Traveling Light

Traveling Light

Do you love to travel as much as I do? If so, here are some great ideas to make your next adventure a breeze.    

Here’s the truth: You do not need a lot of things.

You’ve probably seen a lot of people these days selling or donating all of their stuff to live a more minimalistic lifestyle. It is a bold move because it does take a lot of emotional bravery to get rid of things that matter to you. 

Let’s discuss clothing, your choices should be lightweight, versatile, climate appropriate and neutral in color.  Think ‘little black dress’ of travel.  Neutrals that you can wear many different ways will save you!  The less stuff you struggle with carrying, the more you can maximize your experience! The most important part of your wardrobe are your shoes, keep them simple and comfortable! 

Are you a travel organizer freak like I am?  I like to keep things tidy in life (and during my travels). One of my favorite travel items are packing cubes. They keep everything tight which saves space and they make finding items easy (even in the dark). 

I suggest these packing cubes from The Container Store

Airline apps are the best! Utilizing your airline’s app on your smart device will give you real time information. This feature I love for their “head’s up” alert when there are gate changes.  

Traveling with credit cards is the only way to fly. Plastic is convenient to pack, gives you a record of your purchases and is more secure than cash.

By now, you probably know the basics of traveling with credit cards. You should notify your card issuer of your itinerary to make sure your card doesn’t get cut off for suspected fraud just when you need it most. You should also write down the contact numbers for your cards, just in case you lose them or they are stolen.

Over the years, my travel style has evolved. But one thing has remained constant – I’m always looking for the sweet spot of cost, convenience, comfort, and culture. With a well-planned trip, I am able to check all my boxes! 

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Take a Mental Vacation

Take a Mental Vacation

We’re over halfway through the summer. If you didn’t have time to take a relocation vacation, make sure you at least take time for yourself by disconnecting. Follow the tips below.

3 Ways to Take a Mental Vacation

  1. Start your morning reading a book or a magazine - If only for 15 minutes while you have your cup of coffee. So many of us jump right into work thoughts the second we wake up. Escaping into some fiction for a few quiet minutes in the morning will do wonders for you throughout the day.

  2. Hit the mute button - Find a spot where you don't hear the noise you can not control. So often this is the sound of cars and trucks speeding down our roadways. Sitting in a park listening to footsteps, church bells, bicycles, trees swaying, or rain splashing on the sidewalk can be most refreshing.

  3. Turn off the hand held devices -Everything is on the phone - work emails, Twitter, Facebook, family, friends so we constantly check it. Twice a day set your phone down on your desk and take a 10 minute walk. When you get back you will feel refreshed. Also, never take your phone to bed, leave it in the kitchen.

Have you tried any of these in the past or have additional tips? We’d love to know - comment below!

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