Refresh and Renew –AND SPRING TRIP?

Since I’m a ‘jack of all trades … and master of some. I hope you will enjoy my ‘jumping around’ to different subjects that fit the mood of the season.

Spring brings with it thoughts of rebounding, renewing, rejuvenating and all things REFRESHING! Take a moment to consider what speaks to your soul that will bring you closer to these joys of Springtime. My biggest ‘perk me up’ for Springtime is a bit of travel. It can be near or far, just a change of scenery can lift my spirits. It’s a great way to meet new people, get new perspectives, do a little shopping or just sit quietly in nature. It’s about the only thing that will keep me from the ever-lengthening to-do list. A short getaway can certainly refresh your soul, ease your mind and clear your head.

STEPS TO A CAREFREE TRIP …

• PLAN THE TRIP

• CREATE MASTER ‘PACK THIS’ AND MEDICAL INFO LISTS

• TIDY UP BEFORE YOU GO

• HAVE FUN

HERE’S HOW TO PLAN IT! MAKE IT SIMPLE AND STRESS-FREE TO DO.

1. Choose your location and mode of transport.

2. What kind of accommodations you are looking for?

Hotel, Airbnb, resort? Make sure the location fits your needs: grocery stores and/or restaurants nearby, pool, activities and sites to see. Also, look to avoid the little things that can be travel irritants (no elevators, difficult to park, not in walking distance to the things you want to do, no restaurant on site, etc.)

3. Optimal reservations are cancelable or changeable – just in case you need to adjust your dates. Annual travel insurance is a good way to protect yourself from last minute disruptions if they are ‘non-refundable / nonchangeable’. Travel Insured International offers a great annual plan that covers a small amount of cancellations and has great medical coverage for less than $100 per person. (I am working on a medical claim now!) You can also add additional cancelation coverage value to this policy for any trips, all year long, based on the cost you want to insure.

4. Take printed copies of your confirmations. It’s nice to have them conveniently on your phone or tablet –sometimes you just can’t get the technology to work when you need it. There have been a few occasions when the proof in my hand was invaluable!

LISTS ARE YOUR BEST FRIEND!

1. Type up a checklist of all the necessities you take on vacation. Once you have it, you can print one out for each trip. A sure way not to forget anything and not have to strain your brain each time you pack. A simple Excel worksheet does an amazing job allowing you to make different columns and checkboxes to denote ‘packed’. Some useful columns are: Toiletries, Never Forget (glasses, cell phone, wallet, makeup …) Electronics, Basics (coats/hats, umbrella, snacks/drinks…) This leaves way more time for the fun part – deciding on and packing clothes and shoes so you look FABULOUS!

2. IMPORTANT! Also, create a list, for yourself and family, that includes all pertinent medical information. This becomes key in case of emergency or just a pop to Urgent Care for something simple. Going into medical centers or hospitals unexpectedly while traveling is stressful. When they start asking you all the questions about medications (type, what dosage, how often), allergies, surgeries … you can simply hand them this list and they input it directly to their computer. You don’t have to worry that you’ve missed something and they are glad to simply transcribe it. Plus, if your spouse or other family member isn’t able to answer those questions you will have a copy of their information to share.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME!

1. You never know what might happen while traveling and even if nothing unusual does, you will feel wonderful stepping back into a clean and tidy home. You will already have suitcases to empty, things to put away and laundry to do. Make sure your bed is made (fresh sheets are a good idea), put away any clutter, run the dishwasher, take out the trash and water the plants. This will keep you in that feeling of calm. Have the mail held while you’re gone and ask the neighbors to grab any packages that arrive so you don’t have to worry about any of that while relaxing on vacation!

ENJOY YOUR SPRING AND HOPE YOU FEEL REJUVENATED!

Byline:

Rev. Dr. Eichelberger is author of three books and has won numerous awards for her work in television production and in the community; most notably the Life Time Achievement Award signed by President Biden and Vice President Harris. She was also awarded a Humanitarian Award presented by Trinity International University of Ambassadors. Additionally she has been honored to do opening prayer for Rev.Jessie Jackson at Rainbow Coalition as well as working alongside Ambassador Andrew Young.

She enjoys writing, shopping when traveling to place like, New York, Paris, Istanbul and Israel. She also enjoys Broadway plays, music-jazz, classical as well as playing her flute.