My No Nonsense Light Travel Packing List (Especially for Women Over 60)

[@henrysmom1742]

Twelve years ago I went carry on only to China for an adoption trip of 27 days. I wanted to save my checked bag for the things we took for our new son. My fellow adoptive parents thought I was nuts but by the end of the trip they were envious. Since then I have pretty much packed the same way and have never regretted it. For that trip I took a rolling hardside carry on and a cross body similar to yours but bigger, it was a Kipling. I still have my list. I am a nice jeans wearer and do not wear skirts or dresses. I took a pair of jeans, a pair of casual black pants that could be dressed up, a pair of black linen loose pants and wore black yoga type pants on plane. (These were boot legged and not tight). I took few tees, three short sleeve and two long sleeve, a black lightweight crew neck sweater and a light black cardigan I wore on the plane along with a white blouse. I wore nice black sandals which were appropriate for walking and a pair of black ballet flats which had a nicer sole than normal. A few scarves and some long chain type necklaces. Very little toiletries and makeup. I did not take a laptop or tablet but did use the hotel business center a few times. Eye mask and ear plugs, small spray bottle of Evian. One nightie and a pair Of socks. Early on our trip the linen pants tore badly and were ruined. One thing to remember is that you can always send out a few thngs to laundry and toiletries can be bought anywhere. I would never travel any other way. Just got back from 8 days in London and took pretty much the same thIng. No one cares if I wear the same thIng twice and neither do I.

[@carolynbriggs6972]

I look for makeup that’s in wand form- love the Laura Mercier eye shadow, blush and lip color in roll up tubes etc. I put them in a Japanese pencil case that zips closed, but when it’s open, the top folds back and it stands upright so my makeup is right there. I don’t have to dig for it. Also, a lot of the time I don’t take shampoo etc. I just buy it when I get there and leave it behind when I leave. Trying new products is part of the fun of travel for me.

[@peggytravels793]

I owned a travel company and taught classes on how to Pack Right & Travel Light. I taught those classes 8 years ago. I have always only had 1 carry on bag for a month trip.

[@marianneelliot-hansen]

Hey Peggy Mooney. Do you have any tips on how to pack smart but still have space in the only carry-on for souvenirs? I can't find any on the web. Everyone I find packs their carry-on to the brim. Maybe you could help? Hope it's not inconvenient.

[@barbarawarner4645]

I’ve gone as long as 3 months with just the Rick Steves backpack carryon (both in Asia and Europe).

[@milmom4281]

I have decided the only souvenirs I buy are magnets and Christmas ornaments as they are small. It helps lighten the load!

[@lillychevalierfox]

I did travel a lot (right now on low fair fly from Spain to France) by plane and the 2 colors only has been for me such a stress free method. I always add a pair of jeans, but basically carry only 2 colors outfits. in winter it's black associated with 1 color , in my summer travels it is often Turquoise and fuchsia (plus my pair of jeans ) and I have a hand bag similar to yours. very handy and discreet. and this lens case for make up purpose it pure genius!! I will use it indeed!! thanks for all those very useful tips

[@docsmctink]

Hi Margaret! I’ve been working on smarter packing for awhile.....love the contact lens case idea....works very well. In May we can compare notes with all the ladies on how efficiently we packed!!! Can’t wait 😍

[@gailspear2173]

Always carry A pair of leggings rolled in in my handbag as a fellow passenger was sick on me once and had to throw what I was wearing and the leggings were my saving grace

[@user-pw2dq4lf2p]

Hello Margaret, I had to smile at your mention of "knickers"! That is a word not heard on my side of the Atlantic. However, as I am originally from the UK I appreciated the use of 'knickers" instead of "panties" which always sounds rather risque to me (even after more than half a century!)

[@kimclark3931]

I remember hearing “smalls” in Australia

[@paulavukonich7679]

I love the contact lenses case idea. Your channel is so informational and fun! Thank you for the tips.

