Being fifty and deciding what to bring for an extended stay forces hard choices. You likely can’t pack your favorite hobby supplies, musical instruments, or pieces of sporting equipment because you’ll have to pack for efficiency and necessity, not luxury.
Packing for long-term travel is very different from packing for a week-long vacation. You don’t have the luxury of two suitcases filled with everything you might need—clothes for a nice night out, shoes for rain, and “just in case” items.
In this guide, I’ll give you the basics you must carry and what you should leave behind. Otherwise, you might end up like me, giving away stuff to hotel staff after I realized you should have never brought it in the first place.
Mindset and Planning Before You Pack
The first thing you should ask yourself is, what is the purpose of your trip?
Are you focusing on…
- Adventure?
- Relaxation?
- Cultural exploration?
- Hiking?
- Fine dining?
This information will help you start thinking in the right direction before filling your suitcases.
Understand Your Activities Will Decide a Lot of Packing Choices:
So now that you have a basic idea of what you want to do while traveling, it’s time to think about the things you’ll need to bring to enjoy the activities you plan to do.
Remember, heading overseas for a few months is not the time to get the latest and most fabulous shoes, coats, or anything else. Pack the stuff you like and that you’re comfortable using. I learned from experience that a trip is no time to break in or try new shoes or clothes. Let me explain…
I like to walk, and I walk a lot. Walking 5 to 7 miles five times a week is not unusual for me, so packing good walking shoes is a top priority. As a retirement gift, I was given a pair of expensive walking shoes on my first trip. These were the best-reviewed shoes on the market.
I took them along instead of my regular walking shoes. But after a few months, they started to sound like I had sticky glue on the bottoms. This sound of my sticky shoes was incredibly annoying. Especially when I walked on polished marble floors, my shoe’s suction cup bottoms echoed throughout museum halls.
I threw them away in Albania and bought the same brand and style of shoes I left behind. And I was lucky to find the same brand overseas. So, start your travel adventure with tried and trusted essentials for your peace of mind. You can always change as you go.
Also, consider what is expected of tourists in the places you’ll visit. Countries like Vietnam and Thailand don’t require fancy clothing. However, you’ll want decent clothing if you plan to visit the Vienna Opera House.
The Essentials
Luggage
I travel with a medium size suitcase and a backpack. Let me give you some ideas to help you make good choices.
For long-term travelers, a sturdy, lightweight suitcase with wheels is a must. Besides being bounced around on airplanes and buses, you’ll also be pulling and pushing it on many types of surfaces.
Roads in other parts of the world may be cobblestone, brick, or gravel, so a good suitcase is essential. Don’t go cheap on your suitcase, but you don’t have to spend a fortune either.
I don’t use travel bag locks. First, security will break them if they want to enter your bags. Second, I haven’t had an issue in a year and a half of traveling. But the choice is up to you.
There are three basic sizes of luggage bags you can buy: carry-on, medium, and large. I recommend a carry-on size or medium size only. You’re bringing too much stuff if you need a large suitcase.
Because a large suitcase will be difficult and costly to take on local flights in countries like Vietnam and Thailand, one Asian airline had a size and weight limit for your bag, and there were no exceptions.
There was no way to pay for extra weight or size of the bag, and large-sized luggage bags were not allowed.
Second, some travel buses are small commercial transport vans with about a dozen seats. So, if your bag is too large for the storage area requirements, you will have to buy a bus seat to put it on. Not to mention it’s going to be a pain in the butt to drag down the street.
Besides my medium-sized piece of luggage, I also carry a backpack where I hold my computer, Kindle, and passport. This way, I can bring it on a bus, train, or plane and have my valuable items with me at all times. Remember to pack your chargers with your electronics if you plan to use them.
Your backpack will also be subject to weight limits. In most foreign countries, they will weigh your carry-on bag or personal item while boarding a plane. If it’s overweight, they may charge you more or refuse to let you take it on.
