Travel Trauma

As you may have read, I recently returned from New Orleans. While the drive down was relatively smooth and uninterrupted, the trip back was far from pleasant! The Partner-In-Crime has finally had his car repairs finished, so I apologize for the haphazards that have gotten in the way of my posting.

While meditating on what wrong with the drive home, I thought of things that would have helped me look like I had mastered the art of "Grace Under Fire." How do you prepare for a dead cylinder and an unhappy distributor? How do you prepare for it, and look your best while doing it? I wish I had had a list like this to read myself, beforehand-- so let my mistakes be your guide.


How to Avoid Travel Trauma!
1. Wear Comfortable Shoes.
This was my biggest mistake. I wore my "lazy shoes," a pair of slip on mary jane esque shoes. They had completely torn up the back of my heels during the trip though, as they're new. I wore them because they were the best driving shoes I had with me, and I didn't anticipate walking. That is until the car broke down, and the Boy and I had to walk several miles to find a repair shop.

2. Keep Your Make-Up Essentials Accessible.
The last thing you want is to sit in a car repair shop for four hours, with smudged mascara, a shiny forehand, and pale cheeks. You'll go in to the bathroom, think of what a sh!t situation you're in, and feel worse because you don't look remotely healthy. I'd recommend keeping a few q-tips, and travel sized mascara and pressed powder on you, or within reach.

3. Fashion + Comfort = Not a Myth
I think it's possible to express your own sense of style, while remaining comfortable for hours of sitting, standing, and waiting. That day I wore a pair of red straight leg jeans with a black turtleneck trapeze dress. It was very basic, a little bit unusual (especially in the middle of Northern Alabama!), but still fitting my needs for the trip (well, other than the shoe issue). Plus, with an outfit *this* comfy-- I was ready and able to pull a "pregnancy" angle if it meant getting our car fixed sooner! (Even though I'm very, very not. But that's a hidden benefit of the empire/trapeze dress.)

4. Change is Inevitable.
While I recognized that my outfit was light enough for the warmer New Orleans day, and would transition well in to the New Orleans night, I forgot to consider what the Indiana evening weather would be like. Lo and behold, my jacket was in the trunk of the car, underneath all of our suitcases. When we got in to Indiana, the turtleneck trapeze provided insufficient warmth! Like your make-up bag, make sure any necessary layers are easily accessible.

5. Accessorize Well.
One of the few things I feel helped me stay stylish-- my everyday accessories (that are all chosen with special care). A great pair of sunglasses can frame and accentuate your face well, and perhaps make you look a bit mysterious (plus, it hides the tired, smeared eyes). My favorite accessory-- my black Macbook, provided me with entertainment and enjoyment during the wait. I'm sure it makes you look like you're together and managing your time efficiently during a crisis! A fully charged cell phone is your friend, and may become a better one than your travel companion.


In many ways, these are very basic ideas. While I employ many of them in other forms of travel (when flying, for example), I never think to bother with them when driving. Driving provides us with a different sense of security-- it's in the back of the car, it's not a hassle to get. But when you car is in the repair zone, and you're unable to access the car, let alone unpack it for whatever you may need, you'll be thanking me.