Master Packing List for Women

I'm starting to get ready for my trip to Europe next month.  Planning and packing are part of the adventure for me and really gets me into the spirit of my trip.  

I take carry on bags only (rolling backpack and tote) so I need to keep it light.

Before every trip I print a copy of this list and modify it for climate, duration etc. but as of yet I haven't forgotten anything major without ever checking my bags.  For me, traveling light is critical for an easy, carefree journey and I hope this will help you as well.

Clothing:	Personal:	Miscellaneous:
Slacks	Shampoo	Tickets
Jeans	Conditioner	ID (Driver License)
Shorts	Bath Soap/Gel	Passport
Dress	Toothbrush	Cash
Skirt	Toothpaste	Debit & Credit Card
Tee Shirts	Dental Floss	Back Pack
Tank Tops	Deodorant	Water Bottle
Blouses	Body Lotion	Sunglasses w/strap
Panties	Hair Spray	Book
Bras	Makeup	Journal
Stockings	Face Cream	Glasses
Nightgown/Robe	Sunscreen	Personal Door Lock
Swimsuit	Hair Brush	Camera
Flats/Heels	Hair Dryer	Sweater
Boots	Razor	Jacket
Tennis Shoes	Q-Tips	Umbrella
Sandals	Personal Hygiene Supplies	Scarf/Gloves/Hat
Belts	Sleep/Allergy Tablets	Jewelry-Watch
Slip/Camisole	Imodium, Dramamine	Cell Phone & Charger
Slippers	Advil	AC Int'l Adapter
Travel Space Bags	Ginger Tea	Kindle

Planning the Perfect Short Getaway in Florida

Sometimes you need a break but don’t have the time or budget for a big trip.  Short little getaways can be the perfect solution.  For me, the combination of sun and sand can really set me right in a short amount of time.  Making me feel like I’ve stepped into a tropical paradise even though I may only be a couple of hours from home.  All my stress seems to vanish when I’m sitting on the beach, eating fresh seafood and watching the world go by.  

I always look for specials and let that help determine where I will go.  I also travel off or shoulder season as much as possible, which helps to avoid the crowds and is less expensive.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that certain areas in Florida have low season during the summer.  Unless you are going to a major tourist attraction or large city a lot of the smaller towns have great deals when the “snowbirds” have gone back home.

This trip I decided on Fort Myers, Florida, a small town on the Gulf of Mexico.  I had heard good things about the area but had never been, so I decided it was time for a visit.  

I love going somewhere new, it always refreshes my love for travel and everything feels like an adventure. 

I check airfare and hotels at the same time to make sure that both will be in line with my schedule and budget.  Sometimes, I can find a great package that will provide both at a discounted price.  There are so many different resources on the internet that you can get lost in the maze, so I stick with one or two major travel sites like Expedia or Travelocity.  After making my selection I check online reviews for the area and hotel to make sure it will be to my liking.

The hotel I chose was very affordable, situated just 10 minutes from the beach and they had kitchen units, so I could cook my own food while I was there.  I like to go out occasionally when I travel but I don’t want it to be a requirement, so this was perfect.

I flew in late Thursday and was instantly charmed by the small, very friendly town.  

Getting to the hotel was very easy with 24-hour taxi service right outside the door.  I rarely rent a car when I’m out of town and much prefer to take public transportation whenever possible.  Also, talking to the driver you will get a lot of great local information.  They’ll tell you about things to see and do that you might not have found on your own.  The same goes for the hotel, they are a wealth of information about the area and are a fantastic resource.

Between the taxi ride and checking in at the hotel I found that not only was there a great place to buy fresh food right down the block but there were several places to eat and a shuttle that would take me directly to the beach. 

I had only been gone a few hours, but I felt like I was a world away. 

Anxious to get started, I woke early the next day and went downstairs for breakfast before heading out on my grand adventure.  I always like to take a little walk around where I am staying and familiarize myself with the area.  Also, I have made some fantastic discoveries, like a great little bakery right around the block.  So, I’m always eager to see what I might find.

Now it was time to find the bus stop for the beach shuttle.  Which was just as advertised, very close to the hotel and a full day schedule to and from so I could stay as long as I wanted.  The bus driver was happy to give me some great pointers on where the best stops were along the way.  Something that I found after so many years of traveling is not to plan too much.  You want to give yourself the time and luxury of letting things evolve. 

