Instagram Q&A
Yesterday on my Instagram (@Sincerelysarah.co)I asked for people to send in questions they had for me about travel, my life, etc. Below are some of those questions unfiltered:
How far in advance do you plan your trips?
Okay so this one totally depends on the trip. I actually have been planning this Euro trip only a month out because it was based around an event and I wasn’t sure I was going until the last minute. I highly suggest planning trips at least a few months out so that you can score more options on hotels, get better airline prices, etc.
What are some items you can’t get internationally that you may need?
PEANUT BUTTER, OREO’s, ETC - you can find stuff like this, but it’s definitely tricker. Basically any of your favorite protein bars/snacks you will want to bring!
Medications
Supplements
Gum
Deodorant
Ice cube tray- okay this is a joke but seriously if you are a big fan of ice in your water you will want this for your hotel freezer
How far in advance do you start packing?
Again, depends on the trip and if I am shopping for specific items for it. Since the weather in Europe will be much colder than Florida, I’ve already started pulling aside options and making sure all my toiletry items are stocked up so I’m not scrambling come October. I also am using Rent The Runway for some of my outfits to save some money so I’m planning those out now as well.
If it’s a weekend trip, I’m totally that girl who lays stuff out a week or more before but doesn’t actually pack it all in the suitcase until 11:30pm the day before the flight. Whoops! lol
How do you pack for cold weather but keep it compact?
But honestly, you have to think less is more. Especially in Europe your best bet is to wear neutral colors and just switch your outfits around or utilize accessories. I try to wear my one heavy coat on the plane so it doesn’t take up as much space in my suitcase.
How to avoid overpacking?
Try on everything you are going to wear and organize it based on what you are doing. The last thing you need to do is bring a bunch of options you don’t use that take up luggage space (and weight).
Again, packing cubes have been a game changer for me!
What do you do for work?
I’m a Marketing Account Manager for a Forensic Engineering company! Basically I maintain relationships with insurance adjusters, independent adjusters, and lawyers around my Central Florida territory. I’m a road warrior as they say!
Why are you still single?
Okay this one irked me, a lot. And then I had to think about why…to me this question reads “what’s wrong with you?” as if I’m the reason I’m single. Which in case, I don’t exactly help myself by working alone or being so busy with cheer, work, solo travel, etc. But I’m your typical independent, sassy, and sometimes quirky 28 year old female. I would love to find a travel partner to experience the world with but I refuse to settle. I’d rather be alone and happy than in a relationship that wasn’t right.
What type of device do you use to hold your phone when taking pictures?
I use a flexible Tripod! It comes with a bluetooth clicker so I usually wrap it around a pole or can stand it up on it’s own. THIS ONE is similar to mine or I found a SECOND OPTION.
How do you travel so much with a full time job? How much time off do you get?
So at my current job I actually only get 10 vacation days and then 5 extra sick days. The sick days don’t roll over so I try to use those first (AKA weekend getaway= call in sick for the Friday) . If I’m going on a longer trip I try to either utilize holidays so I already have off or I will travel like Tuesday-Wednesday so I still only have to use a week’s amount of PTO and can snag some good travel deals!
I have a work cell phone and if I don’t want to use PTO I bring my laptop with me and work throughout the day. That’s the joy of working remote!
It’s really about being well organized and taking advantage of what you ARE given for time off. Each year I’ve asked for time off & even though it has not been granted it never hurts to ask!
How do you decide where you are going to travel to next?
I know people who have already mapped out their 2020 travel plans for the year, and good for them! I personally just can’t plan life that far out. Typically it’s based on the time of year (whether it’s football season) and then what type of experience I want to have (chill scenery, super active, etc).
Example- My sister has always wanted to do a family trip to Ireland when she graduates from her Masters Program so I will be headed there around May 2020.
What do you book first, flight or hotel?
It depends, but USUALLY flight first. Since it’s the biggest payment of a trip for me, I tend to figure out how to use my miles to book my flight first and then map out my budget to determine how nice of a hotel I get.
Craziest travel story?
LOVED this question! I have a few, like going to NYC for the weekend with a guy I met on tinder only once (sorry mom!) to losing a friend in Budapest one night (don’t worry we found her!). Maybe I’ll do a whole post dedicated to travel stories??
