8 International Packing Lists Must Haves!

Our trip is coming soon. As of now, it is back on for March. We are going to Israel! But we don't want to check in luggage. Instead, we want to bring only carry-on luggage. That means that I have to be selective in what we bring. I've been studying other travelers posts on doing it. This past year I had tried some new products and determined which ones posed usefulness when we are talking long, daily treks to multiple cities. I want to show you just how I'm making our dream come true of going international without over-packing!

Must haves!

Kub dry wipes were something I was able to test for a review. I'm glad I did! Having wipes on long trips is a necessity. You can use them to freshen up or for cleaning up when soap and water isn't readily available. However, most wipes that come pre-wet are heavy. Since we are planning to use a single carry-on and personal bag for each us, we have to stay mindful of weights. These dry wipes are lighter, more durable than paper towels, and if I get them slightly wet, will be perfect for any use I might need.

Water bottles are nice, but require free hands to carry them. Otherwise you have to bring some kind of carrier too. That means extra stuff in your bag. Why bother with a water bottle at all? Well, for starters, it saves you money. Airport waters are expensive. One blogger said she had to pay $4 for a bottle before she started bringing her own! And since we plan to be hiking 9 miles a day, that would be a lot to have to purchase repeatedly. Instead, we are taking empty CamelBaks through security at the airport and refilling, every chance we get. Did you know that some airports have water bottle refill stations?? CamelBaks take up little room when empty, and with the mouthpiece being designed as it is, we can easily put it in our backpacks that we are planning to take along as well. With me having to use a cane at times, this will also help me keep everything centralized. I need an empty hand for steadying myself at times as it is. 

Blister care is something I'm acutely aware of. I've had them, I hate them, and I will do whatever I can to avoid them. We bought new shoes for me along with inserts for the both of us. But I wasn't ready to stop there. I had recently tested out a sample of a product that I think is absolutely amazing in preventing or even helping with healing blisters. Compeed Advanced Blister Care. I had tried one of these after walking the treadmill in old shoes had left me limping. After wearing one for about an hour, I was feeling so good. I even showered in it and it stayed on.

By the next day, my blister was almost completely gone. So with the knowledge that we will be walking and not getting days of rest in between, I want to be able to keep going without interference. From what I've seen online, you should be able to find them in Walmart, Rite Aid or on Amazon.

My own personal pharmacy is another reason we need to bring along at least one backpack. Between my husbands allergies and headaches and my pain and headaches, we need to have easy access to over the counter meds no matter where we go. I have Pillsteer pill organizers kept in various places. We have one in the bathroom, one in my purse and I keep one packed in our bug out box. They are neatly labeled and easily accessible for all uses. When traveling overseas, you only have to have your prescriptions in their original packaging. At least that is what I've gathered from all my research. I plan to have one in my backpack during the whole trip.

A scarf is a must have, especially for women traveling to Israel. They have multiple uses. On the long flights, they can double as a shawl or small blanket to bring comfort and warmth. They can also accentuate and change up your styles. If you are only bringing the carry-on, and a personal item, then you want to bring clothing that can be swapped from time to time. Multiple outfits from fewer pieces. Having a scarf can help change up the looks. And lastly, you will need one to cover your head if you plan on visiting certain areas. Like the Western Wall or the Temple Mount. I have a couple scarves I'm planning to pack for the trip. 

Empty bags are also important to have packed. This one was rather genius! You might need to put excessively soiled clothing separately. Or maybe you need to repack something that leaked. Having a few bags, maybe even in various sizes, on hand will be invaluable.   

Power plug adapter is a must when you are traveling overseas . Here is something we shopped around for. And I'm very glad we did. I found this one on Amazon. I plugs into the wall as the adapter, I can plug in and add up to 4 USB plugs. I love it! 

Don't forget batteries! In addition, we planning to bring both cameras. I have one that is waterproof for the days when we plan to go somewhere that will be wet. We purchased extra batteries for them. The last thing we want is to exhaust our batteries while snapping photos everywhere we go.         