I got off at the stop recommended by the driver and was thrilled.  It was a beautiful little park at the edge of the water with almost no one there.  The gorgeous white sand beach was like powder with lots of beautiful seashells everywhere.  I walked down the beach to the pier and stopped by a waterfront café for lunch before heading back to the hotel.  

What a wonderful time I was having, and it was just the first day. 

This was exactly what I needed, something so relaxing and away from my daily routine and it was so easy to do.  Sometimes I forget just how great a short little getaway can really be.

Do you like short or longer trips?  Are you a planner or more spontaneous with your travel?  What type of environment is the most fun or relaxing for you?  Join the conversation and share your stories.

Happy Travels!

Published on Sixty and Me

How to Plan Your First Solo Travel Adventure

It’s been over 40 years but I remember the first few trips I took alone like they were yesterday. I was so excited and nervous. At the same time, I knew it was something I had to try.

I would read stories about all of the wonderful places in the world and fantasize about going on those trips, never really believing I would actually go. Finally, I let my desire overcome my fear and I booked a short solo trip, not far from where I lived.

Now, four decades later, I am barely home from one adventure before I am planning the next.

Everywhere I go, women ask me how I do it, so, I thought I’d share some of my tips on how to plan your first solo travel adventure.  Just a word of caution – it can be very addictive and can change your life forever!

Planning for Your Solo Travel Adventure

The first step is to think of something you enjoy doing. Do you like visiting gardens or parks, museums, outdoor activities or sporting events?

Whatever you like to do at home you will enjoy even more when you are away. I love to hike in the mountains so that is what I decided to do for my first trip. Having a sense of purpose helped to calm my nerves.

I recommend staying close to home at first; this will ease the stress of feeling like you are too far away. My first trip was only an hour from home and I knew if I didn’t like it or if anything happened I could easily leave; it was very reassuring.

Next, decide where you want to go, how far away and for how long. I began with just a weekend – drive on Saturday morning, go hiking, stay overnight and drive home on Sunday. It seems so easy now but at the time this was a very big deal for me.

Managing Your Bookings

Whether you are driving, flying or taking a bus, you will need to make arrangements for how you will get there and where you will stay. The Internet has made this process so much easier so you can research and book everything online.

I always check multiple sites before I make any travel arrangements. I start with Expedia and Travelocity and then check the specific hotel or airline website for more detailed information and the best rates.

Many airlines offer vacation packages that include airfare, hotel and car so it is easy to book all of them together. Before I book anything I check Tripadvisor.com to see the reviews from other solo travelers. I am very careful to make sure that where I am going is safe and that I will be comfortable.

Also, I make refundable arrangements. It can cost a bit more but I want to make sure that I can cancel without penalty.

Depending on where I am going and what the costs are sometimes I purchase travel insurance. Also, I always have a contingency plan, just in case.

Looking for Tours and Excursions

Depending on what you plan to do, you can either book organized tours or go independently. Many of my early trips were to visit lovely botanic gardens in various states so I would check into my hotel and then go from there.

I very often take walks in the park or gardens here at home so it did not feel uncomfortable to do this on my own in a new city. The one thing I always do is plan my transportation before I leave the hotel – directions, bus schedule, taxi etc.

Getting the Most from Dining Out

For some women traveling alone this can be a big concern. It is one of the reasons that I always book a hotel with a restaurant onsite. If I am feeling uncomfortable for any reason or perhaps just don’t want to go out I can order room service and stay in.

Early on, when I went out, I took a book or my journal to occupy myself if I felt bored or uneasy. Now, with phones and tablets, most of us have something available all the time.

Try not to be too distracted. A lot of people will talk to you when they see you are on your own but won’t interrupt you if you seem too engrossed in your phone.

Honestly, it has become one of my greatest pleasures. I always plan at least one night when I dress up and treat myself to a nice dinner out. I’ve met wonderful people all over the world and always look forward to this part of any trip.

Embrace a Little Self-indulgence

For me, this has become one of the best things about traveling on my own. I get to do what I want, when I want and always do something special for myself. It doesn’t have to be expensive just anything that makes me happy.

It might be a nice meal, massage, cute pair of earrings or just a nice warm bath with a glass of wine at the end of a great day. No matter what it is, it helps me remember that I deserve to treat myself with love and kindness.

