Planning and packing for a trip can be a stressful affair, especially for solo travellers who have to be extra self-reliant. It's important to make sure you've got all your essentials ready when venturing abroad on your own, all while avoiding the rookie mistake of overpacking.
After all, the last thing you want is to be lugging around oversized and overweight baggage that you can't handle on your solo adventures (or even worse, running out of room to bring back precious souvenirs and mementos from your trip)!
Read on to check out 5 genius travel essentials that can make your solo travels that much easier.
#1: Vacuum Compression Bags
Photo from mixshopsg via Shopee
Planning a longer trip where you'll need plenty of clothing? Maximise your luggage space by bringing along a couple of these vacuum compression bags, which will suck all the air out of your clothing and compress them to free up more room.
Photo from mixshopsg via Shopee
The bags are super easy to use: simply seal the vacuum bag with the clothing inside, pump out the air, and then cover the hole again to stop it from re-inflating. When not in use, these bags take up virtually no space at all. Just don't forget to pack the pump too! Get it at Shopee from $0.85.
#2: All-in-1 Makeup Brush
Photo from Clovery via Shopee
Leave the 30-piece makeup brush set or fancy sponge kit at home, because they take up way too much precious luggage space! And let's be real, how many of those will you actually end up using on your trip? Instead, try bringing along an all-in-one makeup brush. This genius contraption stores a few mini eye brushes on one end, and a push-up blush or powder brush on the other.
Photo from Clovery via Shopee
Not only does this save you plenty of space in your makeup bag, the built-in brush holders and covers on both ends keep everything hygienic and secure. Get it at Shopee for $5.95.
#3: Compressed towels
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
If you have sensitive skin, using towels provided by your place of accommodation might not be the best idea as it may lead to breakouts or irritation. But bringing full-sized towels? A huge travel no-no. They're heavy, bulky, and difficult to dry correctly, especially for those who are planning to move locations on their trip. That's where compressed towels come in to save the day!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
These are super portable and hygienic, being pill-sized and expanding only when you need to use them. What's more, the ones from MINISO come in different sizes, including large body towels and smaller sizes for use on the face.
Get them at select MINISO stores from $2.90 per pack.
#4: Foldable Hair Straightener Brush-Heater Comb
Photo from Mipow Official Store via Lazada
Hairstyling is a whole other level of difficulty when you add overseas travel to the mix. If fitting your regular heat tools, like a straightener, curler, brush, and comb into your baggage sounds like a nightmare, you might want to invest in an all-in-one styling tool like this Miffy foldable hair straightener brush-heater comb!
Its name is a mouthful, but this ultra-portable hairstyling tool crams all the things you need to get your hair looking its best, into a stylish Miffy case. It's also pretty budget-friendly, ringing in at $50.60 on Lazada.
#5: Hanging Toiletries Organiser
Photo from YWhuacai via Shein
Instead of cramming multiple carriers filled with skincare, makeup and other toiletries, why not consolidate everything into one compact organiser? Not only does this help you stay tidy, you'll also be able to find everything at a glance!
Photo from YWhuacai via Shein
This beige organiser has a built-in hook so you can hang your essentials on the back of bathroom doors, or keep them handy on shower racks. Each compartment comes with its own zip and is also waterproof, preventing your belongings from getting wet or dirty! Get it at Shein for $6.50.
More travel buys to help you plan a 10/10 trip:
