I’m headed to a birthday party
and I’m going like a turtle surrounded by house. I just realized I haven’t
shared any travel tips since 2019. I guess, given the circumstances, that isn’t
surprising. But it seems like it may be time for one since I’m about to travel
to see my grandkids.
Two of my grandchildren live 24
hours away by car. Most people might advise me to fly. The last time I flew, it
took more than 24 hours to get back home. It was miserable. I could have rented
a car and driven the last leg a third of the time it took by plane. The time
before, I had eaten a romaine salad one day, then got up and flew with the
beginnings of what I believe was an E.coli infection. Also miserable – that day
and for two weeks afterward.
While it wasn’t specifically
because of those awful flying experiences, I’m sure they were a factor in me
deciding on a whim to purchase an RV. Last year, I happened upon one that countered
any objection I might have otherwise had.
This one wasn’t too big for me to
step into with one step. It didn’t use too much gas. It had both an indoor and
outdoor shower. The visibility out the back window was incredible. It had two
beds. a large closet, large enough refrigerator, two burner propane cooktop, and
a microwave (plus 2 TVs and DirectTV). I could park it in a regular parking
space and it handled like a van. So, 48 hours after I first looked at it, a
2004 Winnebago Rialta was mine.
If you’re not an RVer (I am not.),
traveling in an RV may sound crazy. It kinda did to me. And thinking about it
logically, it still does. And yet, I love my little home, or baby house, as one
of the grandkids calls it.
For someone like me who must
carry food no matter the mode of transportation, traveling like a turtle is a
dream! I have plenty of room for a variety of pre-frozen homecooked meals,
shelf-stable and fresh ingredients, plus snacks, snacks, and more snacks. There’s
a way to keep food cool and multiple ways to cook it. An RV solves a lot of
problems or at least makes traveling less cumbersome and worrisome for me.
I can have fresh coffee in the
morning before I get dressed just like I do at home. I love to ease into the
day with a game of Wordle and some browsing. I bought a study pillow and
lapboard so I can sit on the bed, drink coffee, and surf the web or watch the
news without having to turn the bed back into a dining area.
I have a flip-up countertop for
extra prep space or to sit on the edge of the bed and dine. But I can also eat
outside. Many RV parks have picnic tables. Some have fire pits or grills. And
many offer a convenience store for any item I may have forgotten.
My closet is large enough to hang
some clothes and also store some in a 3-drawer unit I purchased. My first trip
was 2 ½ months. I did laundry once a week and always had clean clothes
available.
I worked on the road using the
two passenger seats as an office – one for paperwork organization and one as a
seat to write or attend Zoom meetings. Under one of the seats was room for a still
camera, video camera, and tripod along with a first aid kit and folding camp
chair.
While I don’t have to drive
slowly, I plan shorter driving days in the RV than I would in my car or truck.
Once I arrive at a destination, I have to get out the water filters and surge
protector and hook everything up. I prefer to do that before dark when
possible.
One thing I’ve learned making
long drives is that no matter how many hours I plan to drive per day, at least one
day of the trip will end up longer than anticipated. And I learned the hard way
it’s a good idea to carry a car phone charger or an emergency charger if you’ll
be relying on your phone for directions (or any information, really).
I can also deliberately slow down
a journey to take side trips or get out and hike. When you fly, you can’t jump
out of the plane if you happen to see something interesting. But traveling like
a turtle, you can divert and enjoy anything that strikes your fancy. You can change
your route or take one route to and a different one from.
If you get tired, you can pull
over and have a comfortable nap. If you need a pit stop, you have your own facilities
on board.
And if you happen to slowly meander into Los Angeles, I can’t say enough good things about the owner and long-term RVers at Hollywood RV Park. What a great community! It’s one of the best neighborhoods I’ve ever lived in.
I grew up spending weekends at
the lake. We had a cabover camper with no bathroom. I suppose RVing feels a bit
the same, but more upscale given the toilet and shower. I tend to call the RV a
camper if that tells you anything.
Traveling like a turtle can also
mean a chance to see someone who lives between you and your destination. I’ll add
an hour or so to my trip to spend a couple of days with my sister. It’s 6 hours
round trip from my house to hers, so adding an hour seems like a no-brainer.
Some RVers spend most of their
time on the road, but others spend months or years in one location. When you
travel like a turtle, it’s really up to you.
There’s no question that you’ll
have something unexpected happen here or there. It comes with the territory.
