Hey Socialites, I’ve missed you and our weekly girl chats! It’s been a while, but now, I’m coming back with a detailed post that will bring you into my busy travel season. This is Jarrod’s 8th season playing professional basketball and while I should be used to the preparation process to go over it’s always a struggle no matter what, and now that I have Dallas it’s even more of a struggle. This season we will be living in Istanbul, Turkey. While I’ve found that most countries are more Americanized than you may think, it’s still a process adjusting to a new place. 

Sooo, if we’re being honest, I’ve been in quite a funk lately. I’ve been dragging on things I know I should have done, and I’ve just been walking around like ugh lol. This happens to me every year for a week or two and then I’m kicking back into high gear. You see my anxiety is at an all-time high right now because I have to pack Dallas and I up to head back overseas for the next 10 months. Since I’ve been doing this traveling thing for a while of course I’ve picked up a tip or two to travel with. Socialites, check out the list below to incorporate some into your next trip.  

 Travel Checklist

1. Make a List and Check it Twice.

No seriously my travel checklist is so important to me when staying on track with a packing schedule. Write down EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING you could possibly think of that you will need on your trip, and pack a little bit at a time. This will help prevent you from not getting any sleep the night before your big travel day. 

2. Roll Your Clothes

I know you’ve all heard this one before ROLL your clothes. To be honest, I just became a roller within the last year or two. I felt like it never worked for me, but now I can’t think of packing any other way.

3. Try Your Outfits On

When I say try the clothes that you’ll be taking on the trip, I mean socks, shoes and jewelry — everything that will complete the outfit. By doing this, you won’t overpack and will be able to leave more space for shopping. 

I know my other WAGS would agree with how important it is to have the essentials that you can’t get overseas. Although you want to take everything, the below are the things that absolutely must go…Like you can’t live without. Check out three of my top must haves, and you guys could share what you think I’m missing. 

Key Essentials for Travel

1. Medicine: 

Meds for Dallas, this is so important because while most doctors or pharmacist there speak English it gives you a sense of comfort being able to read what you are taking. 

2. Hair Products

Shampoo, gel, flat irons, oils, etc.: Come on ladies what we would do without our hair products? Granted they have products there but when you find a hair product that works for you stick with it. 

3. Food

Spices, sauces, favorite snacks, etc.Now everyone isn’t a cook but when you are able to cook something you love, and you don’t have everything or you’re on google translate trying to break down words you don’t understand it’s good to have something you know. Now that I’ve been overseas for the last 8 years, I’m a little more comfortable going to the grocery store and not being scared to ask what I’m looking for but before I wouldn’t ask a soul for anything lol.

Here’s a funny story … while I was in Italy, I was going through withdrawals from Reese’s and I couldn’t find them anywhere. So, Jarrod’s agent was coming into town and I asked him to bring me 4 packs of Reese’s so I could have over time. I know he was like this girl is crazy, but I was ever so grateful lol. 

While I enjoy these last few weeks stateside spending time with my family and friends, I’m also going to take this time to reflect on how far I’ve come from the first time I traveled overseas to now. When I say a big difference, I mean a BIG difference.  I can see how finding my purpose has transitioned my way of thinking while I’m traveling and engaging in new cultures. Although, the long travel hours, nasty airplane food, and jet lag can be a pain, I am truly blessed to be able to travel to different countries and experience new cultures.