BYO Plane Food

I like to think I am quite organised when it comes to travelling. I write lists and make appointments and try to ensure that nothing is overlooked or forgotten.

In the weeks leading up to a trip - my 'to do' list might look something like this:

- Research destination(s)
- Make reservations for any accommodation, transport, activities, restaurants etc as necessary
- Check travel insurance is up-to-date
- Contact any friends/family that I will be meeting up with (to make plans)
- Write up a packing list
- Purchase any toiletries needed - additional sun creams, mosquito repellents, travel size contact lens solution etc
- Sort through my clothes shoes and accessories - try things on to see if they still fit, ensure anything I want to take is clean/dry-cleaned (and do the same for my daughter)
- Buy any new items of clothes, shoes or accessories that I need (and do the same for my daughter)
- Buy presents for any friends/family that I will be meeting up with (for birthdays, weddings, new babies etc)
- Buy cards/presents for any family/friends here that will be having birthdays etc while I am away and try and arrange to see them before I go
- I'm not working at the moment so I don't have to worry about a handover at work, but I will be preparing some blog posts for my upcoming trip
- Organise transport to the airport
- Make appointments to have hair, nails, waxing, eyebrows done (and go along to these appointments)
- Print out all tickets, hotel/transport confirmations, itineraries, travel notes and maps
- Email copies of travel plans to parents/in-laws
- Research lounge access at airports to see if worth paying for. See what play areas and food options are available at any airpoints we will be going to
- Clean and clear out fridge, freezer, cupboards, fruit bowl etc so no surprises when I get home
- Water plants, sweep leaves outside to clear drains etc, ensure rubbish and recycling are empty and collected
- Get all clothes washed and dried (resist the urge to add anything extra to the suitcase!)
- Put any recurring deliveries (nappies etc) on hold
- Put gym membership on hold
- Tidy house
- Ensure spare keys are left with our friend who lives down the road
- Order currency
- Plan what to wear on the plane
- Pack suitcases(s)
- Pack carry-on luggage
- Check my husband's packing (especially if he is leaving a week or two after us)
- If I am feeling nice I will also make and freeze a few meals for my husband (if he is not flying out with us)
- Pack a selection of toys, books, snacks and milk for my daughter on the plane
- Change bedlinen so it is nice and fresh when I get back
- Call bank(s) to let them know I will be abroad and to not put a stop on cards
- Download a few new apps/movies to iPad/phone and new books to my Kindle
- Charge all electronic devices (Kindle, iPad, phone etc)
- Final check that I have done everything on my various lists
- Adjust heating so that it is not on continuously
- Try to go for a big walk on the day I am leaving in anticipation of being stuck on the plane for endless hours
- Ensure curtains and blinds are closed and house is locked up

If I have any spare time in or around the above I usually like to organise some 'going away' drinks. But, generally it is a bit of a mad rush when I get ready to go away, no matter how organised I seem to be when I get started. The rush usually continues right up to the airport where I race around buying extra milk, duty free and magazines as well as anything else I may have forgotten. I usually like to have a glass of champagne at the airport, but sometimes it is not until I actually sink into the seat on the plane that I feel like I can finally relax... Well, as much as you can relax when facing a long flight with a toddler!

So, I am somewhat in awe of people who somehow also find the time to cook and pack their own meals for the plane.

Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks has posted pictures (and recipes) of some of the meals she has made to take on planes before - including and Baked Quinoa Patties, Golden Potstickers and Wintery Spring Rolls.

Is this something that you do? Or would even consider doing?

I am quite relaxed when it comes to food. I usually take a look at whatever meals are on offer on the flight and eat them if they look OK and leave them if they don't. Before I get on a flight I try to buy a large bottle of water and maybe a sandwich and a bag of nuts or crisps. I pack snacks for my daughter - but usually these tend to be just packaged children's snacks, raisins and fruit - not actual home-prepared meals.

I have seen that a few other bloggers - including Love and Lemons and Gwyneth Made Me Do It  have mentioned that they also like to take their own food when they travel. As airlines continue to cut costs and the standard of food inevitably suffers I wonder if preparing your own meals for flights will become a trend. It would be so interesting (and a bit scary) to see what other passengers pulled out of their carry-on luggage to tuck into.

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