Travel Rituals

What an interesting topic right? I always thought of people who engaged in Rituals as a bit obsessive compulsive and didn't really think I fell into this category until I found myself doing the same things for certain things. Especially right before bed and before I go on a trip. I know you are all wondering what my night time rituals are but I promise they are not as exciting as my travel rituals. Lol

Packing- Some take the act of packing for granted but in fact packing is a skill that must be mastered in order for a successful trip. Before I became a seasoned traveler, I never really gave packing a thought. I used just pack a bunch of clothes and shoes in my bag until full. Never really paid attention to matching outfits or the amount of outfits. I had to learn the hard way dealing with budget airlines and their baggage allowance weights. I have studied packing from professionals (YouTube and Pinterest) and I can now say that I too have mastered this skill. This is where I developed one of my travel rituals because packing for the trip is just as important as going on the trip. So about two weeks before any trip, I start planning my outfits in my head based on weather, activities etc. This can go on for several days. Once this is all sorted out, I then get my bag out and pack my passport first. I don't want to end up like Chloe in London when she forgot her passport. Good times!! lol Don’t know what I’m talking about? Go read the London blog. Before actually putting clothes in the bag, I line them up on my bed. I make at least 2 outfits for each day that way I have options before packing them without over packing. I usually take a few versatile bottoms to match with tops and accessories to switch up any clothes I decide to repeat. I do not pack any heavy items like jackets or boots. If I'm going to a cold place, I make sure I wear my jacket or boots on the plane. I don't pack more than one jacket because it takes up space and adds to the weight. Because back in the day, I used to pack so bad that I would get on my trip and not be able to make outfits from what I packed. I then roll up my clothes very tightly so that it only takes up a small amount of space in my luggage. Lastly, I double and triple check my bag before the trip takes place. Packing in advance helps in case I forget something.

Lucky blanket - I don't know if it's really lucky but it gives me comfort while on the plane. My friend got me a really big scarf that is so warm, I use it as a blanket. So cozy! I take it on every trip. I've only forgotten once and I felt so easy during that flight. This is one of the first items I pack in my backpack. This blanket has been to Asia, Africa, Central America, Europe, South America and many states. Some people have lucky socks but I have my lucky blanket that must travel with me.

Early Arrival- I like to arrive way early for check-in or at least I leave for the airport way early to allow for incidentals (accident or traffic) Traveling with other people and almost missing flights, has made me very appreciative of my timeliness. I try to be early for pretty much everything in life because it’s better to arrive early and take your time than arrive late and rush to the gate. In fact, it makes me very anxious when I'm late. I do have some friends that are never on time for anything so I know what to expect with them but for everything else, it's important to be on time.

Pray- I MUST pray before takeoff. As a Christian, I know that my God is always with me but I must ask for protection and for a safe flight. I also pray to thank God after arrival at my destination. People often ask me why I am not afraid to fly and the answer is simply because my God got me.

So there you have it....a few of my travel rituals! I am going on my next adventure in a week and you better believe that these rituals will be carried out in full effect. Got you thinking about your travel rituals? Share some of yours below.

Happy travelling!