Filed under: Traveling
Anthony was 63 years old when we worked together. During the process of helping him organize his paperwork, we came across piles of articles that he had saved – for decades – on world travel. The sheer volume of information he accumulated allowed me to realize that travel was clearly a passion for this man.
When I inquired as to what his favorite destination had been throughout the years, he responded, “Oh, no, I haven’t gone to any of those places yet…”
“Anthony,” I said, “I’m not helping you organize your things just so you can have perfect looking files! The reason we’re doing this is so you can get rid of the things that are holding you back, and allow the things of importance to rise to the surface so that you can actually do them!”
Knowing he had the budget for recreational travel, I asked Anthony to give some thought as to the top three places he wanted to visit. The following week, Anthony eagerly greeted me with his list. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico was first.
I helped Anthony choose the dates he wanted to go, and then assisted him in making the reservations. As the date approached, I helped him pack by working from a list, and supported him hands-on in the actual packing process. All of these things had previously felt overwhelming to him, but with some gentle guidance, he was able to move forward.
Anthony went on his trip and had a wonderful time! Because he was traveling solo, we found a resort with other singles so that he would have people to meet. Upon his return, he excitedly shared the photos of his trip with me. I felt so happy to see images of him beaming while out on a boat surrounded by dolphins.
Our Grooming Organizer makes it easier to pack for trips.
Before I knew it, Anthony planned a second trip – all by himself – and this time he was able to pack using the process I had taught him, with the list as his guide.
Anthony is not the exception; I work with so many people who make plans for ‘someday’, but never find a way to actualize their dreams. If you wait until you are 63 and still haven’t taken the leap, when exactly do you think you will embody the vision you hold for your life?
Now is the time. This is it. Your life is waiting for you. With some planning and preparation, you will be able to accomplish what you want in life. Below is a basic step-by-step plan to follow when arranging for a trip:
Decide upon your travel destination – where do you most want to go? Not sure? Get out a world map! Talk to friends, read about a culture that interests you. Your vacation is a time to live your dreams and explore new ways of living. Have fun. Take a risk!
- Plan your financial budget. How much will you spend on airfare and accommodations; what kind of budget does that leave you for daily expenses such as dining out, sightseeing, local transportation, shopping?
- Determine when you want to/can travel. The more notice you have, the better your chances will be of getting good rates on flights and hotels. Also, traveling off-season will generally cost less. You will also avoid touristy crowds, but may have to deal with less than perfect weather. These are tradeoffs only you can decide on.
- Research flights and hotels and/or travel packages. With all of the competition of online travel providers these days, finding a good deal just takes a bit of comparison shopping. Purchase your tickets. You may want to include Travel Insurance in your purchase in case your plans are interrupted for any unforeseen reason.
- Give notice to your job, or arrange in advance to take a leave from your business. This may take some planning. Let clients know ahead of time who will be able to help them while you are away. Give babysitters, pet-sitters, and other service providers ample notice. Contact a house-sitter if you want someone at your house while you’re gone.
- If you’re traveling abroad, pick up the foreign currency you need the week before you leave. Don’t leave this to the last minute in case the institution you go to doesn’t have the tender you want on hand. You may get a better exchange rate at your own bank than at a Currency Exchange.
- Change your outgoing voice message as well as your outgoing e-mail signature to reflect the fact that you will not be able to return calls while you’re away. Allow yourself some time away from the phone. This is to be a vacation after all, isn’t it?
- Bring water to the airport or pack it in the car. Also, bring along whatever food you might want during your flight/ride.
- Confirm your flight the night before.
- Consult with the packing list below. Make sure you have the suitcases and other items you need. If not, plan to purchase what you need in advance so that you won’t be rushing around at the last minute.
- Gather the items you can a day or two before you leave. Set aside ample time the day or night before you leave to finish packing. Packing leisurely instead of all at once will set the mood for a relaxing vacation.
Basic Packing List (similar items are grouped together on each line)
Please customize for your own use. Check as you pack each item:
- Passport/Visa if applicable
- Tickets, Itinerary, Contact Numbers
- Cash or Foreign Currency/Travelers Checks/Credit Cards
- Vitamins/Medications/Birth Control/Eyeglasses
- Guidebook/Phrasebook/Maps
- Camera/Spare Cards/Batteries
- Money Belt/Travel Pillow/Eye Mask
- Cellphone/Phone Card
- Reading Material/Music/Computer/iPad
- Travel Alarm Clock/Watch
- Sunglasses/Sunscreen/Bathing Suit/Raingear/Gloves/Outerwear
- Shampoo/Conditioner/Hand Cream/Soap/Deodorant
- Toothpaste/Toothbrush/Floss/Dentures/Retainer
- Makeup/Shaving Cream & Razor
- Bras/Underwear/Sleepwear
- Accessories: Belt/Handbag/Jewelry
- Shoes/Sneakers/Sandals/Socks
- Pants/Jeans/Shorts/Skirts
- Tops/Tees/Sweaters/Dresses or Suits
Have a great time!