I have been creating lists for traveling on Pinterest. These lists also include packing tips. Let me know what you think I may have missed! Or what you may bring on a trip like this. I love hearing from you guys.

Fulfilling Travel Dreams: Prepping For Israel

 I have wanted to travel the world ever since I knew there was more to it than home. I have loved studying foreign cultures. Trying foods that are exotic! In my early college years, I loved wearing Asian-styled dresses. I even wanted to buy a real kimono so I could get the feel of my favorite Japanese anime characters. I participated in a World of Nations event one year. It was amazing! When I worked at the library, I probably made some of the volunteers uncomfortable with all my questions. We had a Chinese guy, 2 Pakistani brothers and a guy from India. I wanted to learn what I could from these people. They had come to our country from theirs. And their knowledge would be firsthand. Not the visitors observations that I read in books! Since then I've also made Mexican-born friends, worked under someone from New Zealand, had a pen pal in Australia, and made friends with a family in the United Kingdom. My most recent friend I've made is the illustrator of my children's book from Sri Lanka. 

 

I've only wanted to travel more!

Talking to all these people has only furthered my desire to travel. I want to see the places they described. For the longest time, however, the idea of traveling seemed a dream unless referring to a place within the United States. My husband and I would talk about all the places we wanted to see "one day". His #1 place to see was Israel. While I thought it would be neat, it wasn't my first choice. Japan was. But the more he talked about it, the more I thought it sounded awesome. To walk where Jesus walked. "See where my faith began." To see an ancient city. Even more so if we planned this trip for just the two of us. We never did have a honeymoon after all. This would kinda be that for us. All while getting our feet wet in world travel. Best yet, we would be going with a group. Safety in numbers, right?

The church he was part of back in Colorado hosts a trip once a year (before the pandemic). They mention it often in their studies that we listen to online. It grew on me. Wanting to go with them. I didn't think it would happen any time soon though. We were working hard to pay off the vehicle we had purchased in early 2020 and had finally paid off the credit card debt. So when the church announced that they were planning a trip for February 2021, we were excited for them, while sad that we couldn't join in.

Then things changed!

One year after buying our new vehicle, we were able to pay it off! God has blessed us in that. We carefully planned out our budget month after month. That dedication has been rewarded. Our only remaining debt is my husbands school loans. And we have been paying towards that as well. About this time, we  heard the church announcing that the trip had been rescheduled for the end of 2021 due to travel restrictions. Well, with the car payment suddenly gone at the same time, we felt like God was opening the doors that would lead us to Israel. We decided that if this was truly meant to be, doors would continue to open for us. We just had to take one step at a time. 

Taking steps in faith...

The first step we had to take was to get a passport. Neither of us had ever done that. It can be a bit daunting, to be sure. But exciting nonetheless. We figured we would use that as the initial basis for whether this trip was meant to be. FedEx does passport photos! And they had a $2 off special when we did ours, making them cheaper than other places. So keep an eye open for deals. And remember, you might look like a killer because you aren't allowed to smile. But apparently, that is all okay!

Then we came up with the money for the first half of the trip fee. This was huge for us. Suddenly, I saw this as really happening. Which, for me, meant planning time! 

Making my lists and checking them twice!

I'm a huge list maker. I think it might even be a problem. Like a disorder. I have lists everywhere. For just about every thing. My first list was on Pinterest. I have created my own Travel Board there. I keep adding places I want to see to inspire me to push towards that goal. I started reading blog posts about traveling to Israel. What is the weather like? What do you need while there? What are some souvenirs that people bring back? I don't have to worry about where we are going. Those points of interests will be kept to where the group goes - including a camel ride! I have even learned that there are some restrictions on attire (especially for women). I decided to create a board just for my favorite blog finds. 