But the benefits of traveling like a turtle often outweigh the difficulties,
especially for those of us who can only tolerate a minimum number of
commercially produced foods.
If you don’t want to jump in without giving it a try, rent a rig first. While you’re pondering this option, I’ll keep pretending I’m a turtle.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
BnB, AirBnB, VRBO, managed condo/home rental, or hotel/motel–what’s the difference? If you’re planning a trip it’s helpful to know. Sometimes it’s fun to get out of town to watch the Super Bowl. In a new location, the snacks seem more exotic and it’s easier to imagine a Cinderella outcome! As the coronavirus spreads its influence, it seems like traveling sooner rather than later could be a good idea.
If you’re getting out of town this weekend or later in the year, here are some accommodation differences worth noting:
Hotels are predictable.
Most of us are familiar with a variety of hotel and motel brands and styles. You may have a favorite that you choose on a regular basis. Each will vary slightly in layout, decor, and amenities, but many things are predictable.
The typical hotel or motel has everyday maid service. The rooms are stocked each day with enough towels for at least two showers per person and a day’s worth of hand and bath soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. You’ll consistently find a hairdryer, an iron and ironing board. Some hotels also automatically provide mouthwash, makeup remover wipes, shower caps, shoe polishing cloths, and vanity kits containing Q-tips, cotton balls, and a fingernail file. You can always expect to find ice machines and vending machines around the facility.
It’s been at least four years since I’ve stayed in a hotel that did not have a coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator in a standard room, but some high-rise convention or small boutique hotels may not. Breakfast is usually served at hotels even when there’s not a restaurant on site. Some hotels and motels offer a self-service laundry as well as a traditional laundry service. Most can provide you with complimentary forgotten items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a comb.
Other hotel amenities may include room service, a pool, spa, beauty salon, shopping, bicycle rental, ballrooms, meeting rooms, exhibit spaces, a golf course, croquet courts, concierge, restaurants, bars, casinos, dance clubs, music venues, and art galleries. Resort hotels will specialize in an even wider range of activities and services from which to choose. If you love hiking, skiing, fishing, boating, or sailing, you can easily find a place that caters to your activity. You can also soak in luxury at a resort with a pillow menu.
Hotels reservations are easily canceled at no charge up to 24-hours prior to check-in. Keys or key cards are distributed from a front desk even if you book and pay in advance online.
Parking policies vary widely. In small towns and cities, parking is usually free and in an open air lot. In larger cities, parking may be in a deck where you must pay. Some facilities offer valet parking only for which they charge a fee. In metropolitan areas, there is often a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport.
Bed and breakfasts may lack privacy.
When my kids were young, bed and breakfasts were all the rage. I stayed at several in several states. Most were located in large, old homes where you rented a bedroom with named for a theme – Benjamin Franklin Suite, Roosevelt Room, Emily Dickinson Lounge, etc. Some rooms came with a private bathroom, but many required me to share with other guests.
Breakfasts in BnBs were prepared and served by the hosts who usually wanted to chat. Other guests also wanted to chat. I know everyone was just being friendly, but I’m more of a drink my coffee in silence person so I have never felt very comfortable in the traditional BnB environment.
For me, BnBs work best when traveling with family or close friends. Everyone can stay in the same place and I’m staying with people I know. If I choose to keep quiet during breakfast, no one thinks I’m being unfriendly. They already know I like to ease into the morning.
If you’re traveling with unreliable friends or family, be sure to review the cancellation policies before booking a bed and breakfast. Some require cancellation days or weeks before check-in and may charge a cancellation fee.
I think this model may have evolved into more of a self-serve situation in some BnBs. There’s a lovely one in Santa Barbara where you help yourself to snacks and breakfast. The breakfast is less elaborate than the BnBs I’m used to, but more flexible and private.
My most recent experience with a bedroom in a shared home was a HomeAway rental in Brooklyn. The owners lived downstairs and rented out the upstairs bedrooms. There was one shared bathroom located down the hall from my room. The owners provided towels and hand soap, but toiletries were up to me. That has been my experience with most BnBs.
The mornings at the HomeAway felt very much like a BnB. The owners served breakfast and expected everyone to show up at the table around the same time. It was not my favorite accommodation, but the location was perfect. I was in Park Slope across from Prospect Park and around the corner from the friends I was visiting.
AirBnB and VRBO units are everywhere and all of them are different!
