The travel ritual

For me, travelling starts with preparation. I’m organized. I know what I want to bring and I’m prepared. I have an area in my closet that is filled with zippered bags in different sizes, containers for various items and my luggage.  I leave stuff like an umbrella, flip flops, lint brush and tote bag in my suitcase, so they’re only used while I’m travelling. I have a kit bag that is filled with beauty items for travelling, and a makeup case with the basics.

I always do the same thing the day before I leave, placing these items in piles on the floor. I like to lay out my clothes and then put a few things back. I check the weather of my destination. I put my passport and ticket info in my travel wallet and if I’m travelling to the US, I include another wallet with US currency. I choose a book for the plane. Make sure I have my earphones and mp3 player. My laptop and my backup drive. A notebook and pen. An empty water bottle. A granola bar.

Then I head out for errands. I go to the bank. I know there are bank machines everywhere, but I like to have a certain amount of cash on me for insurance.I always go to the drug store. Whether it’s to buy mints, a magazine or a last minute beauty item, I always find something I need to buy. With all these items laying on my floor, I then let them sit there, looking for gaps, figuring out what will go where. And then in less than 15 minutes, I put everything in my suitcase. Place my suitcase by the front door and set my alarm. I have dinner, try to relax and enjoy quiet moments at home. Read a book. Gaze at the skyline. Go to bed early.

But in the back of my mind, no matter where I’m going, whether its business or to visit friends, I’m excited. I’m about to go on a trip!

Photo: downtown Toronto from my balcony by WH

posted by Waheeda

~ by Waheeda on February 26, 2008.