Lightest way to travel?

[Anonymous]

Some great responses in here—thanks guys!! 👍

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, my advice (as an older woman) is to get something with wheels. You do not want your trip ruined because you hurt yourself trying to lug around a backpack!

The key is learning/practicing to travel light. I did a six-week solo trip to New Zealand/Australia when I retired. Had to pack clothes for everything from beaches to mountains. I did it in a carry-on size rolling bag.

IMO, the most important advice I can give is to get a bag with TWO WHEELS, not four. I know four wheels is the predominant style now but two wheels is easier to get up and down stairs and roll over cobbles, if you need to. And you will need to. The other advantage is the two-wheel styles usually have sturdier wheels (similar to roller-blade wheels).

If you want to cover all options, you can combine both backpack and rolling bag. I have a Kipling rolling backpack that I used every single day for commuting on the Metro and it lasted for years. It is small but if you used it, and a tote bag that fits on top, you would have as much space as one larger carry-on bag. In a pinch, you could put the backpack on for a short period and carry tote bag by hand. It would also be easier to keep both bags with you on trains, buses, etc. It's really a matter of choice - a carry-on bag or two smaller bags (one with wheels).

If you intend to bring back a few baubles, another thing you can do is the "throw and go" method. If you have older but still serviceable clothing, especially underwear, take that with you and throw it out after you've worn it. Same with shoes, which can take up a lot of room.

Otherwise, I look for clothing that is quick-dry and can be washed out in the sink. I have a couple of plastic folding hangars which I hang things on.

I wish you the best of luck in your retirement and enjoy the wonderful freedom it brings! Buon Viaggio!

PP-How your trip go? Were you lonely? Did you have a hard time with the physical demands? I am open to broader tips about pulling off solo travel in old age!

[Anonymous]

There's a reddit forum called "HerOneBag" that is specifically discussions targeted to women who travel light.

My recommendations -- a small rollaboard suitcase, a medium sized cross-body purse, and a lightweight packable backpack (e.g. Eddie Bauer does one that's called the Stowaway packable backpack). Use the purse and the suitcase for travel days, and then the backpack for longer excursions

3 pairs of shoes. One pair of sandals that you can walk a mile in and go out to dinner. One pair of walking shoes that will cause you no problems after five miles. One pair that's light, packable and waterproof (like slides or flip flops) that you can toss on to go to the beach.

I pack outfits for 6 days, plus what I'm wearing, plus extra undies. I suggest detergent sheets for sink washes, plus a short length of cord you can hang up to dry your clothes in the shower stall. Quick dry is useful if you need to wash in the evening and pack things the next morning. ExOficio carries quick dry undies that folks like. Trickier if you'll be taking overnight trains, though.

Get yourself a Turkish towel for beach trips; they fold up very small. A hanging bag for your toiletries, especially if you'll be doing things like trying to shower in tiny bathrooms.

Have a blast!

[Anonymous]

The trains in Italy are fantastic. Left Bologna this morning. Yes to light roller bag. Yes to few clothes and sink laundry.

My husband likes hotel laundry and I literally laugh at how absurdly expensive it is, but fast.

I have two slacks, two sweaters, two blouses, two scarves. Sunhat that doubles as rain hat. Too many toiletries. And, yes, I won’t see 60 again either.

I have a flat waist pack I love for passports, credit card, hotel key card, cash.

[Anonymous]

Agree w/15:00 poster except rolling bag (of any size or weight) ended up hurting my opposite hip. I had to go with a backpack.

One pair of shoes only. The ones you wear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have one of the Motherlode bags from ebags.com, which I really like. Another light possibility is one of the rolling carryons from Rick Steves.

I have an old Rick Steves carryon and I love it. It's 25 years old so different models are stocked now

I also use an old Eagle Creek laptop backpack bag as my one personal item by stowing my small travel crossbody purse in it.

Both are soft sided so very expandable as needed. I try to leave a lot of capacity outbound. But if I need to check the suitcase on the way home I will.

I didn't have trouble with a roller bag in central Florence or Rome or Venice, using public transport. I am a F in 50s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Backpack will be much more maneuverable if traveling anywhere other than the biggest stations/mainline trains. Definitely can't count on smooth rolling surfaces and ramps everywhere. If you can handle the weight of a backpack (meaning putting it on, adjusting, etc), something like this is light but will be comfortable to walk with because of the waist belt, which puts most of the weight on your hips.

https://www.rei.com/product/207736/osprey-fairview-40-travel-pack-womens

I disagree with this, a backpack with all your possessions is very hard on your back, even young backpackers seem to struggle with this.

If you want to look like a european and have max comfort, I would recommend a very, very small rolling suitcase (European airline hand luggage dimensions) that you can easily stow above your seat or on a luggage rack on the train when full, and then a smaller backpack like an eastpak that can also easily fit inside the suitcase. NOTE: Do NOT put your valuables in the backpack, it is more for things like your lunch, sweatshirt/rain jacket, reading glasses, books, things you want close to you on the train. Keep your purse close to your body. The other train advantage of the tiny rolling suitcase is you can stow it above your seat, which is nice for security/convenience purposes.

The key to this strategy is figuring out where to do laundry. Lots of laundromats, and you can also get your laundry done at cleaners rather economically if you'll be in the same town for a few days.