So remember, packing light, with study luggage, is essential for a long-term traveler. I carry a medium-sized bag and am close to the weight limit. I use a brand I bought in Turkey, and it takes a beating, but I have never had one break. My backpack, purchased in India, has lasted over a year without rips or tears.
It is essential to pack as light as possible. The more you travel, the more you’ll quickly learn about what is worth carrying and what isn’t. Below, I will go over some tips for packing light but plentiful.
First off, forget heavy and thick clothes. For example, blue jeans are heavy and take up a lot of room in a suitcase. Plus, they are hard to wash and take long to dry. These points are essential because hotel laundry service can be expensive.
Also, finding a self-service laundry mat in some cities is often challenging. ( Hint: Look around a college campus for laundry mats.)
Out of necessity, I often wash clothes in my hotel sink. It’s a dream to have clothes that dry quickly in a sink. Plus, having clothes that serve multiple purposes helps with weight and space.
These are just some of the reasons why I started using hiking/camping-style pants. These are the types with zippers on the legs so that they can turn into shorts. Not only do these serve multiple purposes, but they are also easy to wash and dry. Multi-function, practical, and convenient—that’s what you’re looking for.
I like to wear button-up shirts along with T-shirts. But clothes take a beating and get dirty or stained on their schedule, not mine. Which is why I now replace my shirts as I go. Doing this will also give you a little wardrobe variety and keep the amount of clothes to a minimum.
I carry about six button-up shirts, four T-shirts, three pairs of camping pants, one pair of shorts, and one pair of jeans. I also have one long-sleeve thermal undershirt, a raincoat that doubles as a light jacket, six pairs of underwear and socks, two pairs of compression socks, and one pair of nice running shoes.
People have their techniques for packing. There are ways to roll and fold clothes that people like to use to keep their wardrobe wrinkle-free. You probably have a favorite way of folding yourself. But for me, packing is not about folding but about space.
And when it comes to maximizing space, I recommend packing your clothes into compression bags.
Compression bags are almost exactly like compartment bags, except that compression bags have an extra zipper that circles the entire bag. After filling the bag with clothes, you can compress the bag by zippering the outside zipper, which crunches the bag into a smaller, more compact size.
Because of their compression, compression bags are helpful when you need extra space in your suitcase. I don’t always need to compress my bags, so I use the compression bags as compartment bags until I do.
When I initially traveled, I used compartment bags. These are bags in various sizes made to fit in various-sized suitcases. They are a good way to keep your clothes in groups. However, I found that they just added bulk and weight, and within my first month of traveling, I got rid of all of them except one.
The one I kept is half the size of a medium-sized suitcase. I use it for odds-and-ends electronics and nicknames, such as my blood pressure monitor, prescriptions, hard drive, extra power cords, chargers, and adapters. It keeps these items in one place and prevents them from scattering around my suitcase.
Some people recommend carrying an extra bag as a dirty laundry bag. I don’t do that. A plastic bag from the store can take most of my dirty clothes. If I have a lot of dirty clothes, I put them in a compression bag and compress them until I get to the laundry. But the choice is yours.
Getting prescription drugs is a major concern for travelers who require them. If you are from the EU or the US, you most likely need a prescription to get medications at home. But in pharmacies in countries such as Turkey, India, and Vietnam, you can buy many prescription drugs without a prescription.
However, most people will want to bring their medications from home. You will have to check with your doctor to see if he will give you the amount you need. You may need to consider whether the drugs you take in the US are available overseas in case of emergency.
That said, I buy prescription drugs at pharmacies around the world without a prescription. I walk into a pharmacy and show them the drug packages with the name and dose amount I’m taking, and they give me what I need.
As a side note, Pharmacists overseas have different training than US Pharmacists. They are your first stop for a basic illness or pain. A pharmacist can handle the most basic questions and prescription drugs without seeing a doctor.
For your own general peace of mind, you should carry foreign health insurance with a prescription drug plan. I have done this a couple of times. I got a good insurance policy with good medical coverage and prescription drugs. It was good in every country except the United States.
I paid less than five hundred a month for a good policy. But I’ve switched to basic traveler’s insurance for about one hundred dollars a month. Not one country has asked me if I have health insurance upon entering.
