Yes, I have been officially diagnosed with OCD, but no, I am not as bad as Jack Nicholson’s character in As Good As It Gets.
I am a checker. I compulsively check door locks, windows and all sources of heat – candle wicks, stove burners, oven, toaster and coffee maker.
I also need certain items within reach at all times: Chapstick, water, layered clothing to make sure I’m not too hot or too cold at any given moment.
And when I say within reach, I mean within one arm stretch of being able to grab desired item without having to swing around a backpack-style daypack and without breaking stride.
There are many things to obsess about during travel. I turn my travel companions into witnesses:
√ Passport, got it. Witness? (Wait for verbal confirmation.)
√ Wallet, got it. Witness? (Wait for verbal confirmation.)
√ Malaria pills, got ‘em. Witness? (Wait for verbal confirmation.)
I like to think this makes me adorably quirky, but I suspect it’s closer to the annoying end of the scale (it’s okay, those of you who’ve been drafted into witness duty, you can admit it).
I love to travel, but because it disrupts all of my OCD routines, it makes me anxious.
I’m most comfortable traveling as light as possible, while making sure I’m prepared for any situation. I believe that’s what’s called a paradox. It’s definitely a challenge.
So, over the last dozen years I’ve adopted a new obsession: travel gear.
I spend hours in travel stores fondling the gear and opening zippers and pockets and occasionally buying something and inevitably being disappointed in one feature or lack thereof.
My search for the perfect travel gear continues. It’s fun. Join me.
Copyright 2012-2014. All rights reserved.
4 Comments
Dave Carstens
I loved our family trips to Virginia Beach, VA… my dad drove the woody while mom laughed most of the way. Halfway there we’d stop at a go-cart place where inevitably one of my siblings would end up crying about who knows what. By daylight I remember crushing waves, saltwater up the nose, jellyfish and catching small fish with my hands. At night there was carnival popcorn, upside-down rides, drunk teenagers and coins jingling to the ground.
02 Jul 2012 10:07 pm (@Twitter)
Kim@OCDtravel
You paint quite a picture here, Dave... thanks for sharing!
24 Jul 2012 05:07 pm (@Twitter)
Linda Mueller
I love this, Kim! When I travel, I obsess about everything… where we’re going to stay, where we’re going to eat and what we’re going to do. I buy travel books and maps. Make reservations and purchase tickets to shows and attractions, in advance. And, prepare a detailed intinerary (and I do mean “detailed”). Nothing left to chance. Drives my husband crazy, but in the end, he’s always amazed out how smoothly the trip went! Go figure.
24 Jul 2012 11:07 am (@@lamueller2)
Kim@OCDtravel
Thanks, Linda! And, having worked with you in PR, I can totally see your planning mode in action. :) People will tease about too much planning but then they're always thrilled to have so many things just "fall into place." Go figure, indeed.
24 Jul 2012 05:07 pm (@Twitter)