Why I Travel Full-Time
I didn’t become a full-time solo traveler over 40 to “find myself.” I already know who I am. I just got to a point in life where I needed to experience more than what my corner of the world had to offer.
Not a vacation. Not a two-week escape.
But real roaming. Culture. History. Food. Energy. Life beyond my bubble.
The itch started back in my 30s when I first traveled internationally. I didn’t just want to know where things came from. I wanted to feel how other people lived. That feeling stuck with me.
Later, I found myself stuck in a career I’d outgrown, wearing a lens that no longer fit. I was ready to be my own boss, build something meaningful, and shake the routine.
My son was grown. My parents were healthy. I had space, freedom, and no more excuses.
So I went for it. Built an online business. Packed a couple of bags and hit the road.
I travel full-time now because it brings me back to myself. It fills my cup.
I’m still learning what lights me up, what keeps the smile on my face, and what joy really feels like in this chapter.
Maybe this is selfish.
Or maybe this is what midlife freedom actually looks like.
Doing something that feels good for no other reason than it feels good.
How My Approach to Packing Has Changed Since My 30s
I used to be that guy who both overpacked and underpacked. I packed based on feelings, not function.
Now, everything I pack has a reason, a role, and it gets used.
Six months into this digital nomad life, I’ve already edited my bags down a few times, and that’ll probably keep happening.
Living out of a suitcase forces you to face your stuff, literally and figuratively. There’s no room for excess.
You learn fast what pulls its weight and what takes up space.
When I say I pack strategically, I mean it. I use packing cubes, shoe bags, and organizers. Everything has a home inside my luggage.
A messy suitcase leads to frustration, and I don’t have patience for that.
Packing well keeps me grounded. I choose peace when I zip up my bag.
Why What I Pack Matters More Now
Comfort comes first, period.
If something makes me feel off, it’s not worth the suitcase space.
I used to throw things in because they looked good, or because I thought I might want options.
Now? If it doesn’t feel good on, it stays out.
Packing is more than just the clothes.
It’s how I want to feel when I’m out in the world. Comfortable. Pulled together.
Not tugging at a waistband or regretting my shoe choice by midday.
Everything I bring has to work. Not just look cute.
It needs to function.
I don’t have room for things that only serve one purpose or fall apart after two wears.
Space is tight, and I don’t waste it.
Quick note: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you buy. No extra cost to you. I only link to stuff I’ve used, would pack again, or genuinely think is worth it. [Full disclosure here]
What I Pack Every Time, No Matter What
Everyday Wear That Works Everywhere
My everyday tees pull double and triple duty.
There’s the graphic tee from a music festival my son went to. It’s casual, fun, and pairs with pretty much everything for errands or laid-back dinners.
Then I have an off-the-shoulder top that’s great for exploring or casual nights out without feeling overdone.
My crop and mid-drift tees get tossed into rotation for just about everything: moving around town, light workouts, or wandering new places.
All of them pack small and never get left behind.
Beyond my everyday tees, I pack pieces that work hard and play well together.
Comfy sweats and athleisure pants for errands, workouts, and downtime.
Jeans with a warm lining that saved me in Midwest winters.
Shorts and gym shorts that are ready for whatever the day throws at me.
For layering, I keep a few hoodies, a favorite sweater, a lightweight rain jacket, and a flannel that doubles as a cardigan.
It’s all stuff that mixes easily, layers well, and holds up.
Underneath it all, I rely on halter-style bralettes for daily wear, plus a few actual bras for when I need a little more structure.
My underwear and socks stay packed in a compact organizer that keeps things easy to grab and easy to pack.
And because this body still needs looking after, I always have my heating pad and massage gun handy to keep the aches and cramps from taking over.
All of it fits tight in two suitcases. No extra baggage, just what I actually wear and need.
Shoes That Don’t Wreck My Feet
I don’t pack “cute but painful” shoes anymore.
Every pair I carry earns its space.
I’ve got one solid pair for walking, running, and gym sessions.
Then there’s a casual lace-up pair I wear to events when I want to look pulled together without trying too hard.
For easy travel days or laid-back dinners, I’ve got slip-ons that aren’t sneakers but still pass as casual and clean.
And yes, I pack my slippers. I’m from Hawai‘i. We wear them everywhere.
Grocery runs, local errands, yoga… they’re the grab-and-go MVPs.
I also travel with one pair that’s more winter friendly.
They’re slip-ons that can handle rain or light snow. A little bulkier than the rest, but worth the space.
And yes, they’re cute. I’ve gotten more than a few compliments.
Reliable, practical, and they show up when I need them.
Functional Accessories That Actually Do Something
No matter where I’m headed, there’s always a scarf tucked in my bag.
