Are you an older woman over 50 planning a long-distance trip? Travel is fabulous, but it can also be stressful, physically demanding, and even confusing, especially when traveling solo. That doesn’t mean you need to stay home. I have compiled a list of carry-on travel gear essentials to make your next trip easier and more enjoyable.
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Carry-on luggage that women over 50 will love
I believe in traveling light because lugging heavy suitcases in airports and train stations can throw your back out or worse. Ideally, you can spend a week or two abroad with one carry-on and a personal item carrier.
No one cares if you’re wearing the same outfit as you traverse a city. Depending on the weather, all you need is a small capsule wardrobe consisting of a few pairs of pants, several tops that can be layered, a dress or two, comfortable shoes (with an emphasis on comfort), underwear, a weatherproof jacket, minimal accessories, and PJs.
For a great carry-on, the TUMI International Expandable Voyageur Leger 4 Wheeled Luggage is an outstanding option. It is 21.8″, which is compliant with most airlines for carry-on. The front lid opens, allowing you access to all your items, and it has a 2″ zipper expansion. Tumi luggage is made to last, and comes with a TSA-approved lock.
I bought the Nordace Siena Pro Tote Bag Grande for my personal item (under the seat) bag and love it because it has a trolley strap to fit over my carry-on luggage, plenty of pockets, including a laptop sleeve, a wet bag, a key holder, and a power cord for charging my phone. The tote comes in various colors, is attractive, durable, and versatile. It will fit under most airplane seats, but check the specs for the airline you will be flying.
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Another personal item bag to consider is the Away Everywhere Duffle Bag. It fits over your carry-on handle, has a padded laptop sleeve, can be placed under your seat in the airplane, and is water-repellent.
To store toiletries, I have been using a hanging toiletry bag by Tripped. It comes with a TSA-approved clear bag and a long compression bag. You can choose from a selection of colors.
Compression cubes make everything fit better and can keep your things organized.
Tripped also has an excellent set of travel compression bags in various colors. I picked out a color to match my toiletry bag.
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If you check in luggage, you may want to invest in Air-Tracker tags to find your luggage if it gets lost. They are available for iOS and Android.
If you worry about your liquids leaking during a flight, silicone bottle covers work well.
Travel gear for comfort on the airplane
I dislike carrying a lot of bulk when I board an airplane, as airplanes are usually packed like sardines, but the items below may add to your comfort.
The Nidra sleep mask is soft and blocks out light completely. It’s super comfortable to wear and comes in various colors. It also works for side sleepers.
An airplane footrest keeps your feet elevated to prevent foot swelling. It hangs over the tray table.
I have never found stiff travel neck pillows to be comfortable, so I decided to get a Trtl pillow, which is more of a wrap than a pillow. It’s easy to pack and has a support so you can switch it from side to side if you want to sleep.
Compression socks are essential for older women traveling long distances. I don’t find them particularly comfortable as they often squeeze too tightly. I found a pair of IamBamboo Marino Wool Compression Socks that are thermal, so they don’t get too hot, are comfortable, and supportive. They don’t leave a dent in my leg, either.
Wireless earbuds are essential these days to listen to podcasts/music or movies on board. However, some can be uncomfortable. Find a pair that fits your ears or wear a pair that wraps around your ear. I am enjoying my Soundcore, by Anker wrap headphones. The sound is excellent, and they are comfortable.
To keep your earbuds from falling under your seat on a plane, making them hard to retrieve, use magnetic anti-loss straps.
Keep your valuables secure when you travel
It’s essential to stay safe, especially when traveling to a foreign destination. You don’t want to look like a tourist, so it’s best to blend in with the locals. Leave touristy signs at home, such as “I love Barcelona (or other destination) T-shirts or other clothing items that scream you are a tourist. For instance, if you are traveling to France, don’t wear a “Emily in Paris” beret, especially in spring or summer. Parisians rarely wear berets, and it is a pickpocket magnet.
Leave your expensive jewelry and designer attire at home. Why take the chance of losing it? Never leave your smartphone, passport, or valuables in a pocket or backpack. Carry a lightweight crossbody bag when moving about town. Baggallini and Travelon are excellent brands for security, but could target you as a tourist.
I found both a sling bag and a crossbody bag in leather by a brand called Befen on Amazon. They have RFID security and can be used as everyday bags.
