Just one more day now . . . I’m guessing I’m not the only one who experiences anxiety the day before a flight. Luckily, it’s the transition time, the anticipation, that I find a bit tough, and once I’m through the Boarding Gate, I’m usually pretty good.
No anxiety about the packing. That’s all done, and I’ll post a list of what’s in my carry-on case and what’s in my (small, day) backpack tomorrow with a photo or two to testify that it all fits.
Meanwhile, these last few days, with my favourite daily go-to garments packed (both pairs of best jeans! my cosiest sweater!), I’ve remembered how much I love wearing this winter skirt. Sue (at High Heels in the Wilderness) posted the other day about her well-curated wardrobe perhaps needing a wild card now and wondered if a midi skirt might be the answer. In reply, I had to say how much I’ve enjoyed wearing this one — some ten years old now, bought at The Gap, surprisingly enough, and worn regularly every winter since. Shall we call it Bluestocking Chic? Remarkably comfortable to wear, and I like to think that any possible fustiness (the grey flannel pleats, the buttoned-up cashmere cardi) is mitigated by the shoes. . . and then my worn leather moto jacket. . . and perhaps that red scarf. . .
The small, simple crossbody bag, by the way, is the one whose zipper I mendeda couple of weeks ago. It’s a gem for urban walking, and is definitely coming to Europe with me.
The curls are coming as well, but they will be shorter and perhaps a bit subdued after today’s visit to my stylist. . . . (now if only I could subdue those pre-travel jitters . . . )
So one more quick post (tomorrow) before I’m off the ground and reporting to you from a certain Christmas-bedecked city. . . meanwhile, I’m curious: do you have a “Nothing to Wear” moment once your suitcase is packed? Or do you leave packing ’til the last moment for that very reason?
Bon Voyage!
Hope you have a lovely holiday.
Thank you!
Wishing you a reduction in pre-travel jitters, from a fellow-sufferer. Have to confess that before my trip to Bordeaux this summer I wept into my husband's shoulder as he said goodbye before security, and then was fine once on the plane. So annoying!
There's nothing like enforced lack of wardrobe choice for unearthing gems or forcing a second chance for overlooked garments. And if it ends up resulting in a cull of things that still don't make the cut, all the better. I think I only have one skirt in my wardrobe now – a Marimekko-like Finnish navy and white bold summer print. Scotland is a very unforgivingly windy place for winter skirts! I can't recall when I've seen winter skirt in Gap here. Perhaps multinational chains have 'wind indices' determining what each country gets.
It's true — sometimes "having nothing to wear" can be a way to find out that, oh yes, I do!
This skirt came from a one or two-year period about ten years ago when The Gap was doing some interesting things. I don't shop there at all these days, except to pick up things for the kids occasionally.
Ah yes, pre travel jitters – my most recent manifestation has included pretty dire stomach upsets, just what is not needed on long flights. And then other times, no problem at all; that's usually on the homeward bound flight, for whatever reason. I get annoyed with myself when I am nervous about becoming nervous. If you discover a cure we will be excited to learn of it!
ceci
Yikes! Anything digestive is NOT what you want on a plane.
As for a cure, I know several who rely on a pharmaceutical remedy. So far, some self-talking, some yoga breathing, and some serious jaw-clenching seem to be the best I can do. And once I'm in my seat on the plane, I generally relax. . .
Bluestocking Chic, yes please! Either mitigated or straight up. (I think we of wild hair carry a bit of 'freak flag' with us at all times.)
Not jittery before travel but until about two days before I seriously question why I would ever want to leave home. I recognize this now and let it flow by. I am a last-minute packer (suitcase-loving cat) but have my clothes planned and ready.
Have a happy, happy holiday…
Proud to fly that freak flag in good company 😉
Besides the pre-travel jitters (which generally involve whether I'll be on time, whether I'll find room for my case in the overhead, will my flight make its connections, etc), I know exactly what you mean about Why I'm doing the trip at all. It does help, as you say, just to recognize the phenomenon and let it flow — some of that wisdom age has brought us 😉
The minute I saw your picture I just KNEW that was the skirt you were talking about in the comment section of my post. I love it. Good for you for not getting rid of it. Hope Rosie sees this and takes heart and doesn't get rid of hers!
By this point, I figure if it's managed to work for ten winters, there will be no good reason to break up with it in my lifetime!
Put everything on the sofa over the days before, pack morning of the trip:). And I LOVE that skirt and don't find it remotely fusty, more like Smart Girl Chic à la M. Prada or Christopher Kane.
I miss the space we used to have to lay everything out somewhere, the days before. . . I think it's the best approach.
Thank you re the skirt — Smart Girl Chic! I love it!
I know that feeling well – the feeling that one has nothing to wear because the best things are packed – and had to smile as I read how you expressed it. I hope the pre-flight jitters subside and that you can go back to happy anticipation!
Being able to check-in online helps, although so much these days is left up to us to get right. Once upon a time, if we got to the counter with our luggage and our (paper) tickets, we were taken care of from that point. (Mind you, if we lost or forgot those tickets. . . .
I like that bohemian academic style . Hope the travelling goes well , home always seems very attractive just before you leave . There’ll be some of your favourite people waiting at the other end though .
Wendy in York
Thanks, Wendy — I think I like it because it's so practical, but also leaves room for a bit of personality, in discreet doses. . .
And you're absolutely right about the favourite people waiting. . . Face-timed them today, and a little girl is very ready to see us.
Have a nice and safe flight and beautiful holidays!
