​​When traveling over Shabbos, we rely on a flat, lightweight griddle to warm up and keep our food hot. It’s compact and easy to pack in a suitcase without taking up much space or adding significant weight.

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For food, we’ve found that ordering from ShabbosOnTheGo (Greenfeld’s Catering) is the most convenient option within the continental USA. Orders can typically be placed until Wednesday or Thursday, and most meals are customizable with a wide range of choices. They’re shipped overnight, arriving fresh and ready to heat, making the entire process simple and stress-free.

If you’d rather bring your own food to save on shipping costs, many kosher takeout spots offer vacuum-packed or triple-wrapped meals ideal for travel. Pomegranate, for example, provides ready-to-go options that are both delicious and travel-friendly. Because the meals are triple-wrapped, they can technically be heated in any oven, though we usually stick to using our griddle.

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In terms of wine, Bartenura is widely available in many supermarkets throughout the US, Canada, and even in some Caribbean destinations.

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For Yom Tov trips like Pesach or Sukkos, we often ship our paper goods and disposable tableware directly to our hotel or Airbnb. Luxe Party is our go-to for elegant, high-quality cutlery and paper goods that really elevate the table and atmosphere. Be sure to confirm with your Airbnb host that USPS or UPS can deliver to their location. On a recent trip to Hurricane, Utah, we learned the hard way that some Airbnb properties don’t accept deliveries, so it's definitely worth checking in advance.

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To keep the kids entertained during long Shabbos afternoons—especially in places like Iceland, Norway, or during the summer months—we make sure to stay near a local playground. It’s worth doing some research before booking accommodations to ensure there are play areas nearby. Many resorts in Florida and the Caribbean also offer playrooms in addition to outdoor playgrounds. We also pack small toys and games, or if we’re tight on space, we’ll pick up LEGO sets, Duplo, or puzzles at a local store to keep the kids happily occupied.

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Before you travel, check if there’s a local eruv, especially if you’ll want to carry items or push a stroller on Shabbos. Many communities post their eruv boundaries online. It’s also a good idea to look into nearby minyanim or a Chabad House. These can be great resources for davening, meals, and even meeting other Jewish travelers. Just be sure to call ahead to confirm davening and meal times and availability.

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We also recommend packing a travel-sized Havdalah and candle-lighting kit. Make it a habit to restock your Shabbos travel bag after each trip so it’s always ready to grab and go while packing. We store ours with our suitcases to ensure it never gets left behind. Don’t forget to include a lighter or matches as well, some hotels and Airbnbs have electric stovetops or no open flame policy, so having your own supplies is essential for candle lighting. A few Ziplock bags and disposable foil pans can be lifesavers too, whether for organizing meals, reheating food, or storing leftovers.

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Lastly, if you're staying in a hotel that uses key cards, we’ve found a helpful trick for Shabbos and two-day Yom Tov stays: use a luggage tag as a temporary sticker over the doorjamb to keep the door from locking. Just be sure to request a room on a lower floor with access to an unlocked staircase to avoid elevator issues.