Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, and with a bit of planning, it can be a breeze. And this packing list for women is specifically for ladies over 50+! It took me years to realize that having a packing list to use every single time I travel meant I would never again suffer without sunglasses in Hawaii, or have to spend half a day (that I would rather be laying by the pool!) tracking down a pharmacy for the meds I forgot. Whether you’re heading to a sunny beach for a weekend trip, a bustling city in Europe, an Alaska cruise, or a peaceful countryside, having a well-organized travel packing list can make all the difference. This guide is tailored specifically for women over 50 focusing on comfort, style, and self-care. Plus, I’ve included a handy printable checklist at the end to make your packing stress-free!

The first thing to know is that every person’s list will look a little bit different. But also, so many of the things are unchangeable. I mean, does anyone out there NOT want to bring a toothbrush? But for ladies over 50, sometimes we forget some of the specific items that can make our travel more comfortable.

 

 

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Here is my packing list for women that is just for us midlife+ gals! I try to recommend double-duty items when I can to limit how much you are taking with you. And, the cool thing about printing it out is that you can print one for each trip, then make notes, add or cross out things, and customize it for each individual travel experience! Then just throw it away after your trip, and print a new list for the next one! Or, just create a master list you can tape to the inside of your closet door.

Oh, and wait for the end! I have a tutorial on how to pack for travel too!

 

Travel Essentials- Packing List for Women Over 50+

Before you even get to “what’s the best sundress to wear at the beach”, or “what shoes will be most comfortable (and still cute!) trekking around the countryside”, there are some simple travel essentials you have to have on your list.

1. Id and Passport: Starting May 7, 2025, air travelers 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or other acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. An alternative if you haven’t had a chance to make that change, is your passport. I suggest taking a photo of both your ID and your passport and store in a password-protected phone, and a printed version kept in your suitcase. That way if they get lost, or your purse gets stolen, you have a way to start the process of confirming your identity for airlines and other travel necessary institutions.
2. Tickets, Hotel, and Car Confirmation
3. A Copy of Your Itinerary:  with contact info for all your hotels and car rentals. (In case you need to call for a change or a late arrival after a canceled flight.)
4. Credit Cards and Small Amount of Cash for Tipping: (We used to ALWAYS forget that! 😳)

Consider carrying an RFID protective wallet. RFID wallets protect you from scammers who scan your wallet with radio waves for your electronic information, like info stored on credit card chips, while they pass you in an airport or hotel. Yes, then can, and do, do that. We have friends who have gotten back from international trips and had their identities stolen and cards opened in their names. Twice. Read more on why you need RFID blocking.

 

Clothing Essentials- Packing List for Women

1. Versatile Tops: Pack a mix of blouses, T-shirts, and a couple of dressier options. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for comfort. Even in colder climates, these will keep you more comfortable and fresh. Choose neutral colors so that you can pair them with different bottoms and layering pieces. This allows you to be versatile, but not have to take 10 complete outfits. Also known as the capsule wardrobe method.
2. Comfortable Bottoms: Include 2 pairs of lightweight pants and a versatile skirt. Don’t forget a pair or two of comfy shorts or capris for warmer weather.
3. Layering Pieces: A light sweater or cardigan and a stylish jacket are perfect for layering, especially if the weather is unpredictable. I like taking along a Pashmina-style shawl… It can look elegant as a cover-up in the evening and can double as a small blanket on flights, train rides, or in a chilly hotel room.
4. Dresses: A couple of easy-to-wear dresses that can transition from day to night effortlessly. Look for wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
5. Footwear: Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes, stylish sandals, and a pair of flip-flops. That way you can dress each outfit up or down, depending on the needs of the day. Make sure you check out my post on comfortable shoes. There is no time like traveling where they are a must-have!
6. Swimwear and Cover-Up: If you’re heading to a destination with water activities, pack 2 swimsuits and a lightweight cover-up. That way if one is still drying, you still have another option. Plus, isn’t it nice to feel stylish at the pool or beach too?
7. Undergarments and Sleepwear: Don’t forget to pack enough underwear, 2 comfortable bras that work for the outfits you are taking, and sleepwear that suits the climate. Also, pack some bra strap holders to be able to easily convert a regular bra into a racerback style that doesn’t slip down your shoulders. Remember socks for your walking shoes. I plan for 2 pairs a day for a hot climate, but these are easily washed in a hotel sink, so you don’t need to take too many pairs.
8. Accessories: A sunhat, scarf, and sunglasses can add style and protection from the sun. Consider a versatile belt and a small, lightweight bag for daily outings. And don’t forget some simple jewelry! A small crossover travel purse is the safest to carry in tourist areas, worn diagonally across your body.

 

How Much to Pack of What?

