It's almost time for Santa's overnight trip distributing presents to all those well-behaved children across the land! It gives me pause when I think about the logistics - does he pack his OWN bag? Does he go through customs? Is he Team Carry-On or Team Checked Bag, given how burdensome that large sack is to tote around? What's in his personal item? Beard oil and a nice protein bar? Reindeer treats in case they get peckish? So many questions...
While I ponder all of Santa's issues with international travel, I have been reading a multitude of blogs/articles on how to pack like a minimalist. Full disclosure here - not a big part of my skill set. I can, however, Tetris just about anything in to a suitcase. The minimalist husband still lays out clothes for me to fold and pack before he goes on a work trip. I am great at rolling, packing cube-ing, and weight-estimating for the 50 pound limit.
What I am not great at, is not bringing everything I own.
When I am at home, I feel freedom in purging the "just in case" items and following my "< $20 dollars 20 minutes from home "rule. Travel, unfortunately, is a different issue. My above-mentioned packing skills just encourage me to cram in all 5 of those french horns.
I have tried to pack like a minimalist, as Courtney Carver suggests here. I like being Team Carry On because as mentioned in previous blogs, have a simmering anxiety related to lost items in travel. But I hate deciding what jacket/bag/shoes will be suit me when I arrive at my destination. And the weather? What will it be? Am I dressed for a hurricane?
I am not a big souvenir buyer, so I don't intentionally leave room for more stuff on the return trip. I do plan for every potential en route disaster, so I always have these in my personal item: extra underwear and a shirt, contacts for several days, toothbrush and a few toiletries, and all chargers. Should my luggage take a trip without me, I can at least survive with whatever else the local apothecary may have until we're reunited.
Here are Courtney's tips I am going to try during my holiday travel this year. Let me know if you have your own tips and what works for your minimalist life!
- travel day uniform - comfy black leggings, a travel scarf/wrap, and a short sleeved shirt.
- roll those clothes in the suitcase
- two pair of shoes - one for walking, one for looking cute
- just in case means never (goodbye french horns)
Happy holidays minimalist friends, and may your burden be light in your travels!
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