Things I Admit to forgetting…so you won’t!

You know I love my travel! I love anything and everything that puts me into a different environment. That’s not to say I don’t love my real life—I’ve got a great marriage, family, and career—but whenever I can, I like to change the scenery. In the many years since my first vacations as a kid, I’ve been many places and done many things. I’ve also FORGOTTEN many things. This week’s blog is my attempt to humble myself before you, so that you won’t have the same inconveniences I’ve experienced! I present to you, here, things I suggest you DON’T forget when traveling!

Don’t Forget These When Traveling…

The one where they forgot…toilet paper

Let’s just jump right into the deep end, shall we. I’ve been in situations where a little Charmin would have indeed gone a long way, and it is a priority with me now to always, always be prepared for this one!!!

• Hiking—you just never know! In addition to throwing some squares into your backpack, put one or two plastic bags in there. You know…just in case!
• “Princess-ing”—I’ve got many medals from runDisney events through the years, with the Princess Weekend in February being among my favorites. Anyone in the running world recognizes that Disney races are some of the best organized, planned and executed in the game. But there isn’t always a real bathroom. Yup. Port-o-johns. And we’re back to those squares in your pocket saving your butt (literally!)
• Road tripping—We made more than a few side of the road stops when the kids were little and learning. Some comfy toilet paper was a lot better than the Joshua Trees we parked near!!!

The one where they forgot…it might rain

Did I mention I love Florida?

In the summer?

When it rains…every day?

So, you know, IT MIGHT RAIN, and you won’t forget your umbrella and maybe a poncho, right? If you do, you’ll be fine in a city or theme park—the local store will be stocked up and ready to serve you. But what about the backpack? The poncho won’t cover it, and the umbrella won’t help you when the wind picks up.

The thing is…I carry a backpack or crossbody bag EVERYWHERE because I need my stuff. You know what I mean—the things I might potentially someday need in a hurry but will be in the wilderness and can’t get so I’d better have at least two doses on me at all times. So…a backpack.

Yes, good, people, we are back to the trusty plastic bag. Even with an umbrella, all of the important stuff is in the backpack, remember!?!? So pull out that oversized plastic bag, and stuff your backpack into it. It has handles for you to easily carry, so none of your important items—cell phone, wallet, loose cash—will get soggy. Don’t forget this when traveling!

PRO TIP: Still forget to bring a plastic bag??? Don’t fret!!! Go to the nearest store and just ask for one! If you’re in a place, like California, where they charge for a bag, just pay for it! It’s better to use a 10 cent bag to save you 1,000 dollar phone, right?

The one where they forgot…about flight delays 

I’m a huge fan of Southwest Airlines for several reasons. In addition to having to cancel and change flight plans numerous times throughout the years, you are allowed two checked bags and two carry-ons for free. It’s the all-important, small rolling carry-on I want to talk about today.

One fine, clear, no wind or weather kind of day, I had a connecting flight cancel while I was in the air. I won’t say where I got stuck, but it wasn’t ideal. I wasn’t pleasant when they told me I had to stay overnight in the airport until a 6AM flight. It was only 11PM!!! I had 7 HOURS to kill! And no, I couldn’t access my luggage. Did I mention everything in the airport was already closed?

Are you getting the picture here?

I was left with the clothes on my back and My Girlfriend (that’s what my family calls my iPad!!!). I had charging cords, so I knew I’d be entertained, but that was it!

After that long, long night in the same clothes with no additional jacket, no deodorant, no makeup, no change of socks, shoes or anything else, I made my 6AM flight and silently made my way home.

I’ve become a HUGE fan of the rolling carry-on. Am I now an over-packer and over-preparer? Probably! But I’d rather put a few real essentials in my rolling carry-on than get stuck overnight again with absolutely nothing.

Which segues directly into…

The one where they forgot…about lost luggage

One night I flew into Orlando very late, and my luggage didn’t make the same plane as I did! After a long day teaching, a long night flying, and waiting for transportation to my hotel, I was spent! From then on, my rolling carry-on has today’s AND tomorrow’s outfit in it. I might not get make-up or my fancy mouse ears, but I know I can hit the ground running on my first day of vacation, and not be stuck waiting for the luggage to catch up to me! 

Take the hint—well packed rolling carry-on to the rescue!!! DON’T FORGET THIS WHEN TRAVELING!!!!!!

The one where they forgot…a completely comfy outfit

No matter where I’m going, I’m looking forward to DOING stuff. Whether it’s hiking at Zion, strolling through Universal Studios, lounging on the cruise ship Lido deck or vegging on a beach in Cabo, I’m anxious to do. It’s easy to forget that you won’t be “doing” 24 hours a day! Yeah, don’t forget you have downtime when traveling, too!

After a long beach day, nothing is more comfy than my sweatpants.

After a long day of hiking, nothing feels better than my slaps (slides, flip flops, etc).

You need to remember, and plan for, some downtime in the hotel room. I have forgotten a comfy outfit several times in different locations, and I just hated having to put on my pajamas in the middle of the day because I didn’t have sweats. It’s a great feeling to get comfy on the balcony of your stateroom or hotel room in just your “comfies”—it’s a lovely way to decompress after a full day of touring or hiking or viewing fine art. 

The one where they forgot…their favorite snacks

This one is entirely on you to determine! What snack would you enjoy hanging out in the hotel, on the deck of the ship, by the pool? What treats can you bring yourself to enhance the experience of this time away from your regular life?

I absolutely use travel to indulge in some of my favorite snacks that I don’t get too frequently at home! One of my longstanding favorites is Entenmann’s chocolate chip cookies. You know the ones…small…bitesize…slightly soft…perfect chip-to-cookie ratio. (I know, now you want a cookie!) For whatever reason, I never buy these at home, but they are my go-to evening snack and DON’T forget these when traveling.

I also have “first day” snacks at places I travel to repeatedly. On a cruise ship, the first night is always, always pizza at midnight. At Disney it’s a cheese pretzel. So while I look forward to these snacks, I’m always happy to have my old favorites waiting for me at the hotel. Go ahead, indulge the sweet tooth, salty tooth, savory tooth…indulge!

The one where they forgot…their beloved dog

Gotta end on a serious note, my dear readers. Once, years ago, we finished packing the car and the kids for a Disneyland weekend, and my sweet husband and I just looked at each other. 

Neither one of us arranged for a dog-sitter!!!! Seriously!!!

So please, this is your reminder to leave your house in good order. Get those dishes done before you leave, along with the laundry. Have that great support system of yours come by for a visit and to grab the mail while you’re gone. Put on that alarm system, and those automatic lights, just in case.

And, please.

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR

Hey, since you’re here! You may as well check out some other travel strategies, here, where we talk about planning a Disney trip in 1 week! Or, check out our other topics here! Either way, I appreciate you!

Please leave a COMMENT about any tips you may have!! Or comment what your favorite tip of mine was! Where to YOU plan on traveling next? Let me know.

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