When location is important, AirBnB and VRBO have made it possible to find accommodations convenient to almost anything. On my last three trips to LA, this has allowed me to forego car rental and ride sharing. I’ve been close enough to walk to my primary destinations and a variety of restaurants.
The maps on AirBnB give a reasonable idea of location, but can sometimes be inaccurate enough to put you on the other side of a major highway. Once you book and receive the specific address, it’s a good idea to review the location so that you can cancel within 48 hours of booking to guarantee a full refund if the address is not suitable.
Cancellation policies vary by host from flexible to moderate to strict. All policies are clearly stated on the site. This can still mean there are some inaccuracies if the host enters incorrect information. AirBnB has a resolution center to help resolve any conflict that may result. I sometimes choose a more expensive option in order to have the flexibility to cancel closer to my departure time, especially when I’m booking well in advance.
I use AirBnb, but my sister uses VRBO. There is some overlap, but it’s easy to search either service without creating an account. I use the filters to make sure I have completely private quarters with enough bedrooms and bathrooms for my travel group to be comfortable.
When it’s just me, I don’t care about a separate bedroom, but I do want a real bed. The site icons make it easy to determine whether the sleeping spaces are appropriate.
In addition to cancellation policies, bedrooms, and bathrooms, I review the photos, list of amenities, and house rules. This means that the flexibility of size, configuration, and location requires more time and research than booking a hotel. If you prefer to keep things simple and predictable, a hotel or motel may work better.
There are also other things that vary. Hosts rarely update their original list of amenities or general check-in instructions. That has meant I carried a hairdryer only to find there was now one provided. Most recently, it meant that the red lantern identifying the appropriate gate to my facility was missing.
Unlike a hotel, you may need to provide your own shampoo, bath wash, and lotion. If shampoo is provided, it may be in a large container like you use at home. There is not a maid or cleaning service to do your laundry or dishes. Those are up to you.
I’ve never stayed for more than a week in a single AirBnb. I’m guessing that towels would be restocked and sheets changed during an extended stay, but I don’t know what interval is considered average.
Just like visiting a friend’s home, you may encounter a broken shower handle, hot water that takes forever, and occasionally a few clothes in a closet. These are a few examples from my experience, but I’ve never had a problem large enough to ruin my trip or even my day. If this kind of thing creates undue stress for you, it may not be worth taking the risk.
A coffee maker and coffee may or may not be provided. On a trip a couple of years ago, I had to borrow a French press from my son and purchase coffee from a nearby grocery.
Your facility may not have a TV, or if it does, it may only be broadcast TV rather than cable or satellite. This is not a big deal for me, but if you’re expecting to watch a game on ESPN you may be disappointed.
My most recent stay provided Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and antenna TV. That meant having two remotes and needing to know how to change the input on the TV, but that’s what I do at home so it felt perfectly normal.
Some hosts provide extras like a variety of snacks, bottled water, and cooking basics like pots, pans, knives, salt, pepper, and cooking oil. Others may have dishes and a microwave, but no food or water.
With AirBnB and VRBO, you simply can’t expect consistency. Read the reviews. Read the lists. Read the rules. You’ll still occasionally be surprised.
Host personalities vary greatly and there is no standard for customer service. Some prefer to communicate only through an app. Others will provide their phone number and meet you at the door. I prefer hosts who are responsive, but not overly involved and I’m perfectly happy if I never meet them in person.
Having the ability to cook if I want to, value for the money, and the wide range of locations and sizes makes AirBnB my preference in spite of the inconsistencies. I just look at those as part of the adventure.
Managed condo and house rentals can be the perfect in-between.
Houses and condo rentals handled by management companies fall somewhere between hotels and AirBnB. While the units are owned by individuals, they are managed under a set of consistent policies administered by the management company. I sometimes choose these when traveling to the beach with a group or to Asheville, North Carolina by myself.
When I stayed in a studio condo at The Residences at Biltmore, I had everyday maid service just like a hotel. I also had a full kitchen sans dishwasher and a stackable washer & dryer. I did my own laundry, but the maids washed the dishes, restocked the towels, and made my bed.
I don’t think any shampoo or soap was provided other than dishwashing liquid, but I really don’t remember specifically. What I do remember is feeling as though I had everything I needed. There was an outdoor elevator to take me to the third floor. I had a lovely balcony with a view where I could sit or dine.
In addition to the bed, there was a chest of drawers, chair, twin sofa bed, fireplace, and small dining table. The closet was large and all of the finishes were high end. Outside, the pool was huge and the pool area included a fire pit for cold weather. Parking was ample and free. Spa treatments were available.
