Packing Tips & List: Packed for 6 Months, Travelling for 4 Weeks

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Travel Hints for Women Over 60!

Today we’re diving into one of travel’s greatest challenges: packing. All those little decisions that make the difference between a smooth trip and dragging a bag that feels like it’s carrying bricks.

If you’re packing, it means your trip is booked (exciting!) and the countdown is on. If you missed my earlier blogs on planning and preparation, have a quick look at those first—they’ll make sure you’ve ticked off the essentials.

Confession: on my very first overseas trip, I packed for every possible occasion. Four weddings, a funeral, and everything in between—just in case. Unsurprisingly, I wore about 25% of what I took. Lesson learned.

Carry-on vs. Checked Bags

I admire those travellers who float through airports with just a cabin bag. Sadly, that’s not me. I don’t travel ultra-light, but I’ve worked out what doesn’t deserve suitcase space.

Here are my golden rules:

• 👟 Shoes: Two pairs max. One comfy walking pair (already broken in) and one dressier option like boots or sandals. Leave the “maybe shoes” at home.

• 👗 Clothes: Don’t pack anything you wouldn’t wear at home. If it never leaves your wardrobe, it won’t suddenly become your Paris favourite.

• 🎨 Colour palette: Stick to 3–4 colours. Mine is usually navy, blue, cream, and fawn. Ten pieces = 20+ outfits.

• ✨ Basics that work hard: A chic T-shirt, tailored trousers, and a classic blazer. They’ll take you from sightseeing to dinner without fuss.

• 🧥 Layers, not bulk: A lightweight rain jacket is perfect. Forget the puffer—it eats suitcase space, and airports are either saunas or iceboxes anyway.

• 🧳 Packing cubes: If you haven’t tried them, do. They keep everything neat and easy to find.

  
  

Need more help? Ask ChatGPT for a tailored packing list, or scroll through the many online guides (but beware—you may end up convinced you need 12 scarves and three hats).

Smart Extras

One of my best travel hacks? Tracking devices. I pop one in my checked suitcase and one in my cross-body bag. If anything wanders, I know exactly where it’s gone. Huge stress-saver.

My Carry-On Backpack

This is what stays with me on every flight:

• iPad (fully charged) loaded with e-books, podcasts, and Netflix

• Mobile phone (fully charged) watch for my future blog on must have apps to download BEFORE you travel

• Portable charger (fully charged) (must be in carry-on, never checked)

• All cords + a travel document organiser

• Compression socks – daggy, but necessary

• A cashmere wrap (cosy blanket, pillow, or shawl in one)

• Earplugs and eye mask

• Cross-body bag + phone lanyard (perfect pickpocket deterrent in Europe)

  
  

What I leave out now: the neck pillow. I never found one that worked for me. If it’s your travel best friend, go for it—but I’m happy with my wrap.

Tech & Security Kit (Checked Luggage)

Tucked inside my suitcase is a little security kit that has saved me more than once:

• Universal power adaptor

• Pacsafe portable safe (great in Airbnbs without safes)

• Locks and cables (very handy on trains when your bag sits at the carriage end)

Not glamorous, but oh-so practical.

Wrap-Up

I’ve linked many of my favourite travel items on my website https://www.travelhints60.com/

—things I’ve tested, loved, and sometimes loaned out to friends before their own adventures.

For extra tips, inspiration, and the occasional photo of me wrestling with a suitcase zip, follow along on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/travelhints60/.

If this post helped, please like, share, and drop your must-pack essentials in the comments—I’d love to know what you never travel without.

Thank you for joining me.  We’re spending a little of the kids’ inheritance—one trip at a time.