There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you…
I’m leaving. I know it’s sudden, but I just didn’t know how to say it. People change. It’s not you, it’s me. I love you but I’m not “in love” with you. I need some time to find myself. You deserve better. I can’t give you what you need. There’s someone else…
Ahhh I’m just messin’ with ya. I mean, I am leaving, but it’s only for a handful of days and I’ve already prewritten all of my posts so you probably won’t even know I’m gone 😀
So where is it that I’m off to? BC. British Columbia. The west coast of Canada. My parents have been entertaining the idea of moving down there after they retire, and when they said they were going to head over and scope out the scenery, I basically threw myself at them and begged to come along… in a dignified way, of course 😉 Why? Because BC is gorgeous and I haven’t been there in far too long. Also, because the drive out there means I get to see the mountains in fall, which is something I never managed to knock off my fall bucket list last year. See? Point #2…
The drive time is approximately 12 hours to get to where we want to go, and I haven’t actually been on a road trip with my parents since I was a teeny tiny little thing, so time will tell if I made a wise choice or not. For now, though? I’m giddy as a schoolgirl. Tee hee!
I’m also frantically trying to tie up loose ends before we leave first thing tomorrow morning. I’m really fortunate in that I can take work, school, and blogging with me wherever I go, but taking them with me and actually putting any time into them while I’m gone are two very different things… I may or may not have a tendency to consciously forget (read: ignore) responsibilities while I’m away, but there’s one thing I take pretty seriously when I travel, and that’s food prep.
I may have mentioned that travelling with allergies is a bit of a pain? Because it really is… and the fact that we’ll be spending a lot of time in a car out in the middle of nowhere means that plenty of food has to be toted around to prevent both starvation and boredom. After all, there’s nothing like a little bit of munchin’ to make the miles go by faster, right? 😉 So here’s a little taste of some of the snacks I’m packing…
Chips… because sometimes you just need the crunch.
Popchips // Barefruit apple chips.
Fruit… because I can’t go a day without [lots of] it.
Applesauce squeezy packets (Gogo Sqeez and Mott’s) // Raisins (Newman’s Own)
Apples and bananas.
Veggies… because I’ve been craving them like crazy lately.
Baby carrots and cocktail tomatoes.
Nuts… because they’re delicious and nutritious.
Blue Diamond flavoured almonds.
Bars… because sometimes you run into emergency situations.
Lifebars // Raw Bites… These were sent to me by Lucie and they’re basically a European version of Larabars.
Breakfast necessities… because it’s why I get out of bed every morning.
Cereal (Puffins and Kashi Cinnamon Harvest) // raw oats.
General necessities… because I never leave home without AB… and protein powder just in case.
Maisie Jane’s roasted almond butter // Protein powder (Vega and Sunwarrior)
Random odds & ends… because… well… just because.
Water bottle // vitamins // spork.
. – . – . – .
So yup… I basically bring an entire cooler’s worth of food with me when I travel, but I’m not a huge fan of hunger, so I like to keep it at bay by being prepared… especially if I’m going to be in close quarters with other human beings 😉
And on that note, it’s time for me to take off and get started on my day. My food is prepped, but my suitcase is currently empty and I imagine that I’ll need some clothes and toiletries in addition to food — they might come in handy 😉 So packing, working, and studying are on the agenda for today, but I’ll see you guys tomorrow for WIAW!
Happy Tuesday, peoples!
Are you a fan of road trips, or would you rather fly?
Do you pack [lots of] food when you travel?
Random: can you read in the car or do you get motion sickness like me?
What a fun trip to go on! I am not a road tripper by ANY means. I hate spending time in a car and would much rather be on a plane. Maybe it is because I get car sick much too easily and can barely stand driving let alone riding 😉 Snacks are a must on road or plane trips – can’t make it through a journey without some munching! I am getting an odd deja vu feeling… I think we’ve already talked (aka commented) on each other’s blogs about this!
my boyfriend would probably kill me for saying this but, I kind of love road trips! I usually find it less stressful than driving, other than when my car breaks down on the way home from Florida, that was very stressful. The best part of road trips is that Bentley can come and there are no packing restrictions.
