One item on my “22 for 22” list is to “Take a trip with my daughter Eleanor.” And we did it! We just returned from Paris, where we had a wonderful time.  After going so long without traveling, I still feel a bit out of practice. Before and during this big trip, I found myself reflecting on some of my most useful Secrets of Adulthood for Travel:

1. Always leave plenty of room in the suitcase.
2. Don’t let anyone get too hungry, too tired, too hot, or too cold.
3. Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.
4. Never pass up an opportunity to charge your phone.
5. Wear comfortable shoes.
6. Keep a stash of back-up snacks (see #2).
7. Pack a canvas tote bag (we didn’t end up needing this bag, but on other trips, I’ve found it invaluable).
8. No matter what the weather is outside, dress warmly for the airplane.
9. Make a plan, but leave room for spontaneity.
10. If something’s important, don’t put it in a checked suitcase. (This reminder turned out to be very important; my bag took eight days to arrive in New York City.)
11. Remember, it’s supposed to be fun.

If you’d like to read more Secrets of Adulthood, they’re here. If you’d like more travel hacks, episode 180 of the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast is dedicated to listeners’ hacks—so many great suggestions. What Secrets of Adulthood would you add to this list? I’m always looking for more ideas.