My 6 Travel Essentials as an Over-50-Year-Old Woman in Menopause

Now that I’m over 50, there’s something freeing about being in my current phase of life. I feel more confident, care less than I used to about what other people think, and prioritize investing my energy into the people I love most. I don’t even mind being in menopause (bye-bye, cycle!), although I have noticed a few of the less-glamorous aspects of this season creeping in: mainly, wrinkles, irregular sleep patterns, and a slower metabolism. And, as a travel writer, being on the road can worsen those maladies.

Travel can be very drying and tiring, especially during long flights. As I’ve adapted to a new phase of life, I’ve also been altering my packing list a bit. Besides the absolute essentials — clothes, medicine, and a passport — here are the six things I never travel without to stay comfortable now that I’m in menopause. 

Two years ago, when I was perimenopausal, I made a commitment not to drink from plastic water bottles, and, except in a pinch, I’ve kept that promise. I’m an avid recycler who’s not a fan of ingesting microplastics, which is why I stopped. 

Now that I’m fully in menopause, extreme thirst — the type where I feel that I have to drink lots of water immediately — can strike at any time. In an effort to have a drink with me at all times, I tried several steel, vacuum-insulated bottles, and the one I swear by is the Earthwell Woodie. It’s slim and keeps beverages cold for days. I joke that it’s my “emotional support water bottle,” but, like my phone, it’s something I take with me everywhere.

As I’ve aged, things like wrinkles, aches, and stiffness creep up, and dehydration can make all of those worse. While I don’t mind drinking plain water, adding flavor helps me meet my recommended daily intake. Adding yummy True Citrus drink mixes to my water greatly increased my consumption, and the single-serve packets are convenient. 

My favorite flavors are the raspberry, strawberry, and wildberry lemonades and the limeade with watermelon, which is extra refreshing.​ I keep a few in my purse and tuck enough into my carry-on to ensure I have three to four packets per day. While you can’t take liquids through airport security, I put ice in my Earthwell bottle beforehand and fill up at an airport bottle filling station post-TSA screening.

Whether traveling by plane or car, my main goal is usually comfort. I used to carry a travel pillow, but the U-shape never seemed to cradle my head comfortably, so I tried a different approach. I found a unique set that included a blanket and an eye cover inside a zippered pillowcase, which is much more versatile than it sounds. 

To say I adore it — I wrote a love letter to it — is an understatement. It’s designed so you can put an airplane pillow or folded fabric inside the cover to create a pillow, snuggle with the blanket, and reduce light. As a bonus, the blanket included with my cashmere set is also nice enough to double as a shawl.​

Menopause often brings on hot flashes (I don’t get them too badly, thankfully!) and disrupted sleep, and unless you’re flying in business or first class, a long-haul flight can be really uncomfortable — especially for your legs. I came across a foot hammock that has elevated my in-flight game immensely. 

You simply place the hammock strap over your tray table and slide your feet onto the padded bar. The result is a makeshift footrest that helps you get cozy. If you have to ride in the back seat on a road trip, you can lengthen the adjustable strap and place it over the front seat headrest instead.

Nowadays, my skin and hair can be unpredictable, so I take my tried-and-true toiletries along with me everywhere I go. TSA regulations for carry-ons cap off at 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per bottle, meaning that large-size bottles need to go in a checked bag. However, I’ve found that the beeswax salve from the Savannah Bee Company can do multiple wonders in a pinch. 

Even when I’m home, I keep a tin in my purse to hydrate my lips, tame hair flyaways, keep my hands from looking crepey (IYKYK), and moisturize cracked heels while I’m out and about. It’s available in two formulas — I use the spearmint, which isn’t overly minty —  and a little bit goes a long way.​

Before menopause, the only time I snored was when I was lying on my back while pregnant, but now I wake my husband with my heavy breathing. (In my defense, I come by it honestly, as both my grandmother and dad could keep a whole house awake with their log sawing.) One of my big fears about falling asleep on a plane is lying there with my mouth open for all to see (add in thoughts of wheezing, snoring, or drooling, and it’s enough to keep me from falling asleep), so mouth tape helps me avoid a potentially embarrassing situation. I’ve also used a chin strap, which is helpful, but it can also slide around with movement, so I like using mouth tape just in case.

As a word of caution: There are risks when it comes to mouth taping (difficulty breathing, allergic reaction, etc.), so speak to a doctor before trying it out.