Travel was on the list . . .
We have always traveled to see our kids - our son in Texas and our daughter in Topeka. Those are the places we visit most, with a few trips to see my sister in Nebraska.
I knew that we had our Caribbean trip coming up and that was when I decided to put traveling on my list of things to improve on . . .
I would give the trip 5 stars but I would give my packing skills 2 stars. As I mentioned in earlier posts the lines at the Punta Cana airport were long long long. I wore myself and hubs out with our carry-on bags! I had a fear of my luggage not making it clear to the Dominican Republic with me. So I thought it very clever to load my overnight bag with clothes, swim suit, shoes, etc. just in case! I had a beautiful new purse given to me by my son and his wife for Christmas - with the trip in mind - - - but it was loaded down also!
So - when traveling my Lesson #1 learned is to travel light - take the least amount of items you can.
For instance - - - here is what I would take if packing again for the same trip:
One suitcase to check at airport with:
1. 2 pair of casual/sports shorts with tanks/tops to match.
2. One nightgown.
3. One swimming suit and cover up.
4. Two pairs of capris/shirts to match.
5. One sundress.
6. One pair each - tennis shoes, flip flops.
7. Curling iron.
8. Make-up bag with toiletries - including deodorant, face soap, face lotion, body lotion.
Toothbrush/paste.
9. Sunscreen, hat or visor.
10. One light fragrance.
In a small SMALL back pack to carry with me at all times and on the plane:
1. Billfold/drivers license
2. Chapstick and gum.
3. One book.
4. Pen and paper.
5. Cell phone with charger.
6. Sun glasses.
Also - Hubs will do the same - check one suitcase and carry-on his back pack.
He brings the flight plans, passports and ipads/chargers.
That my dear friends is all you need to spend 5 days/4 nights at a resort on the beach.
You may laugh that I have spent the time to tell you how to pack your suitcase - - - I just wish I had thought it through for myself this time. Although it didn't ruin a wonderfully fun trip, I can just imagine how much easier life could have been on traveling days!
That is it for my first lesson learned about travel . . . but oh wait . . . since I am already planning our next bon voyage . . . I found out today from a seasoned traveler that Triple A can handle all of the details for you - - - and since the next time we take a trip we will be on our own - - - I was thrilled to learn about this option! Call them up - - - give them your list of specs on your trip - - - and they find just what you want!
Hubs says we are going to New York City to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary on June 11, 2017. I plan to get a little help from these folks for that trip!
Travel often, travel smart, travel light . . .
Your adventure sounds amazing! And thanks for the travel tips. The last time we flew, I tried to be the carefree, experienced traveler - and we did well at not overloading our carry-ons. But i still found myself reverting to my over-zealous planning ways that sucked a lot of fun out of trips we took with our kids. It's certainly easier to be carefree with just the two of us, but wish I hadn't been so glued to my plan back then.
ReplyDeleteI also need to remember not to buy more souviniers than I can fit in my suitcase for the return flight - and Dave should remember not to take a 5 lb. Stephen King novel to read on the way :)
Thanks for the AAA info. I didn't know that was available, but I will take advantage next time.