Going to Orlando!

We are heading to Orlando for the Young Life All-Staff Conference! And as it creeps closer, there a things I keep in mind. The first and most stressful thing for me is PACKING! So here is how we do it in the Maddox home:

• Don't Check Luggage--Lost luggage by airlines has increased this year! With 5,000 Young Lifers traveling to Orlando, there is bound to be lost luggage by airlines, and not a lot folks to give you that special attention to get your belongings back in your hand. So, my advice...carry-on!


• Pack light (and do a load of laundry)--I called ahead to the Marriott to find out if they have laundry facilities and the price for them. It is $1.25 to wash and $1.25 to dry. Seems cheap enough, but where they get you is the laundry detergent you have to buy from the hotel. So, I stopped at Target and picked up a travel-friendly container of All for $.97.

• If you just can't get it all in your carry on and need to check your luggage, make sure you pack a survival kit in your carry on (just in case your luggage doesn't arrive with you) that includes: clean underwear, clean shirt, pajama pants, toothbrush/toothpaste, deoderant, and a couple makeup items that will cover you until your luggage is found. (e.g. eyeliner & lip gloss)


• Wear your bulky stuff on the plane--A sweatshirt, tennis shoes, pillow, etc. all take up a lot of room in your carry-on luggage, so I wear them on the plane to save room.


• Check the weather--I use the weather channel to check the local forecast for Orlando, FL.

• Think about what the hotel provides--this way you can travel light and leave some items at home. Each Marriott hotel room includes: a variety of small soaps, shampoo, conditioner and lotions, iron, and hair dryer.