Swimming Against the Current

Generally, I don’t like to buck the system. The majority of people tell me to do something this way; I think to myself “Well, that many people can’t be wrong!”.

Where travel is concerned, I do have to confess that there are two areas where I don’t agree with the status quo. I know this will be controversial, so hold onto your chair!

My first non-conforming idea is around jet-lag. By now, you’ve probably heard the rule. When you arrive at your destination; one with a significant time difference from your departure city; the rule is you MUST force yourself to stay awake until your normal bedtime; and, only then can you crash.

I call “bollocks” (which is unusual, because I’m Canadian and we don’t say that)! I adhered to this rules for years … always walking around on day 1 of my travel in a stupor; longing for the comfort of my bed.

Fast forward to the first European trip with my husband (before he was my husband). He arrived in Europe, never having heard this rule. And before I had a chance to share this particular pearl of wisdom with him; there he was sawing logs on the hotel room bed. Rather than force myself awake while he was enjoying what looked to be a wonderfully rejuvenating snooze … I decided to nap too; and fill him in on the error of his ways when he woke up.

What I learned was, the nap was very refreshing! We enjoyed the rest of the day, felt great and fell into bed at our usual time, sleeping with no problems. I refer to this as my great enlightenment and have been enjoying naps on Day 1 of travel whenever I darn well felt like it since!

OK … on to controversy number two. Always pack light. Pack as light as you can. Whatever you do, don’t pack too much. And God forbid you should have to check a bag.

I would say this rule should be changed to “Always Pack Right”.

I use an App called PackPoint to help me organize my packing (other packing apps are available). The app comes with a few built-in packing lists which are fully customizable. What happens with me with regards to the app is. Every time I think … “This item (cards, soap, etc.) would be nice to take on my next trip”, well I add an entry for that specific item in my app.

And so, what ends up happening; things are often added to the list, and more rarely removed. And so, over time, I tend to pack more, not less. And when I get to my destination; I’m like a prepared boy scout with all my “things”. I’m the one with band-aids and bug spray and a power bar, and …. you get the idea.

I do limit myself to one suitcase and I try to be cognizant of the weight allowance. But within those confines, anything goes. And you know what? It works great for me.

Any other rule breakers out there? I’d be curious which ones you’re breaking.