My family road trips scarred me (6 people in a car is too many!) so I would prefer to fly. I always bring a bag of snacks that is often bigger than my clothing bag. You know I love those apple chips!
Have fun! I love any kind of trip! Flying is fun but road trips are great too! I just like getting away and seeing new things.
Have a safe trip, girl! I would definitely hop on board with my parents, too, if it meant seeing some gorgeous scenery! I love the fact you’re bringing a spork with you LOL. Classic. I can read in the car but it depends on what I’m reading and the road conditions. Sometimes I can and sometimes my stomach just does not like all the motion of the ocean. My bag always has some sort of snack in it at all times because Hangry Lauren is not a fun Lauren.
Love love love the Puss in Boots picture! I’m so jealous, I bet that it’s going to be gorgeous there this time of year! I hope you have a wonderful time! 🙂
Have an awesome trip with your parents, Amanda! I’m glad mine have no plans of moving anywhere once they retire because I’d miss the gorgeous countryside I grew up in :). But seeing as you live in a city I assume that’s your parents’ reason for moving, too? [sorry for this embarrassing proof I don’t know what the different parts of Canada are like … woops]
We hardly ever travelled via plane but actually took road trips pretty much ever time we traveled during my childhood so I’m used to them. Depending on how long they are – and how much space I have in the backseat – I’m okay with them. Still, I wouldn’t really fancy another eight-hour-trip down to my grandma’s place too soon again. Because like you I get motion sick after a while and not being able to read lengthens the journey. Funnily enough, though, I find I don’t motion-sick as much when the weather is dark or rainy outside. Sunshine, however? No reading time for me.
Packing [lots of] food is totally necessary when travelling and you just reminded me of all the special foods we got my mum to buy for us when we were younger. Split-cup yogurts, mini sausages, ‘Milchschnitte’, Kinder chocolates, … Aaaah, the memories.
Awwr I love that you’re reminiscing about all the road trip snacks of your younger years – it’s the same for me 🙂 Of course, there was a lot of McDonalds, which I don’t miss all that much, but the cookies, chocolates, gummy bears, and even the sandwiches were fantastic. As for my parents’ reason to move, it’s mostly because of the winter. BC has way milder winters, and I guess my parents are tired of the cold.
road trips can be fun! I just download lots of podcasts, an audiobook or two and bring a blanket (my parents keep the car CRAZY cold)
Ooooh, have fun! I bet that trip will be gorgeous, especially this time of year. BC does look beautiful. I may be going on a quick roadtrip myself this weekend. Not sure yet.
I pack a ton of food to travel with. I went to South Carolina in August and brought everything from chia seeds to baggies of pumpkin seeds/raisins with me. My friends thought I was crazy, but I think they’re used to it by now. 😉
Have tons of fun, pretty lady <3. I'm kind of jealous that you get to watch the seasons change, since we don't get much of that here in Cali. Also, if I ever go on a road trip, you're definitely invited. You can be in charge of snacks.
Don’t even talk to me about jealous Ms. Italy 😛
I would so prefer to fly! I just feel so cooped up in the car, my legs are too long and I can’t sleep because my husband always nods off while driving!
Wow, you really are prepared! B.C. does look beautiful. Do I need to ask you to take lots of pictures?
Have a safe trip, at least out an get lots of reading done over 12 hrs.
Sounds like a fun trip!
I just tried those blueberry almonds the other day and they’re my new favorite food.
It looks like you are gooooood to go!! Those are some tasty traveling snacks!
Have a great trip! 🙂 I wish I craved veggies. Can you transfer those cravings to me for a while???
If my parents were heading on a fun road trip, I’d be inviting myself along too! Especially to B.C. – it’s so beautiful out there. Actually, when I was at my parents Sunday night we were reminiscing about the trip we took to Vancouver/Whistler when I was 11. Such a fun trip! Although we definitely flew – I’m pretty sure it’s about a four day trip if you want to drive from here. It’s hard to say whether I prefer flying or driving though – probably flying, because when I’m excited to get somewhere flying will get me there faster 😉
Also, I found those Barefruit apple chips the other day, but I was sorely disappointed because they were Granny Smith…aka, the only apple I’m not a big fan of.
