Tuesday 25 June 2013

Just a little travel advice

Ok, so I'll be honest here, pretty much everyone who knows me is looking at this title and thinking to themselves "Why the heck would she give advice on how to travel?!" And it's true. I pack too much, whether my bag is going to make it past the scales uncharged is always a guessing game, I stress out, make lists of everything I'm packing, and almost always forget something (and it's usually a toothbrush).

What they don’t realize though is that when I get wherever it is that I'm going I'm fully prepared for whatever sort of adventure is thrown my way. Impromptu dinner party? Yeah, I have a dress for that. Midnight run on the beach? Guess what! I have runners for that. Semi-formal, hipster-themed, high-heeled party? Yep, yep, yep. I have all the necessities for that as well.

So this weekend M, A, R, and I are going on a road trip to Thunder Bay for my beautiful cousin's 40th birthday. I haven't been out to Thunder Bay in years and I'm so excited to go. So, of course, I've been looking through my closet and writing out all the different outfit choices I'll need to bring on this 4 day, 3 night trip.

First day: Travel outfit / party wear for my cousin's party

Second day: Workout clothes / touristy outfit (I love being the tourist and I know we'll be going to the Amethyst mines this day, so it's perfect!) / dinner wear

Third day: Workout clothes (I can't rewear them... that's gross) / dress for marina viewing / dinner wear

Fourth day: Workout clothes / travel wear

So right there that's 10 outfits. 10 outfits for a 4 day trip. Yeah, yeah I know some of you are looking at this like I'm crazy, but think about it practically. It's a vacation - who doesn't like to dress up while on vacation?

Ok, so I promised some travel guide advise, and I'm getting to it, I swear!

The best advice I can give to anyone who's travelling is as follows:

1- Check the tires on your rolling suitcase before you leave for the trip (oh and I guess purchase a rolling suitcase, if you don't have one already). When we went to Florida this February one of my wheels broke and it was impossible to lug that suitcase around. My dad says it's probably because there was too much weight in the suitcase, but I ask you this: what would you have done if you went to Harry Potter world? You would've loaded up on Potter gear too, don't lie.

2- Only bring what's necessary. Does this contradict this whole post? No. Everything I've taken on all of my trips has been absolutely necessary. For example, some people told me that bringing 5 different types of sunscreen to Jamaica in 2012 was overkill, but guess what... I came back with the most even (and surprisingly NOT lobster-red) tan.

3- Don't forget your toothbrush. I bought myself a travel toothbrush that stays in my toiletry bag at all times because I always forgot to pack a toothbrush.

4- Carry-ons are great. Always pack the most important things in your carry-on, because you just never know. I put hand sanitizer, an extra pair of underwear, medication, vitamins, camera, phone, wallet, jewelry, and anything else I'm afraid to lose (BTW if you're afraid to lose something on a trip - just don't bring it, save yourself the stress) in my carry-on.

5- If you're roadtrip-ing, pack snacks. Road trips are such a great way to save money and have some adventures along that way. So do yourself a favour and pack snack for the road. Save yourself some more money and give yourself the opportunity to make stops for walks instead of just to get some food.

There are probably a million other things I would suggest to anyone going on a trip in the near future, but these are just a few that have stuck in my mind.

I'm so excited to go to Thunder Bay this weekend. I can't wait to see my family, relax, and have fun.

I hope you all have a great week :)
 M

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