Sophie’s blog, Sip Savour Share, is a new find for me – but an addicting one. Â I’m completely enamored by the beautiful photography and the delicious recipes featured on her blog. Â Best yet, though, are her WINE reviews. Â This girl knows her grapes, and thus owns a key to my heart. Â She’s also got a different perspective on travel than our previous features, given that she’s clearing customs pretty much every flight. Â Take it away, Sophie!
Sophie Collins
MBA Student | Blogger, Sip Savour Share
I am definitely a carry-on gal. First, because Canadian airlines charge for every checked bag, but also because I always end up wearing the same things over and over again. I used to over pack like crazy, but I always got frustrated with myself, because inevitably, I couldn’t pack back the clothes after the trip (especially if I purchased a few more items). I always write a list of items that I want to bring, categorized into: clothing, shoes, technology, toiletries and other. I make my bed really nicely, and put out all of the clothes on the bed before I pack them. This shows me how many items I am bringing, what can be put together into an outfit, and if I am missing anything. I always fold and then roll the items that I put in last. I usually pack the night before a trip, and make sure the laundry is done a few days before that.
I am rarely late, which means that sometimes I am waiting at the airport for extra time. I usually arrive at the airport in the specific time that they recommend. In Canada, you go through customs before you fly usually, so you have to allot time for that. I am really quick in the security line. Once I am through security, I walk to the gate to make sure my flight is on time and that I know where the gate is.
I check out what is around the gate in order to map out the lay of the land. I’ll then go to the newsstand and buy 1 magazine. I like to buy magazines depending on the type of trip I’m going on. If it’s a business-related trip, I’ll pick up a business magazine (Fast Company is one of my favourites). If it’s a beach trip, I might pick up a fashion magazine like Marie Claire because I like the articles about strong women. For most trips, however (especially when I’m flying back home) I’ll buy a cooking magazine and plan my meals for the upcoming week. My favourite cooking magazines are Bon Appetit, Food and Wine, and often Martha Stewart Living. I then buy a huge bottle of water (usually 1L), a pack of gum, and some nuts if I haven’t packed a snack. I rarely grab a cocktail because I don’t like to be dehydrated when I’m flying.
I am very systematic when it comes to the actual flight. I always sit in the aisle, so that I have the option to get up and move about when I please. I don’t like sitting in the window because I like to move around! However, if there is a free window seat beside me, I’ll wait until we’re just about to take off and move to the window to watch the world move below me as we take off! As long as there is no one blocking my way to the aisle, I’d rather sit in the window and look outside. When I get on the flight, I take off my shoes, put some comfortable socks on, take out my water, snacks, gum, magazine and ipad and put everything in the seat pocket in front of me. I’ll read the magazine until we are at cruising altitude. If I have any work to do, I’ll take out my laptop and work (I work really well on planes because there are no distractions). If not, I’ll cruise through the inflight entertainment system and see if there are any movies I’ve been meaning to see. Otherwise, I’ll finish reading my magazine and then start reading a book. Right now, I’m reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed and plan to read Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg next. I am flying to South America next month to visit Chile and Argentina, so I will be reading about the countries and learning some Spanish on the way.
Pack In…Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel
Entertain With…MacBook Air, iPad, Red Maps guidebooks
Stay Stylish In…Rosebud Salve, facial cream, Olay face towelettes, mascara
Keep Healthy With…water, Kind bars, gum
Thank you for sharing your travel routine, Sophie!  Canadian customs can oftentimes be brutal, so I suggest taking a cue from her and getting to the airport VERY early.  Editor’s tip – Investing in Global Entry also helps.  Which tip was most helpful for you?  Talk to me in the comments below.
