Dirty Socks and Other Confessions

In the Laundry Room-

Me: CRAP! How did that pair of socks get in with the red sweater?

Also Me: Oh well, I guess they go into the travel bag…

 So now I’m about to share a couple of my fun, quirky travel tricks-  

As I annually de-clutter, I take socks, underwear, bras, nightshirts, t-shirts, etc., that are worn, thin, faded, snagged, stained and/or blotchy from my washing carelessness and I put them in a zip lock baggie that I keep in my suitcase.

While on a long, casual trip I will wear those items. I will use them to work out or hike or when just lounging around.

I mean, if you are wearing boots or long pants and/or just hanging around in your rental, who is going to see to see ratty socks or underwear? Right?

I will wear them once, air them out for a day or two, then turn them inside out (maybe add a panty-liner in the underpants) and wear them again!!! Shocking, I know..!!

Then I will throw them away! 

This opens up room in the suitcase for souvenirs or a NEW commemorative t-shirt.

I am not crazy about putting worn, dirty socks or underwear, etc. back into my suitcase with my other clothes and hauling them all the way back home to what…?  Just throw them away there?  

I also will do wacky things like combine shampoo and conditioner into one small bottle to pack,🤯..and I seldom ever travel with a bulky hairbrush. Instead I use my trusty pick, 2 bobby pins, hair ties, a barrette, a headband and a hat that I probably don’t like; something I won in a tournament or got from a charity event. These items are not important to me. They become disposable, donated or given away towards the end of the trip. I can also get by with just one real good pair of sneakers. After wearing them a few days, I use small, thin panty liners (again with the panty liners…absorbent, feel good, smell better!), in my shoes while I’m wearing them during the day, then a fragrant dryer sheet stuffed in them over night. I pick up cheap, thin, dollar store flip-flops or socks to wear around our hotel room, condo or pool (also, disposable). I never carry a book. I upload most things on my phone or a kindle or purchase magazines. Magazines are easy to travel with and disposable. If there is an article of interest in the magazine I’d like to retain from my reading, I’ll take a picture of it. Then throw the magazine away or leave it for someone else to read.

Organizing Consultant, Marie Kondo would be proud. 👏🏽😇

There is a big difference between a traveler and a vacationer. Both are great. I’ve done both. You don’t have to be one or the other.

I can be picked up at an airport or train station; driven to a resort, hang by the pool, on the beach or visit the spa. That makes for a great day. I have sat on my veranda, read a book, taken a nap then dressed for a lovely dinner. Perhaps a moonlight stroll on the beach? I love it. It’s all good. That is a Vacationer! I’m actually quite good at being a vacationer.

But on the whole I am more of a Traveler. I’m about getting into the thick of it. Exploring! Joining the locals. Learning about the location, the people, the food, the culture, music and traditions.

Most of the time, I’m big on traveling smart, traveling light, taking in as much as possible.

I read somewhere that ‘it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey’ And I beg to differ, as I’m about enjoying both the journey AND the destination along with the sights the place is known for. So get over yourself and enjoy the trip! It’s not a fashion show. Combine, condense, relax, be natural and enjoy. You will probably never see those people again!

***Except that one time. When we met Lois and Len, at a vineyard in Bordeaux, France. I did see them again. We discovered we were from the same US city. We soon became great friends.  Now we get together to enjoy and discuss wine, to play cards ♦️♠️♥️♣️, and to plan our next adventure!!!*** And they don’t mind if I wear a soon-to-be-disposable old stained or faded blouse while traveling!

On the road hair kit and don’t forget the hat!