Preparing for Spain

So I'm not too sure where to begin, but I'm packing... meticulously packing. I'm attempting to somehow create a formula for future travel, so that even with my ADHD I don't end up forgetting items, over packing, underpacking, or misplacing items in the airport. With all the chaos, changing of scenery, and stress of travelling, I need the most organization/order as possible. So, Santa helped me out this year and hopefully, by the time I return, I will be a packing expert. (Or just return alive with all my belongings.)

What's different about this trip? Strategy, this trip is all about strategy. From handling the overnight flight, to remembering to pack my Epipen, the success in the journey is all about the preparation and detail. Let me explain :

• Epipen- If I eat parsley over there accidentally, I'm going to be in a bit of trouble, and probably won't get a chance to enjoy the trip.
• Blanket/pillow/benedryl- I know I don't do red eye flights well at all, and I've had first hand experience with the brutal result of not adjusting to the time change quickly. This time, I'm going to do everything in my power to sleep on the way (and whenever we might be travelling by bus or train.) 
• Passport- No description needed.
• Taking only one carry on- I'm going to be in 4 different countries and more than 8 cities; there is no way I'm going to tote along another bag. (I am bringing an extra bag in case I go shopping though.)

Preparing for this trip also included some strategic shopping...

Tote Bag

• Baggallini tote bag-  This bag is cool for three reasons- 1. It's water resistant. 2. It's light weight. 3. It has a pocket thing that allows it to go right over a rolling suitcase. Yes, you unzip the two zippers and it slides right on top of the suitcase... it's brilliant! (After leaving something in the Charlotte airport because it wasn't attached to my suitcase during my last trip, this is kind of a must have for me.)

Travel Organizer

• Baggalini passport and ticket wallet - I can't tell you how many times I've been in an airport frantically searching for my tickets... it's an every flight occurrence I blame on the chaos of getting through security. This thing, however, is nifty not just because it holds tickets, but it also has an RFID blocking liner to protect from bad guys! Not to mention, it's water resistant, has removable straps, and can hold everything!! (By everything, I mean tickets, passport, id, loose change, and cards.)

Actually wore these shoes in a 5 hour stand up interview

• Bernie Mev shoes- These are similar to TOMS, but they're much more comfortable and made of elastic instead of cloth. I know they look weird, but they're compact, dressy, and casual all at the same time. (And I can wear them all day and my feet feel great.) In case you're wondering why strategy is so important with shoes... well, we will sightseeing, touring, flamenco dancing, and dinner doesn't even start til 10pm, so my feet need to be ready!  

The final piece to my pre-departure madness, is research. Attempting to read a 900 page travel book I received for Christmas...

Let the adventure begin!!