Stand By For Travel Introduction

Here it is-my beginning; I am going to jump right in and fill in all the details as I go. I love traveling-flying, cruising, staying in hotels, eating at new restaurants, seeing new, interesting and exciting sites, and even the occasional road trip in a car! I wrote my first TripAdvisor review back in 2011 and have continued helping other travelers in this way ever since. Considering the number of reads I get I decided to start a blog to not only contain reviews but also experiences, tips, hints and other general observations about the world in which I travel!

It’s January 20, 2019 and I have already taken two short trips; one to Jacksonville, FL and a great 30 hour getaway to Spokane, WA. Detail number one that will be helpful in understanding not only the title of my blog but also how and why I travel-I am married to a commercial airline pilot. For the past 17 years when I fly I rarely have a ticket with a confirmed seat; I show up at the airport with a plan and a prayer ready to stand-by for a seat.

One of the other names for my blog I toyed with was a reference to the things I never leave home without, which I have affectionately called My Travel Bag. I joke with my family that I could survive on a remote island for at least a week with the items it contains. So I will spend the rest of today’s entry telling you the essential items I won’t leave home without. They are currently in a fabric zipper bag that I can toss in any carry on bag. As time goes I refine the contents and am in the process of designing my own bag that will keep everything more organized. In no particular order here are my must haves:

1. Pen
2. Bandaids
3. Eyedrops
4. Hairbands & Hairclip
5. Earbuds
6. Hand lotion
7. Advil, Aleve, Gas-X, Claritin, Pepcid, Immodium, and Tylenol-individual packs 
8. Microfiber cloth for cleaning glasses and computer screens
9. Hand wipes-individually wrapped
10. Lip balm
11. Emory board
12. Nail clippers
13. Tissues
14. Protein bars
15. Charging cord
16. Gum & Mints
17. Quarters, dimes and nickels

While it does not fit in my travel bag I ALWAYS bring a refillable water bottle. There are multiple positives to bringing your own water bottle-you can stay hydrated during your preflight time before you go through TSA, you can often fill it at a filtered water dispenser in many airports and public buildings, you don’t have to wait for inflight service if you get thirsty and you are cutting down on waste. 

I usually travel with someone, most often my husband, but sometimes one of our two daughters or friends. If they need something-chances are I will have it on hand which equates to no waiting, no stress, and cost-efficiency. When I travel I want to be able to maximize my time with positive and enriching experiences and being prepared for any situation helps me enjoy!

Coming Next Week——Spokane, Washington for 30 hours!

Let me know what you think and feel free to leave a note including something you won’t leave home without!