I’ve been tempted to purchase one of these condos. They’re on the edge of Kenilworth, a neighborhood I love. They seem well managed and they stay full. I’d have to be willing to give up some income in order to spend time there myself and I’m just not sure a purchase makes sense at $300,000 and up. Nonetheless, the pull is strong. I loved being there.
Most of us are comfortable in our own homes. When we travel, we hope to be equally as comfortable if not more so. The requirements for an accommodation to provide that feeling will vary from person to person. Your best choice may be guided by budget, convenience, amenities, or level of service. Whatever the criteria, knowing the difference makes the choice more clear.
So, what’s the difference? Here’s a quick recap:
Hotels are the most predictable, consistent, and easy to cancel last minute.
Bed and breakfasts may lack privacy, but can provide a homelike feel.
AirBnB and VRBO offer great locations, the most flexibility, and are often a great value for the money. They are not consistent and require effort to research amenities and policies.
Managed homes and condos have straightforward policies, fewer personal touches, and don’t require communication with the owners.
Even if you stay home for the Super Bowl, you may want to travel for Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or just a regular old day. That’s what I’m doing next–traveling on a regular old Friday to a regular hotel. Whenever and wherever you go, I wish you comfortable conditions and safe travels!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
When you’re feeling peckish, use this travel tip. A few years ago, my youngest son often announced he was feeling peckish. No one he knew used that word, but he’s a big reader with a huge vocabulary and it’s not uncommon for him to interject new words into the family lexicon. Once we determined that meant he was a little hungry, we asked him what he wanted to eat. After awhile, his use of the word diminished and my use disappeared…until yesterday when I was walking through the grocery store looking for suitable airplane/airport snacks.
Today, I’m flying to LA to visit my newest grandson. As I’ve mentioned before, I always carry gluten-free food when I fly. That way I’m prepared if I can’t locate something suitable in the airport or there’s a delay that means I must eat on the plane. Perusing the deli case, I suddenly saw boxes labeled PECKISH. Of course that got my attention.
The contents of these boxes turned out to be a protein pack with two “perfectly boiled” organic, free-range eggs and a cup of crunchy dip. The flavor profile of this snack is determined by the crunchy dip. “Fried Rice” dip contains organic quinoa crispies, dried tamari, carrots, toasted sesame oil, sea salt, green onions, garlic, and ginger.
Other flavor options include “Salt & Pepitas”, “Rancheros, “Maple Waffles”, and “Everything”. All flavors are gluten-free, diary-free, and sugar-free. Some are keto and paleo-friendly. Each flavor varies slightly in protein, fiber, and sodium content, but each box is filled with protein because of the eggs.
Once you peel open an individually packed egg and open the dip, you just stick the egg in the dip and take a bite. The inside of my dip’s foil lid is instructing me to double dip!
The already peeled, “perfectly boiled” eggs fall on the soft end of hard boiled. The yolk is not runny, but it is not dry and crumbly. The very center is orange and a tiny bit gooey.
This snack appealed to me not only because of its name, but because I often take hard boiled eggs as an airplane snack. I pre-peel the eggs and drop them into a zip top bag into which I’ve sprinkled a little salt and pepper. I was curious whether the flavored dips would be enough of an upgrade to justify the larger price tag or whether they would inspire me to create some dips of my own.
The “Everything” dip reminds me of the Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend from Trader Joe’s without the bitter aftertaste. Okay, I realize most people put that seasoning blend on something like a bagel and may not know there’s an aftertaste. I’m in the habit of testing recipes which requires tasting things repeatedly–when they’re hot, when they’re cold, a day later–and without embellishment.
Having been known to put strawberry jelly on scrambled eggs, I would expect to like the “Maple Waffles” dip. It does have a subtle sweetness and its lid tells me it’s so dippin’ good! I like the “Fried Rice” dip. It has a pleasing and less subtle blend of savory flavors. The “Salt & Pepitas” serves the purpose, but fails to make a statement. I’ll have to leave you in suspense regarding the “Rancheros”. I haven’t tried it yet.
I like the idea of using crisped quinoa to hold flavors like maple syrup and toasted sesame oil to blend with tamari, but I’m not likely to whisk up a batch of egg dip for one trip for one person. If I want something besides salt & pepper or a seasoning blend I keep on hand, it makes sense to purchase a PECKISH protein pack.
