“I believe I can fly…”

R. Kelly

So, my trips this summer are two weddings, book-ending the Summer months. These weddings were scheduled for 2020, then (thanks Covid!) re-scheduled for 2021. One was a beautiful wedding set in a Christmas tree farm in Glenville, North Carolina in June. The other one is in Plymouth, Massachusetts in August for Zeke’s niece Lindsay’s wedding. Guess I’ll have to drag out my Pilgrim garb! I discovered when we flew to Asheville for the wedding in June, that I needed to brush up on my Travel savviness, after months of being grounded.

When I fly, comfort is the name of the game. This usually means a long-sleeved shirt (it can be cold on the plane), yoga pants and black athletic shoes that are easy to slip off when passing through security. I also pack either a scarf or pashmina, which can be used as a blanket or a pillow on the plane and a light jacket. I always also bring an empty, reusable water bottle, that I fill after passing through security. Antiseptic wipes are used to wipe down my tray table and seat belt and I never travel anywhere without my Bose noise-cancelling headphones. These can be a life-saver when sitting next to a chatty seat mate, crying baby or noisy snacker!

I pack an Emergency Kit that I carry in my Carry-On bag. It’s contents can vary according to your needs and desires, but this is what I have in my Travel Emergency Kit.

Emergency Kit Essentials

• Hand Sanitizer/Wipes
• Tissues
• Advil
• Band Aids
• Lip Balm
• Nail file
• Safety pins
• Bobby pin/hair tie
• Hand lotion
• Earbuds that plug into seat back
• Eye Shades (also good for hotel rooms)
• Ear Plugs (ditto)
• Tea Bags
• Snack, like nuts
• Chocolate (when I need chocolate late at night, it’s definitely an emergency)

As you can see, I also have other items, like an Eyeglass repair kit, small bottle of Tabasco, Tigers Balm, EmergenC powder and a pen. As a writer, having a pen is definitely essential. Also, in my carry-on bag I also have a charger for my phone and computer and, of course, these days you also need a mask!

I think about it every night and day. Spread my wings and fly away.

R. Kelly

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