Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

As a serious travel enthusiast, I'm so excited to share some insights on how I streamline my travel prep to ensure smooth sailing, or should I say smooth flying, on my adventures. 

As you read this, I'm traveling around India, and believe it or not, just three days before my flight, my suitcase was still sitting empty!

Now, before you start worrying, let me assure you that I've got a handful of tried-and-true systems in place that never fail to get me ready for any journey.

Let's start with the basics – toiletries. 

I like to have my own shampoo and such, and I don’t like to waste space, so I’ve got a trusty pre-packed toiletry bag, always at the ready. I fill up the bottles when I come home from a trip so that’s one less thing that I have to do before my next trip. Gone are the days of frantically searching for mini bottles or realizing I've forgotten my toothbrush at the last minute. 

With everything neatly organized and ready to go, I can kick off my packing stress-free.

Next up, let's talk sustenance – food and supplements. 

About a week before takeoff, I dive into the task of portioning out my PFC snacks and various supplements. From my favorite PFC protein bars to blood-sugar-balancing collagen packets, I make sure to pack enough a bag for each day to keep me fueled and feeling my best throughout my journey. And considering the unpredictability of time zone shifts on my hunger cues, having my own stash of nourishing goodies gives me peace of mind.

For this particular adventure to India, I've added a few essential items to my packing list. With the country's warm climate and unfamiliar gut bacteria in mind, I'm packing my Grayl water bottle, extra electrolytes and a semi-secret digestive product that I’m piloting, to keep my body in tip-top shape.

Now, let's talk about wardrobe. 

I take great care in selecting outfits tailored to both the weather and planned activities. Whether I'm attending business meetings or lounging by the pool, I make sure to pack versatile pieces that can take me anywhere, so I don’t have to pack more than one outfit per day. And as for keeping my clothes wrinkle-free, I've mastered the art of rolling them – a simple yet effective trick that saves space and minimizes the need for ironing. 

Heading to more than one destination? Yep, me too. So I pack my outfits in my suitcase so that the ones I’ll need first are at the top. That way I don’t have to unpack everything.

Not sure if you’ll remember what you planned to wear each day? Or worried that you’ll be too jetlagged to even think about it? Ditto. I create a list in Microsoft ToDo that lists out my planned outfits.  Seem a bit too over-planned? Yeah, maybe it is. But I don’t want to waste any time figuring out what to wear each day.

Of course, no travel prep is complete without addressing logistical details. Visa? Check. Airport pickups? Double-check. By taking care of these finer points well in advance, I get to focus on the fun of the adventure that lie ahead.

Once most of my preparation is completed, I settle into feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation as I count down the days until my departure. But beyond my personal journey, there's a broader lesson to be learned – the importance of having streamlined systems in place to enhance any travel experience, whether it's a short getaway or a grand expedition.

So, as you gear up for your own adventures, I encourage you to think about the systems and routines that work best for you. Trust me, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable journey.

Until next time, happy travels, my friends! And be sure to stay tuned for updates from my India escapades – I can't wait to share the adventure with you!