Of course these are also great snacks for road trips, the office, or a kid’s lunch box. If they’re not sold in your area, perfectlypeckish.com offers a subscription box feature. You build a home box by choosing 10 protein packs in any combination of flavors and have it delivered to your home at regular intervals.
If your office is into clean eating, keto, or paleo, you can also order weekly, biweekly, or monthly shipments to stock the break room. The office packs are single flavor boxes containing 30 eggs each or a box of 30 eggs without a flavored dip.
It’s good to know that when I anticipate feeling peckish on a trip, I can pack a high protein, gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free snack that’s full of flavor without taking the time to cook. All I need to do is follow this travel tip–purchase a PECKISH protein pack.
That’s it for travel tip #22. Happy traveling and happy holidays!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
When you travel, organize so you are prepared to evacuate. I’m in Los Angeles right now. Last Thursday, a wildfire broke out 1.5 miles away from my son’s house. While smoke billowed, I watched the news and packed a go bag as I prepared for the possibility of evacuation. I didn’t want to carry a large bag, but I wanted the essentials for a couple of days. No matter where you travel, you could encounter tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, or other unexpected difficulties that require you to leave quickly for safety.
Swiftly changing conditions can mean the necessity of relocation without much notice. In some cases, preparation time is a matter of minutes. An advance plan can assure that you’ll have what you need in the event you must leave immediately. Here’s a simple plan you can follow:
Carry a 2nd bag.
If you’re traveling with a large suitcase that is cumbersome, make sure you have a second bag that will hold clothes, toiletries, water, and snacks for a couple of days. If I only carry a purse on the plane, I throw a soft duffel bag in the bottom of my checked bag. This trip, I have a small cloth bag as well as an under-seat carryon that is quite spacious. A backpack is another great choice.
Set your phone to receive weather and emergency alerts.
Although I’m 1600 miles from home, I received an emergency alert from the LAFD about 20-30 minutes after the fire started. The alert contained a link to a website where I could monitor alerts.
Create a list of critical items.
It can be hard to think clearly when you’re under duress. Having a note on your phone with a list of essentials allows you to be mechanical about the packing process. Knowing you have prepared for this possibility can help reduce anxiety.
Your list may surprise you. I removed my laptop and its charger from my go bag yesterday. I have a backup of everything essential and I can access most anything else I need from my phone. The laptop adds weight and takes up space.
I also left out my yoga mat, yoga clothes, extra shoes, swimsuit, jewelry, and jacket. I included cash, phone charger, underwear, socks, sleepwear, and a couple of changes of clothes as well as toiletries and makeup. If space were tight, I would have foregone the makeup.
Other items I considered essential were: a package of hand wipes, a zip top bag of snacks, and all of the bottled water and tea I had on hand. I used my cloth bag for these.
If you have prescription medications, you’ll want to put them in your go bag along with any written instructions you need. At times I have carried an EpiPen. Thursday, I kept the BENEDRYL® that was in my purse, but that was it for meds. I’d probably leave supplements that are not prescribed behind unless there’s only one or two or they are already sorted into daily doses in a small container.
My final critical items are my ID, credit cards, and keys. I keep those in my purse. When I can fit that purse in my go bag, I am especially pleased. If that doesn’t happen, it’s not a big deal because I typically travel with a crossbody bag that is easy to carry. I sit the purse on top of the go bag in my hotel room or AirBnB so in one grab I have everything I need.
Know where you are.
You don’t have to spend your vacation time planning extensive escape routes, but it can be helpful to review the hotel evacuation map on arrival and know what major highways or streets are nearby.
Store needed information.
Record reservation numbers; padlock codes; passwords for apps like AirBnB, VRBO, Lyft, Uber, Postmates, GrubHub or DoorDash; links to emergency alert websites; airline or event tickets; and addresses on your phone or paper. The phone is most convenient, but will render these inaccessible if you are without power until the battery dies. You also may not want to store passwords on your phone.
I know you’re probably thinking you don’t need passwords with you because you’ve told your apps to remember you or keep you logged in. On a recent trip to pick up groceries, I couldn’t check-in from such an app because it asked for my password and I did not know it or have it available. I also didn’t want to reset it. In the event of emergency, this can be nerve racking.
Knowing and noting where you are in relation to major highways can reduce the time it takes to choose an escape route and decide on the best mode of transportation.
Bring extra zip top or silicone stashable bags.
