Tuesday Travels

 

Americans who travel abroad for the first time are often shocked to discover that, despite all the progress that has been made in the last 30 years, many foreign people still speak in foreign languages.          --   Dave Barry

Traveling is what Donald and I do best. We love visiting different places, whether it’s here in Colorado or the United States or in another country completely. Through the years we’ve learned a few things about traveling on a budget, packing efficiently and making the best of any situation. So in this little section, I’ll share our adventures, lessons we’ve learned, tips and anything else I can come up with.

I hope that you all enjoy this section, because truly there is nothing out there that compares to traveling and experiencing the world around us, learning about cultures and seeing history unfold before your eyes.

Donald and I have a set rule to try and take at least a week long vacation every 6 months, with weekend trips once every few months. Now that I’m not working, it might be a bit harder to actually get these vacations going, however we’re determined to keep them up!

The first topic I wanted to discuss is packing an overnight bag.

As long as I can remember, I’ve always traveled. My parents moved from one country to another following my dad’s job, and we (as their children) tagged along. It was a grand adventure! However, our moves always involved packing up our lives and moving across countries and continents. So I never learned to be an efficient packer! And always over-packed.Over-packing was never a problem until, airlines begun to charge for checked bags (this is why I still love to fly Southwest when I can).

The first time I truly noticed how much extra crap stuff I had with me was when Donald and I drove to Texas for the first time. We spent a total of eight days at the coast with two days driving down there and a day driving back. I packed so many shirts, shorts, skirts and dresses that I could have made enough outfits to last me at least a month if not two. I ended up not even unpacking half the things I brought!!! Since then I’ve gotten really good about planning outfits and only taking what’s necessary. However this will be a post for another day.

___________________________

So let’s get down to business. I always have an overnight bag packed and ready to go, in case we need to run out of the house in case of an emergency, or decide to take a quick weekend trip.

I found myself always forgetting something when I packed for a trip, whether it was a razor, body wash, toothpaste or my contact case. And while it’s easy to run to the nearest drugstore to get the item, it’s always a pain in the ass. So I made a list of items that I use on a daily basis, went out and bought travel sized versions and stuffed them into a travel bag, that sits in my closet.

   

Here are some of my must haves for any trip:

Redken Blond Glam Shampoo and Condition, Philosophy Purity (a face wash, makeup remover and toner in one), Toothpaste (preferably Sensodyne because my teeth are wimps), toothbrush, body wash, moisturizer, body lotion, deodorant, perfume, shaving cream, razors, contact solution, contact case, extra contacts, Advil, vitamins, birth control, nail fail, first aid kit… and so on.

I also have an extra set of makeup brushes, and everyday makeup packed away. Aside from toiletry, I have a pair of socks, underwear, a sports bra and a t-shirt put aside.

 

I love the fact that when we decide to go for a quick weekend trip, or when I fly out to see the Mister when he’s traveling for work, I don’t have to worry about remembering all the small things that I need. I just grab my bag, and pick a few items of clothes that I’ll need!

Q: Do you have an overnight bag packed? What are some of your essential items that you need to have? What do you forget most often? How do you like the idea of Tuesday Travels?