Being a travel writer, it only makes sense that my passion for exploration runs in the family — after all, where else could I have inherited from? Both sets of my grandparents are avid travelers, taking on a number of international trips per year to destinations like Thailand, Italy, France, and so much more. 

My travel-loving grandparents have entered the “golden age” of their life, as my grandpa refers to it, enjoying retired life by exploring the world. But of course, that ability to travel with ease — and joy — comes with a fool-proof list of travel accessories to make the journey as smooth as humanly possible. With so much experience under their belts, I’ve tapped my grandparents to curate a list of their travel must-haves, including everything from their favorite slip-on sneakers to a portable walking cane in case of emergencies. Keep reading for their go-tos starting at just $5. 

Zomake Portable Metal Shoe Horn

“I don’t go anywhere without my pocket shoe horn,” my grandpa told me on our phone call the other night. I should’ve known it was going to be his first bit of advice to share with other retiree travelers, because for my entire life he’s had shoe horns littered all over his house (and in his bags) to assist him in putting on his loafers, sneakers, and other shoes everywhere from the front door to the rental cabin to the doctor’s office. He sent me the link to this handy $5 portable one, and even though I’m just 24 I’m considering adding it to my cart to make my life a bit easier, too. 

Kizik Madrid Slip-on Sneakers

My other grandpa doesn’t keep a shoe horn on him anymore because he has replaced nearly all of his shoes with these slip-on sneakers that he calls “the best invention since sliced bread,” and says that he “wishes he’d had a pair his entire life.” His devout love for these sneakers has also turned my grandma into a convert, and now the two happily sport their Kiziks all over Thailand walking from food stall to food stall. 

Samsonite Freeform 21-inch Carry-on Suitcase

My grandparents don’t have patience for heavy, squeaky luggage, and that’s why they swear by this Samsonite carry-on that comes equipped with four smooth-gliding wheels and a spacious-yet-compact build to keep all of their belongings conveniently packed. This suitcase weighs in at just over 6 pounds, which means that they don’t have to worry about lugging around a heavy bag and risk hurting themselves. They each have one of their own — and they’ll probably never travel with any other bag. 

Vera Bradley Triple Zip Hipster Crossbody Bag

As much as my grandmother loves her fancy shoulder bags, she says they’re “too heavy for long trips now.” That’s why she now travels with a lightweight crossbody bag that’s still spacious enough to hold onto her phone, passport, and other personal belongings but won’t weigh her down. She loves this Vera Bradley one for its “fashionable look and ability to keep [her] things close.”

Auvon Travel Pills Organizer 

When you’re traveling, it’s important to keep all of your pills in one convenient spot. My grandparents have one of these boxes that not only organizes all of their medications by the day of the week,but also by the time of day (morning and night) to streamline taking — and remembering — your medications. My grandma also advised me to tell other travelers to “pack an extra few days worth of medication just in case your trip gets delayed or extended.” Oh, and this set just so happens to be on sale for $8 for Prime Members. 

Ostrich Pillow Compression Socks

My grandparents have found that compression socks help relieve some of the discomfort and swelling that comes from prolonged restricted movement by stimulating circulation in your legs. And while they’ve tried a variety of pairs (including this Charmking Compression Sock Set of Eight) their current favorite is this one from Ostrich Pillow that I introduced them to. They absolutely love these socks for their “impressive comfortable compression,” so much so that they feel confident enough in them to brave our upcoming 24+-hour travel day to Thailand. 

Vaunn Portable Folding Cane

My grandpa sometimes needs extra assistance walking, especially during long travel days, and that’s why he always keeps this convenient portable folding cane on him. We got it for him last year, and since then he keeps it on him if his knee acts up or needs some help with balance. He finds that it’s better than traveling with his typical cane because he doesn’t have to worry about “a larger one taking up too much space in the airplane cabin or through TSA.”

Techshare Magnifying Glass and Light Keychain 

On a recent visit with my grandpa, he pulled out this handy dandy two-in-one magnifying glass and light at the dimly lit restaurant we were at and used it to read the menu and order his meal. I asked him when he started carrying it around, and he said his friend recommended it a year ago for reading handouts and other information while on-the-go. I found it utterly genius, and even better that it hooks onto his keys — all for a mere $8. It’s now a must-have for him that he can’t recommend enough to make travel smooth for other retirees. 

Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow

I gave my grandma this neck pillow last Christmas to replace her old one, and when I asked her how it held up, she said it’s so comfortable that as soon as she sits down on a flight, she immediately falls asleep and stays asleep the entire time. She’s also a fan of its convenient carrying bag that she said allows her “to keep it in her purse to rest in the car” as well. 

Loft Drop Shoulder Cardigan 

Both sets of my grandparents live in South Florida, and between the humid heat and blasting indoor AC, a good cardigan is an everyday and travel staple for them both. They both love styles like this lightweight one from Loft (and both happen to absolutely love everything from Loft) to add a bit of cozy warmth no matter where they are. Even better, this stylish one is on sale for $33 right now. 

Quince Women’s Linen Pants

Toward the end of my call with my grandma, I asked her if there was any other advice that she’d  like to share, and she said that travelers “shouldn’t waste their time with jeans or uncomfortable pants,” and instead should opt for a pair of pull-on pants that go on easy while remaining comfortable and breathable. She actually found this specific $40 pair from Quince in an advertisement online and has been obsessed ever since. I mean really, she has three pairs and counting. 

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