Personal Entertainment
As a regular traveler, you must remember you will be spending a lot of time alone. So bring things to keep yourself busy. Being stuck inside a hotel, sitting at a bus station, or dealing with flight delays is now part of your lifestyle.
You have time to do almost anything you want. For example, I’m a big reader, so I travel with a Kindle. This way, I have a large selection at my fingertips no matter what country or situation I find myself in.
Bringing books is a bad idea. First, they weigh a lot and don’t travel well. Besides, you’re going to leave them wherever you finish them. Don’t bring books.
I bring a computer because I write and do stuff online almost daily. Computer malfunctions in a foreign country can cause headaches, so I recommend a backup service or an extra external hard drive to store important information.
A smartphone is a must for traveling in today’s world. Besides using it for navigation, you will need it to stay in touch with people back home. Ride-sharing apps are a big money saver and convenience for anyone traveling. I once had to do a virtual check-in at a hotel.
You will also want to get a data plan on your phone. I recommend getting an E SIM-compatible phone. You can learn more about ESIMs by clicking here.
You will need chargers for any of the above devices. Almost all computers, smartphones, and portable electronics that operate on low voltage, will accept 120 to 220-volt outputs. This works for USB charging cubes, too.
You may need an adapter, but you don’t need a converter. If your electronic device uses a low-voltage, low-voltage power source——most are——then the adapter will probably convert 110 and 220 current to the voltage your phone, computer, or Kindle requires.
Check the transformer for your electronic devices to see what type of voltage they accept. Curling irons and shavers are not considered electronic devices.
For security reasons, it’s a good idea to keep an extra copy of your passport and insurance papers. I recommend using both digital and hard copies of each. (Emailing yourself a copy is a good practice.) If you lose your data on a phone or computer, backups are available.
I also use RFID sleeves for my credit cards. These sleeves prevent scammers from reading your credit cards while they are in your wallet or purse. Each sleeve is more significant than your credit card, and they don’t take up extra room for the protection they provide.
You should also have up-to-date anti-virus protection and a VPN package to remain anonymous on all electronic devices. I have anti-virus software and a VPN package for my phone, computer, and Kindle.
The anti-virus keeps my computer from becoming infected, while the VPN conceals my computer’s exact location.
One nice thing about my VPN package is that it allows me to connect to a server in a city or country of my choice, which is helpful because some websites in the US will not allow me to connect from a foreign country, like Thailand, for example.
If your bank is in New York, it might not let you connect to your account when they see the internet connection coming from Malaysia. But with a VPN, I can connect to a US VPN server, and the websites think I’m logging on from inside the US.
All these safety subscriptions allow me to get online safely almost anywhere. I pay about one hundred and twenty dollars a year for my coverage.
Addressing Common Concerns for Travelers Over 55
Regarding traveling in comfort, I make do and go with the flow. So I don’t carry much. If I need them, I have a couple of pairs of compression socks for long flights or bus rides. I tried neck pillows, but they don’t work for me.
I recommend that you bring tissues and aspirin for long rides on buses and airplanes. Needing to blow your nose or having a headache can make for a long trip. And if you’re sensitive to temperatures, you should pack a warm shirt in your backpack so you can use it if your airplane or bus gets cold.
My must-haves for long-term travelers
- A few band-aids
- Neosporin
- Ibuprofen.
- A fingernail trimmer.
- Fork, knife*, spoon.
- Small cutting board.
The number one health concern while traveling abroad is drinking water. Unless you are positive the tap water is safe, only drink bottled water. The US State Department website has information about drinking water in various countries.
After water, your biggest concern is Food. Food is safe in most places in the world. However, in places like India, Vietnam, and Cambodia, you have to be careful. You have to worry about not only the Food but also the cleanliness.
Major restaurants with four—and five-star ratings are usually safe, but be careful of roadside stands.
India was incredibly challenging. I spent sixteen days in India and didn’t have a problem because I only ate at five-star hotels. Other than that, I only ate dry granola breakfast cereal and Ramon noodles.
