COVID-19 Begin by packing for last year’s trip. Yes, you read that correctly. Pack your vehicle as if there were no pandemic to worry about and you could drive to your destination. More seriously…if that’s too much trouble (and it probably is), make a list of everything that you usually bring with you when you travel south for the winter. Now, it’s time to start making some decisions about what to bring – and what to leave behind. Ask yourself the following questions: Do I really need it? Some things definitely fall into the “need” category (your passport, medication and medical equipment), while others don’t (the spare keys to your vehicle can stay at home). In some cases, however, it isn’t immediately obvious. If you’re not sure about something, put it aside for a day or two (or start a “maybe” list) and ask yourself the question again. Do I really want it? You may love playing backgammon or “Settlers of Catan” during the cozy winter months, but chances are that you’ll spend more time outdoors suntanning, snorkeling or snoozing poolside than you will playing board games indoors. Put together a list of your “wants” and then review it a couple of times before you finalize it. Chances are you’ll find that there are a few things which you don’t want nearly as much as you think you do. The great snowbird slimdown From minivan to carry-on in three easy steps You’re looking forward to spending the coldmonths somewhere warm. By this fall, you’ll be fully vaccinated and planning your winter travels. There’s only one small problem: you’ve always chosen to drive south in your car, minivan or RV, taking the necessities of life with you. With the ban on non-essential land travel between Canada and the U.S. being renewed monthly, there’s no way to be certain that you’ll be able to cross the border as you usually do. The alternative is to travel by air. But, if you do, however are you going to fit everything you need into a carry-on (and maybe a couple of checked bags)? The very thought is enough to bring on a headache. You’re in luck! The fine folks at CSANews have been wracking their brains trying to figure out the best ways to cut down on the amount of stuff that you carry with you on your trip south. We’ve come up with some strategies that will help you do just that. It’s really all (or mostly) in your head It may sound odd to say that the problem of “too much stuff” is a matter of perspective, but it really makes sense for most people. We tend to feel at our most relaxed when at home; it’s only natural to want to bring all of the comforts of home with us when moving our residence for several months. This may explain why some of us load up our vehicles with everything we could possibly need or want for the duration of our southern stay, even though we’d travel lighter if we left some of it behind. Step One: lighten your payload by Alexis Campbell 48 | www.snowbirds.org
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