More and more independent women are traveling solo these days. The travel world is overwhelmed with solo female travelers conquering every part of the world. But, let’s agree on a point that it takes time to become confident and decide to go solo on the road. Women face various issues like eve-teasing, hygiene, attire, using a clean bathroom and PERIODS. With so many problems stopping us from traveling, I thought of penning down a post to ease the tension of women travelers. Here is a list of essential things that every woman MUST carry while traveling.
Munchies for the road
Trust me when I say, I become a `mean girl’ when hungry [Ask my husband about it 😉 ]. When Snickers came up with their ad campaign ‘Who are you when you’re hungry’, I totally identified myself with all the characters. While traveling, I pack myself enough food to control my hunger pangs and mood swings. I have asked many female travelers about this and all of them replied in affirmative. Food is a lifeline for us womenfolk while traveling. I usually carry a snacks box with Matthi [Indian crackers], homemade roasted rice flakes with peanuts, Yogabars [my favorite], pumpkin seeds/sunflower seeds, a jar of Nutella, chocolates and dry cakes.
Refillable Water Bottle
Plastic is the biggest problem today, around 13 billion tons are dumped in the oceans every year. Wish this rate there will be more plastic and less fish in the ocean by 2050 as claimed by the United Nations. As a responsible traveler, I make sure that I carry a refillable water bottle. I refill it from cafes, restaurants, shops etc. instead of buying bottled water every time. There are many places where you can pay a nominal amount and get your bottle refilled. I have started using a stainless steel flask that I bought from the Super99.in offline store, I also use it for storing hot liquids like tea, coffee, water for instant noodles etc. Plus, it has a secure lid that means now you don’t have to worry about water leaking from your bottle.
Toiletry Bag
Men might not understand our need to carry so many things in our bag. We women cant help it, we have to carry the essentials. As they say, a woman should always be ready for everything and everywhere. I usually carry the following items in my toiletry bag
- Refillable bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cream
- Himalaya`s Moisturizing Aloe Vera Facial Wipes
- Sanitary pads
- Kolan`s eco-friendly bath wipes
- Tissue roll
- Contact lens
- Basic make-up – Kajal, eyeliner and a lip balm
- First Aid Kid [Medicine for fever, cold, gas, vomiting, headache and band aids]
- Toothbrush brush and past
Scarf/Dupatta
Always carry a scarf, in traditional societies it is a sign of disrespect if you don’t cover your head. Carrying a scarf will help you cover your head in religious places, plus it will also protect you against the sun.
Good Pair of Shoes
I always carry one pair of sandals – my favorite Quechua floaters. I have trekked mountains, walked the length of a city and strolled on the beach with just one pair of shoes. It`s advisable to carry a pair that is comfortable and goes with most of your clothes. No use carrying heels or tight/uncomfortable shoes while traveling if you get blisters after wearing them.
After seven of traveling, these are the essentials I always carry in my bag. You will be amazed that even with all these things, I still travel light [mostly ;)].