Packing Like A Pro: Travel Essentials For Women Over 40

Let’s talk about travel essentials for women over forty…

One of the most common things on the wishlists of people over forty is “traveL’. Whether we’re empty nesters, have older kids we can now leave for more than five minutes, or are childless cat women ruining the fabric of America, we wanna hit the road! And traveling in your forties looks a little different than traveling in your twenties. We’re not sleeping eight to a room, teetering around is six inch heels (at least I’m sure as hell not), or getting into emotional Red Bull vodka fueled fights with our girlfriends. If it’s been a hot minute since you’ve traveled, your head might be spinning at the very thought of packing. So let’s breakdown travel essentials!

Comfort Is Queen

Let’s face it, we’re past the point of sacrificing comfort for style. Sure, we want to look good, but we also want to feel good. So let’s start with the basics.

• Good walking shoes: Trust me, you’ll be doing a lot more walking than you think. Invest in a comfy pair that can handle cobblestone and endless exploring.
• Versatile clothing: Pieces that can be mixed and matched are your best friends. Neutral color and breathable fabrics are always a good idea.
• Layer: You never know what the weather will do (unless you’re going to Aruba, their weather is pretty darn consistent). Pack a light jacket or scarf for those chilly evenings or unexpected air conditioning blasts.

Health And Wellness

We’re only getting better with age, right? RIGHT?! We may be getting better with age, but there’s no denying our health and wellness needs have changed since traveling in our twenties.

• Sunscreen: Non-negotiable. We don’t spend all that money on skincare to just go fry ourselves like a piece of bacon.
• Medications: Obviously you’re going to pack your prescriptions, but don’t forget all the over-the-counters. We never know what a disruption in diet and our routine to do to our poor little tummies, so I always back something like Nexium and Imodium in addition to the regular pain relievers.
• Hydration: So many places have water stations now, you’d be silly not to pack a reusable water bottle.
• Feminine Products: I don’t know about you, but my period is all over the place now. I used to be able to set my clock by it, but now it just comes and goes as it pleases. Any trip I take, it doesn’t matter if I’m expecting my period or not, I’m bringing a sampler platter of tampons and period undies.

Tech And Entertainment

I know we love our gadgets, but let’s keep it simple when traveling!

• Phone and charger: Duh and duh, but ALWAYS pack an extra charger.
• Headphones: I always have my headphones with me, you never know when you’ll need their help with ignoring someone.
• iPad/Kindle: Listen, I prefer a physical paper book, but if you read a lot traveling with three or four books SUCKS. Load your tablet up with a few books before you head out, and maybe download a few episodes from Netflix too, why not?

And Now For A Little Shopping…

I don’t care what the kids on TIkTok say, Birkenstocks don’t ruin travel outfits!

How lucky are we to live in a time when Hokas are in style? Worn by Supermodels, nurses, and moi.

You can’t go wrong with a cream colored cardigan.

Right around turning thirty-five everything I loved started to give me heartburn.

I don’t want to be dramatic, but I don’t know how I survived before period undies.

I love Shokz. Since they’re bone conduction headphones, they sit outside your earholes and you hear whatever you’re listening to and everything going on around you. Being aware of your surroundings is always important, but especially when traveling.

Remember, the most important travel essential? A good attitude, no one likes to globetrot with a grouch. Bon voyage!

Post may contain affiliate links.

Like this post? Check out 7 Easy Packing Tips For Your Next Trip…