Let’s be honest: packing is either a well-oiled ritual or an exercise in full-blown panic. I used to be firmly in the “sit on the suitcase and pray” camp. But now, after years of travelling solo, I’ve mastered the art of packing light without sacrificing style—or my sanity. So I’ve put together some packing tips for the stylish solo traveller over 50.
Ladies, if you’re a fabulous solo adventurer over 50, this post is for you. I’m sharing my top packing tips to help you travel smart, stay chic, and avoid the dreaded “I’ve got nothing to wear” meltdown in a foreign country. Whether you’re off to Tuscany or a weekend in the Cotswolds, here’s how to pack like a pro and look marvellous doing it.
- Start with a Packing List (and Stick to It!)
It may sound obvious, but a packing list is your best friend. Mine is scribbled in a trusty notebook and includes everything from passport to plasters. There’s something incredibly satisfying about ticking things off—and it helps prevent overpacking those “just in case” items that never see the light of day.
Create categories: clothing, toiletries, electronics, documents, and miscellaneous (for things like earplugs, which, trust me, you’ll need if your hotel walls are thinner than a rice paper roll).
- Choose the Right Luggage
If your suitcase has seen more runways than Kate Moss but wobbles like a shopping trolley with a wonky wheel, it’s time for an upgrade.
Go for a lightweight, four-wheel spinner—preferably hard-shell for durability but with enough give to squeeze in that “I swear it’ll fit” souvenir. I’m partial to a carry-on when possible (yes, it is possible—more on that later), but a medium-sized checked case is ideal for longer trips.
And don’t forget a practical yet stylish day bag. Crossbody bags with RFID protection are brilliant for safety and fashion. If it can hold your phone, glasses, lipstick and emergency chocolate, you’re golden.
- The Golden Rule: Mix, Match, and Layer
Gone are the days when I’d pack six pairs of shoes and a hat for every outfit. These days, I swear by a capsule wardrobe: 10-12 pieces that all work together and can be layered for cooler climates or peeled off when it’s 30 degrees in the shade.
Stick to a colour palette—mine is usually navy, white, and a pop of red. Add a few scarves and statement necklaces, and suddenly you’ve got endless combinations without needing a second suitcase.
My packing heroes:
- Two pairs of trousers (one smart, one comfy)
- A pair of jeans
- Three tops (blouses or breathable T-shirts)
- One smart jacket or blazer
- A lightweight jumper or cardigan
- One dress (something that can go from sightseeing to supper)
- A scarf or two for pizzazz and warmth
- A rain mac (we are British, after all)
- Shoes: Two (Okay, Maybe Three) Pairs Only
Let’s have a heart-to-heart: no matter how glamorous your stilettos are, they’ll never beat the trusty comfort of supportive walking shoes after a long day of cobbled streets and uphill climbs.
My shoe trinity:
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers (I love ones that are sleek enough to wear out to dinner)
- A pair of sandals or ballet flats
- Optional: ankle boots if I’m headed somewhere with unpredictable weather
Tip: Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane. Saves space and keeps your feet warm during take-off!
- Toiletries: Decant and Downsize
I used to haul around enough shampoo to wash the entire population of Devon. Now I decant my favourite products into travel-sized bottles and leave the hotel freebies for someone else.
Don’t forget:
- Moisturiser with SPF
- Travel-size micellar water or facial wipes
- A solid shampoo bar (no leaks!)
- Mini toothpaste and travel brush
- Your go-to makeup essentials (mine includes tinted moisturiser, mascara, and lippy in case I bump into George Clooney in Lake Como)
Ladies with medications: keep them in their original packaging with prescriptions, just in case airport security decides to get nosy.
- Tech Tips: Travel Light, Stay Connected
I’ve embraced technology like I’ve embraced cashmere—slowly, but with full appreciation once I realised how helpful it is.
Essentials include:
- Your smartphone (with travel-friendly roaming or local SIM)
- A universal adapter plug (it’s always the wrong one otherwise)
- Charging cables and a portable power bank
- Kindle or lightweight e-reader (books take up precious shoe space)
Bonus: Download Google Maps offline and have a translation app handy. You’ll feel like a Bond girl with gadgets.
- Don’t Forget the Little Lifesavers
These are the things I never travel without, and I’ve saved many a day (and dodgy train toilet experience) because of them:
- A small pack of tissues
- Antibac gel or wipes
- Reusable water bottle
- A foldable shopping bag
- A tiny torch or phone light (especially helpful in places with blackout curtains or dodgy stairwells)
- Be Prepared but Not Paranoid
Yes, travel insurance is essential. So is a photocopy of your passport, and it doesn’t hurt to know where the nearest embassy is. But don’t pack for doomsday. Solo travel is about enjoying the freedom of being in charge of your own adventure—not lugging around a suitcase that weighs more than you do.
- Leave Room for Shopping (You Know You Will)
I always leave a little space (or bring a fold-up duffel) for those delightful treasures that inevitably sneak into your luggage: a scarf from a Greek market, a bottle of limoncello, or a handmade bowl that probably won’t survive the journey home but was too beautiful to leave behind.
- The Outfit You Travel In Matters
Comfort is key, but that doesn’t mean you have to look like you’ve just rolled out of bed. I favour stretchy trousers, a longline top, and a scarf that doubles as a blanket. Add a slick of lipstick and oversized sunnies and voila—you’re airport chic.
Bonus: wear layers you can re-use during your trip to save space.
Final Thoughts
Packing, like travel, gets easier with experience. These days I view it less as a chore and more as a prelude to adventure. Remember, your luggage doesn’t define your style—you do. So pack with purpose, sprinkle in some sass, and know that whatever you forget, you can usually buy it (except your prescription glasses—double check those!).
And when you’re striding through Paris, Positano or Padstow looking stylish, calm and gloriously unencumbered, you’ll thank yourself—and maybe even me.
Bon voyage, lovelies!
