Thursday · July 2, 2026 · Rome, Italy ☂️
5 Things I Wouldn't Travel Abroad Without in Midlife
A postcard from Rome. Turns out I want to write a love letter to my umbrella.
Hey you, it's me.
Today I found myself laughing because there are a few things in my suitcase that have officially earned VIP status. Before this trip, I thought I'd come home talking about the Colosseum, the pasta, and the beautiful churches. Instead, I'm over here wanting to write a love letter to an umbrella, and honestly, I didn't see that coming.
Travel has a funny way of teaching you what actually matters.
If you're planning your own trip abroad, especially in midlife, here are the five things I wouldn't leave home without again.
1. A UV Umbrella
This has been my unexpected MVP. The European summer sun is no joke, and shade isn't always easy to find. That little umbrella has made long sightseeing days so much more enjoyable. If you're heading to Europe in the summer, buy one before you leave. Comfort wins.
2. A Portable Charger
Between Google Maps, boarding passes, translation apps, photos, and videos, my phone works harder on vacation than it does at home. A portable charger has saved me countless times.
3. An Airplane Phone Holder
I almost didn't buy one, and now I can't imagine flying without it. It clips to the tray table, making movies, books, and flight tracking so much easier.
4. A Travel Journal
Pictures capture what I saw. My journal captures what I felt. Every night I've written down the little moments I never want to forget. Years from now, I won't remember every restaurant, but I'll remember who I became.
5. Washcloths
If you're traveling through Europe, pack a couple of washcloths. Many hotels don't provide them. It's amazing how something so small can feel like such a luxury when you're away from home.
One more thing that has made a huge difference is my foot sling for the airplane. Because of my fibromyalgia, compression socks actually make my legs swell more. Elevating my feet during long flights has been much more comfortable for me. Midlife has taught me to stop following generic packing lists and start listening to my own body. There comes a point where comfort becomes more important than looking like everyone else, and I'm perfectly okay with that.
The older I get, the less interested I am in packing what everyone else says I need. I'm more interested in packing what helps me enjoy the adventure.
I'm waiting on your note~
What is one thing you'll never leave home without? Tell me your VIP travel item.
Send Jenn Your VIP Item ↓I love you.
Just stay sweet out there, until my next postcard.
Sharing love from Rome,
~ Jenn
P.S. Come follow this journey with me in real time over on Instagram, @justjennboard.
P.P.S. Quite a few of you have asked about the things I packed for Europe. Send me a note and I will link everything I actually use — umbrella, charger, phone holder, journal, and airplane foot sling. If I ever use affiliate links, they may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I've personally used and genuinely love.
A Few Questions I Get Asked
The honest answers.
What are the best midlife travel essentials?
The best ones aren't the trendy ones. For me it's a UV umbrella, a portable charger, and a foot sling I won't fly without. The right essentials are the ones that keep your body comfortable and your days easier.
Why pack a UV umbrella?
Because European summers are brutally hot, and shade often isn't available when you need it. My umbrella turned long, hot sightseeing days into something I could actually enjoy.
Should everyone wear compression socks on a flight?
Not necessarily. Listen to your body. Fibromyalgia makes compression socks uncomfortable for me, so I use a foot sling instead. Ask your doctor what is right for you.
Why keep a travel journal?
Photos remember the places. A journal remembers who you were becoming.
Write Jenn a Note Back
She reads every one.