[@littleogeechee223]

Fantastic tips, Margaret...BTW, you look beautiful! I love the lipstick and shadow!

[@patcyzauskas7216]

I’ve never weighed my bags. My heaviest items are my camera equipment that I carry in my backpack with my medication and one change of clothing. I no longer travel by plane, it train or private car. I learned to pack light 20 yrs ago.

[@PatriciaMuirMaestroQ]

Love the idea of putting sample size makeup in contact lens containers. Brilliant! I find the heavy items are tech related and toiletries. Once I add my laptop, there’s all the other paraphernalia. A heavy tech bag is brutal. I try to be as lean as possible with toiletries. Now with hotels dropping their sample sized comp toiletries, it’s going to be even more challenging. Wheels on my carry-on bag and buying basic toiletries at my destination are now my alternatives. My HEYS wheeled carry-on includes padded tech areas and also converts to a backpack if necessary. However, it would never hold all those clothes.

[@martha4136]

Great packing ideas, love using the contact lens case for make up, genius! Lighter weight, smaller, perfect. Thanks.

[@spark_6710]

I totally agree w/ you on one statement necklace & 3prs of shoes ( including one wearing & one more which also can be used for dressy outfits & flip-flops to wear in rooms ,etc. ) !! I am not sure if this is for a week ,or two ,or more ,or just the basic idea for any amounts of traveling days !? I also agree on mostly black ! As it'll go w/ anything & can dress us up easily & usually stain free ! Lol. As well as you mentioned ..adding colours ! I would say 3 more colours ! My case ,like yourself ,I am very colourful ,lol,so I bring all kinds of colours w/ black legging pants ( they're leggings ,but a lot dressier ,looking more like pants ,THICKER cotton materials ,so not like reg.leggings ,or yoga style ,not too casual ,I love a brand called " woman with controle " easy pull on & very affordable ! You can get 'em on Amazon & QVC ,not sure how it is in U.K.,but it should be the same over there as you have both ! I love the boot cut leggings & skinny types !! )I totally agree w/ you on black bra & nude/ beige !! Those are really invisible ( black under dark see thru tops / clothes ,also nude for all ,avoid white !! ) For a hygiene purpose ,we always alternate 'em ,so do shoes ,too !! I'd say pull on leggings( pants type ) ,pull on dresses ,pull on skirts ,almost all pull ons !!! Lol.Especially on planes ,I always wear pull on one piece at knee length for the comfort as we all get bloated on planes ! Lol. But ,focus on both purposes for dress up & down !! Definitely adding sparkle stuffs is a MUST !!! I always do !! Sequined tops ,or lame threaded tops ,satin tops ,so on ,or tops w/ some foil coatings !! Not sure how to say it right. Lol. Add some prints ,but keep it mainly solid colours w/ black bottoms !! Thank you so much for this video ! 👍👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶✈🚈🚞💞

[@suzanneanderson582]

I really enjoy your videos. You always have such good advice. Thank you. I have been practicing packing light. I don’t have any trips planned yet, but i can do 2 weeks in Hawaii in a small backpack. We really don’t need nearly as much as we think we do! Thank you for the great tips!

[@rhondajones6219]

What type of backpack do you use?

[@theseniorthrifter9994]

I am coming from the US to the UK for 3 weeks and have decided to lighten my load. I bought a Samsung tablet instead of carrying a heavy laptop - the case comes with a keyboard. I also bought Bose noise cancelling headphones - a must to block out screaming kids and noisy adults. I put my liquid foundation in a small container instead of carrying a large tube. Packing cubes are essential for keeping items organized. I carry a fabric (lighter than leather) Baggalini cross body bag which I put into my backpack when on route. Since I carry money and Europe being a pick pocket place, I carry extra money and cards as well as my passport in a silk washable money belt. For the long flight from the West Coast, I also bring an eye mask for sleeping. I use the cupped type - looks like a bra - so it doesn't mess up my makeup. For this trip I am taking extra underwear. And lastly, plastic bags filled with snacks - dates filled with peanut butter, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, apple, chunks of 70% chocolate and a collapsible water bottle which I fill after going through security. Much depends upon the length of the flight (10 hours this time) and how long you will be staying.

