​​​Travel and Safety in Atlanta

Below is some pre-trip planning and safety information to enable everyone to have a great experience and be prepared:

• There will be one pickup location for the charter bus: Walmart on North Monroe Street with loading to begin at 4:15 a.m. Plans are for the bus to be on the road by 5 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to please arrive early so we can leave on time as any delay or wait times will affect the other riders' plans and may jeopardize the rest of the itinerary for the day.
• It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you are dropped off and picked up at the bus loading location instead of leaving your vehicle there over the weekend. Leaving your vehicle there will be done at your own personal risk.
  
• Dress for the full day on Friday as we will be going directly to our first destination, after one pitstop for a restroom break along the way.
  
• There will be onboard amenities to make our travel time comfortable. This includes WiFi to stay connected to all that matters to you, video screens to show onboard movies, and power outlets to keep your devices charged up. We’ll play movies throughout the trip so you’ll have some form of entertainment along the way. Although we’ll keep the volume at reasonable levels along the way, feel free to bring noise cancelling headphones if you wish to sleep or have personal quiet time.
  
• Dress comfortably since the shopping area is huge and there will be lots of walking. Wear clothes that are easy to put on and pull off as the weather changes, as well as shoes that won’t hurt your feet.
  
• Here’s a link to take a look at the layout and stores available at the North Georgia Premium Outlets so you can map out your shopping plan to get the most out of your trip and get to all of the stores you love to shop or want to check out for the first time. They will also have a tour guide dedicated to our group for those who desire to shop as a group with a guide, as well as special group coupons once we're onsite that you can use at some of your favorite stores. 
  
• While you are at the center you are on your own. It is your free time to do whatever you want, so take the time to get in some early Christmas shopping and have fun! While at the center, don’t forget to check your GroupMe app on the regular so you’ll know what the other ladies are finding while there or other information they share that may be of interest to you.
  
• If you have gift cards that you’re holding and wish to spend, take inventory of them and slide them in front of your debit/credit cards in your wallet as a reminder to use them first.
  
• You may also want to consider downsizing your purse for this trip if you normally carry a large bag. This will help you avoid lugging around more than you have to, especially if you find some great deals while shopping, and give you less to keep up with overall.
  
• Consider bringing along a large shopping tote to place multiple bags/purchases into it to make shopping and carrying your purchases easy. Just be mindful and careful not to carry it in such a way that looks suspicious for shoplifting, as store security members are always suspicious of large bags.
  
• If anticipating the purchase of multiple items, you may want to bring along an additional piece of lockable luggage that can be used to safely store your items while on the bus and at the hotel. The bus company will provide reasonably lockable storage underneath the bus but won’t be responsible for any lost or stolen bags/items so securing your purchases will be your responsibility for the entire trip. For this reason, some feel it necessary to purchase traveler insurance, a recommendation we also support.
  
• Keep in mind that if you happen to find some items you want to purchase but can’t tote them around or don’t want to tote around all day, consider taking advantage of a store’s shipping policy to have those items shipped to your home. This will allow you to still take advantage of a great sale/deal to get the item(s) you want while leaving your shoulders light and hands free from items to tote.
  
• Don’t feel bad if you don’t buy a thing, especially if you’re taking this trip as a getaway! Focus on what you’re gaining by making the decision to invest in yourself, to make connections and spend time with a great group of women, and simply enjoy all that this trip has to offer!! It’ll be a blessing!
  
• Saturday, for the most part, is a ME day so do as you please all morning. Full group activities won't start until 1 p.m. although there are a couple of morning opportunities for early risers who wish to start the day with some fellowship.

As we get closer to the travel date, be sure to check the GroupMe app to see if any new messages have been shared as communication will shift to that method from the emails.

Thanks again, and please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions in the meantime. I’ll be glad to follow up!​

​FALL RETREAT TRAVEL & SAFETY TIPS

Virtuous Women of Praise​