Six Tips to Take When You Go

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A couple summers ago I had the great opportunity to go to Orlando with Karina. It was the first...perhaps only time...I had traveled away from my immediate family for several days. I enjoy getting out of town from time to time and, since it is a popular travel time right now, I thought I’d share several travel tips I've picked up.

Bring a garbage bag to hold dirty clothes. When packing up to leave, put the dirty clothes in the bottom of the suitcase, lay the garbage bag on top, and put unused clean clothes on top of that. You may be able to just stuff the garbage bag of dirty clothes back into the suitcase!

Consider getting an audio book from the library to listen to on long trips. 

If traveling alone on a road trip, and you have smart phone, consider using a tracking app (like Google "Latitude") so that a family member or friend can track your trip. During our trip, my husband could see our progress on a map. When we veered quite a bit off the known route, he called to check on us. Turns out our GPS had "told us" to go on that road to get around a city, but he would have been able to re-direct us if we'd gone the wrong way, or could call for help if we couldn't be reached. 

Prepare a variety of activities for kids so they can switch between games, "screen time" activities, and car friendly crafts. 

When you stop at a rest area, make everyone use the facilities even if they "don't have to go right now." 

If you travel frequently, keep a separate bag of toiletries "on the ready" at all times. This way you can just grab it instead of thinking about all the miscellaneous items you'll need. If flying, make sure to follow TSA guidelines for such items. You might even want to keep a suitcase packed with underthings, bathing suit, etc that go right back in the suitcase when you return from your trip.

Prepare a little recreation/treat bag for yourself with puzzle book, coloring books,card game, and snacks you don't usually eat to while away the time in a car or on a plane. 

One caution: be aware of how certain drinks or snacks affect you and plan accordingly, especially if there is a long distance between "pit stops." I think you can figure this out! Your digestive system can be affected by non-familiar water or the tendency to eat or drink more "junk food" because you are "on vacation" (i.e. allowing yourself more caffeinated beverages or soda.) Intermingle healthy snacks and familiar or bottled water to avoid discomfort. 

What are some of your best travel tips?

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