I am going to Britmums Live today, and it comes to mind that its been ages since I did a long distance train trip without a small person!
- Find your normal carry on bag, take out the essentials, phone charger, wallet, lady essentials, and put them in a small handbag.
- Pack your overnight bag. Marvel at how much room you have. No Thomas the Tank toys, small persons pyjamas, nappies......what to do with all that space?
- Pack your shoes, then pack another pair, go on there is room. Pack an outfit for an evening do, pack another one so you have a choice. Bag still only 1/4 full! Plenty of room for Britmums Live goodies.
- Arrange your transport to the station. Get there half an hour early. Have a coffee in Starbucks, you could even get to read the paper.
- Find your seat on train. No need to negotiate or worry that your toddler will take up a seat, and have to accommodate them somewhere!
- Get out your tablet, plug it in, turn on wi fi, content in the knowledge you won't be opening your Peppa Pig apps!
- Find your ticket for the conductor in 2 seconds, not having to weave your way through packets of emergency chocolate buttons, matchbox cars and crayons.
- Check your Facebook, watch a tv programme, enjoy the quiet, read a book, you remember them don't you? Or what about a magazine, without a CBeebies character on the front.
- Arrive at Euston, breeze off the train, no "1 2 3 big step", get to the underground and whizz down the escalator, through the queue for the tickets and on to the train, not a tantrum to be heard, well not from your child anyway.
- Arrive at hotel, pack your things away nicely, and sit down.
- Catch your breath for a minute and try to just enjoy the peace and quiet and not feel sad that you haven't got a little person tucked under your feet with a collection of Matchbox cars racing them around your hotel room.