Wishing you safe and happy travels!

Have you ever traveled on your own? If not, would you like to? What solo travel advice would you like to offer the other women in our community? Join the conversation and share your stories below.

Published on Sixty and Me

Treasure, Transfer or Toss - Downsizing in Retirement

When I downsized before moving to Florida, I put my most cherished possessions into one small 5 x 10 storage unit and left my car with my daughter.  At the time, I was a bit concerned that I might be getting rid of too many things but I didn’t want to store anything that wasn’t useful or meaningful to me.  The only thing I took with me was my laptop and one carry-on bag packed with summer clothes.  I didn’t know how long I would stay in Florida so I only took what I needed for a short vacation.

That short trip turned into a year and a half of living in a lovely furnished condo right on the river, just a few minutes from the beach.  Not only did I not miss anything but I found that even the one bag might have been too much.  All you really need is a couple of swimsuits, sun dresses and sandals to be very comfortable in the heat and humidity.  I found that I wore a lot more sunscreen and a lot less make-up and never worried about what I had left behind. 

Emotionally, it was one of the most freeing experiences of my entire life.

Everything I had could be put into the trunk of a car and moved wherever I wanted to go with ease.  It was such a relief to not feel weighed down by a home and all of the things I had accumulated over the years.

Just a few months ago I decided to return to Colorado.  I missed my family and thought it was time to finally get the rest of my things out of storage, so I rented a small apartment and closed out my storage unit.  What I’m discovering now is that except for some of my kitchen supplies and precious mementos from my family there are very few things that I want to keep.

It is amazing to me that I still have this much after the first round of downsizing.

I kept much more than I want or ever need, like my massive supply of Tupperware that I rarely if ever use and the unbelievable amount of clothes that I haven’t worn in 10 years.  I suppose that I wasn’t quite ready to part with everything at the time.

Now, after living so simply, I’m ready for Phase 2 – this is the real test.  Am I willing to part with those things that I thought I couldn’t do without a couple of years ago? 

I think I know the answer but time will tell.  I am applying for a job that will take me all over the country and will require me to live in temporary accommodation for just a few months at a time.  I would like to keep those things that are truly precious to me, if I can manage it but not so much that I feel tied down.

This isn’t the lifestyle for everyone, but for me it feels like one last grand adventure before I settle into retirement.

I am thrilled at the prospect of being able to move freely to different locations and enjoy the experience without the burden or obligation of too many possessions.  Even coming home from Florida was frustrating when I realized how much I had accumulated while I was away.

There is also a very spiritual component to this purging for me – I do believe that whenever you clear space in your life you make room for something new to come in.  I’m ready for a change and have no resistance to letting go of those things that have given me joy.

My work now is to find the process that will be most effective for me.

I like the Treasure, Transfer or Toss philosophy of downsizing.  If it is something I love, I will keep it (or take a photo and store it electronically).  If it is something that someone else may have use for, it will be donated and everything else will go in the trash or to be recycled.  Why I thought I needed to keep 20 t-shirts or 10 pair of jeans that I never wear is beyond me.

Then there is the process of Swedish Death Cleaning.

The approach is to purge your home and organize your possessions so that your children won't be burdened by your belongings after you pass away.  I know it sounds morbid, but after having the responsibility of going through my mother’s things after she passed, while I was grieving, was unbearable.  That is something I would never want my children to endure.  

When I think about it those terms, I realize I can let go of much more and leave them with only those things that truly matter.  I want them to know that I kept that special plant they gave me for Mother’s Day 60 years ago or the lovely candle holder they made for me in grade school.  If it doesn’t have a significant memory attached it will be gifted to someone who may have some use for it.

With the new year upon us, this feels like the perfect time to begin.  I want to start fresh with nothing to hold me back from this new and exciting chapter of my life after 60.

Have you downsized recently?  Was it a difficult process or did you feel relief in letting go of things?  What changes have you experienced after clearing the clutter?  Share your stories and join the conversation!

Published on Sixty and Me

Why I Love to Travel

Some people stay in one place most or all their lives and are very content.  Then there are some, like me, who crave change and move frequently from place to place.   I don’t know if it because we moved a lot when I was growing up and that is what I became accustomed to or if it is because I have a genuine desire to go somewhere new.  It may be a little of both.

