All My Bags are Packed!

Even though I am a stay-at-home armchair traveler, there are times in my life when a trip beckons! I have been persuaded to cast off my robe and slippers and leave my cozy study to head to warmer climes in the winter, or to visit younger relatives who live around the USA to have fun with them and share my wisdom. (ha!) I have traveled to special events, such as basketball games, national tree lightings and family milestone celebrations. While I am reluctant to leave my kitchen, patio and dog, once I make up my mind to go, I do enjoy planning a trip and I like to pack.

I am sharing my packing tips with you, as this is the time of year when you may be planning to enjoy spring break with a visit to a fun, sunny place.

I am an early packer- I am ready to go days before the trip. What about you? Do you like travel? Do you like to pack? Do you throw things in your bag the morning of your departure or do you plan and ponder?

See how I do it! It’s almost time to plan your spring break trip!

 

 

Packing Decisions

Many times when you travel, you face options and decisions to make about what to pack. If you are going to a warmer place- throw in your shorts and sleeveless tops. But what if it gets chilly at night? Or you get cool in the air conditioning? Or if there is a freaky cold spell?

What if you are going to the beach- add your swim suit and flip flops to your pile of shorts. But maybe you should take your old tried and true tankini in case you don’t lose that ten pounds that your new bikini requires?

And the most complicated of all- what if you are going to multiple cities with different climates,  or to a place where the weather changes abruptly- cold, then rain, then hot humidity, then snow? Pack it all, I say! But keep in mind the size of your suitcase if you are carrying it on a plane.  And let’s not forget shoes! Dressy? Casual? sports? Sandals? You will read much advice about limiting your shoes, but again I say- it’s your vacation- take them all!

 

 

 

 

The Necessities!

Are all your clothes tucked in your suitcase? Now it’s time tackle your books, ereader, tablets and cords and chargers! If you are like me, you want to have plenty to read and you want to keep up with your social media and business. Round up your books and/or load your ereader. Make sure you have charging cords with you in case you get stranded at the airport, or on a long road trip so that you can power up again.

 

Bottles!

There is something else that is vital to pack. Don’t forget your favorite bottle. (Of course you can’t carry that on a plane. We use towels and bubble wrap to secure it in our checked luggage.) Also, don’t try to get your corkscrew through TSA- my husband forgot that he had a corkscrew in his carry-on luggage- goodbye! We pack a bottle or two of our favorite libation because it’s so nice to get checked in, and then relax in the room with a little sip.

 

And finally, before you sit on your suitcase and strain to zip it shut, are there any special items that you can’t live without? Does anyone pack a sewing kit anymore? I need to remember to bring both my prescription and non prescription sunglasses. (One pair is for walking around outside, the other is for reading outside.) What about you- scuba gear, golf clubs, skis, stuffed animals, sports cameras, hover board, snacks, View Master, games, tea?

 

Good to Go!

Phew! Now it’s time to organize your itinerary, any maps, boarding passes, reservations, whether paper or digital. Do you follow the traditional packing rule that you should remove half your clothes and pack twice as much money?

 

Put identification tags on your bag and tuck one inside, too. You may want to add some kind of eye catcher so that you can easily tell which is your black bag as it rolls around the baggage carousel.

Wait…there’s one more thing!

If you have a career, I’m sure you’ve followed your work protocol about delegating your responsibilities while you are away, and I don’t have to remind you to set your email reply to the “vacation mode” do I? If you have an online or blogging business, then you need to arrange and schedule posts and videos to cover the time while you are gone.

And don’t worry- I have you covered. A wonderful branding and social media blogger and entrepreneur will be guest blogging for me while I am away. I am so excited about this- you will learn so much about how to be more effective and golden  online! Please welcome Traci Sanders during the month of February! 

 

 

All set? Remember to save room in your suitcase for your memories! Bon Voyage!