Last year(2008) I shared a few travel packing tips I called Travel Tips For National Championships Part 1 and this one for Glam TrackMoms Almost Time To Pack For Championships if you haven’t seen them check it out.
With Junior Olympics (Both USATF and AAU) beginning in the next couple of weeks I thought this was a perfect time to get you thinking about getting ready for your Championship Tour.
More Travel Tips
- Confirm flight reservations 72 hours, and hotel 48 hours before flight arrival. This is a piece of mind issue making sure you didn’t overlook any thing and airlines didn’t change the flight.
- Make sure you know the correct time of departure and arrival (don’t forget potential time zone issues)
- Write hotel reservations and flight conformation numbers in a separate book or paper.(I use a little journal that fits in my purse. I never leave home with out it.
- Write down all contact numbers for hotels, friends parents etc in this same book not just your cell phone. If your cell dies and you can’t charge it or it is lost you could be in some big trouble.
- Bring your charger for cell phones and all electronics to be used.
- Optional…Lap top computer.I bring it all the time because it is so helpful finding places,Lauren plays games,we can watch videos on it.Of course I can write TrackMom on the road too!
- Print out all directions you need so upon arrival you will know how to get from airport to hotel, hotel to stadium, registration location etc.
- Double and triple check you flights hotel and car reservations and times am vs pm locations etc.
- Print out schedule of events. I always to this because it is so handy to know when events you might want to see , as well as your own athletes events to plan ahead for arrival. They don’t allow late reporting ,your athlete may not be allowed to participate if he or she is late don’t let this happen to you.
- Copy of AAU, USATF Card and Birth Certifcate.Again Because we were unattached in the past I was very catious about having every piece of documentation.Probably really not needed at this point but just in case I carry it.
- Medical Cards. A couple of years ago, Henry had to go to urgent care and it was much easier with the proper information at hand.
Track Extras
- Printed National Records sheet. I print the records so as I am watching I really understand what I am watching and who. This makes it more fun for me, I may see a few records fall in the process.
- Rankings sheet. I do this for the same reason as above. I like to get to know the athlete and times that got them there.
Athletes Extras
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Extra Pair of Track Spikes
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Bag of Spikes and a wrench to remove and add
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Extra Uniform if possible
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DS for down time
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Ipod for the same reason as above
Nice to haves for mom and dad
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Hand held mister. I picked this up from Costco last season and it was a nice thing to have on a couple of very hot days at the track
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Portable small stadium cushions that fit in luggage. No explanation needed : – )
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Water bottles that are refillable with a wide mouth to put ice into only for cool water later in the day
Alright, now I have got you thinking about your own list get to it is almost time to leave.
Until Next Time
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