When traveling to a domestic or international destination, packing is one of the most essential steps of any trip. Whether you’re heading to a warm climate with a beach, on a cruise, or to a chilly location, you will need to pack the right clothing along with appropriate essentials. Depending on the location, forgetting to pack these essential items is enough to make or break any trip.
Here are the 10 best boomer travel essentials of 2024 you’ll need for your vacation.
1. An Alarm
While many younger generations use their cell phones for an alarm, as a boomer, you may want to consider purchasing a travel alarm if you’re not fond of using a smartphone. You’ll need to know what time it is when you’re traveling, especially if you’ve booked any sightseeing tours. Many boomers prefer purchasing a small alarm clock so they can easily see it in the dark.
2. Wheeled Suitcase
Wheeled suitcases are becoming such a convenient part of traveling, especially for boomers who are over the age of 60. Currently, you can purchase most types of bags such as duffle bags, backpacks, and other types of luggage with wheels for simpler travel. If you’re planning on traveling in rough areas, you should consider purchasing a wheeled suitcase for easy pickup and carrying when necessary.
3. Tote Bag
When traveling, one of the best essentials to have as a boomer is a tote bag, so you can carry your snacks, water, or guidebooks while you’re exploring your destination. If tote bags aren’t your thing, you can try using a daypack, which evenly distributes the weight of items across your shoulders and back. For boomers who experience problems with their shoulders or back, daypacks may be the better choice.
4. Comfortable Sneakers
One of the last things you’ll want to pack when traveling is a pair of uncomfortable shoes, such as heels or sandals. While you can pack sandals for warmer destinations such as the beach, they aren’t the typical shoes that you’ll want to be walking around for hours in. When packing a pair of comfortable sneakers, ensure you break them in before your trip to avoid blistering.
5. Toiletries & Medications
While toiletries and medications can vary per traveler, when bringing toiletries, you’ll need to have small 3-ounce bottles for liquids when traveling by airplane. If you’re a boomer traveling with medications, you’ll want to bring them in their original prescription pill bottle and not an organizer. In addition, I’d you’re unsure of whether or not you can bring your contact solution, make sure you bring a pair of glasses.
6. Rain Essentials
When traveling, the weather can always be unexpected, no matter how many times you check the forecast, so packing vital rain essentials is key to a comfortable trip. When purchasing rain essentials, consider purchasing collapsible umbrellas, ponchos, waterproof rain jackets, and hats to make traveling more enjoyable. Unless you’re heading to the desert, you’ll more than likely want to ensure you pack these items.
7. Fanny Pack
Fanny packs are making a comeback, and they’re more convenient than ever, offering a great solution to hold your cellphone, money, keys, and credit cards. Pickpocketers are more clever these days and can grab your money and important documents in a flash. Buy a fanny pack so you can clip it around your waist and take it wherever you go without worry.
8. Maps
When traveling to a new destination, you’ll want to bring some maps or guidebooks along for your travels so you don’t get lost. You’ll find that in many destinations, you can visit a visitor center to choose which maps and guidebooks you need for your trip. Before your trip, research which areas you want to see so you can be better prepared.
9. Adapters & Converters
As a boomer, if you’re traveling abroad, you’ll want to pack plug adapters and converters. Many hair dryers and cellphone chargers are dual voltage, but for other electronics, you might need a voltage converter. Without using a voltage converter and attempting to plug in your electronics to a foreign outlet, you could damage your device.
10. Copies of Important Documents
While traveling as a boomer, you’ll want to make copies of any important documents such as passports or any ticket receipts to keep in a safe area of your carry-on luggage. In the event you have your passport stolen, having a copy will help make the replacement process faster. You’ll also want to keep copies of credit cards or other travel plan information, in addition to the phone numbers of your insurance companies.
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