The Midlife Minimalist: How Packing Light Can Set You Free

I’ll admit it—I used to be one of those travellers.

those

The one lugging a 23kg suitcase through cobbled streets, because that was what I was allowed. Frantically searching and dropping things at the airport because everything was always in the wrong place…wherever it was that had seemed logical when I packed it! Swearing I needed all those clothes “just in case.”

needed

Sound familiar?

But then came the turning point: a checked-bag missing-in-action for three days when my friend and I arrived in Buenos Aires. The pain at lugging a heavy backpack around in the Caribbean heat with a frozen shoulder.

Buenos Aires

Caribbean

That’s when I knew something had to change.

So, before my last island-hopping adventure in Greece, I did some research. I bought a bag that fitted the maximum overhead allowance for my usual airlines. I discovered that it was far bigger than I thought, but small enough to be much more mobile.

Greece

I downsized to a carry-on—and have never looked back since.

Now, where I can, I travel with just hand luggage. And honestly? I feel lighter in every way.

lighter

If you’re a woman in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, dreaming of travel but overwhelmed by the logistics (and the luggage!), this one’s for you. Because packing light isn’t just about saving space—it’s about making room for you.

you

Here’s how carry-on confidence and midlife minimalism can open the door to transformative travel—and how you can start, today. And if you want to be a fellow convert but need more tips, don’t miss my blog post HERE.

HERE

Why Packing Light Matters (Especially Now)

Midlife is a season of reinvention. Whether you’re rediscovering yourself after decades of putting others first, or finally chasing those long-held travel dreams, this is your moment. But baggage—literal and emotional—can hold us back.

Packing light isn’t just practical. It’s symbolic.

symbolic

You’re letting go of what doesn’t serve you. Embracing simplicity. Prioritising freedom, ease, and presence. Every time I zip up my (comparatively!) tiny suitcase and head into the unknown, I’m reminded:

I already have everything I need!

Tips to Travel Light and Live Large

Whether you’re heading off on a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, here’s how to pack carry-on only—and love it.

Toiletries and Beauty (My Obsession!)

Go Solid: Shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, and solid deodorant save space and skip liquid restrictions. This has been a total gamechanger for me! All the liquids I may need, I buy at the airport after security.

Go Solid

Downsize Smart: Only take what you actually use. That full skincare routine? Edit it down. Use travel sizes or decant into smaller containers.

Downsize Smart

actually

Multi-Use Magic: Tinted moisturiser with SPF. Lip + cheek tint. Shampoo + body wash. It all makes a difference!

Multi-Use Magic

Use What’s There: Hotel freebies or local shops can fill the gaps and even better, support local business.

Use What’s There

Prioritise, Don’t Overpack: Take your must-haves, skip the ‘what-ifs.’ You can usually buy anything you need when you are at your destination.

Prioritise, Don’t Overpack

Clothes That Work Hard

Stick to a Palette: 2–3 base colours mean endless mix-and-match options.

Stick to a Palette

Layer Up: A light jacket and cardigan beat a bulky jumper. Or I often add in a shirt for an extra light layer. Remember that even in hot climates you may be challenged by air-conditioning…or freezing planes!

Layer Up

Choose Merino Wool: Naturally odour-resistant and temperature-regulating—great for tops and undies. I became a complete convert while hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, so much better than cotton!

Choose Merino Wool

hiking Mount Kilimanjaro

Roll, Don’t Fold: Saves space and prevents wrinkles.

Roll, Don’t Fold

and

Strategy and Mindset

Packing Cubes Are a Game-Changer: Organised. Compact. Satisfying. I can fit my whole wardrobe in one cube!

Packing Cubes Are a Game-Changer

Lay It Out, Then Halve It: Be ruthless—you won’t miss it.

Lay It Out, Then Halve It

Laundry Is Your Friend: A quick sink wash can create a fresh outfit. I always pack laundry sheets, as you never know when you need them. They take up no space or weight and saves the battle over powder spilling in your bag (I’ve had that plenty of times too!). If you are backpacking take a travel plug as well, so you can use any sink.

Laundry Is Your Friend

Think Function, Not Fashion Show: Focus on what works.

Think Function, Not Fashion Show

Weight Matters More Than Volume: Check airline limits—your back (or frozen shoulder!) will thank you.

Weight Matters More Than Volume

Essentials and Tech

Go Digital: Boarding passes, hotel confirmations, guidebooks—store them on your phone but make sure you have access to them without Wi-Fi (I’ve been caught out with this one in immigration before!). You can get a run-down of my “must have” Apps and websites to help via THIS LINK.

Go Digital

THIS LINK

Universal Adapter: Just one, with as many USB ports as you can get.

Universal Adapter

Slim Your Wallet: One credit card, one backup, one ID. Leave the loyalty cards at home.

Slim Your Wallet

Essentials Within Reach: Passport, medication, charger, pen—all easy to grab.

Essentials Within Reach

Trial Run: Pack it early, carry it around. If it’s heavy or awkward—edit! I usually start throwing things I may take as I think of them together a couple of weeks before I go to minimise that last minute panic too. That panic is when those non-essential items find their way back into the bag!

Trial Run

Stuck with a Bag?

Even if you travel light, you can still be stuck with bags you don’t want to lug around during transition days. If you are ever in this situation, make sure you get the Bounce App downloaded. For a small fee you can find luggage storage near you. I made the most of the service for a few hours in both Nice and Porto. Couldn’t fault it!

Bounce App

Travel Light, Live Fully

Midlife is the perfect time to lighten the load, literally and metaphorically.

lighten the load

When I hopped off a plane in Istanbul (in the photo at the Blue Mosque) without waiting at baggage claim, I felt bolder and more independent. When I realised I hadn’t forgotten anything important—I felt powerful.

Istanbul

anything important

Packing light isn’t about sacrifice. It’s about clarity, intention, and trusting yourself.

Ready to Travel Light—and Transform?

Packing light is the first step. The real transformation happens when you say yes to yourself, yes to freedom, yes to the adventure ahead.

real

For my top 12 Travel Essentials, check out my blog post HERE.

HERE.

I cover all of this and loads more in Find Your Way: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey. It’s a course designed by me, for women just like you, craving a life of meaning and exploration. Ready to take the next step? Click on the link above to learn all about it.

Find Your Way: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey

Here’s to travelling light, living fully, and rediscovering yourself—one journey at a time.

So, {{ subscriber.first_name }}, are you a carry-on convert? Or still wondering how on earth it’s possible? Share your biggest packing dilemma, I’d love to help! Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.

Are you dreaming of more excitement, purpose, and unforgettable experiences? A Life List (aka a “bucket list of life”) can help you break free from routine and create a future filled with adventure and joy! Whether you want to travel, try something new, or rediscover your passions, This week, in my latest offering on YouTube I will show you how.

In just 90 seconds, I’ll share 5 powerful ways a Life List can transform your life—from inspiring new adventures to boosting confidence and creating meaningful memories. It’s time to stop waiting and start living! Check it out for yourself HERE.

HERE.

Did you find this email useful? If so, why not forward it to a friend?

Until next time,

Safe Travels

Sue x

This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

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And finally, just for you…eive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own., but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

And finally, just for you…

eive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own., but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

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