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
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
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 Tip: I’m Lost
Reading Travelling with Doggie Tags from The Wee Life, I was reminded of a post I wrote almost two years ago, just before I put this blog on hiatus for a year. Since then, we’ve managed to lose Chloe twice, once in NYC and once in Istanbul. Given, in both cases we lost her for
Roadtrip: Iโm Bored
Despite years of roadtrips, we still face the omnipresent “I’m bored”. Camille, now 12, has rarely had this issue since learning to read….and since then, she’s added knitting to her repetoire. Thank goodness for lack of carsickness! Chloe has been a bit more of a challenge. While she can read, she’s not quite the reader
Thursday Tip: The Little Extras
What are the little things that you bring on every trip that make a big difference? As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, I bring a handful of zip-top bags on every trip. Some other things I like to pack include: Canvas bags – Along with using reusable bags for groceries, an extra bag
Thursday Tip: Zip-Top Bags
While at home, I don’t use zip-top bags, I do pack them in my suitcase for trips! Not only are they necessary for getting through airport security, they come in handy for a million other reasons. Child doesn’t finish the meal at the restaurant? Pack it up to go. Worried that the next hotel may
Thursday Tip โ Kid ID
Despite your best intentions, it could happen. You and your children may become separated. Be it in a crushing crowd or a superfast elevator door. Do your kids know what to do? Make a plan. Tell them what to do if they get stuck on a train, etc. Tell them what to do if you
Thursday Tip โ Strollers
In January, Chloe, 6.5 at the time, was constantly miserable on our trips to Washington, DC. She didn’t want to go anywhere; she didn’t want to do anything. I got frustrated and cranky and vowed to never take her anywhere again. After we both had a chance to cool off, we discussed what the problems
Thursday Tip โ Pack A Lunch
It seems obvious if you are heading out for the day — packing a lunch can be a lifesaver. No need to find a place that has food that your whole family will eat, no waiting in long lines and spending extra money on not so good food. If you do find that “perfect place,”
Thursday Tip โ Airport Security
As crazy as it seems, sometimes just getting through security can be one of the most stressful parts of a trip. I’ve seen chaos and confusion, not just for families traveling with kids. Inexperienced travelers of all ages have difficulties navigating through security. While I don’t claim that the few pointers here can make it
The Magic Touch
Traveling is one big adventure. I’m hoping that the girls will learn to “go with the flow” while traveling. I’ve had a lot of practice in the last three weeks. On our way home from DC last month, the navigation system on the plane was not working. Rebooting didn’t help. It had simply overheated. No
Have you met my friend Tom?
(For those of you on MySpace, no, no that Tom). I have a new friend Tom. As I get to know him better, I think he will become a great guide for me on my journeys in life. His real name is TomTom One XL, and he speaks with a very soothing British accent (well,
GBK Gwyneth
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