New Jersey: Packing Heavy in the Garden State

I'm practically the poster child for overpacking. I've always believed it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to packing, so I tend to throw in extra of everything – bras, socks, underwear, an extra toothbrush, you name it. Plus, those who listen to us on the radio know I'm a germaphobe, so I always pack multiple pairs of flip-flops to ensure my feet never touch the floor, not even in the shower.

Recently, I stumbled upon a survey that caught my attention: "The U.S. States With the Most Overpackers [2024 Survey]". It got me intrigued to learn more about how my fellow New Jerseyans handle their packing habits. Certainly, I can't be the only one who packs for a month when it is only going to be a week-long stay. This survey looked into how much people typically pack. It also looked into when they start packing. I know for me, I have to start at least a week ahead of time. The study found that extra fees influence their packing decisions.

According to the survey conducted by UpgradedPoints.com, Pennsylvania takes the crown for the state with the most overpackers. I am proud to say, as a New Jerseyan, it turns out we are not far behind. That means New Jerseyans also like to pack more than the average American, especially when it comes to essentials like shirts, pants, shoes, underwear, and socks.

The survey also revealed what goes into our packing habits. It seems a good number of us start packing a few days before the trip. I have to start laying out my clothes and accessories a good week before the trip to go over every outfit that I plan on wearing every single day. On the other hand, there are folks like my husband who like to leave all the packing until the very last minute.

It seems like we from the East Coaster like to be prepared for any situation. Whether it's a formal event or a casual day out, we will have the attire to go with the flow. On the other side of the coast, there are states like Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington that prefer to keep it light when it comes to packing. They kind of have that minimalist mindset which carries over into their packing. It would honestly make packing and unpacking less stressful but, I just can't seem to adopt that mindset. I like having my stuff!

Maybe it's time for us New Jerseyans to rethink our packing strategies and save ourselves from those dreaded overweight luggage fees. After all, do we really need five pairs of shoes for a week-long trip? Probably not.

There are incredible destinations that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list. The world is full of incredible places that can fill our lives with wonder and excitement. These places might seem like they're from a dream, but they are real and waiting for us to explore. Let's take a journey into the joy of travel and discover some amazing destinations that you should add to your travel bucket list.

Picture a place where rocks and caves create a scene that looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale. This is Cappadocia, Turkey. Its unique rock formations and ancient cave houses are a true marvel of nature. Travel a bit further, and you'll arrive at Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives. When night falls, the ocean lights up with tiny, glowing plankton. This magical phenomenon turns the shoreline into something out of this world.

But the wonders don't stop there. In Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni, a vast salt flat, transforms into a giant mirror when it rains. This surreal sight makes us question what's real and what's not, proving that nature loves to play tricks on us in the most delightful ways. In Northern Ireland, the Giant's Causeway will make you feel like you've stepped onto another planet. Its neat arrangement of rock columns looks like the work of a skilled artist.

The world is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be enjoyed, offering us a chance to witness the surreal and the enchanting firsthand. As travelers, we're curious about the world's unique treasures. Many places deserve special attention on your travel bucket list, whether you're after a serene beach experience, an off-the-grid retreat, or an exploration of a new city abroad.

Take a look at these eight seemingly unreal places to add to your travel bucket list.

This Arizona canyon was naturally carved by rainwater streams within the sandstone. The Navajo Nation gave it the name 'The place where water runs through rocks.' Visit Arizona explains that the Upper Antelope Canyon tour is more frequented due to increased sunlight and towering walls reaching 120 feet. Alternatively, the Lower Antelope Canyon tour is equally remarkable, providing visitors with an immersive encounter among the swirling sandstone walls.

Among the world's largest springs, the Grand Prismatic measures an expansive 370 feet in diameter, exceeding the size of a football field. Its vibrant appearance stems from bands of orange, yellow, and green that encircle the deep blue waters. These diverse colors originate from different strains of thermophile bacteria, thriving in the progressively cooler waters around the spring, as explained by Yellowstone National Park. For a bird's-eye-like view of the Grand Prismatic, they suggest visitors follow the half-mile Fairy Falls trail to a lookout.

Located in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert, the Door to Hell is a large fiery crater. It emerged when a natural gas field accidentally caught fire in 1971 and has been burning continuously since then, according to National Geographic. A well-visited tourist spot, the Door to Hell permits visitors to hike down into the crater for a close view of the flames and an opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of the site. The Door to Hell, also referred to as the Darvaza Gas Crater, is located in a rural part of the country.

Found along Iceland's South Coast, the Diamond Beach is a volcanic black sand shoreline adjacent to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Ice blocks from the glacier lagoon wash ashore after breaking into smaller pieces at sea, as mentioned in the Diamond Beach Travel Guide. The beach is also a natural habitat for seals.

According to the Tongass National Forest, the Mendenhall Glacier is among the numerous expansive glaciers originating from the Juneau Icefield, an area spanning 1500 square miles of rock, snow, and ice. The glacier gradually advances under the influence of gravity, descending down the slope. Over time, it carves the bedrock and erodes during its 13-mile path until it reaches Mendenhall Lake.

Located on the Oregon coast near Cape Perpetua, there's a large sinkhole that appears to swallow seawater continuously, resembling a bottomless pit. According to Yachats Oregon, it's often called the "drainpipe of the Pacific." They explain that the well is actually a hole in the rock that gives the impression of draining ocean water. Some researchers believe this well might have started as a sea cave shaped by waves. Over time, its roof likely collapsed, creating openings at the top and bottom, which spray ocean water.

Found close to the town of Gryfino in West Pomerania, Poland, the Crooked Forest consists of 400 peculiarly contorted pine trees. As revealed by Discovery, these pine trees were planted approximately in 1930, back when the area was part of the German province of Pomerania. Starting from the ground, the pine trees exhibit a distinctive feature: they grow with a sharp 90-degree bend towards the north, before gracefully straightening up towards the sky.

The beach is named for its pink sand, which comes from tiny organisms in the coral reefs nearby. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and see marine life like sea turtles and manta rays in the clear water. The beach also has great views of hills and turquoise waters.