Leeeaaavving on a jet plane…..!It’s that time of year when many Canadians head South for a little reprieve from the frigid temperatures and mountains of snow! While I do really enjoy four seasons….I AM looking forward to a week in the sun with my husband in February.

If you have a vacation planned in 2020 here are some travel tips that may come in handy! Start the car!!!!!!

Before you go:

  1. While all inclusive resorts can be just what the Doctor ordered…they aren’t for everyone! Instead of a hotel, look into reserving a home if traveling with a family, or a single room if alone. Websites like AirBnB can provide homes and private rooms from home owners who are renting them out, usually offering better accommodations than hotels.
  2. Roll your clothes when packing. Instead of creating a folded pile in your suitcase, rolling allows you to fit more things in. Plus, you can even roll underwear and socks within your clothes for optimal space-saving.
  3. Scan your passport, identification card, and itinerary and email them to yourself. This provides an extra copy of each in the event of loss or theft. As an iPhone user, once I email the documents to myself, I usually open the email on my iPhone and save them onto iBooks. This provides me with an offline record.
  4. It’s important to remember to call your credit or debit card company before you leave to ensure that you have your card authorized for your foreign destination. This prevents them from suspecting suspicious activity.
  5. Make sure to check with your house insurance company about the requirements for “inspections” while you are away. At the minimum you will need a friend to check your home every 3 days.
While in Paradise:
  1. Have a souvenir list prepared, and stick to it. This will save you money and prevent you from purchasing something that “you’ll find someone to give to another time”.
  2. “When in Rome…..” Don’t be a stubborn traveler, and get out of your comfort zone! Of course safety is the most important thing, but if you feel comfortable to get out an explore….do it! Try some local cuisine and find the hidden beaches.
  3. Relax….whatever that looks like to you. Remember that THIS is what you have been looking forward to so enjoy every minute!!!
  4. Take pictures….but if you can….put your phone away and be present! If you are working while you are away give yourself a window of time each day and stick to it.
  5. Sunscreen is a MUST….even if it seems cloudy.
Coming home:

  1. Dress comfortably, and in layers, for the trip home. Remember that you are coming back to an Arctic tundra!
  2. If you can, don’t go back to work the first day! Take one final day to be gentle with yourself, unpack and do laundry. The last thing you want to do is rush after a week of rest.
  3. Your skin will be in shock so make sure to apply aloe vera and hydrate!
  4. Have a little discussion with your travel partner about the pros and cons of the trip and decide what worked and what didn’t so you know for next time!
Would love to hear your travel tips!
Anyone lucky enough to be getting some warmth and sun this winter?