5 Critical Items To Pack When Traveling Alone

From the experts at AAA—smart safety solutions for solo travelers…

Traveling alone can be an exhilarating experience in more ways than one. While there’s freedom in forging your own path, every self-reliant traveler knows there are certain situations that can be tough to navigate solo.

But never fear! When common challenges arise, you’ll be glad you packed these seven essential items for solo travelers from the experts at AAA.

Challenge 1: Stashing small items on the go

Making time for exercise while you’re on the road is challenging enough without the hassle of finding a place to stash your phone, keys, wallet, and other essentials while you’re working out.

Solution

SPIbelt® slips seamlessly under athletic apparel without bulking or shifting. Plus, it expands to hold even larger smart phones firmly in place—including the iPhone® 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy® S20+—making it the ultimate accessory for marathon runners, casual walkers, and mountain hiking enthusiasts alike.

Challenge 2: Tracking lost items

When it comes to finding items lost mid-travel, they say two heads are better than one. But solo travelers don’t always have the luxury of teamwork. Sounds like a job for technology!

Solution

The Chipolo ONE Bluetooth Finder attaches easily to any bag or keyring to enable GPS location of backpacks, keys, wallets, and other easily misplaced items. It’ll even notify you via the app if you accidently leave something behind. But what if it’s your phone that’s gone missing? Not a problem. Chipolo is available on desktop, too.

Challenge 3: Guarding your drink

Whether you’re getting ready in a tiny hotel bathroom or stepping away from your drink at the bar, you need a way to keep liquids in your glass—and unwanted substances and debris out.

Solution

Multi-functionality is the name of the game with the patented NightCap Drink Cover Scrunchie. It’s a scrunchie you can wear on your wrist to tie hair back in a snap, and its hidden pocket conceals a cover that fits most cups and glasses. With a physical barrier protecting your drink from mishaps—whether accidental or intentional—you can enjoy your beverage safely and confidently.

Challenge 4: Getting a secure nights sleep

Not all door locks are created equal, and that’s perhaps especially true when renting a private residence, or when traveling abroad to places where standards for safety and privacy can vary.

Solution

Savvy travelers trust their sleep, privacy, safety, and valued possessions to this Portable Door Lock from Sabre. Its innovative design ensures the door cannot be opened from the outside—even with a key—allowing you to sleep soundly and wake up refreshed for your next adventure.

Challenge 5: Calling for help when needed

Whether you’re facing down a bear in the woods or a sinister person on the sidewalk, some moments call for making a big commotion and alerting others to a dangerous situation.

Solution

The Mighty Mini Personal Safety Alarm from Bling Sting is a smart choice for feeling safe and secure when you're on the go. The easy-touch panic button features a 125-decibel siren to ward off potential threats, and the LED safety light is super handy in dimly lit environments. Best of all, it's TSA-compliant so you can take it on all your adventures.