17 Smart Products for Solo Female Travelers in 2024

Traveling alone as a woman is one of the most freeing and independent things I have ever done, in my travel life. While a lot of being a solo female traveler is “playing it by ear” and going with the flow, packing smart essentials is where I have control.

In my solo travels, I’ve found my favorite things for trips that I can’t leave home without. They’re products for comfort, female health, female safety and convenience, like my belt bag and my biker shorts (see why!).

In this list, which comes from years of pruning my solo travel “must-haves,” you can pick through and learn about a few handy products I recommend.

Safety items for solo female travelers

As a solo female traveler, safety is top of mind. For me, I constantly thought about my safety as a woman in places like Central and South America (which I wrote about for Remote Year), or on sleeper trains and public buses in Asia.

Thoughts that constantly went through my head were, “I need to keep my money safe,” and, “I need to act confidently, even if I don’t know where I’m going.”

The items below are perfect for women traveling alone, as they help out with avoiding theft, staying safe at night, in crowded places and on transportation. Check out these ideas.

Travel products for female health

I remember sitting in my office in Shanghai, China, while I was working abroad years ago, chatting with an old girlfriend who planned to visit Southeast Asia for the first time. I warned her she may not find tampons or pads in convenience stores, and to bring her own supply of that sort of stuff!

While many women (like me) are set in their ways when it comes to female health away from home, a few nifty products have popped up in recent years to solve the problems that come with travel limitations. What do you think of these travel products for female health?

Travel products for female comfort

Traveling solo, for me as a woman, meant considering washing some dirty items in hostel sinks, or just waiting around until I could split laundry at a laundry service or laundromat with someone I met. I bring along comfortable items that keep me from standing out like a sore thumb in some parts of the world, as well as comfortable items that can be worn again and again, or have multiple uses.

Apparel for women traveling solo

As I’ve traveled more and learned about how I could improve what I pack, especially while traveling alone, I’ve found out about multi-use functional travel apparel.

As a solo woman, I think smart and functional travel clothes that have zippers and pockets help you keep things safe when you might be on your own in new places, like some of the best destinations for solo travel.

Why trust me?

As a woman traveler who has shared knowledge on how to travel solo, I’ve backpacked alone in places like Costa Rica, South Africa, China, Thailand, Colombia, Japan and the USA. Traveling solo has been one of the most independent and freeing things I’ve ever done in my life!

In years of testing travel gear and looking for the latest gadgets for the modern traveler, I’ve landed on some favorite products and items. I outline these in my lists of the best accessories for backpackers, my winning roundup of the best backpacks for female travelers and the best women’s travel shirts.

I have fortunately stayed safe and practiced healthy habits as a solo female who has chosen to travel on my own. With the right gear and some smart products, I believe women have the power to travel independently anywhere they choose.