Essential Packing List: 12 Must-Have Items for Your Solo Trip to Portugal

Earlier this year, I embarked on my first-ever solo trip to the beautiful country of Portugal. While I was fixated on creating the perfect itinerary (I landed on flying into Lisbon before taking a train down to the Algarve), as a shopping writer, I wanted to ensure that I was prepared with all necessary gear. Regardless of being a solo traveler, it is essential to be ready for anything that may come your way during a journey—especially when trying to fit everything into just a carry-on and personal item.

Planning to spend time in both the city and along the coast, versatility became paramount in building my packing list. Therefore, whether your next trip is to Portugal or another equally stunning destination, I have rounded up 12 indispensable products that aided my travel experience. From comfy sneakers and stretchy yoga pants to a multifunctional bag that accompanied me from beach outings to city strolls, these essentials will keep you secure, prepared, and at ease—prices start as low as $14.

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

$129 $99 at Amazon

Traveling alone necessitated having the perfect playlist to fuel my main character complex at all times, so my Apple AirPods were an essential companion during this trip. These small-but-mighty Bluetooth headphones can hold more than 24 hours of battery in the compact case alone, making them vital for long days of sightseeing while listening to a soothing playlist—currently on sale at Amazon for under $100.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet

$150 $120 at Amazon

If you know me, you know how dedicated I am to reading. My dedication was further solidified when my Amazon Fire tablet allowed me to read five books during my 10-day trip without weighing down my suitcase. With a battery life of 12 hours, I could enjoy relaxing days at the beach without worrying about running out of entertainment. Its lightweight design proved advantageous, as it hardly took up precious space in my luggage. Moreover, connecting the device to my local library account enabled me to swap in books at will throughout my trip at no extra cost.

Emdmak Door Stop Alarm

$18 $14 at Amazon

Given that this was my first time traveling solo, safety was constantly on my mind, particularly while staying in a hostel in an unfamiliar city. This portable door stop alarm from Emdmak provided the peace of mind I needed for a restful night’s sleep. It conveniently fit beneath the door while effectively deterring potential threats. Trust me, the alarm sound is incredibly jarring, a fact confirmed during a test run.

Baggu Horizontal Zip Duck Bag

$42 at Baggu.com

Knowing that every item I brought along had to serve multiple purposes to maximize the limited space in my luggage, this lightweight bag from Baggu easily rolled up into my carry-on during the initial part of my journey. However, it later transformed into a beach bag, purse, and even a shopping tote as the week progressed. This tote is particularly advantageous for cautious travelers because it includes a zipper across the top to prevent pickpockets, and its adjustable strap allows it to be worn comfortably as a crossbody bag for added safety.

Nike Air Force 1s

$130 at Nordstrom

Comfortable sneakers are essential for any travel experience. Since I only allowed room for three pairs of shoes in my suitcase, I required an option that was both supportive and stylish. The Nike Air Force 1s were an excellent choice as they elevate each outfit (including my loungewear) while offering impressive cushioning that evenly distributes weight and absorbs impact with every step. I wore these while walking the famously hilly streets of Lisbon and was eternally grateful for the support these shoes provided.

Anker Portable Charger

$22 $18 at Amazon

After failing to charge my AirPods fully before my overnight flight to Lisbon, I was incredibly grateful for the foresight to pack this portable charger. It not only ensured I didn’t miss out on my carefully curated solo travel playlist, but it kept my phone charged once I arrived at my destination, especially crucial while waiting for check-in. This compact device holds more than two full iPhone charges and supports the battery health of your phone for impressive longevity.

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Backpack

$90 at Amazon

Traveling with this durable backpack for nearly a decade, I confidently consider it one of the best personal item choices due to its ample storage space and thoughtfully comfortable design. The large zippered pockets allow easy access to electronics during TSA screenings, reducing the stress of an otherwise chaotic experience. Additionally, the various pockets enable effortless organization. Its contoured padding makes it exceptionally comfortable to wear, even when fully packed, illustrating its durability over years of use.

Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40

Buy Now for $38

Without anyone to remind me to reapply sunscreen during my travels, I needed to be extra vigilant about my skincare routine. Consequently, integrating the Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF into my daily regime became essential. Not only did it offer beautiful, sun-kissed skin, but it also effectively protected against sunburn throughout my trip, even when I wasn’t as consistent with reapplications as I should have been. I prefer to minimize my makeup during travel, and this product served as a foundation replacement because of the healthy glow it provided.

Offline by Aerie Real Me Xtra Bootcut Leggings

$60 $42 at Ae.com

A classic pair of yoga pants will always have a special place in my wardrobe, and these stretchy Aerie leggings were staples for me during the trip. The comfortable waistband was ideal for travel days, especially as I often experience bloating when flying. Furthermore, their versatile style made them easy to dress up or down, depending on my outfit. While I didn’t bring many pant options due to the warm climate, these leggings proved to be my saving grace for chilly airports and cool evenings.

AiRunTech Waterproof Waist Pouch

$17 at Amazon

One concern I had during my solo travels was finding a way to swim in the ocean without leaving my phone unattended on the beach. To address this, I packed these waterproof waist pouches from Amazon that are completely submersible, allowing me to keep my phone and wallet close while swimming. Featuring an adjustable strap for comfort, I used it while embarking on a three-hour hike, making this pouch remarkably convenient for hands-free travel.

Ecco Women’s Yucatan Sandals

$140 $113 at Amazon

Hiking and exploring were central to this trip, but with limited space in my carry-on, I had to be strategic with my footwear choices. These sporty Ecco sandals were an excellent selection because they served as ideal hiking shoes without the bulk of traditional hiking boots, and they were fashionable enough for daytime wear while sightseeing or relaxing at the beach for hours. Featuring adjustable straps and supportive insoles, these sandals offered exceptional comfort straight from the box.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

$38 at Lululemon

I have been an advocate for the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag for a long time; it remains one of my favorite travel accessories. Particularly while traveling alone, this spacious pouch effectively holds my passport, wallet, boarding pass, and other important documents as I navigate through airports. Additionally, it’s versatile enough to function as a stylish purse during sightseeing without concern for theft. The adjustable strap allows for multiple carrying styles, whether across the body or at the waist, and it is available in 14 bold and neutral colors to suit any personal style.