The Gear Obsession
Let’s be real: half the fun of the adventure is the gear! Whether I’m hopping on a cruise, catching a flight, or hitting the open road, my 12-month calendar is a whirlwind of skiing, kayaking, hiking, and beach-bumming. I’ll admit it—I’m a bit of an organization nerd. I live for a perfectly packed bag and a smooth itinerary. In fact, if you saw my collection of suitcases and organizers, you’d think I was running a boutique!
The Art of the Carry-On
I’m a firm believer in the “two-bag rule.” If it’s a short trip or a standby flight, I travel light because I want my gear right where I can see it. On longer treks, my carry-on becomes my “command center.”
- The Oversized Tote: This is for the “must-haves”—my purse, passport, tech (Kindle/iPad), meds, and my trusty thermos.
- The Rolling Carry-On: This handles the heavy hitters to keep my checked bag under that pesky 50-pound limit. It’s home to my laptop, chargers, and my 3-oz-or-less toiletries.
- Pro Tip: I always wear my heaviest coat on the plane. It saves space and keeps me cozy in that chilly cabin air!
Choosing the Right “Sidekick”
Some people collect shoes; I collect bags! Choosing the right luggage is a science:
- Road Trips: I’m all about the Eagle Creek duffle. Soft-sided bags are so much easier to shimmy into a trunk.
- Air Travel: I go full “hard-shell.” Between luggage handlers and the occasional rainy tarmac, I need to know my business clothes are staying bone-dry and protected.
- Keeping it Cold: The Hydro Flask 26 liter Day Escape Cooler is perfect for day trips or that overnighter.
Downtime & Play: Recharging the Batteries
Vacations shouldn’t be a marathon! I’m a huge advocate for “recharge time.” When I’m too restless for a nap but need to chill out, these are my go-to favorites for solo relaxation or family bonding:
- The Reading Nook: I’m a Kindle devotee, but I always tuck a paperback backup in my bag—just in case my battery dies or the “electronics off” sign is lit.
- Digital Fun: You can usually find me playing Magic Sort or Kingdom on my phone.
- Get Creative: There’s something so therapeutic about coloring books or a travel-sized watercolor set.
- Game Night: If I’m with a group, we’re definitely playing Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (it’s as hilarious as it sounds!) or a high-stakes game of Left, Right, Center. We usually play for quarters or dollar bills to keep things spicy!
Ready to pack like a pro? Download my ULTIMATE Travel (ultimate_travel_pl.pdf) or my Weekend Getaway (weekend_getaway_pl.pdf) packing lists to make sure you never leave a charger (or your sanity) behind. And hey, if this helps you nail your next trip, I certainly wouldn’t say no if you wanted to “Buy me a coffee!“ ☕️