Am I running away from something or toward it?

I think the answer to that has evolved over time.  As I’ve grown older, I have begun to appreciate how important it is to be comfortable in your environment.  I truly love the experience of seeing new places and living there allows me to really immerse myself in the community, something you can’t do if you’re just a visitor.  Then there is the homebody in me that needs a peaceful, nurturing environment to thrive. 

A big sign that I am ready for a change is when I begin to feel trapped or isolated.  No matter how comfortable my surroundings may be, if I feel uneasy in my space I must leave.  My answer to that is to seek out a new location.  It doesn’t matter to me if it’s near or far, I have moved out of state and out of the country with a suitcase and plane ticket.  Sometimes I don’t even have a place to live when I arrive.

It is a thrilling adventure.

Arriving in a new city with only a hotel or B&B booked feels very fun and carefree.  Then reality sets in and you realize that you actually need to find a place to live if you are going to stay for any length of time.  Suddenly, making those arrangements and trying to get settled in your new place takes on a life of its own and can consume all your free time.  Sometimes I wonder if that is part of the appeal to me.

I’ve always loved the start-up of any project I’ve worked on.  It’s the ongoing maintenance I don’t really care for and soon will become bored and start looking for the next new thing.

As soon as something catches my interest the planning begins.

I enjoy preparing to go almost as much as the actual event.  Deciding what to do with my personal belongings, how and when I will leave etc., it’s great fun to plan for the adventure.  There is also an element of fear that seems to enhance the experience.  I am always cautious about what I am doing and know that if, for any reason, I don’t want to be there, I can come home.  It feels like a good safety net and gives me more confidence to give it a try. 

I always miss my family when I’m away and after a certain amount of time, visits will no longer suffice and I must return home again and I begin to arrange that.

With each change comes a new perspective on my life.

Looking back, I realize how much each of those experiences has taught me and how much it makes me appreciate the wonderful life I have.

Whenever I am in a new place it is an opportunity to explore an entirely different side of myself.  I am very good at blending in and becoming part of that environment, much like a chameleon.  It gives me a chance to try something new and see what fits and what doesn’t. 

Metamorphosis

Every time I return from one of my extended excursions, I feel transformed.  I have added something new that was not there before and my world has expanded.  It is that experience that keeps me wanting more.  It helps me remember that no matter how old I get, I still have the capacity to grow and change in ways that I never imagined.

I don’t know if it is bold, brave or stupid but it is something that makes me feel more alive than staying in one place ever could. 

For now, I’ll enjoy the respite of my new home-base and wait to see where the next adventure takes me.

Do you prefer to stay in one place or do you like to move around?  What is the biggest change you’ve made and how did it make you feel?  Share your stories and join the conversation.

Published on Sixty and Me

Restarting Yoga at 61

I practiced yoga many years ago and really enjoyed the focus it brought to the chaos that was going on in my life as well as the physical benefits.  Gradually, I began doing less until I eventually stopped altogether.

Over the years, I have thought about restarting my practice but didn't really find a way that was easy to maintain with my hectic travel schedule.  I need something I can do at home or away, even in a small hotel room that doesn't require any special equipment or clothing.  I also needed something gentle and simple to perform.  Not a torturous twisting into difficult or uncomfortable positions.

After watching the Introduction to Gentle Yoga on Sixty and Me http://sixtyandme.com/gentle-yoga-for-seniors-videos/ I thought I might give it another try.  So today, when I woke up stiff and achy from sleeping in a not very comfortable hotel bed I decided to see if it might help.

Today, I tried Gentle Yoga Video 1 – Focus on Joints and before I was even half way through my body felt looser and the pain I woke up with this morning was already softening.  The instruction in the session was easy to follow and very gentle on my body.  Cat, the instructor, is very good and gives you a lot of options to modify the movement and stresses to not do anything that is uncomfortable for you.

For me, one of biggest benefits of this practice is the focus on the body with breathing and stretching that improves my flexibility and strength.  After such a great experience, I'm looking forward to working my way through the series.

If you are a beginner or just a senior who might need a gentler approach to this practice you might consider trying this.  http://sixtyandme.com/gentle-yoga-for-seniors-videos/

Thank you very much to Sixty and Me for sharing these great videos!