12 Things People in Their 60s Wish They’d Packed in Their Travel Bags

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By Julia Jones

Have you ever been about to board a plane and realized you left your Bluetooth headphones, cellular charger, or other essential item at home? That feeling is the worst! To ensure you don’t share the experience, here are several things people in their sixties advise you to pack in your carry-on travel bags.

1. Medication

pill bottles
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Packing medication in your carry-on is crucial for ensuring safe and comfortable travel. Never pack your prescription medications in checked luggage. Lost luggage is an issue, and not having it on your person can cause issues and concerns.

In addition to prescriptions, packing basic meds for things like headache, motion sickness, heartburn, and diarrhea, along with basic first aid, like bandaids and Neosporin, can be a lifesaver when you least expect it.

2. Hand Sanitizer

hand sanitizer with a red top
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Americans are accustomed to public restrooms, which make washing hands when out and about plausible. However, that’s not the case worldwide. Many countries have limited water resources for things like handwashing and forget public bathrooms.

They’re replaced with paid toilets. Hand sanitizer in your travel bag helps ensure cleanliness and better hygiene and prevents disease spreading. Nothing is worse than getting sick when on vacation.

3. Book 

senior woman reading a book on a yellow couch
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Like everything else in life, traveling involves unforeseen circumstances, such as longer wait times, layovers, dead batteries, and Wi-Fi interruptions. Packing a good book is the best way to prepare for passing the time. They’re also perfect for pulling out if you’re seated next to a chatty person you are not interested in entertaining with idle chat.

4. Travel Documents

Passports
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Another thing retirees regret not keeping in their travel bags is their travel documents. It’s highly recommended you keep travel docs such as a photocopy of your passport and driver’s license, visa, printed itinerary, maps, emergency contacts, travel insurance, and vaccination records in your travel bag. It’s also a great idea to take photos of all of these things to secure a digital copy in case of emergency.

5. Universal Adapter

Have a Travel Adapter
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Different countries have various plug configurations that aren’t compatible with plugs attached to American devices like phones, hair straighteners, electric shavers, and toothbrushes. A universal power adapter ensures the ability to charge all foreign devices without issue.

6. Comfortable Walking Shoes

black nike running shoes
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Packing comfortable walking shoes is the biggest relief for traveling adventures on your feet. Having a walking shoe is best because you never know what the terrain may incur. There are cobblestone, dirt, and other roads and paths that are more challenging for many retirees. It may sound fun to toss on a pair of flip-flops, but if you find yourself walking on rocks or uneven terrain, you’ll be sorry.

7. Light Jacket

woman in red jacket on cruise ship
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Not having the proper attire to stay at a comfortable temperature when traveling can be burdensome. A lightweight, easily foldable jacket is ideal for sudden weather changes like wind and rain. They also come in handy in chilly airports and airplanes.

8. Travel Journal

writing in a journal
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It’s wild how quickly the many incredible details of your traveling adventure can fade from your mind. People in their 60s appreciate carrying a travel journal around in their travel bags to document things in real-time. A travel journal is also an excellent place to stash postcards and brochures you pick up along the way to avoid creasing and tearing.

9. Travel Pillow

Woman-packing-pillow
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An inflatable travel pillow in your travel bag is handy for delayed flights, bumpy bus rides, and other travel transportation experiences where you can take a moment to nap! Or at least relax comfortably in situations where you may be sitting by strangers.

10. Snacks

Various local and imported brands of flavoured chips and snacks on store shelf in Mercato grocery store. Mercato is the coolest fresh premium supermarket in Malaysia.
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Snacks are a travel bag’s best friend. The healthier, the better. Don’t get caught out with something to satisfy sudden hunger pains that would otherwise distract from your comfort and experience. My favorites are trail mix, jerky, granola bars, and dark chocolate. 

11. Hydro Flask

Man-siting-in-airport-drinking-water
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Or a reusable water bottle works, and is a necessity for travelers in their 60s. Staying hydrated is important, and having a hydro flask makes it easier to keep water cold and refreshing for long periods of standing or walking around in heat. 

12. Sun Protection

Sunscreen
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One of the most significant traveling mishaps is forgetting to pack protection from the sun. While you can typically pick up hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen along the way, you will likely pay a tourist tax. And it also doesn’t prevent immediate sun damage until you find a shop that sells protection.

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