Summer Vacations & Traveling

How easy is it to dream of a wonderful getaway in these hot summer months?

Where do you want to go? How long? How will you get there? How much money will you need to save? What memories will be created?

While dreaming of these fun summer getaways, my anxiety goes through the roof! I start to think of all the things that have to get done before traveling. Pet & house sitters, stopping the mail, travel plans, documents needed and the list goes on and on and on.

There is a never-ending list of things to prepare before departing for a fun destination. But is it worth it, heck YES!

I start to reminisce about past trips and the memories created! There is no price that can be put on that. So when I start to panic about my to-do list, I find a quiet spot and begin to write out the to-do list and share it with the family to make sure nothing is missed. Good planning should not be one-sided if possible. Make a draft and share it for input and discussion.

Tasking can be a challenge.

Yup, I ask, and if no one volunteers we begin to delegate tasks. It does help that we already have a generic packing list ready to go. These lists can be pretty simple to set up.

Start with categories, a progressive series, or both. Our favorite is to do a combination of the two. For example, set the categories first. Categories can be clothing, hygiene, electronics, etc.

Next, start thinking in a progressive process. With clothing, you can start at your head or your toes. Starting from the head and going down you might think, “Hats, do I need a hat? Scarf, do I need a scarf? And keep moving down. Undershirts, shirts, jackets. Pants, skirt, belt? Just keep going until you get to your feet and choose your shoes.

The same thing can be done for hygiene. Hair stuff, eye stuff, teeth stuff, shaving stuff, smell-good stuff, etc. Category by category, you will get through your list and be very close to a bullseye every time!

That has helped greatly for a quick getaway trip with not much planning involved, maybe a road trip nearby. As suitcases are coming out and passports are updated, we are ready to travel! I wanted to share my packing and travel checklist with you.

Bon Voyage!