The Top Travel Gear for Easier Trips, According to Seasoned Travelers

Essentials such as compression socks and luggage keep older adults moving

a bag, hat, lunchbox, pillow, and suitcase with a green background

Experienced travelers choose gear that delivers comfort and mobility support without sacrificing style or function. (Clockwise): Klipsta Hat clip, Cocoon CoolMax Travel Blanket, Paz Water Bottle Sling from Bagsmart, World Travel Essentials Toiletry Bag from Travelon, Aleon Overnight Business Carry-on.

AARP (Getty Images, courtesy Klipsta, Cocoon, Bagsmart, Travelon, Aleon)

Annita Stokes Thomas,

AARP

Published June 17, 2025

In this story

face it: Traveling at 65 isn’t the same as traveling at 25. I’ve swapped oversized backpacks and flimsy shoes for gear that actually works. After four decades of globe-trotting, I’ve discovered no-gimmick essentials that ease back strain, support joints and keep me comfortable wherever I land.

In addition to my personal recommendations, I brought in a few road-warrior friends to share their top picks and the items they’re eyeing.

Gear that delivers comfort and mobility support without sacrificing style or function is important for the 50-plus club. According to a recent AARP survey, mobility is the No. 1 travel concern among older adults requiring accommodation, with 75 percent citing challenges; vision comes in at No. 2, with 13 percent citing it as an issue. The good news: Travel is not slowing us down. The survey says 70 percent of travelers over 50 plan to take a trip in 2025.

We’re not done exploring, we’re just doing it smarter. And with the right travel gear, we can go farther and with greater ease. Let’s get ready to hit the road.

compression socks with illustrations of circulation

Go Travel Flight Socks work as compression socks, offering support to tired legs.

Courtesy Go Travel

Compression socks

Compression socks improve blood circulation and prevent deep vein thrombosis during long-haul flights, bus rides or road trips. Go Travel Flight Socks ($25) work as compression socks and are just plain comfortable to wear, effectively easing the discomfort of tired legs and feet. “I wear them for ankle support because I’ve sprained my ankles a few times, and once you sprain an ankle, it’s never the same,” says Eileen Gunn, a travel writer who is frequently on the road. “I started wearing them for pickleball. But I also wear them for other activities where it’s easy to turn your ankle, like hiking. ... They look goofy … but if it allows me to be more active and more confident that I’m not going to get hurt, why not?” Also consider Vim & Vigr Compression Leg Sleeves (starting at $32) and Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks (from $34).

a side-by-side shot of a bag on an airplane and a blanket

Travel blankets are good to have on hand while traveling. Gravel’s Layover travel blanket (left) and the Cocoon CoolMax travel blanket come with sacks to carry them in.

AARP (Courtesy Gravel, Cocoon)

Travel blankets

On travel days, I usually alternate between being too hot and too cold. I keep two blankets on hand: one for style, the other for function. Cocoon’s CoolMax Travel Blanket ($50 for 70 by 55 inches) offers temperature-regulating comfort through a fabric that adjusts to chills and hot flashes alike. It doubles as a chic scarf for my evening outings and is made from 100 percent recycled materials — cozy for me and kind to the planet.

The Gravel Layover Travel Blanket ($99 for 40 by 66 inches) is lightweight and built for just-right comfort — not too hot, not too cold — making it easy to adjust to my changing body temperatures. I can snap it around my neck, tuck my feet into the deep lower pockets, and I am hands-free, relaxing on chilly flights, cool campfire nights or long road trips. Both of these travel blankets are packable and fold into a sack I stuff into my carry-on.

Another consideration is the Wrap 4-in-1 Travel Blanket ($40 for 38 by 72 inches) from Travelrest.

Travelon's Seat and Walking Cane in One is a cane and a fold-flat seat.

Courtesy Travelon

Seats, canes and camping stools

City tours, cruise excursions and sporting events can mean walking for long periods of time. Stay supported and take a breather. The Travelon Seat and Walking Cane in One ($45) works as both a cane and a fold-flat seat. Its three-legged design offers stability for walking and sitting. It’s lightweight and compact. I especially like having a seat when I know long lines mean standing too long — and triggering lower back pain.

