The Ultimate Summer Packing List for Female Travellers in 2025

July 25, 2025
No Comments

Summer is well and truly here and it is time to pack your bags for the beach. If you are panicking about what to bring, this is my ultimate guide that also includes some optional extras for my solo, female travellers.

Packing for any holiday can be stressful and it is no different for summer holidays. I always feel like I forget something important or end up abroad with something basic like Flip Flops missing.

I have hence written down everything I pack for a summer holiday, a list that has been curated carefully from years of travel. This includes some items for my solo travel girlies to stay safe in e.g. hostels.

The clothing items are for roughly a week, I would adapt this accordingly to your trip length and your preferences for outfits.

I hope this is helpful to you and leave a comment if you would anything else so we can help each other out 🙂

This blog may contain affiliate links to support the running of the blog. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

Summer packing list for solo, female travellers this summer

Clothing items for one week

2 dresses
2-3 tank tops
1-2 T-shirts
2 cute tops for evenings (or a dress)
2 pairs of bikinis/swimwear
Button down (linen) to wear over swimwear
Rain jacket shell
Light sweater/cardigan for colder nights
1-2 skirts or shorts
1 pair of loose pants
1 pair of hiking pants if planned
Lightweight pyjamas – if you are planning to stay in hostels while solo travelling, make sure this has enough coverage so you feel comfortable
Enough underwear to last a week (I probably pack around 9 pairs, 2 bras)
2-3 pairs of socks

Accessories

A cap/brim hat
Sunglasses
Noise cancelling headphones
Jewellery (I’d take nothing too expensive, just some simple pieces that fit most outfits)
Crossbody bag (I love the Uniqlo one but Amazon also has a dupe)
Tote bag (I love ones with an inner zip-pocket)
Beach towel/sarong

Shoes

Flip flops
Sandals or Birkenstocks (I love these hiking sandals)
Comfortable trainers

Hygiene Items

Toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, moisturiser, skincare (get a travel container set for this)
Shampoo and conditioner bars + soap body bar
Hairbrush
Medication – basics like pain killers, anything you take, seasickness tablets if required, anti-allergy pills, something for upset stomach, band-aids
Hangable Cosmetics Bag
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Bug spray (if required for the area)
Feminine Products
Contact lenses & solution (if worn)

Essentials

Passport
Boarding Pass
Cash & Travel Credit Card
Insurance Information
Emergency Contacts

Extras

Umbrella – I use a small lightweight one as a sun umbrella on the beach instead of renting the expensive ones
2x Microfibre towels
Earplugs and eye mask (Hostel sleep essentials)
Padlock (for lockers and luggage)
Universal Travel Adapter
Reusable water bottle

FAQ about Solo, Female Travel

How do I deal with loneliness while traveling alone?

When I first started solo travelling, meeting people felt super difficult. Even in hostels, everyone already seemed to be in their little groups and I was struggling. I remember being on week 3 of my Australian East Coast trip and calling my mum sobbing because I felt so lonely.

The more I solo travel, the more I have learned about loneliness and making friends. First of all, I am much more comfortable being with myself now. If I don’t find anyone to hang out with, that is okay. FOMO is sometimes still there, but I always remind myself that I am doing my best.

I usually do meet other people though. A good way is booking hostels with activities as it is SO easy to meet others during say a trivia night or a city tour. Another great way is choosing a female dorm – I often find myself bonding quicker with the girls in there. I also use Bumble BFF. That may sound awkward but I have met some of my now closest friends on there and it has been so great while travelling, especially if I am longer in one place. Finally, Facebook Groups – there are hundreds of travel groups out there and so many other solo travellers just waiting to meet you!

Sometimes though, loneliness prevails. Over the years I have learned that when the feeling refuses to leave, it is my time to go home. It’s a sign from my body that I need a break from travelling and constantly meeting new people. I need familiarity and my family. And that’s okay! Trust me, it took me a while to learn this but stopping a trip early is not failure, especially if it has already been a few months.

What are the benefits of solo travel as a woman?

I have grown immensely as a person since I have started solo travelling – in my overall confidence, trust in my own abilities and also people skills. Making friends used to be hard, now I am very comfortable talking to new people and have met so many of my closest friends while travelling. The best part about the people you meet while travelling is that they have a similar mindset to you and also often a lot to share about their own culture and traditions, meaning your worldview opens up a lot.

Travelling solo also means I get to choose where I go when, I can change plans last-minute and if I don’t like something, I will simply leave. These are all things you can’t do as much when travelling with another person. In addition, you get a lot of time for self-reflection but also to take in this new destination. I have noticed that I experience a place much more intensely when I am solo travelling, compared to when I am with e.g. friends.

Overall, I think solo travel truly changes you as a person. Once you have navigated a new country by yourself, you feel like you can do anything. I would recommend any woman to solo travel at least once in her life! Learn to trust yourself and that you don’t need anyone else to do things for you. Obviously it is nice to have someone else to rely on, but solo travel teaches you that it is not necessary – and that will change your whole perspective on life and relationships.

How do I choose affordable but safe accommodations?

The first thing I do when choosing accommodations in a new destination is research the area. Which areas are safe for tourists, especially solo travellers. There are usually lots of resources about these things. If you are unsure, you could also reach out to accommodations for advice.

Second, I usually stay in hostels or hotels that are rated well amongst solo-travellers. This is so I can meet other travellers but also so I know that the location is good etc. Hostel dorms are usually your cheapest option though some countries also have affordable AirBnBs – for those I always make sure it is a female host.

Reviews are crucial!! Check several sites such as booking, Google, Tripadvisor, etc. Some red flags are people talking about stuff being stolen, no women leaving reviews, bedbugs and any negative comments about staff. A huge red flag for me is also when a hotel responds rudely to complaints – it’s unprofessional and will probably affect you if something goes wrong.