I’ve traveled solo for years. My travel essentials include a holy-grail combo for sleeping anywhere and a $5 organizer.

I avoid checking luggage, instead bringing just my backpack.

Shortly after my first solo trip, I went to my local outdoor shop and got fitted for a backpack. I purchased a 40-liter pack with padded shoulder and waist straps and a clamshell zipper, making it easy to pack like a suitcase.

The best part is a backpack this size meets most airline carry-on size limits, so I can keep my belongings with me at all times.

Plus, carrying my stuff on my back is way easier than wheeling a suitcase through uneven cobblestone streets and steep staircases.

I don’t travel without my earplugs and sleep mask. Recently, I even upgraded to silicone noise-reducing earplugs.

A sleep mask helps block out late-night hostel lights, early morning sun, and bright airplane cabins. I like that my mask has eye indents to reduce lid pressure.

In 2023, I slept like a baby the entire 2-½ -hour trip on the Eurostar from Paris to London with this duo.

Five years ago, I switched from a regular towel to a microfiber one to cut down on bulk in my bag.

The microfiber material makes it quick-dry, so I can use it for showering in the morning, and it’s dry by the time I need to pack in the afternoon.

The one I have from Arnuwa also rolls up to about the size of a water bottle, which makes it a great option for travelers.

Plus, the towel has proved its worth in other ways. During a two-week trek in 2024, I used it to provide extra padding on my hips between my backpack and lower back.

Packing cubes have transformed my packing game by keeping me organized. Plus, some cubes can help maximize packing space by compressing air and reducing bulk.

I use mine to separate daily clothing, delicates, and tech items. I even keep an empty cube to separate my dirty laundry from clean clothes.

With these, there’s no need to dig through my bag at midnight to find my toothbrush — everything has its place.

My travel pill organizer is one of my most-used travel items under $5.

I cannot recommend this case enough to keep medications and vitamins neatly organized, easy to access, and secure.

I stock mine with allergy medication, Pepto Bismol, ibuprofen, assorted supplements, and other common medications I may need.

To keep it extra sorted, I cut out dosage info and labels from the original bottles and tape them to the corresponding compartments.

I love to read while I travel, but physical books add weight to my bag and take up space. Three years ago, I purchased my Kindle, and I haven’t looked back.

The e-reader fits into most small bags and doesn’t take up much space. Before a trip I download multiple e-books from my local library so that I have plenty of options later.

The best part is its battery life can last for weeks at a time, making it one less thing to charge at night.

I’ve never regretted packing my umbrella, even if I didn’t end up using it. I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t pack one and ended up overpaying for a flimsy street umbrella that inevitably failed me.

Now, I always carry my compact umbrella because I never know when I’ll need it.

My umbrella folds down to 6 inches, so I slip it into the side pocket of my backpack or tuck it into a small day bag.