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Best Gifts for Solo Female Travelers

by Bri
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Wrapped present with a bow

This post about the best gifts for solo female travelers contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase via one of the links I’ve provided, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Do you have a female friend or family member who’s taking a solo trip soon? Are you in need of a gift to give them? Perhaps you’re the female going on the trip. 

Either way, you’re probably here to find out the best gifts for solo female travelers.

As a solo female traveler myself, I’ve purchased a variety of items ahead of and during my travels. In this post, I’ll be sharing with you the gifts that I recommend and why. 

Finding the perfect gift for a solo female traveler can be a challenge, but a thoughtful mix of practicality and style goes a long way. 

Whether they’re embarking on an epic adventure or just love the thrill of exploring new places, these gift ideas will make their journeys more enjoyable and stress-free.

Anker Power Bank

Staying connected while on the go is a must, and the Anker power bank is a reliable companion for solo travelers. 

This power bank has saved my life more times than I can count. With high capacity and fast charging, it ensures phones, cameras, and other devices stay powered up all day long, even in remote locations.

It’s slim, too, meaning it will easily fit into a small purse. 

Tripod

For female solo travelers who love capturing their adventures, a lightweight tripod is an amazing gift. Whether they’re shooting landscapes, selfies or videos, a compact tripod ensures stable and professional-quality shots without having to rely on strangers.

I pack a tripod every time I travel solo. The one linked above functions as a selfie stick, too!

Girl posed for a photo inside a cafe
Fun fact: I took this photo with my tripod!

Apple AirTags

Losing luggage or important items is every solo female traveler’s nightmare. Apple AirTags can be attached to suitcases, bags or even keys, allowing solo travelers to easily track their belongings from their phones.

It also gives me peace of mind whenever I have to check my luggage.

They already have Apple AirTags? What about cases for their tags?

Bar Shampoo and Conditioner

Bar shampoo and conditioner are a game-changer for solo travelers. Not only are they eco-friendly and TSA-compliant, but they also free up space in luggage. 

Many brands offer bars that last a long time and are packed with nourishing ingredients. I brought Ethique bar shampoo and conditioner to Southeast Asia for six months, and I still had plenty leftover at the end.

Universal Adapter

Traveling to multiple countries often means dealing with different plug types. A universal adapter solves this problem by fitting outlets worldwide, and some models include USB ports, allowing travelers to charge multiple devices at once.

It’s a classic gift idea, and one that will get a ton of use. This universal adapter is great because it also includes USB and USB-C ports.

Microfiber Towel

A quick-drying microfiber towel is a versatile gift for solo travelers, whether they’re heading to the beach, staying in hostels or embarking on hikes. It’s lightweight, compact and dries fast, making it perfect for packing light.

When I backpacked through Southeast Asia, I brought two towels: one for hostels/hotels (when not provided) and one for beach/outdoor activities.

Girl wrapped in a microfiber towel on a boat.
You never know when a microfiber towel will come in handy! (Hint: always)

Mini First Aid Kit

Safety is a priority, especially for female solo travelers. A compact first aid kit stocked with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers is a thoughtful gift that can come in handy during any unexpected situation on the road.

Plus, there’s nothing more comforting if/when you injure yourself than using familiar products from back home.

Compression Packing Cubes

Compression packing cubes make staying organized a breeze. They help travelers maximize luggage space while keeping clothes, accessories and toiletries neatly separated. 

The compression functionality helps save space in luggage, too.

A set of durable, lightweight cubes is perfect for frequent travelers who like to stay organized. These compression packing cubes kept me organized while backpacking across Asia. 

Foldable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is crucial when exploring new places. A foldable water bottle saves space in luggage and can be easily refilled throughout the day. 

Not to mention, when it’s folded it can fit into a small day purse. 

Me with my foldable water bottle in Bangkok.

GoPro

For the adventurous solo traveler, a GoPro is the ultimate gift. This versatile camera is perfect for capturing action-packed moments, whether snorkeling, hiking, or exploring new cities. Compact and durable, it’s a great travel companion for creating lasting memories.

All of its settings make it one of the best gifts for solo travelers. It can be strapped to a helmet, bike, body and more. No need to ask someone else to get footage!

Loop Earplugs

Long flights, noisy hostels or bustling cities can make it difficult to get some peace and quiet. Loop earplugs are comfortable, reusable and stylish, offering noise reduction without completely blocking out the world. 

Personally, I use Loop earplugs all the time, even at home. They’re a perfect travel accessory for light sleepers or anyone needing some downtime. They even come in multiple sizes to fit different ears.

Belt Bag or Uniqlo Bag

A belt bag or Uniqlo crossbody bag is a functional yet stylish way to carry essentials while keeping hands free. These bags are perfect for keeping passports, money, phones and other valuables safe and within easy reach while on the go.

It’s funny – I feel like the type of bag one uses is really representative of where they’re traveling. For example, in Southeast Asia, all travelers used the Uniqlo bag. But in Europe or North America, the belt bag is more common. 

Girl on top of mountain wearing belt bag
My Uniqlo cross body bag has seen the world!

Travel Journal and Pen

A travel journal is the perfect way for solo travelers to document their journeys. Whether jotting down memories, sketching scenes or writing travel tips, a high-quality journal paired with a sleek pen is a thoughtful and personal gift.

Compression Socks

Compression socks aren’t just for long flights—they’re great for any travel that involves extended periods of sitting or walking. They improve circulation, prevent swelling and provide comfort during travel, all while coming in fun and stylish designs.

I used to think that compression socks = ugly. However, there are tons now with pretty patterns, like this pair of striped compression socks

Kindle and E-books

For book lovers who are always on the go, a Kindle is the ideal gift. It’s lightweight, stores thousands of books and has a battery that lasts for weeks. This is one of the best gifts for solo female travelers because we all need to stay entertained on travel days and nights.

If they already have a Kindle, did you know you can purchase e-books for them to deliver directly to their device? 

Kindle by the pool. Kindles are one of the best gifts for solo female travelers
My Kindle goes everywhere with me…everywhere.

Travel-Friendly Skincare Kit

Travel can take a toll on the skin, so a compact skincare kit is a thoughtful gift. Opt for travel-sized cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens that fit easily into carry-ons. Elf, one of my favorite brands, makes a budget-friendly travel skincare kit.

Another great gift idea for solo travelers is a pack of travel-friendly containers. With these, they can use their products of choice to fill up the containers. 

Travel Insurance

While not a traditional gift, contributing towards or gifting travel insurance is a practical and thoughtful option for solo female travelers. Travel insurance covers unexpected events like flight cancellations, medical emergencies or lost baggage, giving them peace of mind on their adventures.

I hope this list of best gifts for solo female travelers has helped you pick a few things for your loved ones! 

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4 comments

Elysia September 14, 2024 - 8:00 pm

Great gift ideas!

Reply
Natalie September 14, 2024 - 8:50 pm

These are great ideas–I’ve used these all while solo traveling, so they’d be really useful gifts! And that’s the best kind of gift 🙂

Reply
Jessica September 15, 2024 - 1:58 pm

This is a great and practical list. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
acaponeconnection September 15, 2024 - 6:25 pm

Awesome gift guide! Bar shampoo and condition is such a great idea. Great post!

Reply

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