How I’m Getting Ready for Three Weeks Abroad
Think wellness and not packing... more on packing later
For the next three weeks, I’ll be bouncing between Paris, the South of France, London, and the English countryside, where the trip will end with one of my dear friends getting married. Yay love!
Like most people, I’ve booked the hotels, mapped out the trains, and spent an embarrassing amount of time refreshing the weather forecast. But I have also spent a considerable amount of time getting ready in other ways as well.
Here are a few things I’ve been doing before I leave.
1. Getting into my sun protection routine
Lately, I’ve been thinking less about getting tan and more about protecting my skin. I’ve been spending more time outside while staying diligent about sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. The goal isn’t to avoid the sun, it’s more so for me to build habits that will carry over once I’m spending ten or twelve hours a day wandering outside.
I’ve learned that the easiest way to get burned isn’t during a beach day, but during the hours spent walking and sightseeing. A little consistent sun exposure paired with good sun protection now feels like the best preparation for enjoying Europe later. Plus I get a nice base tan and my skin won’t be instantly burned upon arrival.
2. Getting my stomach in order
In my opinion, nothing derails a vacation faster than feeling terrible. So for the past few weeks I’ve been making a conscious effort to prioritize probiotics, ginger tea, plenty of water, and mostly whole, minimally processed foods. It’s less about “being healthy” and more about giving my stomach the best possible chance before I suddenly ask it to process croissants and rosé.
Europe is one of my favorite places to eat and I plan to enjoy it thoroughly. I’d rather spend my time deciding which restaurant to try next than wondering whether my stomach is going to cooperate.
3. Keeping my skincare incredibly boring
About a month ago I scheduled a deep-cleansing facial and since then I’ve resisted the urge to overcomplicate things. So my current routine is a hydrating cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. That’s pretty much it.
Travel has a funny way of reminding your skin that it’s in an entirely new environment. Different water, different climate, long flights, little sleep - the skin usually finds a way to protest. I’ve learned that introducing new products right before a trip almost never ends well.
4. Reading the fabric label
This may be the most practical thing I’ve learned from traveling through Europe in the summer: Fabric choice in an outfit matters far more than the outfit itself.
These days I pack almost entirely natural fibers: linen, cotton, and silk. Polyester has completely disappeared from my suitcase, along with anything mysteriously labeled “satin blend.” I’ve learned the hard way that nothing ruins an otherwise beautiful afternoon faster than realizing your dress has become permanently attached to your back via sweat while you’re strolling through a village in ninety-degree heat. It’s a gross feeling and I don’t want to replicate it.
5. Working on my fitness
I’ve started walking more before long trips - not because I’m training for anything, but because I’d rather arrive ready than spend the first two days complaining that my feet hurt. Let’s be real, when you’re in Europe, you are walking at minimum 10 - 15K steps a day.
The best cities are discovered on foot, and some of my favorite beach destinations require a surprising amount of hiking, climbing, or wandering to reach. The stronger I feel before I leave, the less my body takes a toll once I am there.
To prepare, I have been walking minimum 10K steps a day in NYC which has been slightly hard to do in this crazy heat wave situation. For me, effort and consistency is key. If I don’t reach my goal, that is ok, I just reset for the next day. Additionally, I’ve been doing the 12 - 30 - 3 workout (is that it?) that has been popular for a while. 12 incline, speed 3 and 30 minutes on the treadmill without holding on to the treadmill handles for any support. Say what you want but the workout is hard. It took a little while to enjoy it but each time it got easier and easier. I kept thinking about the hills of Capri I encountered a few years ago, this workout would have come in handy then!
6. Adjusting my sleep before the plane takes off
This is probably the hardest part for me because I never can maintain a sleep schedule that gets me to bed earlier than 11pm. But a few days before departure I start shifting my evenings earlier, drinking more water than usual, and trying to bank as much quality sleep as I can. I know the first couple of days abroad are never going to feel perfectly synchronized, but I’ve found that arriving rested makes the adjustment considerably easier.
Energy, I’ve realized, is one of the most valuable currencies you can bring on a trip.
It also reminds me of the classic Dorothy Wang quote from the show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills - ‘Jet lag is tacky',’ I love Dorothy 😂
That’s all for now readers! In a few hours, I am taking off on a red eye and will land in my first stop, Paris! I am so excited. This will be my 5th time going and I can’t wait to just sit at a cafe with my coffee and people watch.
I’m in SoF rn and every time I get tired I channel my inner Dorothy, too 🤣 have the best trip!
Thanks girl! I’m digging in deep to channel Dorothy after my red eye 😂