And I can read on car trips, as long as I take a 2-3 minute break every 20 minutes or so. Otherwise, my eyes start to hurt a little.
I hope you have an awesome trip love! And P.S. the fact that you’re bringing a spork is awesome and hilarious :-p
Ahh yeah I tried the Granny Smith ones and definitely wasn’t a fan. We have plenty of cinnamon and Fiji ones in Edmonton, though… in addition to overwhelming amounts of kabocha squash. Just sayin’ 😉
what a fun trip- hope you share ton of pictures. i am a heavy packer too when it comes to road trip. and reading – just depends for me but I try not to.
Have a great trip! I can’t read in the car at all! Always made me nauseous. I can’t watch TV in a car either.
I have to admit, I became quite frightened upon reading your first paragraph! Glad it’s just a few days! 😉
You will have such an amazing time! Family road trips are fun (and always interesting!) The last road trip I took was back in 2005. I drove down to Florida with a friend (took us about 24 hours with various stops along the way). Don’t think I’ll ever do that again! At least not that far! Enjoy the sights and time with your parents! xo
24 hours? Now that’s definitely hardcore 😉 The longest one I ever went on was from Edmonton down to LA, which took about 3 days. Crazy, but so many good memories.
Bon Voyage Amanda! Hope you have a wonderful road trip. I grew up in Washington state and sometimes vacationed in BC. My favorite places are Nelson (beyond gorgeous) and the Ainsworth Hot Springs. I t has been years since I have been to Canada but I really would love to go again.
I like being at my travel destinations but do NOT like getting there, no matter which method I take. I am easily prone to motion sickness and not being able to read makes for a loooooong trip.
Enjoy your noshes!
Have a safe trip, Amanda!
I must fly – I cannot do road trips.
Well I’m pretty excited you’re coming to BC since someone pretty awesome happens to live there 😉
Hopefully you can make it down to Victoria!
I love all the foodie items you’re bringing – because I clearly do the same. I always think it’s better to be extra prepared than under prepared that’s for sure!
And I’m pretty positive you will have an excellent time!!
We’re definitely going to make it over to Victoria! Probably not tomorrow, but on Thursday or Friday for sure… I’ll try and give you a head’s up and not just show up at your door 😉
Oooh it’s been years since I went on a road trip- I’m jealous to say the least! Be sure to download some audiobooks in case you need a lil break from the parentals! I can’t read in a car- something about being in motion makes it hard for me to concentrate! Good call on packing AB- even if on-the-road diners aren’t allergy-friendly, I am sure they can spare a couple of slices of bread! On a side note- you’re going to make a fabulous mother or day…you are prepared to the T 🙂
Aww I miss doing real vacations with my family. I haven’t gone on one since high school because we’re all on opposite schedules. I hope you survive the long car rides! I have trouble sitting still for that long. Food is a critical piece to the equation- can you say boredom eating? 😉 I usually pack all the good stuff to get me through when we do have long car rides/trips, but I’d much rather fly any place we go. Have the BEST time!!
Hope you have a fantastic time!! Packing food is always the way to go in my book. Then you know you always have something you’ll enjoy eating! I prefer flying but road trips can be fun. I used to take some mini-road trips with one of my ex-boyfriends when we were still together and it was always a lot of fun. This summer though, I basically road tripped through Ireland and Scotland with my family and it was fun but also close quarters. Thank goodness for the cute Irish tour guide!! 😉
Have a beautiful trip! Looks like you are perfectly prepped 😉 and I thought I am going craycray with all the food stuff I bring along. I loosened up a bit recently and go with what I get along the road, but I am also not allergic to pesky peanuts, so I really cannot compare. Hiking in the mountains sounds like something I’d really love to do now. But instead I am getting my stuff together and try to be productive with my master thesis… or go for a grocery trip since you reminded me that I really lack some snack foods 🙂
Have a wonderful trip Amanda – hope the roads are lit up with fall colors on the drive to BC!
