In few days, I will be heading out because I get to spend a long weekend in Las Vegas. I know, being in recovery and going to Las Vegas seems like a bit of an oxymoron, but this will actually be my fourth trip during my almost 5 years of sobriety, and it hasn’t been a landmine for me.
Everyone is different, but like many things in sobriety I’ve learned to enjoy Las Vegas sober.
It takes a bit of reframing, but I’ve found between the amazing restaurants, shows, and people watching, it really is a great getaway- even without a drink in hand.
I’ll do a post later with a travel recap, but first I must pack. So here is a quick rundown on some things I love to bring with me on my trips. They are the little things that make a big difference.
Travel Purse
First off, if you normally use a large to medium size bag, I highly recommend getting a bag to use on trips.
One that is large enough for all the essentials, but small enough that you can carry it around all day.
I have the Lululemon festival bag.
It’s amazing. It fits my wallet, phone, sunglasses and even my Canon DSLR camera. The shoulder strap makes it really easy to have it with you all day long.
Running Belt
As I’ve mentioned before, I love running in the mornings when I travel.
I think it’s a great way to see the city you are staying in and get the lay of the land. To make running easy, I use a running belt. It’s basically a mini fanny pack. It’s really tiny so it doesn’t get in the way when I run, but big enough for my phone, ID, and few dollars, just in case.
Downloaded Spotify Lists
I pay the monthly fee so I have the subscription service version of Spotify.
Not everyone wants to pay for the service, but if you are a runner and/or you travel a lot, I’d say it’s worth the cost.
The benefit of the subscription service is that you can make and download playlists, so you aren’t dependent on Wi-Fi for your music.
This is great when running around the city, or in the hotel gym which can have shitty connections, especially if you aren’t paying for the hotel Wi-Fi.
I also like it because you can download a playlist themed for you upcoming trip. If have quite a few playlists for all different occasions (find me on Spotify! meganpwhite). You can check them out on the free version of Spotify and see if having them available to use with no Wi-Fi makes sense to you.
Bathing Suit and Flip Flops
Okay, I know what you are thinking. Really? Does this even need to be listed when you are heading to Las Vegas in June?
I get it, but even when I go somewhere in December, I bring my suit and flip flops. Almost all hotels have hot tubs, and one of my favorite things is to relax in one before getting ready for dinner, or at the end of the night.
A few times, I’ve left my suit at home and I’ve always regretted it. Bring it along, it doesn’t take up a lot of space, and a nice soak might be just be what you need to make the day perfect.
Snacks
My family always makes fun of me for this one, but I know they are all secretly grateful that I think of it!
When we go on a trip, I make sure I bring a few snacks. And I always bring enough to share, because inevitably someone needs a little food boost. A couple of protein bars, candy, and pretzels are always great to have on hand.
It’s often cheaper to bring things you already have at home or can more cheaply buy at your local grocery store. It stinks to end up in a pinch and have to buy an overpriced snack at the hotel gift shop or airport newsstand.
It’s also nice to have few things on hand for times when you are little hungry, but don’t need a meal. When you have a few snacks, I think you’ll notice that a little something can hold you over better than you thought.
For me, part of the fun of a trip is planning for the trip!
So maybe take some time before you leave and come up with a fun play list or pick up a few snacks you normally don’t get so you can enjoy a tasty treat on your vacation. Packing doesn’t have to be a painful thing that you have to get through. Think of it as the vacation pre-party!
