I take about 15 solo trips a year. These 6 must-have products make traveling alone easier.

• My portable tripod allows me to capture photos of myself without relying on help from strangers.
• My other must-haves include a lotion applicator for my back, a first-aid kit, and a portable charger.

A first-aid kit is a must-have when traveling alone.

This lotion applicator helps me avoid getting sunburn in the areas I can’t reach.

Foam-brush applicators are clunky to pack, but luckily, I found a cloth applicator from Steugo that folds up and doesn’t take up much room in my suitcase.

I pour some lotion onto the fabric and then use the handles to rub it onto my back as if I’m drying myself with a towel. I rinse or hand-wash it between uses and throw it in the washing machine once I return home.

Having a portable wash bag allows me to do my laundry.

I never check my luggage, and being a single traveler means I can bring only one carry-on with me. Even though I can fit a lot in my bag, I sometimes need to re-wear and freshen up my clothes.

Because hotel laundry service is often expensive, I bring my own Scrubba portable wash bag with me.

To use it, I fill the packable bag with socks, underwear, and T-shirts and then add water and a laundry sheet. Then, I deflate the bag and rub my clothes along the inner washboard before rinsing, wringing, and hanging my garments to dry.

This story was originally published on December 17, 2024, and most recently updated on October 6, 2026.