As for fruits, the rule is if you can peel them, they’re safe. Oranges, bananas, and melons are generally safe to eat almost anywhere. I ate bananas and oranges in India with no issues.
When traveling full-time, you must maintain your eating habits that fit you. I eat healthily by eating a lot of fruits and vegetables while traveling. You can find these at markets in most major cities. Again, most major cities have safe produce.
As TV and the internet have spread worldwide, so have fashion and cultural norms. Fifteen years ago, I would tell you not to go to Europe or a Muslim country with short pants. That’s because back then, they viewed that dress style as disrespectful.
But today, the norms have changed. You can wear shorts almost anywhere. They are still prohibited in Temples, Buddhist sites, and Mosques. But I’ve seen people wearing shorts turned away at churches in Rome.
It’s hard to say what “appropriately” means anymore. Shorts and sleeveless tops are usually prohibited on religious sites. Head coverings are required for women in some religious sites. But as far as dress shoes or athletic shoes, they don’t make a lot of difference in most places.
Also, personal hygiene varies from place to place, and more so in rural areas. Being from the US, we are generally more frequent bathers, so this usually never is an issue. It’s courteous to have breath mints on a bus, train, or plane.
Overpacking Pitfalls to Avoid
As kids, we’ve been told to be prepared for emergencies. But packing clothes is terrible advice. I got rid of so many clothes when I first started traveling that it’s not funny. After just three weeks of traveling, I left two pairs of Kakhis, three pairs of blue jeans, and lots more in my hotel room.
I will tell you that if you pack for all kinds of weather or “just in case” items, you will be throwing stuff away. I suggest that you pack the minimum and buy things as needed. I spent $125 on hiking shoes that I never even brought on my trip.
I carry only a rain jacket, just in case. That means if I get to a bus station and walk to my hotel, it’s raining, which has happened more than once
Final Thoughts…
Packing for long-term travel, especially when you’re over 55, is all about simplicity, practicality, and adaptability. You can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable journey by leaving behind the unnecessary.
Remember, every destination brings new opportunities to adapt and adjust, so don’t overburden yourself with “just in case” items—instead, focus on lightweight, versatile items and essentials.
As you prepare for your adventure, tailor this guide to your preferences and travel style. Everyone’s journey is unique, and your packing list should reflect that. And don’t forget: the lighter you pack, the easier your travels will be.
We’d love to hear your packing tips and lessons learned—share them in the comments below and inspire fellow travelers!
Travel Light, Travel Safe.
Joseph O’Brien
P.S. Below is a Packing Checklist to Start your Journey
Packing Checklist
Clothing:
- 3 pairs of lightweight, multi-purpose pants (convertible to shorts if possible)
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1 pair of shorts
- 6 button-up shirts
- 4 T-shirts
- 1 long-sleeve thermal undershirt
- 1 raincoat or lightweight jacket
- 6 pairs of underwear
- 6 pairs of socks
- 2 pairs of compression socks
- 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
- 1 pair of sandals (optional)
Toiletries:
- Travel-sized toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap)
- Band-aids, Neosporin, ibuprofen
- Prescription medications (with necessary documentation)
- Nail clippers
- Tissues
Technology:
- Smartphone with an eSIM or data plan
- Kindle or e-reader
- Laptop with external hard drive or backup solution
- Chargers and cables for all devices
- Power adapter (if needed)
- VPN and antivirus software
Documents:
- Passport with extra copies (digital and hard copy)
- Travel insurance policy details
- Credit cards with RFID sleeves
- Flight and accommodation details
Miscellaneous:
- Blood pressure monitor (if needed)
- Small cutting board and utensils (fork, knife, spoon)
- Lightweight backpack for day trips
- Compression bags for packing
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks for long travel days
Last-Minute Tips:
- Test-pack your bags to ensure everything fits comfortably.
- Double-check that you have all travel documents and medications.
- Before leaving room look for souvenir bags and chargers.
- Stay flexible and be ready to adjust as you go.
Happy travels!