Getting to Barbados

Thinking about this trip was what kept me going when it seemed like the long, cold spring would last forever! I’ve been to Barbados a few times now and every time has been better than the last. I love the Caribbean and especially Barbados: there’s an amazing blend of cultures, interesting history, breathtaking scenery, and friendly people.

Getting There:

The Wednesday afternoon I left was a blur of finishing last-minute work tasks, repeating to myself that I must not forget my passport, and trying to get on the road before the tolls started. I stayed the night with my parents, then we embarked on a series of flights starting at the Lynchburg airport, where you walk on the runway and up a flight of stairs to the plane like you’re in an old movie.

The trip was smooth until the Miami airport, where we misread the signs and exited security, only to immediately re-enter. As we panicked in the long security line and wondered if we would miss our flight to Barbados, my beloved roommate texted me to tell me she’d gotten the new job she applied for and would be moving when our lease was up to, oddly enough, Miami. I tried to ignore my housing crisis as we sprinted for our gate, where my brother and sister-in-law were waiting and waving frantically as boarding instructions blared from the loudspeaker. We made it aboard, and I spent the flight finishing the Agatha Christie I’d started that morning.

My Travel Outfit:

The trip to Barbados is short compared to traveling to other international destinations, but I knew the travel day would be exhausting, so I chose a comfortable outfit: cropped navy workout leggings, a pink cotton tank top, and a gray Patagonia fleece (not pictured–this is an old picture with the same leggings and shoes!). I wore my light pink running shoes, which aren’t supportive enough for serious running but are cute and lightweight. I was glad I had them when we were running through the Miami airport! I checked my faithful blue L.L. Bean duffel bag and took a backpack as my carry-on, so I wasn’t lugging too much through the airport despite having overpacked.

What is your favorite travel outfit? What luggage do you check and what do you carry on? Tell me about it in the comments.