Zip tops are less bulky and weigh less, but silicone bags work as well. Having a few in multiple sizes allows you to reorganize or pare down quickly. These also keep hastily packed toiletries from accidentally leaking on your clothes in a tightly packed go bag. Wear comfortable shoes.
Thursday, the TV news interviewed a woman pushing a child in a stroller to escape the fires. Her family was en route to pick them up, but the roads were blocked. While you may not anticipate walking, you may have to, so choose your most comfortable shoes.
You may also want to pack some kind of slip-on shoe in preparation for a night evacuation. My most comfortable shoes have laces. If I need to leave in the middle of the night, I want those in my bag and something easy to slip into by my bed.
Consider a flashlight.
Power outages are common in weather events. If your phone ties your hands too much or you want to preserve its battery, consider carrying a small flashlight.
Bring an emergency phone charger.
An emergency phone charger is a great idea for travel, especially here in California where the power company may preventatively turn off the power.
Review the diaper bag.
Most of us have a routine with the diaper bag. That means it’s always packed with anything appropriate for our everyday activities. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s packed with everything required for a couple of days.
Obviously, you’ll want ample diapers, wipes, formula, and bottles along with clothes. For breastfed babies, a baby sling that is also a nursing cover can take the place of a stroller.
Don’t forget comfort items like pacifiers, blankets, or stuffed toys (only if your child requires one to feel safe or sleep). I like to include at least one burp cloth, and a changing pad or blanket makes diaper changes more sanitary and comfortable. I also throw in small plastic bags for diaper disposal.
Toddler bags may need additional items like toddler friendly snacks, a sippy cup, a couple of small toys, or a book. Food pouches are easy to carry and don’t require a spoon. Oatmeal packets are filling and can be mixed with a packet of peanut or almond butter, or a pouch of applesauce for added nutrition and staying power.
My thinking on car seats, car seat carriers, and strollers is to leave them in the car. This gets you out the door and on the road faster. You can buckle the kids in once you’re in the car.
Carry special equipment.
If you are traveling with the elderly or those with special needs, pack essential equipment so it’s easy to access once you’re on the move.
In addition to medications, include any needed special food; feeding tubes; syringes; oxygen delivery devices; braces, canes, wheelchairs, or other walking aids; power cords and even a portable generator if one is needed for equipment and it’s possible to carry. You’ll need an ice chest for medication that must be refrigerated.
Don’t forget your pet.
If you travel with a service dog, emotional support animal, or pet, keep them with you. Last Friday, I was greeted by a small dog in a toy store. The owner of the store had brought him to work because of the fire danger. It was the only way to keep him safe.
Hopefully, you’re already carrying a travel container with food and bowls that are easy to carry. Bring a leash or harness, any required medications, and a roll of poop bags.
If space allows, include other useful items.
A travel pack of facial tissue or a travel roll of toilet paper can be helpful. If you don’t have either of those handy, you can tightly roll some toilet paper and put it in a zip top snack bag. Without a cardboard tube, you’ll be amazed how much will fit in a small bag.
In my bag, there’s almost always a package of plasticware that includes salt, pepper, and a napkin in addition to fork, knife, and spoon.
On any trip, I pack a trash bag in my suitcase for dirty clothes. It can easily be moved to my go bag. A large trash bag is light weight, easy to pack, and can function as a poncho in rainy conditions.
When fire threatens, it’s handy to have a mask to block the smoke should you end up downwind.
If you don’t want to carry the weight of water, carry an empty bottle that you can fill along the way.
I don’t carry surface disinfecting wipes, but they can be helpful in some situations and are available in convenient travel packs.
For toddlers who are potty training, including several pull-up disposable diapers will take the pressure off by preventing the necessity of finding facilities at the last minute. This is true for the elderly as well. Although your loved one may still be able to use the toilet under normal circumstances, adult diapers can prevent embarrassing situations and are often an appropriate addition to a go bag.
A baby carrier for children too large for a sling is more compact than a bulky stroller.
You may want to throw in the children’s Tylenol and a couple of band aids just in case.
Bottles with clearly marked volume indicators for measuring, a bottle brush, and extra feeding tube tips can all come in handy.
Of course you’ll want to create a list that works for your particular trip and your particular needs, but hopefully this plan will get you started. This morning, I was awakened at 4:40am by news of another fire nearby. That one closed part of the 405 freeway. Road closures like this can affect your route to an airport so be sure to allow extra time.
Go, go, go, and have a wonderful trip just be prepared to evacuate when a dangerous situation arises!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
