250: Your Pre-Vacation Prep Routine (That Goes Beyond Packing)
Release Date: 06/24/2025
250: Your Pre-Vacation Prep Routine (That Goes Beyond Packing)
Happy Women Travel More
If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to get everything done before a trip—then returning home to a chaotic house, an overflowing inbox, and zero groceries—you’re not alone. That last stretch before vacation can feel like a sprint, and coming home doesn’t always feel like the reset it should. In this episode, I’m sharing a practical, stress-reducing pre-vacation prep routine that covers everything besides the packing. From organizing care for kids, pets, and aging parents to tidying up the house, handling life admin, and prepping for time away from work—this is the kind of...
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249: Overnight Flights: The Carry-On Packing Formula You Didn’t Know You Needed
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Let’s be honest—overnight flights aren’t exactly the highlight of international travel. And if you’re not one of those magical people who can sleep sitting upright (hi, not me!), the struggle to get rest and arrive feeling even slightly refreshed is real. In this episode, I’m sharing the carry-on essentials I swear by for surviving long-haul flights to Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. From sleep strategies to avoiding that icky airplane funk, I’ll walk you through the five-part packing formula I’ve been fine-tuning over the years—designed to give you the best shot...
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248: Scotland, Your Way // My Scotland Audio Diary
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Want to know what a real trip to Scotland actually looks and feels like? In this final episode of the SCOTLAND, YOUR WAY series, I’m sharing my personal day-by-day recap of my most recent trip—complete with voice recordings I captured while I was there. You’ll hear where we went, what stood out, and my favorite parts of the trip. This episode gives you an honest, unfiltered peek at how the trip unfolded—from the cozy, quiet moments to the big, breathtaking ones. If you’ve been dreaming about your own Scotland adventure, this episode might just help you picture what’s...
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247: Scotland, Your Way // The Scotland Region Matchmaker Episode
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I know I’ve shared a lot of information with you in this SCOTLAND, YOUR WAY series—but if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, this episode is for you. Because I’m stepping in as your personal Scotland matchmaker to help you cut through the noise and focus on one of the hardest parts of planning: narrowing down where specifically to go in Scotland. We’ve covered the different regions in past episodes—and honestly, they’re all incredible. Many can suit a variety of travel styles, which makes narrowing it down even trickier. So today, I’m giving...
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246: Scotland, Your Way // What to Pack for a Trip to Scotland
Happy Women Travel More
Packing for Scotland can feel like a bit of a juggling act—you want to be ready for anything, look good in your travel photos, and avoid bringing your entire closet. And when the weather forecast flips between sunshine and storm clouds by the hour, it’s easy to overthink every outfit. In this episode of the SCOTLAND, YOUR WAY series, I’m breaking down exactly what to pack for a trip to Scotland—whether you’re going in spring, summer, fall, or winter. I’m sharing my personal packing strategy, including the core items I never travel without and a simple capsule wardrobe approach...
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245: Scotland, Your Way // Getting Around Without a Car
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Not everyone dreams of driving on the “wrong” side of the road while navigating hairpin turns and tiny village streets—and if that’s you, you’re not alone. The good news? You can experience the beauty, charm, and adventure of Scotland without ever getting behind the wheel. In this episode of the Scotland, Your Way series, I’m breaking down exactly what it’s like to travel through Scotland car-free. We’ll cover how to make the most of the country’s trains, long-distance buses, and ferries, and where those routes can actually take you. I’m also walking you through some key...
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244: Scotland, Your Way // Driving in Scotland (Part 2)
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Once you’ve wrapped your mind around driving on the left and accepted the occasional one-lane-road-with-oncoming-traffic scenario, it’s time to dig into the details. In Part 2, we’re covering the practical stuff: how to rent a car, what kind of vehicle to choose, how to navigate, where to park, and how long it really takes to get from point A to point B. Whether you're eager to take on a full Scottish road trip or still weighing whether driving is the right fit for your travel style, this episode is here to help you decide. I’ll walk you through the logistics so you can plan smarter...
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243: Scotland, Your Way // Driving in Scotland (Part 1)
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Driving in Scotland is a whole different experience—left-hand driving, impossibly narrow roads, and roundabouts at nearly every turn. You might find yourself squeezing past a stone wall on one side and an oncoming car on the other, wondering how this can count as a two-lane road. If that sounds a little intimidating, you’re not alone. But driving is often the most efficient—and rewarding—way to explore the country. In Part 1 of this two-part series, I’m walking you through what it’s actually like to take the wheel in Scotland. From understanding road types to navigating...
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242: Scotland, Your Way // Fiction Meets Reality: Outlander, Harry Potter & Beyond
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Scotland’s sweeping scenery and centuries-old charm have helped bring beloved stories like Outlander and Harry Potter to life—captivating readers and viewers alike with a powerful sense of place. For many travelers—myself included—these stories were the spark that first ignited their curiosity about Scotland, inspiring dreams of walking in the footsteps of favorite characters or standing in locations that shaped the narrative. In this episode of the Scotland, Your Way series, we’re exploring the real-life places behind the fiction. From dramatic Highland landscapes to tucked-away...
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241: Scotland, Your Way // Events, Festivals & Highland Fun
Happy Women Travel More
Few things bring you closer to the heart of a place than joining in on a local celebration. If you love the idea of connecting with people and culture through shared experiences, planning your trip around a festival—or stumbling into one along the way—can make your time in Scotland even more memorable. In this episode of the Scotland, Your Way series, we’re exploring some of the most iconic and beloved annual events throughout the country, region by region. You’ll hear when they happen, what they’re like, and why they might be worth building into your itinerary—or keeping on your...
info_outlineIf you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to get everything done before a trip—then returning home to a chaotic house, an overflowing inbox, and zero groceries—you’re not alone. That last stretch before vacation can feel like a sprint, and coming home doesn’t always feel like the reset it should.
In this episode, I’m sharing a practical, stress-reducing pre-vacation prep routine that covers everything besides the packing. From organizing care for kids, pets, and aging parents to tidying up the house, handling life admin, and prepping for time away from work—this is the kind of list that helps you leave home with confidence and return to a lot less chaos.
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LISTEN BACK:
Episode 65: Planning Your Work Around Your Vacations
Episode 83: How I REALLY Felt About Going on Vacation Without My Infant
Episode 199: How to Ditch Work Stress Before and After a Vacation
Episode 213: The Path to Your Next Vacation: Career Edition
Episode 214: The Path to Your Next Vacation: Caretaker Edition