For me, the
journey begins long before I depart. I
love the planning, preparing and packing before I go. What I have discovered is the more organized
I am the more I can relax and enjoy the trip.
Most of my trips involve multiple forms of transportation – planes,
trains, buses and boats, so it is important for me to be prepared for all
aspects of the journey without feeling the need to overpack.
Traveling
can be very stressful, especially around the holidays so it is critical that I
have a plan for how to minimize the discomfort and maximize my enjoyment. It all starts with good advance planning.
Make a List
First, I
write or print out my itinerary. Then,
for each day I make notes of what I will be doing and where I will be
going. That helps me plan my wardrobe
for the trip. I start with my travel
days and what I will need to wear and have with me for the journey. I add any special items that I might want to
take.
Next, I
print my master
packing list and make sure that I have all necessary travel size
items (toothpaste, shampoo etc.) before I begin to pack. I have used this list for many years, making
a few modifications along the way and it completely alleviates the stress of
worrying about forgetting something important.
Packing
Over the
years I have learned the importance of traveling light. I will never forget the trip I took to Europe
when the handle on my roller bag broke and I had to carry my bags across the
train platform and down the stairs in the pouring rain to get to a taxi. Every time I am tempted to overpack or even
check luggage I think of that experience and remember how much easier it is if
I pack light.
Before I
begin, I select a matching color palette.
Usually it is black for all bottom pieces and blue and purple prints for
tops and scarves. That way I only have
to take one color of shoes and everything goes together so I can mix and match
to make several outfits.
If I’m
traveling to a different climate it helps if I have all color coordinated
layers, so I don’t have to take separate items that I only will wear once or
twice. If I’m coming from or going to a
very cold location, I wear my coat and put it in a space compression bag, which
takes up very little room in my luggage.
Luggage
I am very
particular when it comes to my travel bags.
I have found that having the right luggage helps me to limit how much I
take and is easy and convenient for all my needs when I’m away from home.
The 2 bags I
take on almost every trip are my rolling backpack and tote bag. I can take both as carry on for planes and
trains, they are great, and I never have to check luggage. I put all my clothes and shoes in the backpack
and the items I need quick access to in my tote. I know where everything is, and I don’t ever
leave anything behind at hotels.
My tote is
always packed with the same items, so it is ready if I’m staying overnight at
my daughter’s house or taking a last-minute weekend trip with friends. It is also where I keep my passport, spare
phone charger, scarf and notebook so literally I can take a change of clothes
and be out the door in minutes.
Supplies
I travel for
work and pleasure, so I like to keep everything I might need with me. Most people I know joke about how prepared I
am but for me it is essential. I like to
be comfortable, especially with unforeseen delays and circumstances that arise
with travel especially around the holidays.
There are a
few items I always have – coffee and tea, water, snacks, sewing kit, miscellaneous
medical supplies (band aids, cold/allergy/pain medication, sleep aids
etc.). There is nothing worse than
getting to your hotel at midnight after a 3 hour flight delay with no food
available until the next day. Being able
to have a cup of tea and snack before going to bed makes me feel much less
deprived.
Attitude
Just like
anyone, I can get caught up in the stress and anxiety of travel. I try to remember that everyone else is
feeling the same way and try to make the best of the situation. I truly love to travel, and it is always so
much more pleasant when I can relax and enjoy the journey.
Wishing you
safe and happy holiday travels!
Do you go away for the
holidays? What are your favorite tips for easier travel? Share your stories and join the conversation!
