En Route With… is a feature I’ve had in the works for some time.  I’ve always had a fascination with how other people travel – even as a child, I’d be perfectly quiet and still in airports as I quietly watched people whiz by.  Other passengers complimented my mother on her good parenting, but I simply was engrossed in observing the people around us, wondering about the details of their lives (and often making up their stories in my own head).  I’ve taken that same curiosity and channeled it into this new series, which will feature fellow bloggers and jetsetters on how they travel.  First up, the fantastic Meg Biram.
Over the past few years I’ve traveled a lot for work, and now that I don’t live near my family anymore, I’ve been doing a lot of traveling to them as well. I’ve learned over the past two years that I’m a ridiculous over-packer and that I need time to plan out my packing to be able to pack lightly. I used to take way too many shoes with me, and more options than I had meals in a day, but now I’m much much better at paring down what I bring.
I typically pack the easy things first — underwear, bras, socks, and any chargers and things that I don’t need before I leave. Then I get to my outfits. I set out my clothes on my bed & pick out some shoes, and hopefully if I have given myself enough time, I can pare down what I think I’m going to bring to what I should bring to lighten my load. I add my beauty products and electronics last because I typically am using them up until I leave.
My current suitcase is pretty sad. I’ve had it since I got married eight years ago, so it’s seen better days. It is tattered and torn and dirty. I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect new suitcase for a while. I try to just use one rolling suitcase (big or small depending on the length of the trip, and one carry-on bag that can hold everything including my computer. Usually I use my Lo & Sons O.G. bag because I can get everything in it, including my 15-inch MacBook. Sometimes if I’m checking my roller bag I’ll bring my Rebecca Minkoff laptop bag and a purse to carry on.  My very old carry on is now actually a little too big to be considered a carry on anymore, so I can only sometimes get away with bringing it on board. If I don’t want the hassle, I’ll just check it. It’s a ridiculous expense sometimes, but I’m about convenience. Once I get a new bag that’s an actual carry on size, I’ll carry it on.
I used to live in Kansas City about 10 minutes from the airport, and if I wasn’t checking a bag, I’d get there no more than 45 minutes early. Now that I’m in DC you never know what the traffic will be like getting to the airport so depending on the traffic, sometimes I get there really early and sometimes I’m about an hour early. An hour is what I prefer to aim for. That is plenty of time to get through security at Reagan, but if I’m going to Dulles 90 minutes is better. That airport is so big and has so many different wings sometimes it takes 30 minutes just to take the trams and escalators to your terminal. I’m never running to the gate — ok maybe once or twice, but not recently.
I try to gauge the people in front of me at security before I pick my line. Usually I go for the line with businessmen. They are usually airport pros, and have a system and want to get through just as fast as I do. They know what to take off and take out of their bags, etc. I have my security line system down to a science. Shoes first, so I can put them on right when they get through, then jacket (put it on), then computer, then computer bag, and I’m good to go.  If there’s WiFi in the airport, I’ll usually knocking out some email before my flight. I always grab a big bottle of water, and usually bring some Clif Bars with me so I don’t have to buy any food. If I’m delayed, I head to the bar. Then at least I can have a drink while I work.
If the flight has WiFi, and it’s a longer flight, or I could really use the time to get things done, I’ll work on my computer. Otherwise I read my Kindle or magazines. That’s almost always what I do. No sleeping, unless it’s an early flight and I’m exhausted. I used to be a window person, but now that more flights have wifi, I’m more of an aisle person. I drink my water and eat my Clif Bar.
Entertain With…Kindle (for reading) and MacBook Pro (for working)
Nibble & Sip On…Water, Clif Bar (Chocolate Brownie is my favorite), Stash Chai Green Tea (My favorite green tea, I usually carry a few bags with me while traveling)
Stay Stylish In…Blink Eyedrops (I always have to have these eyedrops with me! I have contacts and my eyes get dry when traveling), Fresh Sugar Rose (always have to have lip balm, this is my favorite), Huge Scarf (I always carry one with me because I’m usually cold and it can double as a blanket if necessary)
So, what do you think? Â Any questions you’d like me to ask? Â Anyone you want to see featured? Â Do YOU want to be featured? Â Chat with me in the comments below!
