If your summer getaway is
still ahead of you, you know that the bliss of vacation can be dampened by a
hurried attempt to throw everything you might need into suitcases and scurry
out the door on schedule. Here are some
tips to smooth that transition and start your relaxing off the very way you
intend to enjoy it.
First, give yourself a
break. I know all about the desire to
leave the house clean when you’re leaving so it will be that way on your
return. Ideal, yes. But that’s not always completely
feasible. Do what you can, but focus
more on preparing for the trip and leaving with a peaceful state of mind.
Scrutinize your
schedule. Are you planning every minute,
or leaving room for spontaneity? Do you
have a “be here at exactly this time” frame of mind, or are you open to being
more go with the flow? Certain things
need to be timely: flights, check-ins, reservations, and the like. But don’t overschedule your downtime for the
sake of having a plan. The more ease of
travel and downtime you allow yourself, the more that vacation will feel like
you vacated the everyday.
Write out your packing
plan. Having a visual list to work from
helps you narrow down what you need and offers an opportunity to check it off
as it is laid out for packing. Keep
those extras to just what you could feasibly need, keeping your load-in-tow to
a manageable quantity and weight. For
younger kids, this is a great teachable moment to allow them to follow a list
and pick out their own clothes and accessories.
Just leave the packing itself to you as you double check their work.
Pack a go-bag. Whether you’re catching a plane or are in for
a lengthy car ride, consider all the supplies that will come in handy when at
the ready. Tissues, hand wipes,
sunblock, mints, chargers, batteries, magazines, travel packs of sugar and liquid
creamer for your hotel in-room coffee, and so on are great to have on
hand. Stock up on some travel snacks to
avoid those airport or roadside stops involving candy, chips, and cookies. Have a refillable bottle with you for each
person to be able to have water available on the go. This is especially helpful when you take
empty containers through airport security for refills later. For car trips, pack an activities’ bag for
children with portable electronics and movies, new coloring and activity books,
colors, and games or puzzles that can all be used on lap boards to keep little
hands occupied.
When you really plan and prep
for your trip, it makes leaving that much sweeter so you can hit the road and
feel prepared . . . to take it easy.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star July 20th.