Mine works as a blanket, pillow, head wrap, and an extra layer when I need it.
It barely takes up any space and always earns its place.
Packing means choosing pieces that work together, no single-use outfits.
I pick items that can slide from errands to dinners and workouts to wandering.
I mix and match constantly to keep it fresh without overloading my bags.
If a piece doesn’t bring a few different looks to the table, it gets donated.
Toiletries + Wellness Staples I Never Leave Without
I don’t pack like I’m going on a two-week vacation.
I pack like this is my lifestyle.
Because it is.
Travel bottles are cute in theory.
But they run out fast, and I’m not playing refill roulette in every city.
I carry mid-sized staples that hold me over for the long haul.
What stays in rotation:
• Skincare over makeup, always. I don’t wear makeup. Not because I’m making some grand statement. I just don’t care to. What I do care about? My skin. I carry a vitamin-packed face serum, a solid cleanser, and a good facial moisturizer that holds up in different climates and keeps my skin feeling right.
• Tools that do the job. I’ve got one of those face rollers (don’t ask me the fancy name) that’s part of my morning and bedtime routine. It helps me start the day grounded and end it unwound.
• Weekly skin reset. Once a week, I throw on a face mask and some under-eye patches. It’s a small reset that helps me feel fresh and ready for the new week.
• Scalp care over hair care. I’m bald (by choice). Sometimes I shave it down, sometimes I let it grow out a little. I use a gentle shampoo for scalp health and a moisturizer to keep flakes at bay. That’s it. No styling. No product drawer. Just simple upkeep.
• Wellness means ritual. I travel with herbal teas because they work. Lemon ginger for digestion, chamomile when I need to wind down, and peppermint for focus. No supplements or powders. Just a few tea bags, and I’m good wherever I land.
Tech + Sanity Savers
I’m not a tech minimalist.
But I’m not carrying a whole office either.
I bring what keeps me connected, grounded, and from wanting to chuck my laptop into a canal.
I love books. Real books. The kind with weight, texture, and that old-paper smell that hits your brain like a warm hug.
Yes, I know people swear by their Kindles. I get it.
For me, reading is an experience, not a screen scroll.
I’ve read books on my phone and laptop, sure, yet when I want to actually read, I want to hold the thing.
When I started my nomad life, I had two books: one on business, one for the soul.
The soul one is about Muhammad Ali, King of The World. That one hit different.
I finished it and left it in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The business book was full of 30-day start-from-scratch blueprints from entrepreneurs.
I took what I needed, then left it behind too.
In Chicago, I stumbled on a free bookstore and picked up two more: one on religion and perspective, another on self-development.
I finished the first, and the second’s still riding with me.
Point is, my “library” moves with me.
One book in, one book out.
The tech I travel with:
• Phone and extra-long charge cords
• Laptop and travel mouse
• Backup wired earbuds
Bags & Accessories
I used to be a full-blown baggie.
Not label-obsessed, just obsessed with the bag.
Satchels, slings, handmade totes from flea markets and art walks.
My apartment had enough bags to start a side hustle.
These days, I carry one ride-or-die crossbody.
Flap-over, twist clasp, thick strap like a seatbelt.
Bought it years ago from a boutique in Long Beach, and it’s still kicking.
It hugs close, fits what matters, and doesn’t try too hard.
What’s always with me:
• Crossbody bag
• Two scarves that do everything
• One neutral pair of sunglasses
• One meaningful piece of jewelry
What I Stopped Packing After 40 (And Don’t Miss At All)
There’s something liberating about hitting 40 and finally cutting out the dead weight.
Packing “just in case” junk used to be my Achilles heel.
Now, if I haven’t worn it in three countries, it’s not making it to a fourth.
What I Let Go Of:
• The “maybe I’ll wear this” outfits
• Too many shoes
• Trendy pieces that don’t travel well
• Full-size anything
• Makeup
• Vitamins and random supplements
Wrapping It Up
Traveling as a full-time solo traveler over 40 means one thing: your bag better work as hard as you do.
Packing light isn’t just saving space.
It clears room for freedom, spontaneity, and the moments that actually matter.
This isn’t a minimalist manifesto.
It’s a practical guide from someone lugging, trimming, and learning the hard way.
If you want a stripped-down list for quick trips or light packing, check out my minimalist packing post.
It’s for those who don’t literally live out of a suitcase.
Packing smarter means less stress, fewer “Why did I bring this?” moments, and more time soaking in the adventure.
Curious how to build your own perfect travel bag? Grab the free starter kit and customize it for your next adventure.
Travel with purpose. Pack what works. Live fully.
