Page 13 - 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers

9 Be strategic.

Start by making a list of things you think you’ll need. Check the climate of the
country you’re going to visit, and take only the lightest garments you can and still
be comfortable. Plan to dress in layers so you can go with the flow, weather-wise.
10 Minimize, minimize, minimize!

The rule of thumb is to lay everything out on your bed, then take half.
But I’ll admit this is a high bar, so here’s another approach: fold everything and
arrange it by type (e.g., pants, underwear, T-shirts, etc). Then ruthlessly edit,
eliminating anything that you won’t wear at least three times, and any separate that
does not match with at least 2 other items. (In other words, don’t take that blouse
you love unless it works with several bottoms.) Also, if it doesn’t dry quickly, delete!
11 Take everyday multitaskers.

Pack fabric so ener sheets in your suitcase to keep clothes smelling fresh.
Tie a sheet through your belt loop, and they work as mosquito repellants. (A sheet in
your empty bag eliminates any musty smell during storage.) Dental floss can repair
broken jewelry or hang laundry. A contact case with twist-on covers holds moisturizer,
foundation, or sunscreen. Hotel shower caps are ideal for wrapping shoes before
packing; or to cover your camera on a rainy day. Those packets of silica gel beads that
come in the box when you buy shoes or electronics? They’ll prevent moisture build-
up in your travel bag or camera case. The ultimate multitasker, duct tape, can hold
suitcases together, repair eyeglasses, fix broken shoes, and serve as a bandage in
an emergency. To save space, wrap it around a pencil to about 1/4” in diameter.

Plan your laundry schedule in advance
12 and pack accordingly.

Before you leave, check your itinerary to see when you’ll be staying at the same hotel
multiple nights. Then, plan to do hand laundry the first evening, in order to assure

su icient time for items to dry. Knowing how many (and which) nights are “prime”
for doing hand laundry helps you determine how much clothing to bring with you.
13 Leave the jewelry at home.

No one cares what jewelry you’re wearing. If you feel naked without it,
plan to wear the same necklace and earrings every day. And never take anything
you don’t want to lose.

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