 1 small backpack (Travelon Luggage Anti-Theft)

Thermal Leggings (2)
Jeans- at least one back (2)
Dress or skirt (1)
Shirts (3)
Socks (4)
Bras (3)
Undies (7)
Scarf (2)
Jacket (1)
Gloves (1)
Waterproof boots (1)
Lock (1)
Sandals (1)
Laundry bag (1)
Umbrella (1)
Pen (1)

Things to Buy:

Universal suitcase – European airlines require smaller carry-ons
Travel plug adapters – UK are different from the rest of Europe
Compression cube set- To pack your clothes; creates more space in luggage
Portable charger

Staying Safe:

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
Don’t tell people you are a solo traveler
Share your itinerary with a friend or family member
1. Update them daily use WhatsApp and Life360
Don’t carry large amounts of money
1. use ATM if needed
Keep cash and passport safe
1. Amazon has passport/wallet holders
Avoid keeping items in your back pockets (phones or cash)
If using google maps, plug in your headphones, walk like you know where you are going
Monitor your alcohol intake
Enjoy the scenery but also stay alert