by Alice Rush
WHAT IS IT about the idea of imminent travel that makes us (some of us anyway) think that we need new clothes and other travel items? When planning for visiting Holland, one of the first things that I considered was whether we had all the appropriate small toiletry items, and if not, did I have the necessary smaller containers to move the products from their original bottles that we use at home. Did we have the necessary clear bags for getting liquids through the airport security? Lastly, did I have appropriate warm clothing and shoes because I am almost always chilled in the Netherlands regardless of the season.
I can’t believe that I am the only one who immediately jumps to these thoughts when planning a trip. In fact, clearly I am not the only one because travel size products are standard in so many stores now. Is that true in Holland as well? The trouble comes in getting the brand name item that you want in a tiny size. So, I like to use the handy travel holders and transfer the shampoo, shower gel, etc. of my choice into something airline approved. I’m seeking silicone-based containers. Sadly, they aren’t biodegradable, but they don’t contribute to microplastics, and hopefully what I purchase will go through years of rinse and reuse cycles.
As for clothing, my favorite lightweight winter coat wore out this year. Specifically, the zipper started unzipping from the bottom at will, which was really annoying, and the front panel on either side of the zipper started to show signs of wear. I started using my heavyweight coat earlier than usual and switched to a windbreaker sooner than normal in the spring. So, I can justify a new coat for this upcoming trip! I’ve been shopping now while coats are out of season and prices are hopefully lower. The cost of clothing struck me as particularly expensive when I first visited the Netherlands 17 years ago. Was I just visiting very nice stores, or is this still true today?
Can you tell I enjoy shopping? I’m not the kind of shopper who likes to just buy anything I see. I enjoy window shopping and getting style ideas about what I already have from what I see. I’m also a bargain hunter. That’s what makes it fun for me. There are lots and lots of great travel products, and many of them come with a very high price tag. I’m not willing to spend good money for something I will only use infrequently. First, the expense must be justified in my mind, and then I have to find the right item at the right price. So this time leading up to our October journey will be fun for me, and not too expensive if I play it right. There must still be some fun money for experiences while we are there!
* Alice is a Maine realtor and a licensed helicopter and fixed wing pilot. She first met her Dutch husband in Maryland in 2005, and married him four years later.
