When I first started traveling solo, I lugged around a carry-on, a personal item and two checked bags. I took an “everything but the kitchen sink” approach to packing, including enough outfits to avoid laundry all summer. My suitcase was a massive abyss of stuff. It didn’t take long to realize this was inefficient, stressful and a hassle to haul around.
A decade later, I’ve become far more selective about what and how I pack, but I can always use more tips. That’s why I reached out to Maeve Hartney, chief program officer of Road Scholar, a nonprofit that hosts group trips for travelers aged 50 and older. She spends much of her time on the move, so if anyone knows how to pack smart, it’s her. Many of her trips cover multiple destinations, and many of her travelers go solo — meaning they have to pack light without having a travel partner to fall back on if something is left behind. She shares my philosophy that a well-planned suitcase makes for a much smoother journey.
“Packing wisely is important,” Hartney tells me. “The right gear means you can stay safe, comfortable and adaptable.” She recommends packing as light as possible: One checked bag and a carry-on go a long way; if you know how to pack efficiently and with well-selected gear, you’ll have more than enough room for multiple weeks of travel. “When you’re at an airport or train station and have fewer items to keep track of, you can be more aware of your surroundings,” she says. “This allows you to be more agile and flexible, and it helps you to travel safer.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
As for what to put in those bags? Hartney recommends the following items, which are often overlooked but absolutely essential. I also got some tips from travel expert Samantha Brown and Yahoo’s tech expert Rick Broida — and I threw in a few of my own favorite goodies. Whether you head to a destination as near as New Orleans or as distant as Denmark, these unexpected items will give you that grounded feeling that’s so important when you’re far from home.
Travelpro
As a solo traveler with a bad back, I learned the hard way that flight attendants are not required to help you lift your carry-on into the overhead compartment. Hartley emphasizes that one of the most important purchases you make should be a lightweight carry-on that you can lift yourself.
Not only are Hartley and I on the same page, but we use the same roller bag: This one by Travelpro. Flight attendants and pilots rely on Travelpro luggage too, and the Maxlite line is built specifically for folks like us who are lacking in the core strength (or desire) to bench-press a suitcase.
At just over 5 pounds, this soft-sider is definitely doable for a woman of average strength with a vulnerable back to handle, and it’s spacious with lots of compartments inside. I have it in this cute Champagne color, but there are plenty of other options.
One zippy traveler wrote, “I love how light this suitcase is. That was reason #1 for me. … It’s small but roomy. I like the various sizes of the outside pockets. I found them very useful for quick access. Lastly, I brought this on a 3-week international trip. This thing took a beating on cobblestones and dragged up and down stairs, tugged, pulled and thrown on trains and busses, not to mention being overstuffed. The zippers, stitching, wheels, fabric and handle all passed the abuse without a flinch. This is a well-made product that I am proud to own that will add to my travel enjoyment.”
Amazon
This popular under-seat option is another strong contender for a lightweight carry-on that’s easy to manage. Weighing in at just over 3.5 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver, easy to lift and you’ll never have to deal with extra bulk or pounds. And since it’s designed to fit under the seat in front of you, you won’t have to stow it away if you don’t want to — plus, it has wheels, so you may never have to lift it at all.
This underseater is sturdy and spacious, with enough room for a laptop, clothes and all the essentials. I like to keep at least one clean outfit and a pair of pajamas in mine, just in case my checked luggage is lost. And, of course, I use my carry-on for medication, electronics, jewelry and anything I’m not OK with losing.
One Europe-bound traveler wrote, “I just opened this bag and it is exactly what I was hoping for. I’m 77 years old and traveling to Europe alone and need a small carry-on with rollers. Something that is manageable for me! It will hold medicine, cosmetics, headphones, change of clothes, iPad and cords. This is perfect.”
Amazon
Once you discover packing cubes, you’ll never go back to packing without them. They provide a built-in organizational system for your luggage, so you won’t arrive at your destination with your belongings looking like they’ve been through a salad spinner.
Hartley points out that they help you pack light too. And it’s true: Packing cubes prevent you from overstuffing your suitcase. She recommends this specific set of eight on Amazon. It includes cubes for big and small clothing items, a hanging toiletry bag and even labels to help you keep track of everything.
“A total game changer!” exclaimed one pleased packer. “I can’t believe I waited so long to get these. They keep suitcases organized, and the different sizes are great for separating clothes, toiletries and accessories. The material is durable, lightweight and well-made, with sturdy zippers that glide smoothly. They fit perfectly in both carry-ons and larger suitcases.”
Related: The best compression packing cubes of 2025, tested and reviewed
Amazon
Once, on my first day of a trip to Italy, I was pickpocketed in the center of town. Admittedly, I’d made myself a target with an open tote bag. Now I know to keep my cards and even my phone much closer to my person when I travel, especially when in a heavily touristed area.
Hartley tells me she likes to travel with a phone case that has a crossbody strap and holds her ID and at least one credit or debit card. She recommends this compact crossbody; it’s just 7.5 inches at its widest point. You’ll barely feel this on you as you wander around, but you’ll know your phone and ID are completely safe. It even has space for your passport.
“After traveling abroad for two weeks wearing this carrier daily, I had to post how much I liked this item, especially as a purse hater!” wrote a globetrotting minimalist. “It fit a big fat cell phone, a few credit cards, a small, slim notebook, a passport and cash discreetly and comfortably!”
Amazon
Sometimes, Hartley prefers to travel with a smartphone case instead of a purse for her device, and she recommends this one with a crossbody strap and space to carry your ID and cash. It fits older generation iPhones, though the brand makes it in versions that fit iPhones all the way up to 16 Pro Max.