Thanks to Sasha Lauren, an Organized A to Z.com partner, for contributing this article. Sasha is known as ‘America’s Trusted Organizing Expert’ and the creator of the ‘Organize Your Life’ Success System. You can visit her Web sites, http://www.organizeyourlifesystem.com and http://www.RemarkableTransformations.com.
June 8, 2011
For a pre-made trip planning list, try our TravelPrep.pad
One activity that I dread is packing for a trip, and I’m sure I am not alone. Following are some tips and tricks I have learned over the years to help make this task less painful. Whether you’re traveling with the family or going out of town on business, these pointers should take a bit of the stress out of preparation.
The week before your trip (or even earlier), start a list of everything you can think of that you will need. Keep the list handy and add to it whenever you think of something new. You may have this list electronically on your phone, iPad or laptop. Print it and check off the items as you pack. Not only will this help you as you get ready to leave for your trip, but you can use the list when you return home to make sure you didn’t forget anything. You will also have an inventory of items if your luggage gets lost or stolen.
If there is anything from the packing list that you do not have, make a second list of items to purchase before your trip.
- Pack with a similar color theme (like black and white and/or neutrals). This will minimize the number of jackets, shoes and accessories you will need. Try to mix and match outfits to utilize fewer pieces.
- Try to pack lightweight clothing that does not wrinkle. For clothing that does wrinkle, stick in a travel size bottle of Downy Wrinkle Release Spray.
- Lay out your clothes before packing them. I like to lay my clothes out in piles of possible outfits. Make sure you have everything you need and that you need everything you have.
- When you put your clothing in the luggage, use smaller storage bags to separate items like shoes, accessories, undergarments, etc. Pack largest items first and fit smaller items in the spaces between. Rolling your clothing is the best use of space. Put liquids in small, tight containers in a ziploc bag. Use solids as much as possible.
- If flying, wear your larger, heavier coat and shoes (if they are comfortable) for the trip. But pack your larger purse and carry a small one through the airports. Weigh your luggage before you leave to make sure it is under your airline’s weight limit, or be prepared to pay for the extra weight.
- Bring an e-reader, such as a Kindle or Nook, instead of books and magazines. If you have your laptop along, you can even use it to download and read your books.
- Don’t stress too much about forgetting something. Chances are, wherever you are going will have a department store or pharmacy.
Thanks to Lori Vande Krol of Life Made Simple, LLC, for contributing this article. As a trained organization and productivity consultant and owner of Life Made Simple, LLC, Lori Vande Krol helps individuals and businesses create and maintain order in all areas of life. Using a unique 5-step process, Lori works with clients to determine the best solutions to their specific challenges. Through education, training and experience, she has developed systems and tools that save you time, energy and money — all resulting in less stress. Lori’s experience as a professional organizer, as well as 13 years as an actuary and risk manager in a Fortune 500 company, personal role as wife and mother, and community roles with various organizations have provided her with a great understanding of how an organized and productive environment can impact all areas of life. Lori is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and find balance in their lives, allowing more time for what matters most. Lori is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, is currently Treasurer of Iowa Professional Organizers, and is the only Certified Productive Environment Specialist (CPES) in Iowa. You can learn more about Lori and Life Made Simple by visiting www.alifemadesimple.com and www.LMSProductivitySolutions.com.
June 1, 2011
Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, frequent traveler or first timer, here are a few travel tips to ease your travel worries. Everyone needs a grab-n-go bag, a bag that is always ready when you need it. Toiletries, cosmetics, first aid, personal items, medicines or journal are some of the necessaries. Purchase miniature items that can easily be stored in your grab-n-go bag. Items can be purchase from a local drug store. Here is a brief list of some of the items you may want to store in your grab-n-go bag; toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, deodorant, cotton swabs, extra contacts or glasses, cleaner, carrying case, travel pillow. You get the idea, right?
Keep a checklist ready to ensure you have everything you need. Your checklist should be kept with your grab-n-go bag. Once you have stocked your bag your biggest worry is what clothes to pack and what activities will you be engaging in. Remember to pack comfortable shoes, lightweight trousers that can be worn in any weather or season, iron free blouse or shirt, jacket for business meetings or formal meals. Your goal is to pack light and worry free so you can enjoy your trip.
- Make a list of all the things you need. This eliminates packing extra items.
- Make an agenda of all the activities you plan to do. How long will you stay? Will you need formal or casual clothes? How many shoes do you need to pack? Will you do a lot of walking, standing or sitting? Is this a business trip? Vacation?
