World traveller shares item to ‘always’ carry and packing routine for holidays

Irene counts Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Costa Rica as some of her favourite and most memorable trips.

Wherever she goes, she always follows the same packing routine, advising: “Always start packing from the feet upwards. Good shoes, not silly shoes, and a hat.”

Although older travellers may be more nervous about booking a holiday, Irene said it all comes down to the booking details.

She told Express.co.uk: “Choose your destination and do the research on it. Think about whether you have dodgy knees or if you get tired easily, then you can have a holiday that’s not so activity based. Be realistic about what you can do.

“Try a specialist interest trip. I like bird watching and I’d like to go on a specialist trip because I know everyone will be a birdie. So we’ll have a lot to discuss.”