Weekend Getaway 101

This year for Valentine's Day my boyfriend and I decided to go on our first away trip as a couple. Like any other trip it's always fun talking about everything you want to do when you are gone but at some point you have to buckle down and do the not-so-fun stuff so you can enjoy the trip. Making sure all the details are in order can be stressful and frustrating. We all know that we are bound to forget something, so I decided to share what we did to minimize the things we forget and (hopefully) reach the unattainable goal of not forgetting anything.

Know Your Limits: When packing for a trip it's important to know that sometimes you have restrictions on the bags you  can bring. Some methods of transportation (like trains) require your bags to be within certain size, weight, and quantity criteria. Always make sure you know what these rules are. The last thing you want to do is pay $60 because you brought 3 more bags than you were allowed. On top of the suitcase itself you have to be equally as careful about what is inside it. Airports have strict restrictions about bottles carrying things like shampoo, lotions and toothpaste. Even if your bottle is half empty, you should still switch it over to an airport approved travel bottle. The last thing you want is to get a full bottle of your favorite perfume confiscated before you leave.

Transportation: Gas is expensive these days so in some cases driving may not be the most cost effective way to get to your destination. Obviously if you are taking the plane, this won't apply until your plane has landed. There are lots of ways to get around, so it's a good idea to check all the prices before you decide to just rent a car. John and I decided on taking the train to our destination and using public transportation to get around town. If you decide to do the same, make sure you know where the nearest stop is in relation to your hotel. If you do rent a car, make sure you know if there are parking fees at the hotel.

Reserving a Hotel: This was by far the most challenging part for us. This was because a lot of hotels require you to be at least 21. The best way to find out a hotel's age policy is to call them before you try to book. As most people already know, one of the best ways to find a good deal is to use a website like trip advisor that shows multiple prices for the same room. I found a wonderful deal from hotels.com using trip advisor that saved us a ton of money.

Activities: You probably already had some idea about what you wanted to do while you were on your trip, but in case you were looking for other things to do while you were in the area a lot of hotel websites have near by attractions. It's not a bad idea to make an itinerary if you have a busy schedule, that way you don't miss anything that is time-sensitive.

Careful Packing: Making sure everything fits in the minimum amount of bags can be tricky; you don't want to have to sit on your suitcase to make it close. Using a checklist is a good way to keep track of what you need to pack and make sure you have everything before you leave. I really like this one it's very thorough and you know you have everything from socks to sunblock and anything else you could possibly need. Since the goal is to get everything into a small number of bags packing smart is very important. Making sure you pack right will ensure that you get everything in your bag and still have room for a few extras.

  Clothes- The best way to fit all of your clothes is to roll them up like a sleeping bag. This should save enough space for a toiletry bag to fit as well as any cosmetics and hair tools.
 Cosmetics- The best thing you can do to keep your makeup in one piece is to sandwich the bag in between your clothes. This alone will absorb some of the shock form being bounced around. When dealing with powders and blushes it's a good idea to keep the puffs in the case or put a cotton round in it, this can keep a powder item from shattering. Finding a case that everything fits snugly in is another good idea, because the less your makeup can move around the less likely it is to break. A good thing to remember when packing makeup is that whenever possible it is a good idea to bring sample sizes. It won't be as expensive to replace a little sample as it would be to replace a full size product and it saves space. The last thing to remember when packing makeup is to separate it into plastic bags. Keep your powders and blushes in one bag, lipgloss and lipstick in another and so on. That way if something does break the mess is contained and won't ruin anything else.
 Toiletries-Again, sample and travel size products are the best. They are more space efficient and are more airport friendly. It's nice to have all of your hygiene products in one place when you arrive, so keep them in a small bag inside your suitcase. You should keep products that could come open and spill in little plastic bags that can be rinsed off. We chose to use plastic makeup bags but you could use sandwich bags if you so choose.


Before You Leave: Before you depart for your trip make sure you turn off the lights, leave instructions for that kid you hired to water your plants and take care of your pets, and print off any tickets or information you might need about where you are staying. Keep a copy of your itinerary and checklist on you for your stay. One more important thing to remember is to have fun!

xoxo
Courtney