Another cool find is my leather travel wallet. It is an RFID design to protect your valuables, such as your passport, credit cards, and is made of leather in various colors. I chose a brown color that matches my crossbody bags.
Two other bags I like to take along to carry other essentials while touring are my Biaggi Zipsack backpack on the Go, and/or a zipped tote bag by Etidy with water bottle holders. Both pack up in zip bags for easy storage.
Tools to communicate in a foreign country
Trying to communicate in a language you are unfamiliar with can be frustrating and sometimes terrifying. It is best to learn at least a few key phrases in the language of the country you are visiting to get by and always be polite.
The app, Google Translate – Android and Apple iOS, is free and easy to use, but may require a SIM card, depending on your smartphone plan.
I was given a Vasco V4 translator to try out. It is the size of a smartphone and comes with a ready-to-use SIM card that avoids roaming charges. It can also be used to communicate with foreign speakers in your everyday life, such as household help, vendors, or online buyers.
The Vasco translator works without WIFI in 200 countries.
Order the Vasco V4 Translator here.
When you are out and about
Don’t let your smartphone die if you are in an area where you cannot charge it. Bring a portable charger that is compatible with your phone. TSA requires that you carry portable chargers in your carry-on as a safety measure, and they must be airline-compatible, as they are cracking down.
A smartphone lanyard keeps your phone available for photos and navigating the city, so you won’t forget it somewhere or have it stolen.
You never know when you will need a shopping bag to pick up a sandwich for a picnic or to carry souvenirs. Lightweight reusable grocery shopping tote bags, like the ones pictured below, easily fit in your purse and are waterproof and machine washable. I love the sea turtle design, but you can choose other designs. Each bag holds up to 50 lbs, and I use mine for grocery shopping.
Staying hydrated is paramount for travelers over 50 to avoid fainting or dehydration. But carrying a water bottle can add unnecessary weight. I found a purse-sized water bottle for quick sips between cafes that can easily be refilled when needed. The top flips up with a straw. I bought the 5 oz, but recommend the 9 oz for a few extra drops.
You can also bring a collapsible water bottle that is easy to pack.
Carabiners come in handy for hooking a water bottle to a bag or airline tray, and can also be used to secure your purse or bag. I bought a set of larger carabiners for general use and a set of small carabiners to lock my purse.
Other travel gear essentials to take along on your next trip
If you are staying in a hotel, chances are there will be items like shampoo, conditioner, a hair dryer, and an ironing board. And they can always be purchased at your destination. Why add extra weight to your luggage?
If you are traveling abroad, you will need a universal plug adaptor for your devices. I found a power adaptor by Epicka that has 4 USB-A ports.
Want to rinse out a few items like your underwear? Your shampoo may work, or you can carry laundry detergent sheets to avoid messy spills. I love Tru-Earth unscented laundry detergent sheets. I use them at home too, and they work great! I prefer packing them rather than travel-size liquid soap, which could leak.
A small travel steamer comes in handy for quick touch-ups after you unpack. The Jack & Rose Iron Steamer is dual voltage for global and European travel.
Hair styling equipment must also be dual voltage to comply with TSA, like the Mescomb Hair Dryer Brush for Travel.
Do you run hot when walking around to explore a city? Pack a battery-powered handheld fan.
You never know what the weather will be, and a downpour could happen at any time. The Weatherman Umbrella can be packed in a purse, is compact, and works well for rain and wind. I love a great trench coat for rainy days, but you can also pack a packable rain jacket that you can stuff into a backpack or tote.
Do you have mobility issues, sore feet, or want to stay balanced while walking on cobblestones? Take along a retractable cane. The Rehand retractable cane features an ergonomic handle suitable for all terrains, a wrist strap, a pivot base, and adjustable height settings. It will easily fit in a tote bag.
This may seem like an odd item to mention, but if you are sick of carrying around wet wipes every time you go #2, you can bring along a portable travel bidet. It not only helps the environment, but it really gets you clean… down there. Know what I mean? I love mine!
So, when is your next trip?
When it comes to essential travel gear for older women, safety and comfort are key. Don’t overpack. If you are missing items, purchase them at your destination. The lighter you pack, the easier it will be to get around without aches and pains.
What do you like to bring with you when you travel? Please leave a comment below. We would love to know your suggestions.
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