Deciding how many of what to take on a trip can be challenging, especially since many of us tend to overpack. Here’s a practical approach to streamline your packing process:

1. Clothing Versatility: Aim to pack items that can be worn multiple times before needing a wash. My rule of thumb is to assume each piece can be worn at least twice. This helps to minimize the number of clothes you need.
2. Underwear: I always pack more underwear than I think I’ll need because it’s better to be over-prepared in this department. 😊 For bras, a hotel sink is perfect for a quick rinse, as long as you have a spare to wear while the first dries.
3. Outfit Transformations: Transform a basic outfit from casual to a dinner-ready look by simply changing your shoes, adding a sweater or scarf, and accessorizing with some jewelry. This strategy helps you pack fewer clothes while still having varied outfits.
4. Mix and Match: Maximize your wardrobe by mixing and matching pieces. For instance, a pair of jeans can be casual with a tee and sneakers for daytime exploring, then dressed up with a blouse and sandals for dinner. Similarly, a sundress can be casual with white sneakers during the day and then paired with sandals and a light sweater for an evening out.
5. Laundry Services: If your trip includes access to laundry services, you can pack even lighter. Fewer clothes can last much longer with occasional laundering. Don’t forget to take a laundry bag to store your dirty clothes in!

By following these tips, you can pack more efficiently and still have plenty of outfit options for any occasion.

 

Makeup and Skincare Travel Packing List for Women

First things first, before you can use this travel packing list for women, you need a travel makeup bag. One that has specific spaces for your makeup brushes and all your products. I use this very one from Amazon. It’s lasted me 3 years so far, and I love that you can adjust the dividers to create your own custom-sized compartments. Plus, I love the pretty blue color! Have a separate leakproof bag for your self-care items that might leak, like shampoo, hand lotion, and conditioner. These bags are a good option.

1. Moisturizer: Prevent a dry, cakey, creepy look to your skin by starting each day with a good moisturizer. Traveling can rob your skin of moisture more than if you were just at home. Trust me, this is a must-have for women over 50.
2. Foundation or BB Cream: Choose a light, breathable option that provides coverage without feeling heavy. Make sure you choose one that adds SPF as well, doing double duty.
3. Lip Care: A hydrating lip balm with SPF and a couple of favorite lipsticks or glosses. Choose something moisturizing and long-lasting.
4. Eye Makeup: Pack one eyeshadow palette with neutral tones, mascara, and eyeliner. My fav mascara is from Thrive Causemetics, and I love it for so many reasons. But even though it’s not technically waterproof, I have worn it in the pool and at the beach and never seen a smear. Now, I am not doing laps underwater or anything, but for basic splashing, etc, it does the job for me. You can find out more about why I love it at my post Best Mascaras for Women Over 50.
5. Blush and Highlighter: A touch of blush and a subtle highlighter can freshen up your look. A cream stick can make it easy to swipe on while you are off on another adventure!
6. Makeup Remover and Skincare Routine: Don’t forget your cleanser, eye cream, serum, and night cream. I don’t usually like to use makeup wipes because of, you know, the planet, (😉) but this is a case where they can be really helpful, especially with waterproof eye makeup. And you don’t have to bring the whole bottle of anything. Get some good silicone travel containers that won’t leak and are reusable. My hubby and I use these and love them. They are soft silicone and not hard plastic, so it is easy for my hands to squeeze as well.
7. Makeup Brushes: While they do make retractable travel brushes, I haven’t found that it’s worth the expense of buying a whole new set, just for travel. Brushes don’t take up much space, and you just need your basics. Foundation, powder, blush, 2 eyeshadow brushes, and an eyeliner brush. Oh, and a beauty sponge!
8. Curling Iron or Flat Iron: Now, I’ve come to learn to love my curly hair, so for the first time in my life I don’t have to travel with a bulky, heavy hair dryer. So my packing list doesn’t have one. And most hotels have them now anyway. But if you do have to carry any of these, pick just one if you can. You can use a straightening iron to both straighten and curl. Or, you can pin your hair into shape and blow dry it on low to get gentle waves and direct bangs. You are on vacation, right? So let the casual, laid-back you have a moment and enjoy the trip with less fuss.

Extras to consider: High spf mineral sunscreen, especially if you are traveling to a beach, pool, water, or desert location. By the way, a little tip? If I am going to be in an area where I will need all-over body sunscreen for at least a week, I just wait until I get to my destination and buy a bottle there. Chances are you will use most of it anyway, and those 3 OZ. bottles you buy for travel won’t last you 2 days!

