Solo Traveling in 2026? These 15 Essentials Will Help You on Your Adventure, Starting at $8

Published Jan 5, 2026 11:00 pm ET


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Calling all aspiring solo travelers! Although traveling on your own may sound somewhat daunting, it’s way easier than it sounds. And if solo travel is one of your 2026 goals, we’ve compiled a list of essentials for solo travelers, including power banks, RFID wallets, compression packing cubes sets and more. Everything will help ensure your adventures are safe and efficient. That way, you won’t be stranded in any sticky situations.

Keep reading our list of solo travel essentials if you’re planning some big adventures this year.

15 Solo Travel Essentials

  • Stay Connected: Traveling with a buddy generally means having an additional phone to use for navigation, calling Ubers and beyond. But Anker MagGo Power Bank serves as a fantastic backup, if your phone battery starts to plummet after a long day out — $80
  • Immuno-Must: Air travel, compounded with a change in your sleep schedule, can take a toll on your health and well-being. So consider adding Emergen-C Crystals to your morning water, to keep your immune system working as it should — $32
  • Sleep Tight: A good night’s sleep is essential for a successful solo trip. So whether you’re staying in a shared hostel space or alone in a hotel room, we strongly suggest bringing a travel blackout mask with you, wherever you go. Regardless of your sleeping situation, you’ll wake up feeling ultra refreshed and rejuvenated — $8
  • Versatile Essential: The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is the ultimate travel must-have. It’s ultra compact, and you can use it as a picnic blanket, to wick away sweat or to dry your hair after a hostel shower. Regardless, it’ll likely come in handy at some point amid your solo adventures – $13
  • Bug Be Gone: Especially if you’re staying in hostels, protecting yourself from potential bug infestations is crucial. That’s where CHOMP! Travel Size Bed Bug & Insect Repellent can come in handy—it deters any critters from infiltrating your luggage and bedding — $13
  • Cool Off: There’s truly nothing worse than overheating, especially if you don’t have anyone to complain to! Fortunately though, Aecooly’s Slim Portable Fan is super lightweight, and it’ll keep you cool, even on the hottest of days — $8
  • Safety First: Bring General Medi’s Mini First Aid Kit wherever you go! It comes with all the first aid essentials: bandages, gauze, an emergency foil blanket and more. That way, you’ll be prepared for anything — $10
  • Keep Track: If you tend to misplace your belongings, the Tile by Life360 Sticker is a total must-have. Even if you don’t have a partner or buddy to keep track of your things, the Tiles will have you covered — $45
  • Sleep Secure: Regardless of where you stay, MBBEST Portable Door Lock & Door Stop Alarm provides additional security when you sleep. Intruders won’t stand a chance — $11
  • Protect Yourself: Avoid getting pick-pocketed or having your information stolen with an RFID wallet. Featuring a number of pockets, it keeps your cards, passport, and cash safe from whatever comes your way — $40
  • Rain Go Away: Although we truly hope it won’t rain on your solo adventures, BAODINI Travel Mini Umbrella will keep you dry, in case it does. It’s small enough to fit into your purse, so you can take it anywhere— $13
  • Pack Smart: When traveling solo, you won’t have another person’s suitcase to rely on for extra space. Consider investing in a compression packing cubes set—they’ll keep you organized, and will provide you with even more space — $50
  • Say Cheese: Avoid bad selfies, or having to ask a stranger to take a photo of you. Instead, the C21 53″ Hidden Design Selfie Stick is retractable and anti-slip, to help you take high-quality photos on your journey — $25
  • Dear Diary: Since you’ll be experiencing everything alone, record your experiences in the Kunitsa Co. Travel Journal. It’s durable and stylish, serving as the perfect travel journal on your solo journey — $25
  • Inspo: Interested in traveling solo but don’t know where to go? Consider picking up a copy of “Fifty Places to Travel Solo” for inspiration. It’ll be super helpful while booking and planning your trip — $16

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Lizzy Rosenberg is a Catskills-based journalist, with about eight years of experience in the world of journalism. She has written and edited at People.com, Elite Daily, PureWow, Green Matters, and Distractify. Additionally, she has several freelance bylines with SKI Magazine, Outside Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Hey Alma, Best Products and USA Today’s Reviewed. You may also recognize her name from the book Green Living, which she helped her team write and publish during her time as Managing Editor at Green Matters.

Chase Clements

Chase Clements

Editor McClatchy Commerce

Based in Kansas City, Chase Clements is the Commerce Content Operations Manager. He has many years of experience as a Commerce Writer and Editor for McClatchy.