The Tyranny of Travel

Have you ever noticed that when you are about to take a trip you suddenly must complete every project you ever set out to do AND buy a new wardrobe PLUS deep clean your shower and rearrange your closet?

Anyone?

No?

Well then maybe I am just a special brand of nuts because every time I go on a trip I realize just how abysmal my house looks and how everything I have ever worn is completely dead to me and I must replace it immediately with cuter clothes that will surely be noticed and appreciated by everyone I meet in the world. Because we all know how important it is to try to not look like a tourist when you are, in fact, a tourist.

You would think I would have lightened up by now or at least learned that you really only wear two pairs of pants when you travel. But my Type A personality shines through during times like this and my shower really could use a deep clean anyway.

Today, after my next massage appointment for my shoulders, I plan on making the following loop: TJ Maxx, Ross, Old Navy, Target and the grocery store. This is to ensure that I have tapped out every possible discount store for every possible piece of clothing that I may or may not need plus the ever-important stop to pick up my Super Chunk and perhaps a good magazine or two. When I get home, I have three loads of laundry to tackle, downsize my shoe selection from 7 pairs to 4 and try to remember to pack important things like my passport and my inflatable neck pillow.

And while we're talking about it, I highly recommend a neck pillow that inflates. This way you don't have to carry around a heavy one the entire trip. I also recommend sitting by the window on overseas flights so you aren't bothered 20 million times by your row mates wanting to get out and go to the bathroom. This is especially helpful for me because I have a phobia of public restrooms with the airplane bathroom being the absolute worst place I could ever imagine going ever. Ever. EVER. Not ever.

Just the thought of it makes me want to suck my thumb.

Moving on.

I have also found that the hardest outfit choice to figure out is the ever-important outfit for the plane. Oh the thought that goes into this decision! I am tired just thinking about this decision. I don't like wearing sweats because I feel frumpy and slouchy and cranky when I get off the plane. But I would never wear heels and a suit unless I am on my way to meet the queen. But we all know that I would probably be wearing a ball gown anyway, so that argument really doesn't matter. But what does matter is that perfect balance of comfort and cuteness, tailored and practical, and clothes that don't wrinkle too badly because chances are you will wear that outfit at least one more time before you get back home. I am still trying to figure this one out for my flight on Friday. 

My world is so hard.

I really could go on and on about how I travel and the many things that are on my to-do list, but I know you have more important things to do like BREATHING and BLINKING than to read this blog. So, what are some of your travel tips? What do you wear? Where do you sit? What items do you put in your carry-on bag? Are you nuts like me?

Oh, and quarta-feira feliz!  That's "Happy Wednesday" in Portuguese.  Who knew?