evolving packing list.
I wrote years ago about creating a master packing list. About how I thought it was a silly thing. Who could need such a thing? As time has gone by, I’ve come to depend on it. Not to remember the basics but to remind of the little things I like to have a long. Like
bumpy re-entry.
I’m drowning, once again. The busy-ness of returning home in combination with tiredness from a super-long travel day and jet lag leaves me feeling off-kilter, struggling to stay afloat. I have heard of people who add a day of vacation at home after a trip in order to find a better balance, but I don’t
preparation anxiety.
Will I get it all done? What will I forget? What did I already forget? As I tried to get things ready around the house while tying up loose ends at work, I could feel it coming on. The anxiety attack. After my morning cleaning, work, lunch with a friend (a bright, relaxing spot even
prepare to pack!
Back when we hit the road a couple or more of times a month, we were expert packers. And when we flew? We haven’t checked a bag in forever. Well, except within Turkey and within Greece. Turkey because of fingernail clipper rules and such other even-more-restictive-than-the-TSA rules. Greece because I was worried about the size
when is too much too much?
As a rule, I try to be understanding. But as some point, too much is too much. As I sat in the hotel room working on Tuesday evening, I could hear a commotion out in the hall. I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on, but already knew that there was a bit of renovation
traveling: prepping to leave
If you know me, you know that I love to hit the road. There were months when the kids were young that we would be gone more days than we were at home. Some months, we’d be home only a handful of days. Fast-forward to now, and it seems I can rarely get away. Now
Living the hotel life
“Where’s the lobby?” “I don’t know.” “But you WORK here!” As I was sitting in the “food court” at the hotel enjoying my coconut tofu and veggies, an older couple asked a hotel employee where the lobby was. He had no clue – “Only worked here two days!”. They got a little testy. I jumped
Superoo 2012
I’m honored to be selected as a Superoo again for 2012. If you travel, especially with kids, check out Trekaroo for great reviews, forums and tips. I’ve discovered some cool spots along the way via Trekaroo!
Rick Steves at GPB
Tonight, Camille and I drove over to GPB by Georgia Tech to hear Rick Steves talk about travel in Europe. People kept asking Camille, the only kid there, if she was planning a trip to Europe. Not knowing how to say “I’ve been a dozen times.” she shyly shrugged and said she was there at
Delta’s “Bait and Switch” Smells Rotten to Me
I hate Ticketmaster. I seriously hate Ticketmaster. But tonight I offered them up as a reasonable alternative to the Rotten, Stinky dishonest bait-and-switch game that Delta says is within their rights. Just for the heck of it, I looked up flights to NYC tonight. I was pleased to see flights for $180 round-trip per person.
Packing: Create a Master List
I admit, I inwardly smirked at the people who write about their packing lists; packing lists are for the weak! I had a system, developed over years of practice. But then, I tried it. And, despite believing that my “system” for getting us packed for a trip was efficient enough, I have now changed my
Roadtrip: Life on the Road
Earlier this summer, Rob, the girls and I spent five and a half weeks living on the road. The trip was so long, the post office refused to hold our mail — mail can only be held for thirty days. “Is there an address that we can forward your mail to?” Um, no, there isn’t.
Planning a Trip: Step 4 – Make Lists
As we approach our trip, I’m in a big “making lists” mode. What have a made lists of? I know what that needs … a meta-list. People we might be able to see on our trip. Addresses for postcards. Packing lists: Clothes Toiletries Diversions Camping stuff Food prep Food Travel Music for the road Books
Travel Tuesday: Weekly Favorites for 17 May 2011
I’m almost caught up from last weekend’s camping trip, and now it is time to pack for our big trip out west! … I love what I’ve been reading out there on the web, and I’d love to share my highlights with you. Here are some of my favorites from the week: 1 Dad, 1
Travel Tuesday: Weekly Favorites for 10 May 2011
I’m still not caught up from our NYC adventures, but am already having to get ready for this weekend’s camping trip … I love what I’ve been reading out there on the web, and I’d love to share my highlights with you. Here are some of my favorites from the week: Toddler on Tour: All
Travel Tuesday: Weekly Favorites for 3 May 2011
We are back home from our NYC adventure and I’m desperately trying to catch up … I love what I’ve been reading out there on the web, and I’d love to share my highlights with you. Here are some of my favorites from the week: Kids and Castles: Culture Shock: Easter Egg HuntInteresting comparison of
Travel Tuesday: Weekly Favorites for 26 Apr 2011
Finally, we are going to be traveling again. I hope that my sciatica doesn’t decide to flare up while we are away from home! But … I love what I’ve been reading out there on the web, and I’d love to share my highlights with you. Here are some of my favorites from the week:
Planning a Trip: Step 3 – Gather Reference Materials
Last week I wrote about Step 2 in my planning process, fixing the most restrictive spots. In planning for our big trip out west, I had already collected a long list of potential stops, plotted them on a map, created a spreadsheet of sites and nights. Once equipped with a tentative plan, I found the
Travel Tuesday: Weekly Favorites for 19 Apr 2011
This is taking too long — I’m still recovering from sciatica… I hope to be up and traveling soon!! But … I love what I’ve been reading out there on the web, and I’d love to share my highlights with you. Here are some of my favorites from the week: Road Tips for Families: Guest
Travel Tuesday: Weekly Favorites for 12 Apr 2011
While I’m still recovering from sciatica, we did get out for a weekend at a nearby state park. I hoe to be up and traveling soon!! But … I love what I’ve been reading out there on the web, and I’d love to share my highlights with you. Here are some of my favorites from
GBK Gwyneth
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