Friday Five - Bon Voyage Edition
We head out soon for our Alaska cruise, where we'll have four generations of family sailing together, so my Friday Five will be travel-prep focused accordingly.
1. Once the suitcases are zipped, I finally get excited. My rule is to pack two days ahead so that I have time to mentally go through our itinerary, the expected weather, and any out-of-the-ordinary activities I may need to bring items for. I then continue to mentally go thru my list over the remaining days, removing or adding items as 'Oh, I need!' or 'Oh, I don't need!' thoughts occur to me.
I also gather my toiletries together, so that I have time to do a complete dry run at least once, ideally twice, before we depart, in order to ensure I have set aside everything I need to take care of my teeth and eyes (contacts) and do my hair and makeup.
2. This will be my first cruise bringing just a carry-on bag. Even with the many layers we need to pack for Alaska's wild weather, I managed to get everything into one carry-on suitcase. Why bother, in the event you're wondering. Simply to ensure both me and my luggage arrive together!
I file it under 'ways to reduce travel stress', a list which is getting longer as I age.
To be fair, I did place two pair of shoes into my husband's check-in size luggage, but everything else fit into my carry-on bag.
In my bag I packed one pair of basic black pants for dinner, along with six lightweight, blouses, one for each night other than sail-away. On sail-away day, the first dinner dress code tends to be very casual as many guests will not yet have had their luggage delivered to their cabin. So on the first night I'll simply wear what I plan to wear onto the ship - lightweight black summer trousers with an apple green silky tank.
Otherwise, I packed a couple of casual pants with a variety of lightweight shirts, several layers of outerwear, including a lightweight rain coat, plus workout clothes, pj's and a swimsuit.
3. I located 10+ miles of scenic walking in Seattle, where we'll be for two nights pre-cruise. The weather is looking to be gorgeous - cool and sunny - so perfect for walking. And walking a city is one of my absolutely favorite things to do while traveling. There are also lots of coffee stores scattered along our routes, so, I'm sure some stops for iced coffee will happen as well.
4. I signed up for tennis lessons. I have played tennis off and on over the years, but it's been almost a dozen since I last picked up a racquet. I've been waiting for our health club to run a series for Beginners, and they finally did. I signed up the moment the email arrived, and start my 'refresh' lessons immediately after we return.
5. I saw this at the beach during a walk earlier in the week, and it made me laugh:
I hope you all had a great, satisfying week, wherever you are!
You'll have an amazing time. Go with the flow if things aren't perfect as four gen travel can be a lot. My friend keeps suggesting I take tennis lessons more so that I feel comfortable again on courts rather than her wanting a good match. Well still just sort of volley back and forth. But, getting a refresher of basics is definitely needed by me.
ReplyDeleteThe nice thing about a cruise is that everyone can customize their experience as they wish. Already I know the elders will be enjoying slow evening dining room dinners, while the young ones will be doing the quicker, more relaxed buffets instead.
DeleteI love tennis, but finding that partner that is close to your level can be a bit challenging. I stopped playing because my well-suited singles partner moved at retirement, and I didn’t know how to go about finding another.
Have a wonderful time! My son and his family just got back from a 3 generation 13 people Alaskan cruise and enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteWe are all excited and looking forward to the time together.
DeleteHave a fantastic trip! Cindy in the South
DeleteThank you, Cindy!
DeleteOoh, Alaska sounds so fun! We have been debating our "big" trip for DH's 60th next summer. On the list for consideration is: Dolomites, Iceland, or a family trip to Alaska. We wouldn't do a cruise (DS19 would die), because there is a desire for a lot of activities and different locations. But, if the family schedules line up, we would love it.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely cannot bring a checked bag. I'll allow it on a return flight, because if the bag doesn't arrive home in exactly the right time, it's not a huge deal. But on the way? Nope. Don't want to risk not having my stuff. On a return flight, only if I have a bunch of stuff to bring home (Greece). Of course, I checked my bag, and my very nice suitcase was damaged & I had to wait for an hour to get it off the plane. So, never again unless absolutely required. We did have to check a bag for NZ, because we also had our hiking bags, but that one was quick & easy.
Have a wonderful time! Your trip sounds fabulous! I'm a huge fan of Vuori Miles Ankle Pants for travel, dress up, etc. They can be worn in a dressed up way, but are extremely comfortable for traveling. - Hawaii Planner
Your DS-19 comment about cruising made me laugh - I totally get it! It’s not really traveling to me either, it’s more about sampling bits of other places. But it is certainly less stressful than our on-our-own travels, and sometimes that’s what I desire.
DeleteWe’re headed to Iceland as well in 2027, likely on a tour, however. We’ll start and end on our own for a few days, but will otherwise turn the planning over to a local expert. Same quest to balance out the travel stress.
And thank you for the pants recommendations!