Now that I had answered some of my own questions through research, I needed to make a list of what we were lacking. We had planned the trip for November. Well, the weather is actually cooler in Israel at this time of the year. And since I'm not wanting to be wearing shorts when we might be going to places that prohibit them, I needed to get comfortable clothes. I've gotten by with my 2 pairs of jeans for so long. They don't fit comfortably, but they have been enough for those times when I had to get dressed to go out somewhere. But we are talking about a two week trip! Those jeans weren't going to cut it. So shopping for clothes was on my list. I'll post my clothing selections later on...

Comfortable Shoes!

My shoes were well worn. Our trip plans about 9 miles of walking each day. Can't do that without a good pair of shoes. Puma sneakers last us a LONG time. So we agreed to get me a pair of them, despite their price. Sadly, the shoe store didn't have my size in women's shoes. This giant lady had to get them in men's. To make sure my husband and I could stay comfortable the whole day through, we also invested in shoe inserts. Dr. Scholl's. My husband has been using those for years in his jobs. Plus there are those machines that give you a number to know which one will work best for you. Should have seen me on that thing, in my socks, moving as it told me to, and feeling totally uncomfortable while it took my results.

I bought a new luggage set to surprise my husband for his birthday. I got carry-on approved sizes. One thing I've learned in my study of international travel is that carry-on really is the way to go. Too often, your luggage can be lost or damaged when checked in. And the airlines love to tell you, "We are not held responsible". So, carry-on it is! But how do you fit 2 weeks of clothing for 2 people into your carry-on bags only? Well, there are plenty of packing tips out there. Some are truly genius! Check out this board if you need some guides on that. I just have to get a set for myself next.

With luggage, you should have luggage tags. Just in case anything happens, they can contact you. Make sure you write your name in pen, but your contact information should be in pencil. That way if you move or change your number, you can just erase and rewrite it. Or use white out if you'd rather use pen. I had one that was plain black that my mom gave me a long while back. My husband had one that was Back to the Future themed from a Lootcrate box. Then Walmart had these Nintendo controller ones for $1 in the travel section! I want to find another one for me. Maybe a unicorn! Something nerdy, and me.

I started prepping each thing we would need. Filled our pill case. After a comment from a reader, I looked into bringing medicine to Israel. From what I've learned, prescriptions have to stay in their original containers and the name on them has to match your ID or Passport. I've also made sure that my husbands inhaler won't be a problem. Apparently, some countries have outlawed inhalers. Others view ADHD or mental health issues as criminal. So I urge you to do your research before you start traveling!

Then I packed the clear quart-sized bags that follow TSA regulations. Ever heard of the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on? I had no idea what that meant. Everything liquid has to stay at 3.4 fluid ounces (3). This includes your deodorant! Everything in a single quart-sized bag (1) - clear being the best and fastest way to get through the searches. And only one of these bags per person (1). I ordered these from Amazon to carry our liquids. From what I've read, the travel sized hand sanitizer doesn't have to be included in this for now. Those can be clipped to the bag. Since Covid-19, this is now in addition to your normal packing to help stop the spread. Granted, that is iffy. It is up to the one searching your luggage to decide if they are okay with you bringing it that way or not.

I like to lay everything out and take stock of what I have chosen. By doing so, I can make sure that thought is put into each item. Do I really need it? Is there anything I'm missing here? Keeps me honest with needs versus weighing in too many 'what if' ideas. 

My husband and I both have picked which backpacks we will bring along for our days of walking. 

We also have our CamelBak packs to bring. Mine is an Ozark Trail one. I have fallen in love with this brand! They are high quality and often, less expensive than comparable brands. We will tuck them into our backpacks and have water to drink the whole day through. However, another tip you might consider is to bring an empty water bottle through the security check. You can fill it up once you pass through. And of course keep refilling on your trip.

I've been considering making snack packs of trail mix. My husband is not a fan of fish or hummus, both of which are popular in Israel. But we will see as we get closer! I've been so excited for this trip, despite recent events. Our group won't go unless the contacts there and travel agent can say it is safe. More posts on the preparations and then the trip to follow. So keep reading! Let me know what you think about my travel prepping in the comments below. I love hearing from you guys!

