I will probably be heading to the airport, leaving the garden island of Kauai when you all are reading this.  I am most fortunate to have spent Thanksgiving Week with friends in Kapa’a doing what I love the most - swimming, hiking, snorkeling, exploring, and living each day as my best.  Someone suggested to me before I left that I take a break from the stress of packing and I laughed.  Why?  There is no longer any stress to packing for me.  For a vacation at the beach, even during rainy season my clothes packing is simple:

• 2 bathing suits
• Board shorts
• 2 sundresses
• 2 cover ups
• 2 pairs workout pants
• 1 pair jeans
• Pajamas and underwear of course
• 2 tank tops
• 1 light sweater/sweatshirt
• 2 pair flip flops
• Sneakers
• 1 nice “going out” outfit

The freedom I have after losing 270 pounds is amazing.  I don’t have to worry about what will fit and what will not fit- currently, if it’s in my closet it fits.  All of the too big clothes are gone and I no longer have multiple sizes hanging in there just in case.  I trust myself, my weight range and my ability to stay in that range for the rest of my life.

Besides sunblock, my vitamins and supplements and my other toiletries I also pack food.  Does this sound silly to you?  There will be a market for me to get what I need; I know that for sure, however I do not travel without the following typically in my check through bag:

• My protein shaker and protein powder for 1 shake each day I am gone
• Jerky in individual packs to refresh my beach bag or back pack
• Almonds in individual packs to refresh my beach bag or back pack
• Protein bars to refresh my beach bag or back pack
• My favorite mint medley tea
• Starbucks VIA instant coffee just in case there is none where we are staying

In my carry-on bag I will have the following:

• Jerky
• Protein bar
• Almonds
• Tea bags

As soon as I pass through security I will get a 1 liter bottle of water, possibly 2.  Yes, the price is crazy at the airport.  I am worth it.  I will not drink tap water and my goal on a 5 ½ hour flight is to stay hydrated and I count on ME to do that, not the flight attendants.

I don’t have issues with my band tightening when I fly so I don’t carry any soup packs with me.  I did for my first few flights after getting my new band just in case. 

After picking up our luggage and our rental car I will stop at the nearest large market and run in for a few must haves before checking in at the condo:

• Water - at least a dozen one liter bottles so I have no excuses
• Greek yogurt - to have for a snack or breakfast in the morning.
• Eggs or egg substitute for breakfast for my hubby
• Low fat shredded cheese for the eggs

Having this plan in place and following it will allow me to enjoy my time and not worry about getting overly hungry and making choices that are not in the best interest of my health no matter where I am on the island. 

Additional groceries will be picked up as needed after we figure out what we’re doing.  I do plan on eating lots of fresh yellow fin tuna and having a glass of wine or two watching the sunsets.  Typically I return home with at least half of the food I’ve packed.

I’m a planner - it works for me.  Do you plan for vacation?