Ask Erin | Mastering Your Summer Trips

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

Whether your summer travels take you to the beaches or to the vineyards, being organized and prepared when you reach your destination will make your get-a-way experience so much more enjoyable!  Only a few extra minutes of planning can make you a practically stress-free traveler who is well on her way to a blissful summer vacation.  Yes,  Even if you are traveling with kids!

Start Planning Early!  Start researching excursions, restaurants, and typical weather patterns for the time of your trip and begin planning outfits at least a month before your departure. You will be able to narrow down your decisions the week you leave.  For instance, if wet weather is predicted, you can add a rain jacket and boots to accommodate that chance or if you expect chilly nights you can add a sweater and jeans.  On another note, be sure to check all transportation requirements so you won’t get a surprise when you arrive.  Rules and procedures change frequently, so even if you are a frequent traveler I suggest checking before your departure.  If traveling by car don’t forget to consider tollways and bathroom breaks.  Nothing is worse than a dirty bathroom!  

Keep it Simple!  Over packing is an extremely easy thing to do, especially for women, so during your pre-planning and packing, I suggest that you make a checklist.   Your checklist should correspond with your itinerary so you know exactly what you need, when you need it, and for how long.  For example, will you need to change clothes at some point during the day?  Maybe you are going on an excursion and then for a nice dinner out.  ‘Keep it simple” by mixing and matching as much as possible and by packing accessories that can suit different occasions. You can be stylish without packing your entire closet. I promise!  Where the kids are concerned, I am a firm believer in “packaging” their entire outfits.  I use zipper pouches, labeled by day or occasion, for outfits including shoes, socks, underwear and other essentials.  This packing method makes getting dressed easier for me and my kids!

Let Your Friends and Neighbors in on Your Plans!  Be sure to communicate with your friends and neighbors that you will be going out of town and the length of your stay.  Hopefully they will look for any suspicious behavior while you are away.  You never know when the doorbell camera or security system will fail.  I aam always thankful to have a neighbor onspeed dial for when things come up, because they inevitably will.  It is better to be safe than sorry.  

Treat Your Pets to a Vacay, Too!  Arrange for your pets to be boarded with a pet hotel in your area.  Many offer online viewing and/or text messages to keep you updated.  Or, if you prefer, hire a pet sitter/house sitter to stay with your pets while you are away.  Make sure you leave plenty of food, water, toys, bedding, and directions for medications, etc.  Don’t forget any outside critters you have, too!  I have ducks, chickens, and geese who deserve to be treated as part of the family, too, so I try to keep their routines as similar as possible.

And You Are Off!  Whether you are traveling by air, land, or sea, you will need a few things to keep you comfortable.  Be sure to pack snacks for yourself and your children.  I like to use a small insulated container for water, grapes, carrots, and chocolate.  I also typically pack crackers and mints, too.   If you are traveling with children, may I suggest a quick trip to the dollar store?  The dollar store is the perfect spot to find small toys, books, and games.  You can find a few things to keep yourself busy, too!  

I have a few more tips that don’t quite fit into their own category.  Check them out below:
• Keep all travel information, such as itineraries and passports, in a central location.   Keep everything in a folder and store it in your command center so you can grab it as you are walking out of the door.  
• You may find it helpful to pack children day-by-day.  For instance, place each day’s outfit, including socks, shoes, and other accessories, into a zippered pouch.  You can then place the dirty clothes back into the zippered pouch to keep them away from clean clothes.  
• If you plan on shopping on your trip, consider packing an extra bag.  If needed, you can then ship the bag back home.  
• Contact your credit card company to let them know you will be traveling. This practice reduces the probability that the card company won’t approve purchases from locations not typical for you.
• If you are taking a road trip, be sure to take your car in for a tune-up and thorough inspection.  You may also want to pack an emergency kit in case of a flat tire or other unexpected mishap.  
• Remember that some hotels offer amenities, such as hair dryers, soap, shampoo, beach towels, etc. This will save room in your suitcase for other items.

I know you are looking forward to your upcoming vacation, and I hope these tips help you to enjoy it even more.  Have fun!!