Packing For Our Trip to Israel

My husband and I are taking our first international trip that is scheduled for later this year, and we are going to Israel! I've been so excited as I prepare for it. Reading other travel blogs, gauging what we have versus what we need. I'd happily fast forward through most of this year just to get to that point! 

 

Traveling is so much work though! So much goes into preparing yourself for it. For someone who has only ever taken about week long vacations with the family, I'm certainly learning a lot. Trips overseas are a whole new experience for me. I can pack a bag. I can handle flights. Domestically speaking, that is. However, I've been learning a lot about packing for trips that involve more than a week in a foreign country. Here are the top 3 things that I think everyone should know. Hopefully, there will be more posts on traveling to follow. 

Tips and tricks I've been learning.

Tip 1 - Don't do check-in luggage if you can avoid it! Luggage gets lost, delayed or damaged. My in-laws can attest that. And we all know the response from the airlines. "We are not responsible." One thing I have seen time and again is that travelers are sticking to carry on. Cheaper fees, less risk. So that is the way we have decided to go as well. I bought this one for my husband's birthday and plan to get myself one later on. Both of these are TSA regulation for carry on's. The smaller one qualifies as a personal bag, while the larger one is considered standard carry on.

Tip 2 - Sensible shoes are a must. Walking over rough terrain and the uneven cobblestones are common over there. So having a good pair of shoes (and inserts for long days) is the proper path to take. I decided to get Puma shoes. I had a pair years ago. They lasted forever, felt amazing and went with anything.

Tip 3 - Condense where you can. Here is something I hadn't ever needed to do before. Since my husband and I are planning to be gone for just under 2 weeks, we have certain things we need to bring that could take up a lot of space. If you are familiar with my blog, you know by now that I have a broken back. Over the counter medicine is my go-to for the hardest days. I don't go blindly - 9 mile treks every day are about average for this particular trip. I'm probably going to cry myself into exhausted sleep at least once. Deep in my heart I know, it will be completely worth it. I typically need to rotate through Ibuprofen, Aleve, and Extra Strength Tylenol. I also use Excedrin Tension Headache for the migraines I get. But we buy the big bottles of these. I don't want to waste precious space on lugging them around. What to do? I saw this amazing idea of taking a plastic box with dividers instead.

I tried looking at a couple stores near me, but couldn't find one similar enough that had more sorting capacity. That is when I decided to check out Amazon. Talk about options! After going through several of these alternatives, we decided that the Pillsteer Travel Pill Organizer was the best.

It has 8 large compartments, comes with labels and it is waterproof! While I don't foresee taking it for a dip in Israel, there could be other times in the future where this feature can be appreciated. With this, I can easily carry enough pills for the both of our needs, that will last the whole trip. I don't want to have to stop off somewhere and look for meds. I will be prepared! 

                                                              My personal pharmacy!

It fits in my hand.

 Side note! 

This is one of the best $13.99, I have ever spent! Especially because of their customer service and dedication to excellence. This ships from an Amazon warehouse. My package was 'lost' temporarily. On the day it was scheduled to arrive, the Pillsteer company reached out to make sure I was satisfied with my order. Sadly, I didn't have my order yet. They told me to reach out to Amazon since there was no delivery updates to go on, but keep in touch if there were any problems. Amazon gave me a little of a run-around at first. I ended up waiting a few more days than was expected. Right before requesting a refund, however, the package finally arrived! I'm glad it did. I had been in contact with the customer service rep again. She told me to request a refund and they would gladly send my money back. After I told her I got it, she asked what I thought of it and said they would send me a free gift! So now I have two for the price of one.

Those places you don't want to be at....

