How I Prepare For A Getaway

Whether we’re headed out for a week-long excursion or driving around the Midwest for an extended weekend, there’s always prep that goes into travel. I’m not talking about booking flights and hotels, I’m talking all the other to-dos that build up before take-off. So, here’s how I prepare for a getaway. Of any type.

Itinerary

First things first, we need to know where we’re headed. I’m not a huge detailed itinerary person, but I do like to at least have an outline. Flight numbers, hotel information, car rental confirmation and what locations on what days sort of thing. We like to stay flexible while traveling – one of the major things that made our Iceland trip so amazing – but a rough outline never hurts. We use Google docs for all our travel itineraries. One, because it’s easily shareable between T and I and anyone else who may need it. Two, because it’s easily accessible from our computers or phones. Google, you really do make life simple.

My 2-week rule

Maybe not so much for short weekend getaways, but even so, I’m known to start packing (or at least creating a list) 2 weeks ahead of time. I like to try on and plan every outfit combination so I know exactly what I have for options. Sometimes during these planning sessions I realize I “need” a new hat or pair of shorts. Starting the process early gives me plenty of time to run to Target or order online. Then, by the time I’m actually folding things into a suitcase, I know it’s all there. Stress free!

Schedule some free time

Free time before a trip is crucial to my sanity. I typically use this time to clean my house. Coming home to a clean house makes traveling so much less stressful. All you have to worry about then is unpacking, laundry and decompressing from being in the car on in the air. Even if I have to stay up late to get the cleaning done, I do it. #worthit Other than cleaning, I use the free time to check off a few to-dos or spend time with Coop before we leave. If we leave in a rush, I feel more stressed and I never want vacation to start off on the wrong foot.

Meal prep

This one may sound odd, but I’m a big meal planner/prepper during the week anyway. When it comes down to it, I hate wasting food. And I hate coming home to a fridge full of old food in containers. I make an effort to clean up leftovers and plan exact meals leading up to vacation. Furthermore, I try to figure out what we’ll do when we get home. If it’s a later flight in & I know we’ll be hungry when we get home, a frozen pizza will be waiting. Maybe it sounds crazy to plan that far in advance, but trust me, it makes everything so much easier.

Do you do anything special to prep for a getaway?

xoxo. B