I luv roads trips if I have the time …for example, I had a couple weeks off a couple years ago and my daughter and I drove down the West California coast – views took my breath away…then we got lost..an 8 hr drive to LA took us 10+ hrs… was still fun though 🙂 – but if I need to get where I am going and need to get back in a hurry, then I wud rather fly.
I always feel like I pack a ton of food – but gah – it disappears so quick!
I think I can read anywhere – car, plane, closet, bathroom, train…anywhere 🙂
Looking forward to some pictures and trip recap soon
The west coast is absolutely beautiful! I’ve made the drive from Edmonton to LA a few times, and it’s one of my favourite in terms of scenery. Oregon is especially beautiful.
Have an amazing trip!!! I can’t wait to see your beautiful pictures 🙂
Food is the most important part of a road trip besides the company you’re going with. Enjoy!!!
I hope you have an amazing time with your parents! I can’t wait to hear all about it, and see the beautiful scenery! I love that you packed all these healthy snacks- allergies or not, it’s totally worth it! I hate not having healthy alternatives when I get hungry!
I much prefer traveling in car to flying!! I can’t stand flying! Unfortunately I pretty much always end up taking a plane as it wouldn’t be feasible to drive a car across the ocean..someone needs to invent one of those things out of James Bond for an affordable budget haha!
Hope you have a great trip! All your snacks look delicious..snacking makes the time go wayy quicker especially if the food is delicious!
Driving across the ocean? Now that’s definitely something they have to work on. And I bet you must live somewhere gorgeous, then!
Haha if you class the UK as gorgeous, not really somewhere tropical/exotic though!
Awwr but it has so much charm! I’ve never been, but it’s definitely somewhere I want to visit.
I’m in love with that spork!! SO cute! I wonder if they would have them here (France) as this is the first time I encounter such a specimen 😀
Have fun! My husband and I are heading out to BC at the end of the week! I have never been there but hear it is GORGEOUS!
Answer to 2: I always pack food when I travel–nut butters, dried fruit, rice crackers, nuts, apples, oatmeal. You never know when you’re going to need a snack!
Answer to 3: I wish I could read in the car! I get extremely motion sick; it literally happens in a matter of minutes if I try and read in the car. BOOo!!!!
Road trips are the best choice IF the company is good. 🙂 I hope you have a great time!
Can we live closer so I can check all of those bucket list items off of my list for Fall too?
Ah how fun!! Have a wonderful time. I’ve never been to BC but it’s definitely on my to-do list. Your packing necessities and superb!
YES! You head west, I’ll head east, and we can meet in the middle 😉
Sounds like a great trip! I love all of your snack choices! I’m definitely a fan of packing lots of foods when we go on trips. Eating out gets old quickly, so I love having all my healthy snacks and things with me at all times.
I definitely can’t read in the car either. I always wished I could, but it makes me so nauseous and gives me a killer headache.
Have a wonderful trip!
Amanda!!! I thought you were leaving and not writing our blog any more- don’t give me a heart attack! Love the blog girl 🙂 Have fun btw!
Ah so excited for you! I hope you have a wonderful time! Road trips are always a blast and it’s WAY better when you’re able to be somewhere scenic. The mountains in fall will be absolutely gorgeous!
I am totally the same way with food when I travel! I feel like that is my number one priority when I pack; making sure I have enough food along for any situation or circumstance that may come up (i.e. a world disaster that would prevent me from getting food anywhere else. Sometimes I pack WAY too much food, but better to have too much than too little, right?!)
Awww, have so much fun on your BC adventure! Pack me in your food cooler?! Whereabouts on the coast are your parents looking to get a place? Can I retire with them? 😀
They’re actually mostly looking at Kelowna, but we figure we may as well head to the coast since we’ll be so close.
ahh your trip sounds so cool!! i would be giddy as a school girl too 🙂 and im in awe of your food prep abilities. i dont think im that organized, but i’d like to work towards that. getting food on the road- allergies or not- is always gross and/or heavy and leaves me with a stomach ache so i could really take some notes from this post. good luck with the rest of the packing! have an amazing trip!!