There are places all over the world that are no longer functional or desired. Abandoned and lost in time. Noted for being "haunted", "scary" or just downright creepy. But people flock there in curiosity anyway. There are places that should send shivers down your spine at the very thought of visiting, but people still go for the thrill and excitement that the fear of being there gives them.

Take for instance the Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada.

Clowns have an inexplicable phobia surrounding them. Personally, I find them creepy. Non-trustworthy. So why in the world, would I go to a place with a giant clown on the sign and the name being a place for or of them?

And get this, right next to this hotel is a graveyard of miners that died during a plague outbreak.

That's creepy times three, if you ask me. So why do people go there?! You couldn't pay me to go there and I don't believe in ghosts or haunted areas. I read the reviews. Gotta love 'em... 

And those gamers out there... 

Traveling with children

All children are special. They say the darnedest things. Or see things in a way you don't. My kids do it all the time. I either scratch my head and wonder how that came to light with them or laugh until I could wet myself. On our trip, my oldest definitely had me laughing. 

I hear the seatbelt click as its being taken off. 

Me: Put that seatbelt back on!

Stephen: But mom, I need to fart. 

Me: .... So?! Put it back on. Then fart. 

Stephen: I can't fart if I'm sitting down. 

Me: *facepalm* What...? You have to wear a seatbelt so long as we are driving, son. So find another way to fart or wait until we stop again. 

We drive on and I fall asleep in the front. When we stop for gas, I change into shorts and brush my teeth. My oldest starts waking up and hands me a bottle with yellow liquid inside.

I've made enough long distance trips to know what's in the bottle. 

Stephen: *smiles* Guess what's in the bottle, mom! 

Me: I don't have to guess. I already know. Why did you pee in the bottle instead of asking us to stop? 

Stephen: Because you were taking too long to stop and I couldn't hold it. So I just had to pee in the bottle. 

I'm just going to be proud of him for not wetting himself. 

Later we get out of the car to grab a bite to eat. Immediately after jumping out the side, my middle child whips it out and starts peeing in the lot. I turn around and ask why?! "I had to pee. Oh and I peed while I was sleeping so my clothes are wet." 

In my head I'm thinking, there's a place with lovely restrooms just a few steps away. Nope, just couldn't wait. Had to show off those family jewels to the traffic-filled road and restaurant full of people. Way to go, son. 

Day 1 of my vacation

Already halfway through my first day on the road. We left about 3:30 this morning with 3 sleeping kids and a van filled with bags. iPad, tablet, DS... Yes! All set for the moment they wake up bored. I slept while Bryan drove the first part of the trip. Woke up around the time we hit Louisiana and found the Cajun music station. Cajun may be a dying language, but the music plays on so beautifully. I tried to find the Coushatta Reservation to show my children part of my heritage. Thanks to Google Maps, we ended up on a dead end road with "No Trespassing" signs everywhere. I tried. Instead we pressed on to see my great grandmother. 

This amazing woman has been a key role model throughout my life. Now she is 81 years old. She can barely walk, her mind comes and goes, and she's steadily losing weight. At about 90 pounds currently, I'm pretty sure I could lift her with ease. 

Seeing her as she is, I'm filled with two emotions. On the one hand, I'm so proud of her. She has lived through so much. If she could recall them, she has stories that make adventure books seem lame. But on the other hand, she is alone. She's outlived husbands, her mother, her son. Her sister has just about lost her mind entirely. Her memory comes and goes. My Nana's health has been on the downslope for many years. Falling, arthritis, osteoporosis, and Parkinson's disease. All of her remaining family lives in Florida or Texas. And some don't mind stealing from her if the chance arises. She actually longs for her day to "go". And it pains me to see her this way. But I know there's nothing I could do. I just tell her that God isn't ready to take her away. She brings a little more beauty into this world with everyday she is here. Sadly I couldn't stay as long as I wished. My children got rowdy and begged to leave (to my horror). 

Now we are on the 12 hour leg of our trip on to Florida. I get a little peace as the munchkins pass out. 

Onward we go!