I love to travel. It can be very exciting even if the destination isn't a new one. Packing, however, is stressful. Without failure, my life seems to become exponentially busier the closer to my departure day. All of the sudden, I'm hanging out with friends I haven't seen in months even though I've already picked up extra shifts at work. As time winds down to my flight, I think and re-think my packing choices. It is a struggle for everyone, what to actually consider a necessity and hopefully not forget anything crucial. With spring break ever approaching, here are some things to keep in mind before you go.
1) Breath.
Inhale. Hold. Exhale slowly. Don't ever forget to breath. You will be back eventually. Stores are easy to find. Whatever happens, happens and it's not the end of the world. You may be on a time crunch or not. Business or pleasure, what ever your reason for leaving, don't panic.
2) Organize.
I usually make a list of all the essential things I need a couple days before I actually start to pack. An important part about that list is that I can take it with me when I leave to make sure I'm bringing everything back with me as well. I think that's a little more important than leaving something at home.
3) Define your essentials.
Maybe you're staying with family or you are required to pack light and don't need to pack toiletries. You can purchase those at a corner store if you need to. Travel size containers are amazing if you're ballin' on a budget and want to pack things you already have. This is important to keep in mind when considering the size of you luggage as well. Sometimes it's just easier to buy shampoo and conditioner when you get to your final destination than it would be to figure out to pack it up in a small bag.
4) Pack appropriate attire.
I don't mean pack church clothes or clothes your great-grandmother would approve of. Check the local weather before you pack. How many days are you going to be gone? Are you wearing clothes you can wear on your way out as well as in? Make sure you don't over pack. This is usually a good time for me to decide what I can get rid of out of my closet as well. If I'm going somewhere warm during winter months, I pack one pair of old faithful shorts and then the rest I'm on the fence about wearing again. Repeat steps for other clothes you haven't seen in a while.
On the other side, if you're going somewhere warm, pack clothes you can wear more than once and be OK. Layering is always good. Another frugal note here from a once broke college kid with at least one full- time job, it's OK to wear a shirt inside out once if you absolutely need to. Just please remember to a courteous person, and don't wear a smelly shirt. It's not good for anyone involved.
5) Watch your flight status.
Always keep an eye on your flight status and have your boarding pass in a safe place. I use the Wallet app on my iPhone and it has saved me so much time and worry. This will also help to arrive at the appropriate time for your flight, if it's delayed or what have you.
6) Watch your expenses.
I like getting rewards for my purchases, even big ones. I have a credit card with rewards when used for travel which is great and kind of scary. I use my credit card for everyday purchases that I can pay off immediately. It helps build credit as well as economic responsibility. I only make credit purchases I can't afford in emergencies. This helps me stay out of credit card debt while still being safe and having fun.
If this is also you, remember to continue to use your credit card for every day expenses per usual while you're away. Over spending on vacation is done easily especially on food. It adds up quickly when I spend money on food, beverages, gas, tolls or bus fairs, anything I may have forgotten to pack, as well as souvenirs if I want them. So I break it up once again, to the essentials. I use my card for life circumstances and business. I use my cash/debit card for the extracurricular activities and purchased memories.
7) Remember that list you made before you left? Keep it handy.
Even if it changes, it's a safety net for packing for your trip home. If your purchases exceed the amount of room in your suitcase, it's OK to send some things home in a box. Depending on your location, it's preferred. When it's finally delivered, it will be like a present to yourself. Just don't forget about it.
8) Adapt, persevere, and overcome.
This is my mantra. With all the hustle and bustle of everything going on, sometimes I forget where I've put my brain. So, no matter what happens I have to stop and think about my situation. It never helps to break down in a frantic state when something goes amiss. Basically a recap of breathing, adapting, persevering and overcoming set backs get easier with practice and is not as difficult as it may seem.
With these things in mind, have a great trip. Relax and enjoy a change of scenery and people. Make the best of every situation. As of right now, I'm leaving for the airport, on a budget-- but with a smile and anxious feet. Knowing my youth is short lived, I'll take any adventure that comes my way.
Safe travels.
