Essy's Essentials

The Beautiful Departure

Beginning your holiday before you leave home.

A packed suitcase, passport and travel documents laid out calmly the evening before a trip.

At a Glance

  1. The evening before
  2. The departure morning

A journey starts long before the train departs or the plane leaves the runway. It begins with how you prepare.

Rushed packing often creates a rushed arrival. A thoughtful departure allows the holiday to begin while you are still at home.

The Evening Before

Rather than packing late into the night: lay out tomorrow’s outfit, charge devices, fill a reusable water bottle, download maps and tickets, pack one small snack, place your passport or travel documents in the same place every trip, leave the kitchen tidy, and make the bed for your return.

Returning to a calm home is one of the kindest gifts you can give your future self.

The Departure Morning

Wake slightly earlier than necessary. Open the windows. Drink coffee slowly. Avoid beginning the journey already feeling behind.

Leave with enough margin that the journey starts calmly.

The Checklist

  • Documents packed
  • Accommodation details saved offline
  • Chargers packed
  • Water bottle filled
  • Home secured
  • Bin emptied if appropriate
  • Coffee enjoyed before leaving

Pair It With

A beautiful departure allows the journey to begin with intention instead of urgency.

Enjoyed this?

The Seasonal Letter brings more stories, recipes and rituals like this one - a few times a season, never more.

Esther, founder of Essy's Essentials

Written by Esther

Esther is a photographer and storyteller, and the founder of Essy's Essentials - a seasonal home for stories, rituals, recipes and everyday luxuries.

More about Esther