Travel
Like The
"Rich and Famous. . ."
Discover How A Pauper
Travels Like A King!
Did I Pack My Toothbrush?
Getting Organized for Travel
by: Stacey Agin Murray
For many of us summertime = vacation time. Some
people will spend
their days off at the local pool. Some may choose to sightsee in their
own town. Many will leave behind the comforts of home for the open
road. Regardless of the destination or mode of transportation, it is
important to be organized for travel.
A few benefits of being organized for travel:
1. Being organized will save you time.
Having a copy of your packing list on the computer
will cut down on the time used for re-creating it every time you
travel.
2. Being organized will save you money.
Doing pre-travel shopping at home will save you
big bucks
(especially on film and batteries...) that might be otherwise be spent
at a tourist trap.
3. Being organized will save you stress.
No need to stress while scrounging for your
tickets and ID at the airport if all of your paperwork is organized in
one place.
Follow these organizing tips to keep your vacation
a stress-free, time and money saving event:
Plan ahead. Create a general itinerary before you
travel. Grab
pen and paper and jot down your travel times, hotel check-in/check-out
times, and a list of activities/places you’d like to visit. This will
help you make sure you have allowed enough time to get to your
destination, and whether or not you’ve scheduled too many activities
for one day.
* Stop by your local ‘AAA’ office for a Triptik
and other travel-related services to help map out your route if
driving.
Create a checklist to help you pack. Keep it on
the computer so
you don’t have to write it over every time you leave home. Use it as a
template and update it before each trip to include anything new such as
medications, toiletries, accessories, etc.
Keep all information related to your trip in one
place. Create
a folder for papers such as reservations, confirmations, and tickets.
When you look for the information you need before or during your trip,
you’ll have it all at your fingertips.
Keep a toiletry bag packed with small sized travel
sized-containers all year round. By doing so, you’re always ready for a
long trip or an overnight stay. Take a quick inventory of its contents
before you leave home—you might have run out of toothpaste on your last
trip.
*If your favorite products don’t come in sample
sizes, purchase
small, travel sized containers and fill them with your favorite shampoo
and creams. Label them clearly so you don’t accidentally condition your
hair with a facial moisturizer...
Place items you’ll need immediately at the top of
your
suitcase. Items such as comfortable shoes, pajamas, and toiletries are
more easily accessible if they’re closer to top. When you’re tired from
a long journey, the last thing you want to be doing is rummaging
through your suitcase.
Use suitcase organizers to separate outfits or
types of
clothing. Products such as Pack-It Cubes or Ziploc bags do the job
well. Hefty makes One-Zip 2.5 gallon bags (found in many supermarkets)
that are large enough to organize clothes and later can be used to keep
laundry or wet bathing suits away from the rest of your belongings.
*Wearing your bulkiest pair of shoes while
traveling will give you more space in your suitcase.
Organize your wardrobe around one basic color such
as black,
navy, or brown to prevent overpacking. You’ll be able to mix and match
easily and you won’t need to bring a ton of different shoes. Also, when
packing--think about your vacation activities. Will they include
hiking? Days at the beach? Having dinner with relatives? Think ahead
and pack items you may need for those activities such as band-aids for
hiking, aloe vera for sunburns, and the scarf Aunt Shirley gave you for
your birthday if you’ll be seeing her.
Travel safely and have an organized trip!
About The Author
Stacey Agin Murray, professional organizer and
owner of
Organized Artistry, LLC, transforms 'mess' into 'masterpiece' with
patience, organizing know-how, and a sense of humor. For more articles
and to get your FREE e-list of 'Top Ten Tips for Organized Living'
visit http://www.organizedartistry.com.
stacey@organizedartistry.com
Todays Travel Tip
One of the biggest expenses on a cruise are those cocktails! Buy
liquor onshore or at the cruise-line liquor store. Drink in your
room or poolside. Get a steward to bring ice and mixers. Our
pauper hates to spend $10 for a glass of wine. If you add up the
price of a drink or two for two people over a 7-day cruise - ouch! Check back tomorrow for
another tip.
P.S.
If you have ever wanted to travel like the "rich and famous," here is
your opportunity. The Pauper's Secret Confessions alone, are
worth 10 times the cost of this book. Never take another trip
without being prepared!
