10 Things to Do Before Vacation
One of the best ways to enjoy a trip is to make sure you’re organized before you hop on or in your plane/train/car to a different destination. Before I leave Windy Poplars (the Anne Shirley inspired nickname I gave my home ;)), I try to do the following to make sure I’m not stressed out for silly reasons during my travels, and so I can keep the post-travel glow going when it’s time to clean out my suitcase afterwards. I thought I’d put together my own list of what I like to do before vacation. This isn’t necessarily planning or figuring out where to sleep kind of stuff. It’s more for those 48 hours before you’re getting ready to leave.
1. Prep You Apartment
Clean and prep your apartment/ house/ condo. It’s so much nicer to come home to a clean place than a messy place. Here’s what you should do:
Clean your bathroom
No really, clean your toilet!
Vacuum
Wet Swifter
Windex mirrors/glass
Make sure all dishes are washed and put away
Wipe down counters
Dust table tops
Throw out any and all trash
Unplug anything (microwave, electronics, internet)
2. Do Your Laundry.
Get all your laundry done. Wash your bed sheets and towels right before you leave so they can air dry while you’re gone, and be fresh for your return. Or if you have a dryer, you can use that as well.
3. Double Check Your Packing
Toothpaste/toothbrush
Make-up
Skin Care Products
Enough Underwear
Enough Bras
Shirts/Pants/Skirts/Dresses
Lady Products
Electronics
Plugs
Headphones
Accessories
Shoes
Tea
Hairbrush
Contacts
Contact solution
4. Put Together Your Vacation Playlist.
I always wait until last minute before I want to download songs, and somehow I end up in a rush! Get it together beforehand so you can make sure George Ezra is played all vacation long.
5. Call/Contact Your Card Companies.
Make sure they know you’re going to be abroad and using them. This way you’re not blocked and stranded.
6. Write Down the Following:
How you’re getting from the airport/bus to your hotel/motel/hostel in every location
List of where you’re staying and their phone numbers
Your flight
A mini-itinerary for you and one for your suitcase
Contact information
Phrases for where you’re staying (like “hello” and “thank you”)
7. Shower the Morning of.
Or the night before if you have an early flight. Early enough your hair is dry, late enough that you won’t feel gross if you can’t shower right away when you land.
8. Pamper Yourself.
Do something to relax and start your vacation the right way. I like to give myself a pedicure and foot bath, if I have a tub, take a bath, get my nails done, and, since living in a place where facials are less than $20, a facial.
9. Charge Up.
Make sure everything is well charged before you go.
Tablet
Phone
Cameras
You
10. Exercise.
Before you take that shower, do a little exercise. Even if you just walk around the block. A little blood flow movement will help in the hours you’ll spend curled up on a bus or plane.
There you have it! What are some of the routines you have before you leave?
Words and Photographs by Samantha
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