I know a guy who seems like he could take the same brown paper bag you’d have used for your lunch in high school, and he can pack a week’s worth of essentials in there. Not me… for most of my life, I’ve felt the need to bring along most everything I own.
I’ll admit it: I used to be a chronic overpacker. If the suitcase zipped (barely), I considered it a win. But somewhere around the age of 50, I realized that hauling 65 pounds of “just in case” gear through an airport isn’t just inconvenient (and over most airlines’ individual bag weight limits) — it’s a threat to my lower back.
So, I’ve been learning the art of packing smarter. Not harder. Here’s what I’ve figured out along the way:
1. Shoes: Fewer, Better
In my 30s, I’d pack a pair for every occasion. Hiking boots, dress shoes, sneakers, sandals. Now? Two pairs, max. One for walking (because my knees don’t forgive me anymore) and one for “looking halfway decent at dinner.” Anything more is just dead weight.
What to leave at home: Those old cowboy boots you swear you’ll wear again. You won’t.
2. The Magic of Neutral Colors
Turns out, if your shirts and pants all play nicely together, you don’t need as many outfits. Black, navy, gray — not exciting, but versatile. Add one “fun” shirt if you want to look festive in photos.
What to leave at home: That Hawaiian shirt from 1997. It doesn’t scream “vacation.” It screams “yard sale.”
3. Tech Without the Tangle
Bring the essentials: phone, charger, maybe a tablet or Kindle. Bonus points if you spring for one of those compact universal adapters. Nothing says “rookie traveler” like begging for the right plug in a Paris hotel lobby.
What to leave at home: The laptop you swear you’ll “get some work done” on. You probably won’t. And if you do, it defeats the whole point of the trip. (But, with that said, I can take just my iPad with a Magic Keyboard for typing and get virtually everything done that I might need to get done – without the headache of lugging an actual laptop along with me.)
4. Meds, Creams, and Band-Aids
This is the stuff younger travelers never think about — but it’s what makes the trip comfortable. Pack your prescriptions, Advil, reading glasses, and maybe a little extra fiber. Travel is less stressful when you’re not desperately hunting for a pharmacy in a foreign language. You can find some great little travel pill containers on Amazon. That’s what I did and it greatly reduces the bulk you run into with a bunch of pill bottles. I’ve learned, though, to include a couple extra days’ worth of medicines just in case your flights get delayed, etc.
What to leave at home: Half a dozen “just-in-case” bottles of vitamins. Bring the basics and call it good.
5. Souvenir Space
One lesson I learned the hard way: always leave room in the suitcase. Whether it’s a t-shirt for the grandkids, a fridge magnet, or that “authentic” hand-carved statue you’ll later regret, it’s nice not to pay for an extra bag on the way home. A friend taught me years ago to bring an empty backpack with you for this kind of thing. I have the perfect packable travel backpack I purchased on Amazon and I bring it along just for this purpose.
What to leave at home: That third pair of jeans you won’t wear anyway. Trust me, future-you will thank you.
The Bottom Line
Packing after 50 isn’t about how much you can cram into your luggage. It’s about traveling light enough to enjoy the trip — and not needing a chiropractor when you get home.
Bring what makes the journey comfortable, practical, and fun. Leave the rest. And remember: if you really need it, chances are you can buy it when you get there.
Last year, I went alone to Australia. Initially, I was worried about bringing all the right stuff. My son in law, who’s originally from there, said to me, “One thing about Australia – we have lots of stores there.” And he was exactly right. So don’t stress over taking EVERYTHING.
Travel smarter, not harder. Your back, your sanity, and your suitcase will thank you.
