Admit it, we all have OCD when it comes to travel. Even the most spontaneous of travelers have that one special thing they always pack, or that special routine before leaving for the next destination.
I will be the first person to admit that I have a bit of OCD (although my boyfriend may argue the “a bit” part), so in spirit of the topic, I thought I’d share my own travel OCD’s.
I’m a list person. I always makes a list of what I need to pack and cross them off as I pack them. I even put it on my bag and double check it before I go out the door. (On a side note, check out this list or submit your own over on the Matador Network.)
I also usually have a folder in my carry-on with my itinerary, boarding passes, or any reservations I might have (car, hotel). I’m going to blame this on my excellent organizational skills, being a teacher and all.
Starbucks is practically a must have. Starbucks can be found in most airports (except Philadelphia apparently), and is actually the only fast food/drink place in John Wayne Airport in Orange County, so I usually don’t have much trouble with that one.
Even after the traveling is over, the OCD tendency continues! One of the first things I do when I get home is unpack and put away everything. If I put it off, a week will go by and it will still be sitting there.
So there you go, I’ve put my OCD tendencies out there, now it’s your turn – fess up!
Photo Credit: Flickr
10 responses so far ↓
1 neha // Nov 18, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I can’t think right without a list.
I check and recheck all my travel documents up to the point of insanity.
I *need* to be packed at least 24 hours before a major trip.
2 AdventureRob // Nov 18, 2009 at 2:56 pm
As long as I have my laptop, phone and wallet, I don’t go into panic mode
3 Cathey // Nov 18, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I have a TON of travel bad habits. The results are usually pretty sad…but funny. I admire your organization too. I *just* got home from DC and I know the bags will sit there for days because I’d much rather lay on the couch and unwind with some hot tea.
My quirkiest habit is keeping everying separated in ziploc bags, not just the liquids. I think I’ve turned into my mother.
4 Nancy // Nov 18, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I definitely have the folder with all of the booking/reservation info organized. I usually back everything in labeled ziploc bags, and I keep multiple lists at any given time.
Does that make me OCD? lol
5 Amiee // Nov 19, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I almost wish I was OCD. Despite all my best efforts I am always half hazardly throwing every together at the last minute and wind up at my destination missing most the necessities. I like to think that my car is permanently packed for adventure when in fact I am just too damn lazy to unpack it.
6 Abbie // Nov 19, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Thanks for the comments, it’s interesting to see what everyone else is a bit OCD about!
Amiee – I love “permanently packed for adventure”
7 Katie // Nov 20, 2009 at 7:15 am
Ha! i love the tiny bits of OCD we all have. I’m going away on Tuesday for 10months…my boyfriend is already packed…I’ve barely had all my jabs yet!
Very OCD about remembering my passport though. I check it before going to the airport, on the way, twice, at the airport, in the queue for check in, the queue for starbucks, the queue for security, and when im on the plane. Ha..writing it down makes it seem that little bit more mental!
8 Candice // Nov 20, 2009 at 10:02 am
dude, i totally thought i had subscribed to your blog, and now am just realizing i haven’t. and now it won’t let me subscribe. stupid universe!!!
i hear ya on the list thing. i currently have post-it lists ALL OVER my desk. it proves fruitless.
9 joshywashington // Nov 21, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I get all OCD over just going. Just go! get out the door! we will pack when we get there!!!!
Or, when I am packing I OCD over books; will i have enough to read? I haven’t read this, so what if it sucks and i could have brought my favorite book instead!
Or about adventure gear: do i have enough rope? Do i need this magnifying glass (no)? Do i have enough duct tape, how many knives does one guy need? what about headlamps, there is always someone without a head lamp…should i bring two or three?
10 Abbie Mood // Nov 22, 2009 at 10:39 am
@Katie – I get very OCD about my passport, too, and have been known to check and re-check A LOT, so you’re not alone
@ Joshy – I feel you on the books – I recently got an eBook reader, which helps, but I still end up taking an extra paperback just to be safe
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