Do you plan/prep early for a highly anticipated vacation?
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Anonymous
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Later this spring we are going on a long anticipated and much needed vacation. 2024 was a horrible year for me personally and towards the end of last year, I suffered a great loss. We planned this trip around Christmas and I find my anticipation of the trip is boosting my mood. With that said, this weekend I brought out a carryon bag and dusted it off, then placed it in our guest room closet. I began putting a few things we won’t use until we travel, but will need, inside. I also started a travel journal and started filling it with things I don’t want to forget.
My husband laughed kindly, but also said this was crazy, that we still have months ahead of us, and what am I doing. But honestly, this makes me so excited! Am I the only one? |
Anonymous
I don’t pull out suitcase til maybe 5 days ahead. I put things near the suitcase or in bed a few days before. I close the suitcase (often have to get up early to finish packing) on the way out the door. |
Anonymous
| I find that I enjoy vacations more when I pack far in advance. Or at least have a list ready. That way I'm not running around like crazy exhausting myself right before the trip. |
Anonymous
| Just do whatever works for you. If your husband wants to pack six minutes before leaving for the airport, let him do what works for him. There are no rules. |
Anonymous
| Wish I could find the article I read a couple years ago about how we get the most joy from travel planning and anticipation. Whatever floats your boat OP. |
Anonymous
I read that same article. Keep it up-Good for the endorphins! |
Anonymous
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Um ok. What am i missing?
There's nothing unreasonable about your method of packing. It's normal. Some people have different styles, like your husband, who packs best when there's an imminent deadline. You start early and work towards it gradually. Nbd. |
Anonymous
| Seems totally understandable, OP. "Crazy" but in a good way! Enjoy. |
Anonymous
| If it makes you happy, do it. But no reason to reveal it, and certainly don't talk about it. It will seem odd to most people. Spouse is no exception. You do not need to be understood re: this, just find your happiness. |
Anonymous
| The concept isn't too different than a Hope Chest. Back in when that was a thing. You store things away looking forward to a future happy event. |
Anonymous
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There are few things I enjoy more than planning a trip.
In October 2019, I had our whole Hawaii trip planned. For June 2020. Oops! We went a few years later. And it was planned in advance, too! |
Anonymous
| The planning always brings me even more joy than the actual trip. I love it that you got out a bag and started putting things in it. When it comes time for the trip you'll be glad you did that, too. |
Anonymous
| I start gathering about 6 weeks out to allow for delivery times and returns on things that didn't work out. |
Anonymous
| I pack about 25 minutes before I leave for the airport. |
Anonymous
| I usually pack the day before as I don’t want my clothes to be any wrinklier than they have to be. I suppose if I’m bringing along anything “specialized” like binoculars, snorkeling gear, etc I will gather it early and set it aside. |