Bags are unpacked, laundry is (mostly) done. I’m a little jet-lagged, which manifests in disrupted sleep patterns and having periods of grogginess during the day. I’ve noticed that as we’ve traveled more, it’s become easier to adjust to time differences, and the jet lag is less severe. I’ve also learned to manage it a bit better by getting outside and moving around as much as possible upon arrival, eating light and staying hydrated.
I’ll be working on my travel wardrobe recap and should have it posted soon, but wanted to share a couple of notes while I’m thinking of them:
- My casual travel day bag choice for this trip worked out well. I used the small nylon “le Pliage” bag with the cross-body strap and a purse organizer insert. The insert didn’t add much weight but made a huge difference in keeping myself organized and prevented having to rummage to find specific items. (Mine’s a few years old and no longer available, other options HERE.)
- If you’re a U.S. citizen, travel periodically outside of the US, and haven’t yet done so, consider signing up for the Global Entry program! We had applied in the spring, but there was a backlog to get interview appointments nearby; we got approved just a couple of days before we left for Japan. No difference in process going out, but coming back into the U.S….OMG! We probably saved ourselves at least an hour of standing in lines going through Immigration and Customs upon our return. I think we did the entire process, from arrival gate to exiting the airport (including claiming bags), in less than 20 minutes. Especially after a long flight when you’re a bit weary and bleary, it’s SO worth it.
More soon…