We call it Reise Fieber here-very croatian 🙂 phrase for travel fever
I like Bluestocking Chic very much . This skirt is lovely (we don't even have Gap here)
I have everything planned and spread on the floor (on the blanket)-and pack the suitcase usually the evening before
Dottoressa
Reise Fieber — I'll have to add it to my list of Croatian phrases you've taught me.
You would find nothing like this skirt if you did get The Gap where you are — and I have to say, the way it is now, you're not missing out!
I like that too — spreading things out on the floor or across a big bed. It seems necessary to visualize clearly.
No,no,no! I was joking-it's a german phrase,but we use it regulary in our (and older )generation in Zagreb(so,you could use it actually,only not when speaking with very young people or when not in Zagreb!) I'm sorry 🙂
D.
In my case, it all depends on the means of transport. If I have to fly, "jitters" isn't the right word. I just start panicking about a week before leaving, and it gets worse and worse and doesn't stop before I can get off the plane at the other end. If I can go by train, however, I just feel pleasant anticipation, looking forward to the trip as much as to the place where I am going.
Well, cool runnings to you. Enjoy your Italian Christmas, and may the befana bring you lots of sweet things.
I have a few friends who become almost paralysed by fear of flying. One had flown regularly for a few years and then one day in the lineup at the boarding area found herself in tears, unable to move forward at all. Another friend took that (rather expensive) course that British Airways, I believe, offers to fearful flyers, and it helped quite a bit although it didn't obliterate all her worries. Such a difference with the train, I agree. The journey is as you say, as much to anticipate and enjoy as the destination.
I'm really impressed you're all packed. Travel anxiety is de rigeur, sadly. They make it such a drab affair. I don't remember if I've asked you this before, but do you travel direct? Can you do that from BC? I hope so! Also, remember what amazing fun awaits you on the other side of that anxiety. It's pain but it will yield a lot of gain. Eye on the prize!
I think you did ask and somehow I've missed answering. It's not possible to fly from YVR direct/non-stop to Rome — easiest seems to be via Heathrow. I'm flying direct to Paris, which has only recently become an option, and one I embrace. Only 9 hours (!) and I'm on the continent, at least. He's coming later in the day, via Heathrow, because he needs to go back earlier and the best flights for him are BA – (it makes sense, honest).
And the anxiety is waning this evening, somehow, although I know it will ramp up tomorrow morning until I've hoisted my carry-on into the overhead and buckled my seat belt. Then it's Woot Woot! as I settle in for some sock-knitting and movie-watching and reading. . . 😉
Bon voyage! I used to love a grey pleated skirt when I started teaching. Wish I had one now. Are you getting much off your curls?
She just snipped a half inch or so — it looks much healthier! Thanks!
Have a wonderful trip and holiday! We travel light too but I certainly don't look as chic as you! Hoping for inspiration tomorrow when you post photos of your carry-on. As for pre-flight jitters, no need for an alarm clock the morning of travel. I hardly sleep at all, but once at the airport (usually hours early!) and I know we haven't missed our flight, all is well.
Frances from Sidney
Oh, Frances! Have a marvelous trip! Enjoy those big hugs waiting for you at the end of your flight…and during the holidays ahead!
Charlene H
Do you ever just check your bag? We still use carry-on size bags but always check them because it is such a hassle dragging them on the plane, looking for a space in the overhead, hoisting them up there, then dragging them back down at the end of the flight. Of course, we risk having the bags treated roughly by baggage handlers and on occasion have found that TSA went through our bags for "random" inspection. Wonder what they thought when they found a five-pound bag of Chinese egg noodles and a large canister of Citrocel in my suitcase! Have a safe and wonderful trip!
I did check mine this time and it went really well, none of the fears I've harboured materialised. . .. (but then I wasn't carrying Chinese egg noodles and Citrocel! 😉
When we are traveling I always have a panic attack before we go – the why am I leaving home speech to myself – and anyone within hearing distance. It only ends when we arrive at the airport. It seems if there is enough distance between home and the airport I calm down.
What products do you use for your curls? You might have posted before,I must have missed it.
Have a fabulous adventure.
Ali
Love the skirt. Also get pre-travel jitters. Keep thinking I'm forgetting something. When I pack, which I do ahead of time, I also plan which pieces I'll keep to wear before I depart. Have a wonderful trip.
😉 It's good to give our fears names, so thanks for naming that one. I am quite familiar with that pre-travel angst. It happens only prior to international travel and involves the usual concerns — missing the flight, worries I've failed to pack critical pieces, irritation that I've packed too much (I always do!), and some pretty silly separation anxiety about my bed, my chair, and my bathroom.
I hope you have a joyous holiday with your children and grand daughter, your husband. and (at some point) on your own. Traveling on our own is something we seldom get to do at this phase of our lives and is to be treasured.
Bon voyage!
Ann in Missouri
Yes ..I knew just which skirt it was as well 🙂 Since you mentioned it on Sues post, I've seen a few references re tops, saying " style with a midi skirt and boots" 🙂 so I'm definitely going to give mine a try!
Re the day before travelling …as Wendy says, I always seem to find home very attractive, even to the point of thinking I'd actually prefer to stay at home … Once we're on our way I'm fine although I do often have a little "wobble" as I step onto the plane.
Safe travels Frances. I've been thinking about you,wondering when you would be setting off …such a picturesque journey ahead of you. Hope it all goes smoothly … take care, have fun!
Rosie
Thanks, all, for your comments. A week on now, so I hope you won't mind that I'm not answering all — just a bit busy here!