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 with RFID security 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 have could include your phone, wallet, documents, a small digital camera, a small umbrella, 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 with multiple compartments that zip up securely. They are also lightweight.

Baggallini is another brand known for excellent anti-theft travel crossbody bags. Both Baggallini and Travelon have locking zippers, slash-resistant, and RFID-protected for security.

I always prefer carrying a handbag that includes a water bottle holder. I found this stylish Wanderfull LuxeHydroBag that has room for a 32 oz water bottle, phone pouch, and RFID-protected credit card/passport pocket. If you carry a small water bottle, you can fit an umbrella, hairbrush, or whatever you desire.

You may also prefer to wear a scarf with a hidden pocket to carry important documents and money. The best are infinity scarves because they are less likely to slip off. There are several options on Amazon.

If possible, only bring a carry-on bag

I like to travel as light as possible and always try to limit myself to a carry-on bag along with a second personal item bag for 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 in a neutral color palette.

A spinner suitcase has 4 wheels, rather than 2, making it easier to maneuver in different directions. Away makes excellent carry-on and checked luggage. A good size for carry-on is its 14.4″L x 9″W x 21.7″H case that is allowable on most International and domestic flights

Always check your airline’s carry-on bag allowable dimensions for storage in the overhead bin.

Away also has a lovely personal item bag with a trolley strap for all your flight essentials and a laptop.

For more travel carry-on essentials, click here.

What about winter clothes?

I’ve taken several European trips in November and December when the weather was chilly. I recommend it as many cities and towns are dressed festively for the holidays. However, 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 fat sweater will fill up an entire suitcase? Instead, I bring a squishable nylon down jacket. 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 wear 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 rain is an issue, take a waterproof jacket with you. A plastic rain poncho makes you look like a tourist. Instead, bring along a rain jacket (Lands’ End has a nice selection) or a classic trench coat. (Lands’ End has a nice selection)

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

Lightening up your clothing load

In addition to not packing bulky sweaters, you may want to leave your jeans at home as they tend to be heavy and take up a lot of space.

To lighten your suitcase, substitute heavy jeans with travel-specific pants made from synthetic blends, merino wool, or lightweight technical fabrics. Best alternatives include versatile chinos, stretchy ponte pants, Linen or Merino wool trousers, and quick-drying synthetic blends. These options are lighter, wrinkle-resistant, and take up less space.

Consider Spanx Air Essentials, Athleta Endless, or Betabrand Dress Pants Yoga Pants, Straight.

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.

I love my compression bags by Tripped. They even include a laundry bag.

To travel light, make your clothing options simple

My travel uniform is often a pair of comfortable black or navy pants and a black or navy top. I wear dark colors because they hide 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 “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 change outfits multiple times, since no one has seen you before. A small collection of clothing you can mix and match that is wrinkle-free, 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, so a pair of sturdy walking shoes is a must. It’s the most important consideration for traveling light because if your feet are aching, you won’t be able to enjoy yourself.

I want to emphasize comfortable shoes, because as we get older, we are prone to aching knees, hips, and feet. We also do not want to fall. Stability and balance are a must, so leave your heels and shoes you can slip out of home. Nothing will ruin a vacation faster than an injury. To travel light, wear your heaviest shoes on the plane. Include a pair of sneakers, and loafers or ankle boots.

To prevent getting blisters, wear supportive socks to protect your skin. Your feet will thank you, and you’ll have much more fun. I love my Feetures Socks for that very reason.

Reliable shoe brands

Best travel sneakers for women over 60

• Best Overall for Long Walking: Hoka Clifton 9 or Bondi 9 are highly regarded for superior, maximalist cushioning, making them excellent for all-day walking without pain.
• Best Slip-On & Convenience: Kizik (Athens or Vegas) is a top choice for its hands-free, step-in technology, allowing you to put them on without bending over.
• Best Arch Support: Vionic and Orthofeet are consistently recommended for their podiatrist-designed, built-in arch support, which is ideal for reducing foot fatigue.
• Best for Stability & Comfort: New Balance 1080 offers excellent stability, durable construction, and wide-width options for superior fit.
• Best Stylish/Versatile: Veja V-10s are noted for being a fashionable option that pairs well with skirts and trousers, making them versatile for packing light.
• Best Lightweight/Budget: Ryka Devotion Plus 3 is popular for being extremely lightweight and affordable.

Key features for travel comfort

• Superior Cushioning: Look for high-foam midsoles to absorb impact.
• Wide Toe Box: Crucial for comfort during long walks and to prevent blister issues.
• Easy-On/Off: Slip-on styles with good structure are perfect for airport security.
• Breathable Material: Knit or mesh materials keep feet cool and comfortable.

Top recommended loafer brands for travel

• Best for Arch Support: Vionic Uptown or Cleo Loafers are designed with podiatrist-approved, contoured arch support and shock-absorbing cushioning.
• Best for Walking/Comfort:  Vivaia Francesca (breathable, wide-foot friendly) is highly rated for all-day comfort.
• Best for Packing/Flexibility: Rothy’s the Penny Loafer is washable and foldable.
• Best for Style & Durability: Cole Haan Gwendolyn Penny Loafer and Naturalizer Adiline Slipon Loafers are known for blending style with durable, high-quality materials.

• Best for Ease/Budget: Dr. Scholl’s Nova Slip On provides a comfortable,budget-friendly option with good cushioning.

Key considerations for travel loafers

• Arch Support: Essential for preventing fatigue while walking through airports or exploring cities.
• Lightweight: Look for materials that won’t weigh down your luggage, like suede or knit, such as those from M.Gemi or Vivaia.
• Slip-on Ease: Crucial for quickly navigating TSA security checkpoints.
• Flexibility & Fit: Choose soft, supple leather or knit materials that will not cause blisters. 

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

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