LUGGAGE ESSENTIALS FOR THE SOLO WINTER TRAVELER

With solo traveling becoming increasingly popular, you may find yourself looking into this type of travel experience. After all, the fall and winter are great times of year for solo travelers since crowds and prices drop (except for the time between Christmas & New Year’s). This means you’ll be able to easily find a great place to stay and can save money, too.

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or are planning your first independent adventure, it’s important to make sure you know what things to bring when traveling, including solo travel essentials.

Benefits of Solo Winter Travel

Traveling alone during the winter season provides many benefits, including:

  • Flexibility in planning and itinerary

When you travel with others, it’s natural that people won’t want to do the same thing as you, or they want to do things at different times. But when traveling alone, you’re completely in charge of the itinerary and can do what you feel like on any day or time.

  • Personal growth and self-discovery

Traveling solo forces you to make your own decisions and take stock of exactly how you are feeling at a given moment. This means you’ll learn more about yourself and what you feel comfortable doing (and what you don’t).

  • Opportunities for meeting new people

One of the biggest benefits of solo travel is that you’ll interact with a lot more people than you would if you were with others. Groups and other solo travelers alike are always keen to chat with others. There are many stories of people who met while traveling and ended up becoming friends.

Selecting the Perfect Solo Travel Luggage


When traveling alone, having the proper luggage can make a huge difference in your overall experience. The right luggage for your trip will enhance your travels by adding more convenience and organization to your vacation. A few great solo travel luggage options tailored to the needs of solo winter travelers include:

  • Backpacks and carry-on bags – For the most mobility and convenience, choose solo carry-on luggage or a solo travel backpack. Depending on the length of your stay and what your activities will be on your trip, you may go with just one of these bags or take both. Either way, you’ll avoid the hassle of having to check in luggage and will get around more quickly.
  • Compact suitcase options for organization – If you need to bring checked luggage, look for a compact suitcase with different compartments so you stay organized and can find what you need easily.

No matter which type of bag you choose, it’s important to get one with durable materials that can handle winter weather conditions, as well as an efficient design that allows you to stay organized and get around with ease.

Packing Strategies for Solo Winter Travel

To help you stay organized on your solo winter trip, it’s important to pack efficiently.

  • Layer clothing for varying temperatures
  • Utilize packing cubes for organization and so you can easily find what you need
  • Maximize space by packing versatile items that can serve multiple purposes and be mixed and matched
  • Only bring what you need, not what you think you might need

Luggage Security and Organization


Whenever traveling, it’s essential to keep your belongings secure, but this becomes even more significant when traveling alone. To help keep your luggage secure:

  • Get a luggage lock – Our TSA cable luggage locks feature a flexible cable for securing zipper compartments on checked and carry-on luggage. They also have a three-digit combination system for hassle-free, keyless operation. They are available in metal and plastic.
  • Safeguard important documents and valuables – Keep your phone, a credit card, some cash, an ID, and a copy of your passport in a secure bag you can see at all times. Don't put bags with these items down or out of your line of sight.
  • Keep your essential items easily accessible at all times - Using travel accessories like packing cubes, an essentials case, and travel pouches can be a huge help with this.

Managing Luggage on the Go

Handling luggage during travel can be a bit tricky since you won’t have friends or family members to watch it for you when you need to use the bathroom or get a snack at the airport. If you’re able to, travel with luggage that’s small and lightweight enough that you can bring it into the bathroom with you.

Plan Ahead for Your Solo Winter Travel Adventure

Embrace your travel adventures and make the most of your journey with travel-friendly bags and accessories from Briggs and Riley. If you’d like more information about solo traveling, check out our Ultimate Solo Travel Guide and find out if travel insurance is worth it.

Share your solo travel experiences and any tips you have for fellow adventurous travelers in the comments section below.