[@lisaharr1477]

Great tips ! I like your little roll up backpack - I need to get one of those. Probably need to get a lighter carry on suitcase too. Time to upgrade !

[@heatherframpton9693]

I am a brand new subscriber. Thank you for this video. 😁 Currently drinking coffee... ❤️😁☕ I am a work in progress with every trip to pack less and more efficiently, while not forgetting practical/versatile items like (at least one ) pashmina/scarf/wrap that pulls outfits all together. 😁 I am not a shorts person either. I'd add an additional maxi/long skirt.

[@sharonseluk8546]

Red is your color!

[@cherylmcauliffe5655]

I love your advice. I'm having trouble finding the "wristlets" that you demonstrate. I can only find small purses with a strap. Do you have a suggestion for me? Thanks.

[@celticsurfersully13]

Taking bottoms in one neutral color means I only need one pr of shoes and sneakers. Shoes are one of the heavier items so that helps. I also stopped bringing my 15" laptop with a disc player. I've found my little tablet is enough, of course I'm not editing videos, etc..

[@mifasola1]

Margaret can you please convert when you talk about weights and measures? We in the U.S. refer to pounds and ounces and miles. And eyeglass cases are the best for jewelry.

[@sixtyandme]

Eyeglass cases is a great idea! Best to check online to get the conversions :-)

[@ruthdonmall5932]

I appreciate having it in metric. Instead of imperial measure.

[@GratefulDeb270]

Great! Ty! 🌷

[@akgvwschannel]

Can you recommend a brand for the slim lightweight crossover bag you carry? Thanks for a great video!

[@theseniorthrifter9994]

I travel alot and always use canvas or some type of fabric as leather becomes too heavy for my cross body bag. I carry a brand called Baggalini - good quality. I bought mine on Ebay for a very good price.

[@nancygiorlando4059]

The Senior Thrifter I also carry a Baggalini crossbody. Their bags are the lightest sturdy bags that I’ve found with ample pockets.

[@docsmctink]

I agree with using baggalini!

[@orthodiva7487]

17 days, 7 countries in Europe and only used a Baggalini crossbody purse the entire time. Almost got pick pocketed in Aix-en Provence and loved the fact that it has an anti theft zippper.

[@maggiefry7304]

I haven't flown in a few years, but I seem to remember being told I had to put toiletries and such in see-through bags for carry on. Is that not the case any longer?

[@docsmctink]

Maggie Fry yes...check w the airline. Quart size bag

[@griffin2263]

Great tips love the idea of the contact lens case .what was the name Of the wrist band ?

[@sixtyandme]

Here is the affiliate link to the wrist band www.amazon.com/dp/B015LOOY38/?cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.911H741V8JHE&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_sixtyandme_dp_vv_d

[@maleidi]

When you said you like black. I thought you're a type 4 in dressing your truth!!

[@user-ei8rb7sj6c]

Margaret I didn’t see any cruise info when I clicked on the international living link.

[@sixtyandme]

International Living does not organize cruises and that article is not about international Living??? What am I missing??? :-)

[@user-ei8rb7sj6c]

@@sixtyandme Guess I misunderstood what it said above the link.

[@sixtyandme]

@@user-ei8rb7sj6c Now I am confused. Where did you see mention anything about Cruises in the title?

[@user-ei8rb7sj6c]

@@sixtyandmeWant to retire in luxury overseas?” Underneath, it says: “How could a luxurious cruise save you money while retiring overseas?”

[@bluej5455]

Margaret , I think you are just lovely.

[@leelanarinesingh8022]

❤️👍