- Tech
Essential gadgets for an annoyance-free solo excursion
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future)
- Copy link
- X
- Threads
Sure, traveling with other people is fun, but I also absolutely love a solo trip, when I can switch off and go completely at my own pace. But in order for things to proceed smoothly, there are certain gadgets I need. Over the years I've honed my essential solo traveler kit list, and I've shared it with you below — plus a few extras that I'm planning to add for future adventures.
Firstly and foremost, I need some kit to make sure no one bothers me while I am busy vacationing. On that front, my non-negotiable is a great pair of active noise-cancelling headphones — I have the Sony XM4, but the XM5 are now more widely available now. Sometimes I do need to be a bit more aware of my surroundings, though, so for that I have my eye on the Loop Switch 2 earplugs, which reduce background noise to your desired level, to minimize annoyances without blocking everything out entirely (unless you need them to).
I like to pack as light as possible, and for that, my go-to backpack is the Belroy Lite. It's under-seat sized but is full of useful compartments for keeping everything organized. In the name of traveling light, I never head anywhere without my Kindle. The basic one is my top pick, as it's also the lightest, and still fits the remit of being able to hold a whole library of books for me to choose from, depending on my mood.
Provided I'm not heading off into the wilderness, I'll also opt for a relatively small water bottle that I can refill at cafes or water stations throughout the day. Because I don't function well without caffeine, I always pair that with a Yeti Rambler with — this is important — the screw-down Commuter cap that won't leak, even if it's shoved upside-down in my backpack.
Finally, one of the main down-sides of traveling on your own — beyond having to pay twice as much for a hotel room — is that it does require you to be more organized. There are few things more stressful than trying to navigate a foreign city while your phone battery dwindles further and further into the red. I'm doubly sure to pack both a multi-port adapter and a power pack, to keep everything topped up whenever possible.
Solo travel essentials
LoopSwitch 2 noise-reducing Ear Plugs SG$89.95shop now
YETIRambler 12oz with leakproof Commuter capSG$52.33shop now
Belroy Lite Travel Pack 30LSG$289shop now
46% OFFSony WH-1000XM5 noise canceling headphonesSG$310SG$575shop nowView details
Apple AirTagSG$45shop nowView details
11% OFFAnkerMagGo Power Bank (10K Slim) SG$97.50SG$109.99shop nowView details
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inboxContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. CATEGORIES Home
Ruth HamiltonSocial Links NavigationCollections EditorRuth is TechRadar's Collections Editor, responsible for masterminding TechRadar's approach towards the new Collections format — a themed, curated selection of product recommendations designed to provide readers with an exciting new way to shop for the very best new gadgets and gizmos.
View MoreYou must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
Logout Read more
Tech
The Scapade AirPack is the techiest piece of travel gear I've ever owned
Wireless Headphones
The best travel headphones for all budgets, chosen by our jet-setting reviewers
Social Media
We asked influencers what gadgets they use for on-the-go content creation — here’s what they recommend
Pro
I built a bullet-proof distraction-free tech set-up in my home office — this is the gear that helps me stay focused at work every second of the day
Phones
Quietcation vs. hyperconnectivity: why the most “unplugged” trips require the smartest approach to connectivity
Earbuds & Airpods
I switched from headphones to earbuds after three years —here's what I learned
Latest in Tech
Tech
I’ve played with Lego’s new Pokémon Smart Play sets
Tech
ICYMI: the 8 biggest tech stories of the week
Tech
This lithium-ion breakthrough could solve a global battery issue
Tech
ABC blasts FCC over 'extraordinary' license renewal requests
Tech
‘Due to rising memory and storage costs’ the Steam Deck now costs 40% more
Tech
The UK Government's new social media rules for under-16s are coming soon
Latest in Features
Nintendo Switch
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth is out on the Switch 2 — here’s how it performs
Pro
Exactly 17 years ago, the first Nvidia-powered Windows laptop made its debut at Computex
Tech
I’ve played with Lego’s new Pokémon Smart Play sets
Phones
I tested the 7 top flagship phones of 2026 — here's which models I recommend
Blu-ray
5 new 4K Blu-rays to add to your collection from May 2026
Pro
Top business & office tech of the month: the best business gear we've tested for June 2026
LATEST ARTICLES- 1'UGVs are the new future of warfare' — Inside the Ukrainian unit set to become the world's first military brigade where robots outnumber human soldiers
- 2Is this 'the next computer'? Microsoft’s Project Solara looks to break AI out of the PC and into the real world
- 3Rayman Legends Retold is a confusing remake, but at least it's more of one of the best platformers of all time
- 4‘We don't use AI in the project; everything is handcrafted’: Rayman Legends Retold artists on the platforming classic's makeover
- 5Quote of the day by Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai: "Quantum is where AI was five years ago" — insight on the next big tech craze