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Pack Half as Many Items, Have Twice as Much Fun When you Travel

Pack Half as Many Items, Have Twice as Much Fun When you Travel

By Yehudit Garmaise

Planning to get away over Sukkos? 

Bring half as much stuff when you travel, and you will likely have twice as much fun.

Traveling light eliminates the constant feeling of being weighed down by a deluge of unnecessary belongings that you didn’t really need to bring.

Shlepping less not only means that you can more easily stay organized and find what you need, but it decreases shoulder pain and increases mobility.

Here’s how to explore the world for a week to 10 days: with nothing but one rolling carry-on bag, a tote bag, and for women, a very small purse.

Invest in good rolling carry-ons: so you don’t have to check in any luggage and then wait for hours at baggage claim. Plus, airlines cannot lose your luggage, which often happens when flying to Israel.

Lightweight carry-ons, such as ones made by Travelpro, which not only roll, but feature 4-wheel spinners that rotate 360 degrees, make rushing around airports and cities a breeze.

Pack only one outfit per day, unless you are going to a simcha, then, of course, you need a second outfit for that day. Choose only a few colors so that you can easily mix and match pieces. Also before packing, carefully consider the weather and the culture of city/neighborhood in which you will be staying. Pack only the items which you feel are the best.

Choose the most lightweight versions of all your clothing: so as to pack in most compact way possible. Thinner sweaters and zip-ups can keep you warm just as well as bulkier items, which just take up precious room in your carry-on.

Buy packing cubes: to keep similar items, such as socks, pajamas, and shirts, together to find them easily. After pulling a few things out of a suitcase, everything gets jumbled very quickly, so by keeping things together, you can find them without dumping everything out. 

Buy a small, compact toiletry bag that zips closed: and only pack the smallest possible versions of things you actually use on a daily basis.

Bring a plastic bag: for dirty laundry, so that it remains separate from your clean clothing.

Bring a tiny container of laundry detergent or a few laundry sheets: in case you need to wash anything in a sink. If you have access to a washing machine, that also makes things easier.

Pack only one pair of dressier shoes in a plastic bag: Wear the shoes that are more comfortable and easier to take on and off in the airport security line while you are en route. If you have room, you can stash a pair of flip flops to wear in unfamiliar showers.

For women: Only bring the jewelry you wear: so that nothing gets stolen or lost. Think carefully about what you bring, as everything with which you travel is at greater risk of disappearing.

Buy a small crossbody bag: to wear most of the time, so that you have your arms free, while having easy-access to your ID, your boarding pass, your Dramamine, a small snack, your phone, your glasses/glasses case, and a watch, as many rooms do not have clocks.

Bring a lightweight tote bag: on the plane for snacks, your lap-top, some reading material, and another non-bulky layer of clothing to keep you warm.

For men: Buy a more lightweight travel shtreimel or keep a shtreimel in a place to which you regularly travel. 

Bring along your sense of humor and patience: Delays, interesting other passengers, and various hassles and inconveniences may create stress, but just remember to enjoy your time away, and take note of everything for funny stories when you arrive.

Try not to buy many souvenirs, which you will have to jam in your suitcase on your return trip: Instead, take a lot of photos of interesting and beautiful sights, and enjoy the moments of fun and discovery.



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