Ugh, “look European,” again?!?! What do you do about your U.S. passport? Can you obtain a faux EU passport cover to look European?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, my advice (as an older woman) is to get something with wheels. You do not want your trip ruined because you hurt yourself trying to lug around a backpack!

The key is learning/practicing to travel light. I did a six-week solo trip to New Zealand/Australia when I retired. Had to pack clothes for everything from beaches to mountains. I did it in a carry-on size rolling bag.

IMO, the most important advice I can give is to get a bag with TWO WHEELS, not four. I know four wheels is the predominant style now but two wheels is easier to get up and down stairs and roll over cobbles, if you need to. And you will need to. The other advantage is the two-wheel styles usually have sturdier wheels (similar to roller-blade wheels).

If you want to cover all options, you can combine both backpack and rolling bag. I have a Kipling rolling backpack that I used every single day for commuting on the Metro and it lasted for years. It is small but if you used it, and a tote bag that fits on top, you would have as much space as one larger carry-on bag. In a pinch, you could put the backpack on for a short period and carry tote bag by hand. It would also be easier to keep both bags with you on trains, buses, etc. It's really a matter of choice - a carry-on bag or two smaller bags (one with wheels).

If you intend to bring back a few baubles, another thing you can do is the "throw and go" method. If you have older but still serviceable clothing, especially underwear, take that with you and throw it out after you've worn it. Same with shoes, which can take up a lot of room.

Otherwise, I look for clothing that is quick-dry and can be washed out in the sink. I have a couple of plastic folding hangars which I hang things on.

I wish you the best of luck in your retirement and enjoy the wonderful freedom it brings! Buon Viaggio!

PP-How your trip go? Were you lonely? Did you have a hard time with the physical demands? I am open to broader tips about pulling off solo travel in old age!

Trip was wonderful! I would highly encourage all women to travel solo at least once in their lives.

I was not truly lonely because I was in English-speaking countries and could easily strike up a conversation with others. I always suggest first-timers or newbies do solo travel to English-speaking countries first.

I took public trains and buses all over, and being able to read the schedules, ask questions, etc. eased any concerns I had.

Dining alone doesn't have to be lonely - i love to people watch, and have a book or my phone to look at. Dining earlier helps to get a table without feeling like you are taking up space. Or sitting at a bar for a meal is a great way to meet others. In NZ, I sat at a bar to eat an early dinner and struck up a conversation with a 20-something woman who was in the same career field as I had been. We had such a good conversation, we wound up sitting at a table for awhile and talked about our experiences.

I would sign up for day tours or walking tours. Talking with others on the tour helped fill a desire to converse. Hotel/B&B owners are often very friendly, too.

Especially once you are a "certain age" I think it is easier. Maybe people see their mom/grandmom in you and feel protective and helpful towards you. I always had someone offer to help with my bag even if I didn't really need it. Same with seats on transport - it is SO nice when others give you their seat after a long day of sightseeing! Some benefits of getting older!

Otherwise, be realistic about what you can do physically and plan accordingly. Only on one tour did I have a bit of trouble keeping up because the 20-something tour guide walked uphill fairly fast. I didn't let it bother me, though, because I knew I'd catch up. If there was anything that I felt was risky physically, I just didn't do it and "sat it out" somewhere. I didn't want my trip ruined because I overdid something. Speaking of which, I do make sure to purchase good travel insurance which includes a large medivac allowance.

Although I take solo trips I am not single. I am very fortunate that my DH does not mind my wanderlusting, and sometimes he joins up with me later in a trip. But if I can be totally honest I have had many more memorable experiences when I've been alone simply because I have more conversations with others/locals. I find that you don't get approached for conversation as easily when you are a couple - people assume you don't want any interruptions, I guess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree w/15:00 poster except rolling bag (of any size or weight) ended up hurting my opposite hip. I had to go with a backpack.

One pair of shoes only. The ones you wear.

Respectfully disagree with this. You need at least one extra pair of shoes or sandals (wear with socks if need be.)

If the one pair of shoes you have get sopping wet, or break in some way, you are SOL. It isn't always easy to find another pair of shoes that meet your needs. In many small/medium towns in foreign countries, stores may not be open when you need them, they may not have style/size you need AND you may need to WALK to get to there!

Plus it's always better foot-health to rotate and let your shoes air out for a while, especially when you are putting lots of miles on them and wearing them all day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Need room for stuff you buy along the way also.

Take old or cheap clothing which you can shed if needed.

[Anonymous]

Pack for utility and comfort, no need to carry vanity stuff to impress people there or back home with pictures.

[Anonymous]

One very important item! Get some sort of cell phone tether/lanyard. Cell phone theft is rampant. Never leave your lodging before making sure the phone is tethered to your pants or purse.

[Anonymous]

Trying to be gracious while also not understanding the mindset, at all. For anyone who hasn't traveled alone - get out there!

[Anonymous]

I use one of those very small wheely carry-ons, the kind that flight attendants use (except Amazon Basics brand). That and a school-based backpack is enough for a week for me.

If you can avoid bringing extra shoes, big hair tools like hair dryers or flat irons, and bulky sweaters or jackets, it's fine.

The small carry-on is light and easy to grab to go up stairs when necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Trying to be gracious while also not understanding the mindset, at all. For anyone who hasn't traveled alone - get out there!

I traveled alone for decades, as a young adult. Now, as an older person with an empty nest, it is more daunting. If you are not in that phase of life yet, don’t assume how it feels.