Savouring my Saturday: travel edition

1. Making these travel journals from Moleskines, one for my little 'un and one for me. When we were in Paris last year, we encouraged our little 'un to doodle in her own little journal each day. This was especially handy when we were eating at a cafe and she was prone to boredom and restlessness. This trip, I hope that she'll be intrigued enough by my doodling and scribbling and cutting and pasting to want to do her own!

2. This wonderful article about a new way of travelling, courtesy of my Naturopath pal Gill. Especially love the idea of sensory travel.

3. Rediscovering this priceless reminder from my dear friend Jen, before I departed for New York almost two years ago:

Make sure to leave room in your packing for surprises, lessons learned and being silly. Getting away from our regular life does wonders for our perspective doesn't it? There's nothing like it.

4. Being able to say "farewell, for the present" to my colleagues and projects at my day job. I love both dearly but I am rather ready for a break.

5. Leo Babauta's recommendation to have red wine with every meal when travelling overseas with young children. Hell yeah.

6. New suitcases! An investment, but worth every penny.

7. This nifty do-dad, for all those cords and adaptors we inevitably have to schlepp with us across the globe. I was pretty happy with myself for finding it online, and it was delivered so promptly! Then I discovered that they are available at JB Hi-Fi stores in the city (and probably countless other retail outlets too). Sigh.

8. My colleague forwarding me this packing advice from Gwyneth Paltrow... and the hysteria that followed. Because, frankly, if I had Gwyneth's money/connections/retinue (not to mention a first class seat on the plane!) I reckon would look that good when alighting from a long-haul flight. I draw the line at leather-look hot pants, though.

9. My Mum popping in to play with my little 'un while I get on with the business of packing. Grateful for help and learning to accept it.

10. Finally finishing packing. It's probably my least favourite aspect of travel. But I found the success of Susannah Conway's strategy quite inspiring, even though family travel makes the possibility of fitting everything into one carry aboard case negligible.

11. Knowing that all the boxes have been ticked and that we're ready to go. Arrangements have been made. Our house is being looked after in our absence. Our mail is being diverted, our newspaper delivery suspended. Everything is tidy and sorted for our return. Things will surely go pear-shaped somewhere along the way... but, for now, we have done enough. And we are satisfied.

For more sweet escapes, please be sure to stop by and share your gratefuls with my fabulous friend Maxabella this week!