Yesterday I received my flight itinerary for my volunteer trip to Guatemala. Makes it real!
So this weekend, I had a mild panic …
What am I supposed to wear?
What shoes do I bring?
A carry on is recommended, but can I check luggage instead?
Will I suffer from jetlag too much?
I’ve never flown over the ocean by myself before.
Will Kevin be okay by himself?
And on, and on.
So… I am going to answer my own questions to calm the minor nerves.
What am I supposed to wear?
Long pants and t-shirts are recommended – and since I don’t own any pants that aren’t leggings or jeans, I need to find something. I’ve been given the tip that capris are okay (thank God, because I don’t handle the heat well and it’s Guatemala!). I also don’t really own any old t-shirts that I would be okay with throwing away, which means I need to find shirts too. We also have dinner every evening, plus two excursions which require nicer clothes. Shopping it is…
What shoes do I bring?
I originally thought tennis shoes would be sufficient, but then spiralled into thinking I should actually bring work boots/steel toes. I found some cheap ones at a sporting good store, but in reality, steel toes are heavy! Tennis shoes it is. Too bad I don’t actually have old tennis shoes here in the UK… So shopping it is…
A carry on is recommended but can I check luggage?
The answer is obviously yes, and based on the amount of sunscreen I’ve packed, I will not be allowed to carry on!
Will I suffer from jetlag too much?
Probably yes. I fortunately was able to book a day layover in the US to help, but I always suffer the most coming this direction. Hopefully that one day of good sleep coupled with excitement will reset my clock! To make matters worse, daylight savings happens while I’m flying back..
I’ve never flown over the ocean by myself before…
I’ve travelled so much over the years, but usually not by myself. I can think of a handful of flights I was alone and most were from Illinois to Oregon. Not 19 hour travel days! I’m sure I’ll be fine as long as the flights are smooth!
Will Kevin be okay on his own?
I’m sad that Kevin isn’t coming with… He has always travelled with me everywhere and this is a new country to explore. I have friends that will check in on him though and offered to feed him (they don’t believe me when I say he cooks more than me!).
Two weeks and counting!
