As we prepare to travel to the Holy Land in 2022, I get excited and the first thing I like to do is PACK!
My reason to pack first when traveling, if my “stuff” is organized, I feel organized and I can settle down and enjoy the trip. So I get organized first!
I found two life changing ideas while dreaming of traveling during our COVID lockdowns that I want to share. You may already use these techniques but maybe we can share a few ways to slim down packing and make travel more enjoyable. Actually, I did a little traveling and it felt like I had never traveled. Never mind that I went to the Holy Land and Jordan in January 2020 and then to California in March 2020. When I traveled again in August of 2020, I felt rusty and stiff. I had spent months dreaming of traveling and I wasn’t ready. I found a these ideas and now I feel ready to GO! Which was just in time for travel soccer season!
Ok, here is what I’ve learned.
Pack your toiletries now and keep them packed. One less thing to think about when you start your trip. Refresh your bag when you get home from each trip so you are ready for your next one. Invest in travel size of your favorites. Your favorites will make you feel comfortable while on the road. Travel sizes packed now will alleviate the stress of packing things the night before you leave. If you are not picky, you can usually pick up basics at each hotel (hair care, soap, tooth brush, tooth paste, and razor) which saves space and hassles at the security line if you carry on all luggage.
Use a toiletries bag with a hanger so you can hang up all your toiletries (especially your toothbrush) if there is minimal amount of countertop space.
Once you have your toiletries honed to the smallest size yet everything you need, think about your clothes.
Clothing can be a challenge when traveling to any foreign land. When traveling to the Holy Land, it is best to pack with layers in mind. The Holy Land has multiple weather zones and different types of clothing are needed. Layers are key to success and comfort.
One of the best tips I received this year is an interesting new organization system. It is a hanging shelf. It hangs in your closet, you pack what you need, then it collapses down to fit into the suitcase. When you arrive at the hotel, pull it out, and hang it in the closet! All your clothes are organized, just like at home. Some even have a laundry basket in the bottom! I don’t have one yet, I’m still shopping. My friend has one and loves it!
I’ve also seen a similar product with shelves that collapse. Both keep clothes organized and easy to find. This saves time in the hotel room so you can enjoy the sites or more down time.
One reason I like these two ideas is the ease of packing and access to clothes. This is important in a pilgrimage trip with multiple hotel changes.
I don’t want to leave this topic without mentioning the old standby backpacker’s guide to packing. Roll and stuff. I have seen a team of girls reduce a pile of uniforms to mini rolls with military precision. Able to fit 3 uniforms and gear for a tournament into a small backpack. For me it is mind boggling.
More info for next time . . .
Keep watching the blog for more travel tips. I’m continuing to monitor the requirements for vaccines while traveling. I’m also monitoring the announcements of scheduled country openings.
Tina
