After two months of thinking, researching, and planning, it was finally time to start packing for my first solo trip. I had read hundreds of tips, watched packing videos, and made mistakes so you don’t have to. Now it’s my turn to share everything I learned about packing smart, light, and intentionally for solo travel.
🎒 Your Handbag = Your Lifeline
You’ll be walking A LOT during your trip, so comfort is key. I chose a crossbody bag—big enough to hold everything I needed without being bulky. It was also useful when I had to take leftover food back to the hotel (yes, I do that proudly!).
Inside my handbag, I organized everything like this:
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A small pouch for essentials: hand cream, sanitizer, nail clippers, bandages, a pen, painkillers, and wet wipes.
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A card holder for all my cards and a separate wallet for cash (to avoid losing everything at once).
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My chargers, AirPods, and mini ring light—easy to reach at all times.
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And of course, my passport.
Now let me tell you the truth about passport covers:
They look cute, but they’re inconvenient. You’ll have to remove them at every airport checkpoint, and even at hotel check-ins. But they do help you find your passport quickly in your bag—so it’s a trade-off.
I also kept my visa printed and all my tickets stored digitally on my phone for easy access.
🧳 Luggage: Pack Light, Come Back Heavy
Before you start packing, make sure you check your airline’s luggage allowance—especially if you plan to shop or bring back souvenirs. Trust me, you’ll need space.
Here’s how I packed smart:
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Two pajamas and one full outfit for each day (yes, I plan outfits in advance!)
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One extra pair of shoes
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A small umbrella (Malaysia’s weather can be unpredictable!)
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Daily pads and personal care items
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And something I wish someone had told me: SHOE COVERS
When it rains in Malaysia, it pours—and your shoes and socks will get soaked. If I had shoe covers, I would’ve avoided a lot of discomfort.
Finally, I added an extra empty carry-on bag to fold into my luggage. That way, I had space for all my shopping on the way back.
Go light on the way there, so you can come heavy on your way back—with memories, souvenirs, and new energy.
Stay tuned for my next blog, where I’ll take you through my first full day in Kuala Lumpur!
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