The Travel Edit
What I Pack to Feel Like Myself on the Road
Business travel looks different after 50.
These days, I care less about packing the perfect wardrobe and more about protecting my energy, sleep, and routines.
I've learned that a few thoughtful essentials can make the difference between returning home feeling restored, or needing a vacation from the trip itself.
Whether I'm heading to an off-site, an office, conference, or a long weekend away, these are the items that consistently earn a spot in my suitcase.
1. A Sleep Kit That Travels Well
The fastest way to derail a trip is poor sleep.
My carry-on always includes:
Manta Sleep Mask - I love my Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask but this one is ideal for light blocking.
Magicteam White Noise Machine - Is a compact device with a big job and it does it well.
Magnesium glycinate - The Pure brand is my recommendation for the glycinate version. As with any supplement regimen, I recommend talking with your preferred medical professional.
Xlear Nasal Spray - This drug-free product is my go-to.
Ayr Saline Gel - This is my go-to when I’m trying to relieve extra congestion.
Hotel rooms are unpredictable, but my sleep routine doesn't have to be.
2. Comfortable Walking Shoes
Movement is one of the easiest ways I support my energy while traveling.
Whenever possible, I take a morning walk before meetings begin.
My preferred option:
Vibram FiveFingers - I’ve switched over to these full-time and haven’t looked back.
If barefoot-style shoes aren't your preference, the HOKA Clifton is a popular alternative.
The goal isn't exercise perfection. It's staying connected to the habits that make you feel good.
3. Hydration Comes First
Travel is dehydrating.
I bring:
A reusable glass or stainless-steel water bottle - It’s an easy swamp to make—better for you and the planet.
Electrolyte packets when flying - I prefer LMNT zero-sugar electrolytes packets.
Herbal tea bags for evenings - I suggest trying Republic of Tea’s Ultimate Evening Tea Bag Assortment Jar as luxe treat for yourself.
My routine starts the same way it does at home: water first.
Everything else comes after.
4. Easy Wellness Staples
I keep my supplement routine simple.
For travel, I pack:
AG1 travel packets - Great for travel, this is a week’s worth of packets.
Thorne Magnesium Bisglycinate - The power is a little bulky to travel with but it works for me.
Flywell Travel Vitamins Electrolytes & Botanicals - This is an all-in one you can check out.
Nordic Naturals omega-3s - It’s important for us as aging women to get the right omegas.
I've stopped bringing an entire supplement cabinet with me.
A few essentials work better than overpacking.
5. Elevated Basics
I've become much more intentional about what I wear when I travel.
Comfort matters—but so does feeling like myself.
I look for pieces that are:
Travel clothes - Made from natural fibers, easy to layer and comfortable enough for long travel days. The Organic Cotton Airplane separates by PACT are quiet good.
In-office clothing that is polished enough for meetings - Because midlife doesn’t need more trends, it needs better staples, one of the my go-to shops is Quince Clothing for their good pieces that look luxury but don’t have the price tag. That being said, I’m totally willing to invest in good items but what I’m finding is that the price tag or brand name are not always equaling quality.
Favorites include:
Silk blouses - Quince has good quality silk and cotton blouses. Some of the silk is even machine washable!
Cashmere cardigans - For cardigans, Quince as some but also this Lilysilk Lounge Wrap Knit Cardigan is divine.
Tailored trousers - Honestly, I have the hardest time with these. Lately, I find second-hand shops are better quality but I’ll keep you updated on anything I find that’s not polyester or manmade fabrics.
Comfortable sneakers - You know I roll with barefoot shoes these days but HOKA Clifton 10 or Bondi 9 gets great ratings from lots of you out there.
In-office barefoot style work shoes - I’m rocking the Vivaia Barefoot High-Top - Milo that are Chelsea style or Barefoot Flats - Nika.
A lightweight scarf - Once again, my go-to is Quince’s Lightweight Linen Silk Cashmere Scarf.
I avoid anything that wrinkles easily or requires special care.
6. Beauty That Works Harder
Travel isn't the time to experiment.
I stick with a simplified routine:
Gold Bond Age Renew - I use the Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion.
Fewer products. Better products.
7. A Few Comforts From Home
The smallest rituals often make the biggest difference.
I always pack:
My Kindle - I use the Kindle app on my iPhone to cut down on bulk. However, the Kindle Paperwhite is great if you want a more book-like read without the weight.
A journal - Any notebook will do but I’ve used the LEUCHTTURM1917 - Notebook Hardcover Medium A5, Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal and the classic Moleskine. These days, my preference is a simple one that keeps God front and center.
Reading glasses - Today, I’m wearing progressives but here are a few of the brands I recommend for stylish eyewear—Privé Revaux The Alchemist, Look Optic and Warby Parker.
A favorite tea - These days, my top choices are Yogi Ginger Tea or Republic of Tea Organic Double Red Rooibos.
These little anchors help me feel grounded wherever I am.
Final Thoughts
I've learned that successful travel isn't about packing more.
It's about bringing the things that help you feel like yourself.
When my sleep, hydration, movement, and routines stay consistent, everything else feels easier.
The goal isn't to optimize every minute of a trip.
It's to return home feeling well.
Ashley
Founder, The Polished Reset