Here’s to an unforgettable weekend in Indiana! To the three incredible student-athletes, who not only competed with heart but also embraced every opportunity to learn and grow off the field. From the moment we hit the road to the time we packed up to head home, this trip was a perfect mix of competition, team bonding, and invaluable lessons. Indiana truly showed us how to balance the thrill of sport with the importance of preparation and organization, both on and off the field. We navigated everything—from long hours of travel to quick transitions between games—with grace, and it was inspiring to watch.

Looking back, one of the key takeaways was the importance of pre-planning. As your travel advisor, I’ve always emphasized this, and I saw it in action. Whether it was double-checking itineraries, confirming accommodations, or ensuring all travel gear was packed (trust me, I know how easy it is to forget that one critical piece), I focused on staying ahead of the game. A lot of pre-trip preparation can make all the difference: setting up a shared digital folder for documents, reviewing the schedule multiple times, and making sure everyone knows what’s expected, when and where. These efforts do take time but they saved us stress during the trip and kept things running smoothly.

As we traveled, it became clear how vital it is to stay organized. This doesn’t just apply to packing but to how you manage your time. Creating a balance between rest, food, warm-ups, and downtime is key to making sure you stay at your best. Sports travel can sometimes feel like a whirlwind, especially with the demands of competition and the tight timelines, but we learned that sticking to a well-thought-out plan allows flexibility without sacrificing performance. Having a set routine and sticking to it, even when things don’t go as planned, makes everything flow so much better.

Then came the post-travel tips, which I can’t stress enough! After the weekend, it’s important to take time to reflect, recover, and reset. For all the energy expended in the games, recovery through proper hydration, stretching, and rest is just as important as training itself. I will continue to keep a travel journal via this blog, not just to document what happened, but also to capture what worked well and what can be improved for future trips. That’s something you’ll carry with you—not just for your athletic journeys, but for life. This reflection process helps to keep growth continuous, even after the trip is over.

Lastly, here’s to the next trip! Nashville 7v7 football tourney March14-16! Whether it’s another competition or just a weekend getaway, we’ve learned that with the right balance of planning, organization, and flexibility, sports travel can be both rewarding and less stressful. From my perspective as a mom and your travel advisor, this trip was a perfect example of how preparation isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about making the journey enjoyable and educational every step of the way. Here’s to the next adventure!

Three Tips to note…

1. Print or screen shot ur confirmations for car, hotel, tournament registration, etc 
2. Pretend it’s Sunday night – have the school computers charged at home, homework done or noted, any groceries ordered or delivered for breakfast and lunch on Monday 
3. Chargers! Always chargers! Have plenty packed for car and hotel and event location. Have the different cables for headsets and phones. AND take inventory before you leave the hotel

Details of this trip:

• Event: Elite7evens 7v7 football tournament in Columbus Indiana
• Hotel: Holiday Inn Columbus Edinburgh 
• Team: Supreme7v7 18u and 14u
• 3.5 hour drive from Naperville Illinois 

Enjoy a few highlight videos!