Self-Care Essentials Packing List

1. Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, cotton swabs, and any other daily essentials. Don’t forget shampoo and conditioner, don’t depend on your hotel to provide something that works well for your hair. Gel or styling cream if you use it. Comb or brush, hair ties, clips, and bobby pins. Also, a disposable razor if you use one! And super important… I carry a pack of antibacterial wipes. You can wipe down your airline seat tray, tables at restaurants, and even your hands when needed. These are less likely to leak than antibacterial gel as well.
2. Medications and Supplements: Pack all necessary medications and supplements in a travel-friendly container. I like to use a pill box that holds enough for all the days of my trip. And then, I keep a prescription bottle in my purse with a couple extra of each for when I forget and leave my meds in my suitcase back at the hotel. (Which I do often, lol.) Remember daily supplements, necessary medications for your health, pain relievers, Tums, Pepto Bismal or Immodium for stomach issues (it can save your trip, truly), and possibly a sleep aid if you use them. I also throw in some cough drops in case. If you use HRT, anti-depressants, or anti-anxiety meds, DO NOT FORGET THESE. 😉
3. First Aid Kit: Include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any specific items you might need. Also, consider hydrocortisone cream and aloe gel. Blisters are one of the main causes of travel regret… Get GOOD waterproof bandaids, just in case. Your shoes might have done fine just walking around the grocery store, but spend a day visiting the sights in a tourist town and you may have a completely different opinion of them.
4. Comfort Items: A small pillow, neck pillow, eye mask, or earplugs can make travel more comfortable. I always take slippers to make me feel at home. I also bring my trigger point massage balls in case my feet or back get too tight. It looks like a LaCrosse ball and is small enough to easily pack. For those of us with chronic pain, this can be a lifesaver! A tennis ball works in a pinch, and I don’t like the ones with spikes, my skin is too sensitive with my Fibro. Find out how to use massage balls.
5. Entertainment: A journal, and a tablet loaded with your favorite reads, podcasts, and shows. This is much easier to travel with than books and magazines.  Don’t forget the ear pods!
6. Small Travel Umbrella: This can mean the difference between spending a day locked in your hotel room, or getting out and enjoying what you came there to enjoy!
7. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with a refillable water bottle. Don’t forget to empty it before the security gate at airports.
8. Snacks: Healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or protein bars can be a lifesaver. I have had flights where a meal was expected, but turbulence made it impossible to serve.

 

Tech Items to Pack for Travel

So in today’s world, most of us travel with technology. Whether it is a laptop, a tablet, or just a cell phone, make sure you have everything you need to contact loved ones, consult maps and guides, listen to podcasts or music, or watch movies on the plane or in the car, look for restaurants, take photos and maybe even squeeze in some work here and there. (Just a little, mind you!) This packing list for women leaves nothing out! If it does, please comment below and share your ideas!

1. Cell Phone
2. Charger Cord and Block
3. Necessary Adapters: (Especially if you are traveling internationally!)
4. Laptop + Charger 
5. Tablet + Charger
6. Ear Pods or Buds + Necessary Charger
7. Camera, Strap, and Carrying Case: If you prefer that to your cell phone cam
8. Carrying Cases: For any or all of these items!

 

Printable Travel Packing List

 

Download the printable The Middle Girls Travel Packing List for Women 50+ here! Just click or double click on the link.

 

How to Pack for Travel

One of the biggest reasons that things get left behind is because we think we don’t have enough room. I’ve been using the rolling method for years, and it’s let me pack more for travel than I thought I could. But this travel packing list doesn’t leave anything out. So now I’ve moved on to using travel cubes. Rick Steve’s packing list includes them, and that’s good enough for me! I list some great cube choices here and also some instructions on how to use them. I haven’t tried an overseas trip with them, but I have had so many women tell me they didn’t even need to check bags for a 2-week trip with cubes.

 

How to Pack Clothes to Save Space – Using the Rolling Method

 

 

This is how I roll my clothes to pack. I prefer this because it keeps my clothes more wrinkle free and allows space to pack a lot more.

1. Lay your piece of clothing flat out on the bed.
2. Fold sleeve inward.
3. Fold in half, lengthwise.
4. Now roll tightly from top to bottom, smoothing wrinkles as you go.

 

How to Pack Using Packing Cubes

I am just stepping into the world of packing cubes, and it’s basically a step up from just rolling your clothes to pack. Here is how I do it.

1. Lay all your clothes out and sort them into similar piles. Pants with pants, dresses, tops, and undergarments all in their own piles.
2. Assign each cube a category based on size and shape.
3. Now roll your garments like above and pack them into corresponding cubes.
4. Pack cubes into a suitcase.
5. Add hard items, such as curling irons or hair dryers tucked in between the cubes.
6. Done!

 

Best Packing Cubes and Travel Accessories for Women 50+

 

Bagail Cubes

These are the packing cubes I use now because they were named best all-around by Good Housekeeping.  They come in a good variety of sizes, I like that there is a shoe bag, a laundry bag, and a cosmetics bag, in addition to four good-sized packing cubes. And this stripe pattern is so pretty! And they have 13 other colors.

SHOP IT HERE

 

 

 

Bagail Compression Cubes

Now if you really need to make space, this same company has a compression packing cube option. These have an exterior zipper that locks out air so you can compress your cubes smaller. Now, these aren’t like Space Bags, but they also don’t require a vacuum cleaner to compress the bags! Solid option for longer trips, but these will wrinkle your clothes more, so make sure your destination has access to an iron.

SHOP IT HERE

 

 

Vlando Travel Makeup Bag, Large Capacity Cosmetic Bag for Women

This is the makeup bag I mentioned above. It is the one I actually use, and it has been going with me everywhere since 2022!

SHOP IT HERE

 

With this customizable packing list for women, you’re ready to take off on your next adventure! Remember, the key is packing smart and light, using a travel packing list, focusing on versatile pieces and self-care essentials for women. Happy travels!

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