“Absolutely amazing! I never drop my phone anymore! Never have to carry a purse. I love it,” wrote one unencumbered shopper.
Four solo-traveling women on one of Road Scholar’s group trips to Puglia, Italy. (Lisa Boomer)
Amazon
When traveling, you really never know what you’re going to find when you roll up into your destination. If your hotel or accommodations don’t have laundry facilities, you may be stuck with the sink, so make the best of it with these laundry detergent sheets “to handwash on the road,” says Hartley.
These are eco-friendly and chemical-free, and they’re gentle on your delicates.
One traveler shared, “I just returned from a trip after using this product and was very pleased with how quickly the sheets dissolve in cold water, form suds, were mild on my hands and rinsed out easily. I will definitely be using these sheets from now on when I travel. They take up very little room in the suitcase, are lightweight and they work.”
Need a travel clothesline to go with it? This option packs up tiny, hooks easily onto doors and shower rods and it has a no-peg style to hold wet items in place.
Amazon
Remember that bit about packing light? Hartley emphasizes a simple style hack: accessories. That way you don’t lament your decision to pack only a few things.
She recommends lots of scarves to spice up your outfit, and she singles out this show-stopping, pink paisley pashmina with black fringe.
“I love these scarves for travel or ‘everyday.’ Traveling, I pair them with nice outfits for an evening look, but they go just as well with a T-shirt and wrapped around my neck. They do a great job of taking the place of jewelry (when traveling) yet are warm when the wind picks up,”wrote a style-savvy jetsetter.
Amazon
Experiment with different sizes, too, like small, silky scarves to tie around your neck — this one photographs beautifully. Because it’s made of mulberry silk, it’s gentle on your hair, too, so tie it into your coif to change up the look.
“Absolutely blown away at how pretty this silk scarf is. Perfect size to accessorize any handbag,” one stylish shopper added.
Amazon
Hartley advises Road Scholar participants to “get a portable phone charger so you’re never caught in an emergency without a phone.” I second that advice — using Google Maps alone drains my battery when I’m out and about, and it’s such a crucial tool to have in unfamiliar places.
This portable charger is Hartley’s pick, and it’s a great one for many reasons, including built-in type C charging cords, an ultra-slim silhouette and the ability to charge three devices at once.
Before traveling, check with your phone carrier to confirm you’ll have call and text access when you land — and how much it will cost.
Amazon
One of the smartest light-packing hacks is choosing a single, versatile pair of shoes to lighten your suitcase. Emmy Award-winning travel expert Samantha Brown swears by these woven flats, which combine comfort and style. Despite their ballet-inspired look, the round toe ensures your toes won’t feel squished.
These lightweight, cushioned shoes come in a variety of fun colors and are designed for miles of walking, thanks to their built-in arch support. Their slim profile pairs well with skirts, shorts and jeans alike. Plus, they’re machine-washable — so if you splash through a mud puddle, cleaning them is a breeze. And they’re waterproof, so if you get caught in a light rain, they won’t get soggy. Finally, they have a removable insole, so they can adapt to changing conditions as you travel. They’re basically like five shoes in one, yet they take up minimal space in your luggage.
Related: Travel expert Samantha Brown shares her top picks for the comfiest travel shoes
Amazon
Hartney points out that sometimes on a trip with other solo travelers, you’ll just want a little time to yourself to decompress (and, as a frequent solo “group” traveler, I concur).
Yahoo’s resident Senior Tech Writer, Rick Brioda, recommends this lightweight, flexible folding stand for your phone, small tablet or e-reader. It lets you watch movies or read, and it’s perfect for travel, as it lays completely flat when not in use, taking barely any space in your carry-on.
“I’ve used one of these for years; it’s great not just for airplanes, but also coffee shops, hotel beds and anywhere else you want to use your phone hands-free,” Brioda says.
Related: I’m a tech writer, and these are the 11 must-have travel items that make my life easier
Amazon
I’ve been traveling the world for a decade, and I carry a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader everywhere I go. It’s easy to underestimate just how heavy a physical book is. In fact, I just looked it up, and a paperback can weigh more than a pound, while a hardcover can weigh more than three pounds. This is just not travel-friendly. Books are also bulky.
A Kindle weighs less than half a pound, and the Paperwhite mimics the feel of looking at a physical page, so it’s easy on the eyes (literally). It also holds 15 million books inside. You read that right.
The most impressive thing to me is how long the battery lasts: 12 weeks. A device you don’t have to charge during your trip is truly a unicorn. One less cord!
Amazon
I implore you not to travel anywhere without stashing some of these electrolyte powder packets in your personal item. This particular brand is sugar-free, an Amazon bestseller and a Yahoo editor favorite.
Each packet holds a fruit-flavored powder that dissolves in water to help replenish minerals lost when you’re exerting yourself more than usual — especially when you’re off your usual routine, not hydrating enough or exerting yourself more than normal. Dehydration can sneak up on you, and an unexpected travel bug can hit hard. Keeping a few of these in your carry-on can prove just as essential as a stash of band-aids.
Just be sure not to overdo it with electrolyte packets — they’re only called for when you’re sweating buckets, pushing yourself hard physically or needing to replenish fluids due to illness or a hangover. If you’re unsure, start with half a packet to be safe.
Related: Recharge and rehydrate with the best electrolyte powders and drinks for 2025
Amazon
My travels have been truly unforgettable, but that doesn’t mean the details won’t slip away. Hartley recommends bringing a travel journal, like this one that includes spaces to record the date and your location.
“Journaling in the evening can be a great way to decompress and take notes so you won’t forget your trip and you can share details with friends and family when you return,” says Harley.
Pair it with one of these compact pens with weather-resistant ink. They can write on sodden and muddy paper, which makes them ideal for unexpected adventures.
