Leaving for a trip is hard. There’s just no way around it. There’s so much to think about, so many things to get done, so many decisions to make and checkboxes to check off.
This summer I had the experience of going on a personal retreat. Jim and the kids stayed home and I went to a hotel by myself for two nights. (I will share more on this soon.)
It was just me leaving and I only had to pack clothing and food for myself. Yet, it was still difficult to leave the house. In fact, it was even more complicated because it was a trip I had never done before. This surprised me. When I did get out the door, I was behind schedule and frustrated.
Recently, the kids went up to the cabin with the grandparents (Mary can drive them all!) Then Jim and I joined them a few days later. It was just the two of us and the dog leaving the house. Simple right? Nope. It took 2 hours to get everything done and get out the door.
Why is leaving so complicated?
In the usual way that I solve things, I began to journal out my frustrations.
Here is what I found is true for me.
#1 – all of the thinking involved
There are so many different kinds of tasks that need to be done. All the decisions that need to be made can be exhausting. Each trip is unique, each time you leave there are different things you have to pay attention to. Then add to that changes in the weather or season. (Or even who is going) This can easily feel overwhelming.
Here are some “prepping for a trip” categories I think about the week before the trip:
- in my home:
- household tasks that actually need to be done before we leave
- What will bother me when I come home? What will gross me out?
- I always have the kids do their weekly chores a few days before we leave so that house is clean when we come home.
- see this article for more: Household Chores & Cleaning the Home
- catching up on laundry before packing day
- pets/farm animals – food, water, clean environment
- and either paying the neighbor kid to feed them or scheduling a house sitter
- household tasks that actually need to be done before we leave
- the clothing & packing:
- How many days and nights will we be gone?
- What kinds of activities will we need clothing for?
- Always pack the swim suits and jackets for each person.
- If you want more ideas in this category check out this post: Packing Questions for Summer Travel
- the food / meal planning:
- cleaning out the fridge – What do we have? What do we need?
- snacks, car snacks, fun vacation food
- meals on the road, in the RV, or at restaurants
- water, coffee, soda, and juice boxes – in the car and on the trip
- grocery shopping before we go
- making a list for what we plan to get at a grocery store on the trip
- $$ This is a major money saving tip = plan ahead and shop at grocery stores instead of eating fast food.
- weather & seasonal related:
- look up weather info
- What do we need related to the weather and the season?
- How does this change the activities we want to do?
- activities & a list of places to go:
- hiking
- swimming
- visiting friends/family
- going to a museum
Each location has its own list of things needed (especially when I had younger kids).
What do you think about?
What kinds of tasks do you leave for the day before?
Where are you planning to go and what do you need for those activities?
#2 – lots of small tasks
There are many things that can send you on a goose chase around the house. Where is the sunscreen? Oh, there is that bag for the car snacks! Who remembered to pack jackets?
It is a lot. I get bogged down in the small tasks and all the thinking that I have to do. I get frustrated when I am constantly interrupted.
#3 – unrealistic expectations
There are many versions of this one trip we are taking.
- The “Best-Case Scenario” trip that is happening in my head as I pack.
- The “Worst-Case Scenario” trip that I plan for as I try to think of what can go wrong.
- and… The “Actual Trip” with limited time, space, and energy each day.
Each of these are very different and send me into thinking and planning that might not be helpful. Is it reasonable for me to bring 4 books to a 3 day trip with little kids and way too many things planned for the weekend? No. Have I done it? Yes…
I get caught up in what I wish this trip could be. Or I get discouraged by what things could go wrong. Either way, I use up my emotional resources in worry.
Worry is focus and attention on something out of my control. (Pastor Chad talks about this often.)
What do you worry about before a trip?
Which scenario do you get stuck on?
I hope that reading through these 3 complications that make leaving for a trip complicated for me was helpful to you. Knowing that these frustrations are there does not necessarily change anything. But, for me, it helps me know that they are coming and that I can overcome them.
No matter if you are heading out for a weekend trip or a longer adventure know that pushing through the frustration of leaving is worth it! The experiences you have on the other side will grow you as a person and strengthen your family. And if we can adjust a few of these things to make our trip prep easier that is awesome too!
What do you struggle with when you leave for a trip? What lists or prep tasks do you recommend for the week of a trip?
🧳🚗 Happy Travels – April
Photos by Taylor Beach, Mikell Darling, Mick Haupt, Marissa Grootes, and others on Unsplash
