Here we are -7 till the day of this departure and if you are a person who easily get stressed before a trip, maybe this will help.
I am not a person who gets anxious before a departure and basically there are two reasons:
1- I love travelling and the main reason why I do it is to relax, so why should I freak out;
2- I learned that once you have got your passport, two different credit/debit cards, some cash, and since I am a nurse I should say also medications if you need them, all the rest is important but not essential (maybe an extra pair of clean underwear in your handbag could help!)
One reason why people get worried is packing. Personally I prefer an empty backpack to fill during my adventure rather than a full bag to carry on and this is the main concept of my idea of trip. One thing I keep repeating to myself while packing is:”A ICCHE’ TI SERVE?” [a ikkɛ ti: ˈs3ːrvə ]. If you do not know the Florentine dialect or vernacular which is a variety of Tuscan language, my hometown, this means, translated: “DO YOU REALLY NEED IT?” and unless you are a woman most of the time the answer is “no”!
However, what it really helps me when I am starting to pack is thinking where I am going and choose the most versatile things I have got, moreover you need to remember always that you can easily wash your things anywhere you go or buy them during the trip! Then what I usually do is putting all I am thinking about bringing on the bed and then I start! During my experiences away I have learned that no matter how long your trip will last, once that you bring with you 7 outfits which cover the week and one fancy dress you are good to go and this is one of the best practical advice I can easily suggest! The second one is keep repeating to yourself the magical mantra “A ICCHE’ TI SERVE?” and if you are able to find a reasonable answer which is NOT “it will be very useful in case of the apocalypse” then put it in!!
Finally, a great way to accompany this moment for me is listening to Bob Marley’ song “Don’t worry be happy”, yes because LET’S BE HAPPY, it is going to be another great adventure!
VERONICARE 