So, check this out. Amy asked me, a professional organizer, to write on her most awesome travel blog. I think: Cool; I can do this. I took fancy writing classes in college. My brain works.
Wait. Does my brain still work while running a business and having a 3 and 5 year old? Will I be able to articulate words into thoughts that make sense and are still content driven enough for you to appreciate my expertise?! I dunno. Let’s give it a shot.
Now, get this. I’m on an airplane right now. Yep. I don’t have children with me, and I just came from a professional organizers conference (I know, right? That’s an actual thing.). I’m in a travel mood and remembering all my travels in my 20s: Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, England, France, and my personal favorite, Brazil… to name a few. You wanna know where I go now? Orlando, Florida. I am living. it. up.
But, no matter. It makes no difference if it’s one of Amy’s most fabulous day trips, or if you are traveling across the world. It’s still an adventure. It’s your escape. Own it. Let’s break down day trip by public transportation, shall we? I mean, we ARE on Amy’s Chicago Day Tripping website!
Wait. Does my brain still work while running a business and having a 3 and 5 year old? Will I be able to articulate words into thoughts that make sense and are still content driven enough for you to appreciate my expertise?! I dunno. Let’s give it a shot.
Now, get this. I’m on an airplane right now. Yep. I don’t have children with me, and I just came from a professional organizers conference (I know, right? That’s an actual thing.). I’m in a travel mood and remembering all my travels in my 20s: Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, England, France, and my personal favorite, Brazil… to name a few. You wanna know where I go now? Orlando, Florida. I am living. it. up.
But, no matter. It makes no difference if it’s one of Amy’s most fabulous day trips, or if you are traveling across the world. It’s still an adventure. It’s your escape. Own it. Let’s break down day trip by public transportation, shall we? I mean, we ARE on Amy’s Chicago Day Tripping website!
Have a plan
I know, I know… you’re too cool for a plan. You want an adventure. You wanna get lost in it all. Dude: been there, done that. You get more out of it if you have at least an outline of a plan. Pretend you’re doing recon for a secret mission. What will the weather be? What time do things open? When do the crowds get there? What is travel time? Do you know your train or bus schedule?
I know, I know… you’re too cool for a plan. You want an adventure. You wanna get lost in it all. Dude: been there, done that. You get more out of it if you have at least an outline of a plan. Pretend you’re doing recon for a secret mission. What will the weather be? What time do things open? When do the crowds get there? What is travel time? Do you know your train or bus schedule?
| Checklist Make a checklist the night before of the things you don’t want to forget. Here are things that always go in our backpack on day trips: |  |
1. wipes/hand sanitizer
2. phone charger
3. sunscreen
4. empty plastic bag
5. Chapstick (I’m a weird Chapstick person)
6. hand towel
7. change of clothes (for the kids)
8. band aids and Neosporin (kids)
9. plastic spoon, fork, knife
10. tickets? passes? ID to prove your 2 year old isn’t 5 (and therefore is free)
And of course… there are the 3 things I ask my husband if he has everyday: Wallet. Keys. Phone.
2. phone charger
3. sunscreen
4. empty plastic bag
5. Chapstick (I’m a weird Chapstick person)
6. hand towel
7. change of clothes (for the kids)
8. band aids and Neosporin (kids)
9. plastic spoon, fork, knife
10. tickets? passes? ID to prove your 2 year old isn’t 5 (and therefore is free)
And of course… there are the 3 things I ask my husband if he has everyday: Wallet. Keys. Phone.
Pack snacks
Lemme get out my megaphone, step my 5’2” self up on a soapbox, and jangle my bangles at ya (I talk with my hands a lot). Mommies: what is the one thing you cannot forget to pack when traveling with children of any age? FOOD. Don’t have kids? Traveling with friends, a significant other, or by yourself. Doesn’t matter, bro. Pack a snack. Traveling requires time and during that time you’ll be happier if you’re not on an empty stomach.
There ya go. My 2 cents. Worth every penny. Now go have some fun and get traveling!
Lemme get out my megaphone, step my 5’2” self up on a soapbox, and jangle my bangles at ya (I talk with my hands a lot). Mommies: what is the one thing you cannot forget to pack when traveling with children of any age? FOOD. Don’t have kids? Traveling with friends, a significant other, or by yourself. Doesn’t matter, bro. Pack a snack. Traveling requires time and during that time you’ll be happier if you’re not on an empty stomach.
There ya go. My 2 cents. Worth every penny. Now go have some fun and get traveling!
 | Meg is a professional organizer and small space solutions expert who brings humor, practicality, and non-judgment to her clients. She's a Jersey Girl who has lived in NYC, |
London, Boston, and now a Chicago suburb. She was an experienced world traveler, but now looks forward to the days when her traveling entails places more exotic than the Animal Kingdom in Disney World. Check out her website and LIKE her Facebook page for cool before/after photos and her very popular Confessions of a Professional Organizer.
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