These come in super compact, vacuum-sealed packs.  Or you could also just wait and catch a belt bag/ fanny pack from a float (Krewe of Freret throws my Face paint crayons : We keep a little pack of these in our backpack ice chest chairs just for fun. You can use it to stash your drinks and snacks, mark off a place to stand, and carry back all the throws

+Pope Benedict XVI Do not lose heart, even if you should discover that you lack qualities necessary for

Starbucks $10 gift card (4 pack), $40 : Kids LOVE having their own money for grown up outings. You can choose larger variety packs or different flavors here . Be extra awesome and throw in a pack of batteries. The set comes with wooden pellets; add a package of the soft wool version so they can play inside, too

Saltwater sandals I always pack these, wherever I'm going. They won't take any space in packing. Waterproof white sneakers You should pack at least one pair of waterproof shoes when you travel. like these will pair with anything you'd wear to a wedding or the opera; they are comfortable; they pack And a parting low-cut sock hack: Tuck the back of your sock over the heel of your shoe; they'll stay

Can't wait to see y'all back here next week with a fresh crop of posts about making any place a pilgrimage in New Orleans My New Orleans: the Elmer house How not to melt and die in New Orleans Travel How to pack a week of outfits into one backpack Another week in a backpack What to do in Ireland Ireland packing

Pack your beach bag right. Before you pack up, take time to reflect and write down the graces you received.

It’s a country packed with Catholic history (and regular history), rugged natural beauty, charming city I packed gloves, but didn’t use them. Next time, I think I’ll bring a packable down jacket.  Related: A cold weather packing formula 2. Poland is a kingdom of sweets, and we can be moderate back at home. Pick just about any church in Krakow: a monastery? a parish church? a historic cathedral?

I’ll also be sharing my comprehensive Dauphin Island guide all this week, so come back each day for everything you need to know about the island, what to pack, what to do, and how to make every place a pilgrimage It has no flashy boardwalk with expensive mini-golf and amusement-park rides, no neon nightlife, no endless Come back every day this week for my travel guide with everything you need to know to enjoy Dauphin Island with your people: what to pack, what to do, and how you can make every place a pilgrimage. _________

Post-holiday, pre-Mardi Gras winter is the ideal time for City Park. City Park is gigantic—50 percent larger than New York Central Park (!). It's one of the oldest urban parks in the United States, dating back to 1854. The park houses the largest collection of mature live oaks in the world. , head to City Park.  

Locking silicone jar lids (4), $15 : We use glass jars to pack soups, pasta, leftovers, and even jar I dislike over-the-door hooks and racks because they don’t work well in our old house with nary a plumb These handsome hooks have been an ideal solution applied to the back of the bathroom closet door. I’m planning to add a set to the back of every door in the house!

+Pope Benedict XVI Do not lose heart, even if you should discover that you lack qualities necessary for

So while some dread packing for a trip, I love it. A chance to consolidate all you need into one gloriously minimal package? Yes, please. Happy packing! Bon journée et bon voyage.