Last year before Thanksgiving, I wrote Sanity in the Busy Season and still stand by all those things to help you have a saner season or trip to visit family/friends. But I have more to add this year.

Check out the other list also then pick what will help you the most this year. Prepping for the things you love is important. (I’ve had a list for a week of what I need for my Christmas gifts and travels.)

My list mostly focuses on travel but if you are hosting, there are still valuable tips for you to consider before your guests arrive. Knowing what will you do and how you will plan for the time is important so you can enjoy your time together. No one wants to be a grump or host a grump.

Every minute doesn’t have to be planned but having a few things decided and things to look forward to can help ease anxiety and lessen decision overload.  

Be present.

• No work. This is hard for so many of us. I LOVE making jewelry so I’ll be thinking about doing it…and maybe sketching. I am not taking my supplies (but I wanna!).

• Entertainment for yourself and travel partners is a must. Travel can be hard so take books (yes, I’m a book nerd!), download movies, etc. if you are flying. For long car rides, books, music, podcasts, etc are perfect ways to relax and give you something to discuss. I have 3 books ready for the flight and the days I wake up first.

• Think about what you are doing besides eating and traveling. Is there something fun to do at your destination? We have plans to visit a museum or two as a family. (I’ll be sure to share details I learn there!)

• Plan for the food situation upfront. One person shouldn’t be doing all the work. Will you cook together or get takeout? Food discussions are underway! We have a few restaurants picked out and decided cooking will be a collaborative event for the remainder of the time. 

• Don’t stay inside the entire time. See the sights and experience whatever culture is available in your destination. Outdoor time is planned even though it’s winter, our destination is going to be warmer than we are used to.
  
  

  Physically prepare.

• Last year, I warned of the dangers of overstuffed suitcases and heavy backpacks. This year I have a huge but lightweight roller suitcase and a 4-wheel carry-on.

• Stay hydrated and get plenty to eat. This is easy when you travel by car but flying is harder. We will have snacks and water bottles for the flight. Those tiny cups of water don’t last long. If you are the host, offer to take your guests to the store or pick up stuff they can put in their bags to take with them. 

• Think about clothing and the ability to move/stretch while you are on the way to your destination (and if the weather is vastly different there). Comfy clothes for the trip are a good plan. Stretching and walking for layovers or at any stops are necessary to keep your body on track.
  
  If you have short layovers, chair stretches are great for the plane. 

  
  

Fiscally prepare.

• AutoPay and payment scheduling are beautiful things! Use those so you don’t incur fees or overspend. I have time on my calendar to set that up for the time I’m traveling.

• Keep credit card balances low for any unexpected travel costs or emergencies. I made sure my credit card had room for emergencies (last holiday it did not!).

• Anything you can pay beforehand is a huge benefit (baggage fees, parking, hotels, etc.). Pre-pay parking at the airport is an amazing benefit I plan to use, again this trip.
  
  
  

  Mental and physical care.

  There is plenty you can do to still take care of yourself while visiting others or having visitors. 

  
  

• Keep a routine of sorts. You don’t have to be on the exact schedule but don’t alter it drastically or you will have a hard time getting back on track when you’re home.

• Say goodnight in time to read or journal before you go to bed. If you wake up early, it’s a perfect time to journal, stretch, meditate, etc. before everyone else is up. 

• If you have a specific diet to keep your body feeling good, try to stick to it. Blowing your food habits out of the water can do terrible things to your body. Splurging is fine but gorging yourself can lead to feeling horrible and making the visit less than enjoyable. 

If you have travel and/or hosting tips, put them below in the comments. 

Peace and love,

Teresea