11 Travel Must Haves I Don’t Leave Home Without

There’s nothing like the thrill of packing for a big trip, until you realize you’ve packed 14 scarves and forgot your underwear. (Ask me how I know.)

As a woman who started traveling again in my 50s, I know how overwhelming it can feel to figure out what you truly need to pack, especially for solo trips where you want to feel safe, comfortable, and confident. After years of trial, error, and a few awkward airport repack sessions, I’ve found my must-have travel essentials that help me feel ready for anything.

Whether you’re planning your first solo adventure or you’re a seasoned traveler, this guide shares my personal travel must haves for women over 50, so you can pack with confidence and focus on enjoying the journey.

1) Tripped DayPack

The Tripped DayPack folds down smaller than a Vogue magazine (10x8x1 inches!) so it tucks right into your carry-on. Once you arrive, it pops open into a roomy pack with pockets galore, including one that’s felt-lined for your sunglasses, so you’re not digging around next to your snack crumbs trying to find them. The Pack is water-resistant (not waterproof), so if you get caught in a glamorous Parisian spring shower you’ll be good.

I took this to the beach last month and managed to fit:

• My Glam Italia book (because I’m always dreaming of Italy)
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Water bottle
• Phone charger
• Wallet
• Snacks
• Reading glasses
• Weird towel I got in Cinque Terre!

There was still room to spare for souvenirs or a sweater. It comes in five colors, so if you like to match your bag to your mood (or your shoes), you’re covered.

2) Adjustable Laptop Stand

3) Wireless Keyboard & Mouse

Let’s be honest, hotel desks weren’t exactly designed with posture (or comfort) in mind. After one too many trips ending in sore shoulders and “tech neck,” I finally tried this travel-friendly laptop stand combo. Total game-changer.

The adjustable laptop stand is sturdy, lightweight, and folds down into its own velvety pouch. It raises your screen to eye level so you’re not hunching over like Gollum trying to send an email. Bonus: It actually makes you look put-together in Zoom calls, even if you’re still wearing pajama pants.

Pair it with the Logi wireless keyboard and mouse, and suddenly your cramped hotel setup feels like a real workspace. The keyboard has a surprisingly comfortable typing feel, and you can switch between your laptop, tablet, or phone at the press of a button: no tech meltdown required.

4) Folding Keyboard

If you’re looking for an even smaller keyboard, check out the iClever Folding Keyboard. It’s got an ergonomic design that saves your wrists, connects via Bluetooth to any device, and weighs less than 7 ounces (basically, one large grape).

5) Travel Door Lock

This pink portable door lock has honestly become one of my non-negotiables, especially when I’m traveling solo.

It easily fits into most doorframes and prevents anyone from opening it, even if they have a key. I love that it’s small enough (6 inches long x 1.65 inches wide) to tuck into a side pocket of my suitcase and gives me huge peace of mind when I’m staying somewhere that feels a bit iffy. I used it recently in an older hotel in L.A. where the front desk gave me vibes like “you’ll be fiiiiiine,” and I slept like a baby knowing no one was getting in uninvited.

You can read more of my solo travel safety tips here, but spoiler alert: this lock makes the list every time.

6) Packing Cubes

This set of 6 Packing Cubes has been a total game-changer for stress-free packing! I actually own two full sets (so 12 cubes total), which gives me plenty of flexibility depending on the length and type of trip.

I roll my clothes and organize everything by category: tops, bottoms, socks/underwear, sweaters, shoes. And when I arrive? I can “unpack” my suitcase in literally five seconds. No digging around, no messy piles, no suitcase explosions.

There are 13 different colors to choose from, so you can even match your cubes to your mood, destination, or packing aesthetic.

Related posts: Packing for a Month in Europe, Follow Up: Packing for a month in Europe…How did it actually go?, and A Downloadable Packing List

7) The Best Sunhat

I am always on the lookout for a good sunhat. With my white-as-a-sheet Irish skin I am obsessive about trying to stay covered! This one has been the best I’ve found! Keeps its shape really well even after being packed (I don’t crush it flat when packed, but fill it in with other items). I love that it has a drawstring strap to keep it on in the wind. It’s also eco-friendly, made from recycled paper. Comes in 8 different colors and different sizes, even large enough for my giant head!

8) Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things to Do in Rome

9) Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things to Do in Venice

These books are like having your fabulous, well-traveled friend whisper insider secrets into your ear. Written by Italy expert Corinna Cooke, these Glam Italia guides go way beyond the usual “go see the Colosseum at this time” tourist checklist. They’re packed with personal stories, secret spots, and cultural context that make you feel more like a glamourous explorer than a confused visitor holding a map upside down.

If Rome or Venice are on your dream list (or you just want to pretend it is while drinking a aperol spritz at home), these are must-reads.

10) Luggage Scale

Believe you me, you don’t want to get to the airport and find out your suitcase has exceeded the weight limit! (Ahhh, brings back memories of the time I thought it would be a great idea to bring home 20 bottles of coconut syrup from Hawaii for all of my coworkers, friends, and family. Luckily, I was traveling with others and was able to spread the coconut syrup out between all of us!)

This digital luggage scale is now my secret weapon. It’s compact, rechargeable (I’ve had mine for 3+ years and haven’t recharged it yet—magic?), and comes with a little tape measure so you can check both weight and size before heading to the airport.

Just loop it through your bag handle, lift, and voila—no more guessing if you’re under the limit or doing airport-floor repacking yoga in front of strangers.

If you like to come home with treasures, wine, or… liquid gifts from Hawaii, this tool will save you from those awkward “repack at gate” moments.

11) Twist Memory Foam Pillow

On a long flight, this weird-looking memory foam pillow is a lifesaver! You can twist it whichever way you want. It has a snap at the ends to hold it together. I love the washable, super-soft velour cover. It comes in a drawstring bag you can hang from your backpack or carry-on to make transporting it easy.

What’s On Your Must-Have List?

These are the travel must-haves I personally swear by after plenty of trial, error, and TSA pat-downs. They’ve helped me feel safer in hotels, comfier on long flights, and way more organized when I land.

I’d love to know, what are your go-to travel essentials? Drop a comment or send me a note. And if you found something here that’ll make your next adventure easier, I’m thrilled to have helped. Safe travels, friend, and may your suitcase always weigh under 50 pounds.