Patricia King, 74, recommends something she has used during her 14 years as a travel writer: the lightweight CebraBounze three-legged canvas camping stool ($13) for older adult travelers with mobility challenges. “I find it very helpful in long lines or long waits,” says King. “It folds like a camping chair, allowing you to travel hands-free. Its compact design makes it easy to carry and set up, offering a welcome break whenever needed. … It not only enhances comfort but also restores a sense of freedom and confidence.”

Another choice is a Bsrozki folding cane seat with LED light ($66), which makes it easier to navigate paths in the dark.

a person wearing fuschia shoes sitting on a rock outside

Oka Recovery shoes have soft cushioning and a deep heel cup with arch support.

Courtesy Oka Brands

Shoes

In my younger days, I packed shoes to match every outfit. My strappy sandals and heels offered no support, however, and I had achy feet and sore ankles by the end of the day. Now my go-to for happy feet is Oka Recovery shoes ($50 for slides or flip-flops). I find the design a perfect match for my 68-year-old feet, with soft cushioning for impact absorption, and a deep heel cup with arch support to help distribute pressure evenly, helping with stability. This is super important to me: After taking a very hard fall last year, I’m much more aware of feeling stable with each step I take. Also, after long, active days, there’s less foot fatigue, and I can keep moving into the evening.

While on the road, I’ve noticed many travelers in our 50-plus club wearing shoes by Hoka (from $104). The line has something for everyone and covers all activities: hiking, running, working and everyday lifestyle. Patricia Wells and I recently traveled together on a 14-day cruise. I noticed her shoes and how she was always ready for our next excursion. “I originally purchased [the Hoka shoes] for building up my daily walking stamina to walk the Camino,” she told me. “I have very fussy feet and calves. I was up to [nearly 8 miles] per day without any angry feet! Love them.” She convinced me. Now I want a pair.

I’ve always been a fan of Skechers active footwear (from $65) and have a pair for walking. I especially like how fashion-forward they are. I can feel girly-girly and know my feet will be comfortable and stable while walking cobblestoned streets in Europe.

(From left) Bags from Away Travel, Aleon and Portland Gear provide easy access to your items.

AARP (Courtesy Away Travel, Aleon, Portland Gear)

Luggage

Luggage from Props ($399) helps travelers maximize packing ease and minimize physical strain. Props says it is the first to feature a patent-pending leg system that keeps bags off the floor. Its bags also have dual spinner wheels and three-stage extendable handles.

Broadcaster Troy Petenbrink, 55, has been a travel journalist since 2008. He says that as he gets older he doesn’t want to bend over to retrieve items from his bag when it’s on the floor, and he doesn’t want to put a bag on a clean bed or other piece of furniture. For that reason, Petenbrink is a fan of Props. “I have taken it with me on a number of cruises, which was very helpful given that cruise cabins have limited space and no luggage stands,” he says. “Taking Props solved both problems.”

Perfect for travelers 50-plus, Lieber’s Legacy (21 inches, $460; 28 inches, $560) is packed with features that make travel easier and safer. The easy locking system on top of the bag keeps me from having to bend and stretch to lock and unlock it. Saving my back from extra strain before, during and after a trip makes for a much more fulfilling getaway. Its lightweight, hard-side frame is easy to lift and protects belongings, while spinner wheels offer smooth maneuvering. I love how the extendable handles reduce joint strain and pressure on my wrists. And with Lieber’s “No-Holds-Barred” warranty, I can vacation stress-free, knowing replacement and repairs are taken care of.

Designed for savvy, seasoned globe-trotters, the Aleon Overnight Business Carry-on (21 inches, $739) combines sleek style with smart function. I always travel with recording equipment for my radio show, Travel With Annita, and the vertical opening makes it easy to grab my electronic equipment when going through airport security. Oftentimes I am asked to take some of my recording devices out for additional inspection. With this case, there is no awkward bending or heavy lifting, and it really helps in situations where I need to gather things quickly and move along. Crafted from lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum, it’s durable, and it’s an eye-catcher — I can’t count the number of times someone has stopped me to admire the case. Plus, it’s compliant with airline carry-on requirements, a big win.

The Portland Gear Cascade Backpack ($109) is built for active boomers who value comfort, ease and style. It’s my go-to bag for weekend getaways to the Georgia coast. Lightweight and with padded shoulder straps, it minimizes strain on my shoulders and offers easy-access compartments to keep everything in view. It’s weatherproof, too.