What do I always bring in my suitcase when I travel solo?

Sandals for showering, one or two pairs of sneakers, at least 5 tops and 5 bottoms, 2 to 3 dresses, underwear, socks, something to stay warm, a microfiber towel and a bag with the basics.

What's my best packing trick?

Knowing what I'm going to wear each day and organizing my clothes according to those days. With that I know what to bring and what not.

Backpack or suitcase?

For nearby trips or around the Americas I usually bring just a backpack. For Europe and Asia I bring a backpack and carry-on. To the United States I bring suitcases because I always buy clothes and more things.

How much clothing do I bring?

At least 5 tops and 5 bottoms, 2 to 3 dresses, underwear and socks, plus a swimsuit if I'm going to the beach and something light to stay warm.

What shoes do I bring?

Sandals for showering, heeled or dressy sandals if I'm going out at night and one or two pairs of Skechers sneakers.

What toiletries do I bring?

Sunscreen, shampoo, face soap, deodorant, perfume, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, a microfiber towel and a basic makeup bag.

What to pack when you travel solo: my list and my trick

My rule, no "just in case"

Before going to the destination I already have all the ideas of what I'm going to wear. I can't pack just to pack, because in the end my suitcase fills up with "just in case".

The trick, one outfit per day

What helps me most, and what I always do, is organize my clothes according to what I'm going to wear each day. That way I have everything ready and it makes my life easier. Since I already know what to wear, I just shower and get ready to go out, and I even have more time to rest.

The trick is to know what you're going to wear each day of your stay. With that you know what to bring and what not to bring.

What I always bring

Shoes. Sandals for showering, heeled or dressy sandals if I know I'm going out at night and one or two pairs of sneakers. I always wear Skechers.

Clothes. Underwear and socks, at least 5 tops and 5 bottoms, and 2 to 3 dresses, casual and for going out, because they take up less space and are more practical. If I'm going to the beach, I bring a swimsuit. To stay warm I bring blouses and/or a light jacket, because I don't usually go to winter places that need heavy coats.

Toiletries. Sunscreen, shampoo, face soap, deodorant, perfume, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, just the basics, plus a microfiber towel. I also bring a makeup bag just in case, although I barely use it.

Backpack, carry-on or suitcase depending on the trip

If I travel close to my country or around the Americas, I usually bring just a backpack. The exception is the United States, where I bring suitcases because I always buy clothes and other things that cost less there.

If I go to Europe or Asia, I travel with a backpack and carry-on, because those trips have been at least two weeks. That's how I traveled through Asia in August 2025, with India, Thailand and Japan on the same trip. In Thailand I left my carry-on stored at the airport and explored the interior with just the backpack.

My rules for packing

Plan one outfit per day. Knowing what you're going to wear tells you what to bring and what to leave at home.

Organize your clothes by day. That way you just shower and get ready to go out, and you have more time to rest.

Choose dresses. They take up less space and are more practical, and with 2 or 3 you cover casual and going-out plans.

Leave space if you're going to the United States. There I always buy clothes and more things, so I bring suitcases.

What I take away

Planning each day before leaving gives me a suitcase without "just in case" and more time to rest at the destination. If you want to see what each type of trip costs me, I tell it in How to travel without spending much: my real costs and what I never cut.