I am in Miami Beach for a quick vacation. My sister Lauren and I are really here to honor our elderly relatives. Aunt Marita just turned 100 and Camille, our first cousin once removed (though we always called her Aunt Camille) is 91. We have four nights here, but only three full days. I have seven pairs of shoes for this brief trip. Attempting to bring carry-on only, Lauren scaled down and brought five pairs. Between the two of us we have 12 pairs of size 9 shoes for three days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we observed what some might call excess, it reminded me of a book I\u2019d hoped to write back when I was writing books: \u201cYes, I Could Travel with just Two Pairs of Shoes, but Why?\u201d The subtitle was going to be: \u201cFinding Fun in a World focused on Efficiency.\u201d I never wrote the book as I never found an answer worthy of a book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, here in Miami, the whole concept came back to me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I could understand the minimalist packing mentality back when I was traveling all the time, going from one airport to another and having to be standing on the stage to give a speech within hours. Carrying on luggage could have been very important. Though even then I always had shoes for every outfit\u2014and I had more outfits than needed as I never knew which I would feel like when the getting-dressed moment would arrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I can understand if you are going to Europe and will be on and off trains or moving from one hotel to another, the two-pairs of shoes model might be appropriate. And those who ascribe to the plan seem mighty proud that they can pack so efficiently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, really, for those of us who have reached the Best-Life place and are no longer traveling for business\u2014our trips are for pleasure, why not bring shoes for each outfit? As long as I am checking my luggage, and I have room, why not bring anything I think I need? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I want to feel good when I look in the mirror\u2014both at home and when I travel. I am going to take photos that I will share with friends and family, and post on Facebook. One of them may even make it onto my Christmas card. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have cobalt shorts that go with a blue and white striped top. I have cantelope shorts that I wear with an embroidered shirt with cantelope, turquoise, red and green. Of course, I want cobalt shoes and cantelope shoes. I also have two different clear pairs with me\u2014which I wear with one of the three swimsuits. Gratefully, no one will mistake me for the all-in-black road warrior. I am traveling for enjoyment and am living my best life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s true, not everyone feels this way. Some are even proud of their efficient packing: \u201cI went three weeks through Europe with just two pairs of shoes.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If that is you, great! But if that is not you, do not a let friend or a spouse guilt you into following their minimalist model. If you have room and are physically able to manage your 50 pound suitcase, and you want multiple pairs of shoes, or<\/em> more clothes than you need, go for it! You\u2019ve earned it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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