How to Travel Light and Nifty When You’re Over 50

One of my biggest passions is travel, and if I could, I’d do it all year long. But traveling can be taxing for those of us over 50. We have to maneuver through crowded airports, squeeze ourselves into seats like sardines, and haul our luggage from planes into trains, buses, and automobiles. The actual “travel” part of traveling is what takes a toll on our heads, shoulders, knees, and toes. Still, nothing is more thrilling than getting on a plane and taking off to a fabulous destination.  That’s why it’s best to travel light.

It’s not always easy if you’re a female

We like to dress to impress, especially if we’re traveling on a group tour or cruise. The more we stuff in our bags, the more it’s a pain in the neck. . . literally. That’s why I’ve put together my recommended list of travel accessories and essentials to travel light, so you can enjoy your trip and still be in style.

Carry a cross-body bag

Certain items spell out “tourist” and can be prey to pickpockets. Backpacks, Fannie packs, passport holders, and other “designated travel gear” are easy to spot. As women, most of us carry some type of purse but for travel, we need something sturdy and preferably structured. A well-designed cross-body bag will give the most control.

In the interest of traveling light, it is best to find a bag that is medium in size. If it is too small, it’s easy to lose things and if it’s too large, it’s too heavy to carry. Items you may want to carry could include your phone, wallet, documents, a small digital camera, and some snacks. I also prefer a bag with a holder for a water bottle to stay hydrated. The most important feature I look for in a bag is a secure fastener so it doesn’t pop open unexpectedly making it easy prey to thieves.

Travelon makes anti-theft bags that have multiple compartments and zip up securely. They are also lightweight.

You can also travel safely carrying a non-travel-designated bag that looks stylish. Tory Burch and Kate Spade have a nice assortment of cross-body bags that don’t cry out “traveler”.

Another cool item to help keep track of what is in your purse is to insert a purse organizer. The organizer below from Etsy has space for a water bottle which I love because I hate when my bottle splashes inside my purse. This will keep it secure and you won’t look like a tourist with a travel bag or backpack.

If possible, only bring a carry-on bag

I like to travel as lightly as humanly possible and always try to limit myself to a carry-on bag along with a second smaller bag that will hold my purse, laptop, and toiletries. That way there is less to schlep when you are trying to get on a train or subway, and you can easily transfer your belongings to the next hotel. I only take basic “capsule wardrobe” items that mix and match and are easy to wash and dry.

A spinner suitcase has 4 wheels, rather than 2, making it easier to haul around in different directions. The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable was a top choice on Good Housekeeping. It is available in multiple colors, has a 10-year warranty, and is ultra-light with a strong shell.

Visit the Samsonite Store on Amazon here.

What about winter clothes?

I’ve taken several European trips in November and December when the weather was chilly. It’s not as easy to travel light when it’s freezing outside and you need a warm coat.

One thing I NEVER do is pack bulky sweaters or wool coats. One big sweater will fill up an entire suitcase? Instead, I bring a nylon down jacket that will squish into a small bag if needed. For extra warmth, baselayer tops and bottoms are wonderful because they don’t take up space in your luggage but more importantly, don’t add bulk to your figure when you are having photos taken.

When it’s cold it’s all about your jacket

I love Columbia outerwear and wore one of their down jackets during the winter. The important thing is you don’t want to look like the Pillsbury Doughboy. Choose one that doesn’t add weight to your figure.

Find Columbia insulated jackets on Amazon here.

If the weather is rainy, you may want to take a waterproof jacket with you. Rather than look like a tourist in a plastic poncho, bring along a lightweight rain jacket that folds up compactly instead.

See waterproof jackets from Columbia on Amazon here.

Travel tip – Carry your coat on the plane so you can use it as a pillow to snuggle up in. Airplanes are notoriously chilly.

You may also enjoy: 10 Winter Travel Tips for Baby Boomers

Use packing cubes to organize your suitcase

Eagle Creek has a large selection of packing cubes so you can separate items in your luggage and make them easier to find. They come in a variety of colors and sizes.  They’re also perfect for storing dirty or wet clothes

Visit the Eagle Creek store on Amazon here

Don’t forget your camera

When I travel, I love to take lots of photos. Even though my smartphone has an excellent camera, it doesn’t have a zoom lens.  Also, a camera can be heavy and strain your neck. If I need an extra camera I bring my lightweight Canon PowerShot. It takes amazing shots and is affordable as well.

Visit the Canon Store on Amazon, here.

To travel light make your clothing options simple

My travel uniform is usually a pair of comfortable black pants and a black top. I wear black because it hides most of my bulges in photos. I also like to choose a fabric that’s easy to rinse out and dry.  I might also bring along a reversible jacket to give some color to my “outfit”uniform” which is two jackets in one, or a pretty silk infinity scarf so I don’t have to worry about tying it.

If you’re traveling from city to city there is no reason to make multiple outfit changes because no one has seen you before. A small collection of clothing you can mix and match that is no iron, is easy to pack, and saves a ton of space does the trick. It’s also a good idea to pack a simple dark-colored travel dress that can be accessorized for either a casual or more formal occasion.

Make sure your shoes are comfortable

Traveling usually means lots of walking which is healthy so a pair of sturdy walking shoes is a must. To prevent getting blisters, wear durable socks to protect your skin. Your feet will thank you and you’ll have much more fun.

You may also want to pack a pair of flat loafers, ballet slippers, or sandals depending on the weather and your location. Leave your stilettos at home to avoid any accidents that could ruin your vacation.

Here are some suggestions for travel shoes.

A packing tip – Take no more than 3 pairs of shoes and fill the insides with your socks or undies to save space in your suitcase.

This post was updated on 8/2023.

How do you travel light? Please leave a comment below.