- Make a list for all family members who are traveling with you. This may be a good idea to do a checklist for those love ones staying behind (i.e. a honey to do list)
- Do you have pets? Who will care for them while you are away?
- How will you travel? Plane, car, or train. Size matters if you are flying, make sure you double check with the airlines for luggage requirements.
- Pack all essential items in a carryon bag (passport, medicines, ID)
Finally, sort and organize all items before you pack them away, double check and re-check your list to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything or added any unnecessary items. Remember to enjoy your trip rather its business or pleasure.
Thanks to Organized A to Z partner Paris Love for contributing this article. Paris is a Professional Organizer serving Metro Atlanta and the Gulf Coast. Paris has written monthly articles for Ezine, BrownSkin Magazine, OnlineOrganizing, Home Base Quarterly and the Covington News. Currently, Paris is passing on her passion for organizing by helping others live an organized and clutter-free life™. For additional tips or information visit www.organizewithlove.com or call 251.223.7174 Gulf Coast 770.722.2748 Metro Atlanta.
June 27, 2010
Vacations with children are wonderful memory-makers. Some thoughtful planning will make them — and you — happy campers (so to speak).
- Help kids pack their very own backpack full of favorite books/magazines, toys, snacks, activity or coloring books, hand-held games, a change of clothing, and other comfort items.
- Bring some surprise items as well. Gift wrap some dollar store trinkets and hand them out at predetermined intervals, such as when you enter a new state or every two hours. A disposable camera will delight a preschooler. A frisbee or jump rope will inject some exercise into roadside stops.
- A small travel journal or notebook can bring hours of entertainment and education for kids of all ages. Include a new package of colored pencils or gel pens, stickers, and other fun items.
- Don’t depend upon the airlines for food service. Pack your own to ward off major melt-downs. Granola bars, mini carrots, juice boxes, bagels, dried fruit, apples, and goldfish crackers are great for the whole family.
- Books on tape or CD can provide quiet time. Rent them at your local library before you go. Consider bringing a portable DVD player for long trips.
- Bone up on some travel games if you’re traveling by car. There are tons of inspirational ideas on the internet. Just search for “travel games.” Remember how much fun the license plate game was when you were a child? It’s still fun today!
Thanks to Organized A to Z partner Sara Pedersen for contributing this article. Sara is a professional organizer and career coach at Time to Organize® LLC. She enjoys sharing her passion for organizing not only with her clients, but with prospective and new professional organizers as well. Visit her website at www.time2organize.net.
June 21, 2010
Vacations….. they are supposed to be relaxing and rejuvenating. So I’m told ! I think that the only people that get to relax and enjoy vacations are the kids !
So how do you make your vacation more enjoyable? Get organized of course !
We used to go to the same place year after year. Trying to get yourself packed after packing for the kids and trying to make sure that you didn’t forget anything was not an easy task. Especially if you had to fly to your destination and had only so much room in your suitcase. So as the mom I made a corporate decision. Things would happen in my time frame.
None of this last minute stuff. No more kids yelling that they can’t find their swimsuit the night before we are supposed to leave.
I made a spreadsheet of everything that we needed to take. I made a column for each member of the family. I gave everyone a copy. And I expected them to have all of their things laid out at least four days before our departure. That way if they were missing anything we would have time to run to the store and get it.
Of course the family made fun of me….and my spreadsheets. But as they got older….they actually asked for it ! And things ran a lot smoother. No more forgetting anything.
When you go on vacation you not only have to remember to pack all of the things that you need…you also have to remember to take care of your house / apartment / cats or dogs / plants / garden / bills and a whole slew of things.
A few things that you might want to do:
- Put your mail on HOLD
- Make arrangements to get your lawn cut / your garden or flowers watered
- Make arrangements to get any inside plants watered
- Make arrangements for any animals ( to get fed or taken care of)
- Make arrangements to have your bills paid ahead of time
- Make arrangements to have someone pick up some basic food essentials for your return home so that you have something to eat until you have a chance to go to the store
By planning ahead you, too, can have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation and a relaxing return home.
Thanks to Organized A to Z partner Karin E. Fried for contributing this article. Karen is an organizing consultant with Organizational Consulting Services.
June 14, 2010
Life clutter includes vacation clutter. Yes, we really do take it with us when we go on vacation! Your vacation will run more smoothly and you will have more time and energy to enjoy yourself if you take the time to declutter and organize your vacation. Here are some ways to simplify your next vacation and reduce the vacation clutter.
Proper tools: This is the good equipment rule and it applies to less stressful vacations too. Choose decent suitcases, bags, or boxes depending on the type of vacation you will have. Don’t struggle with broken zippers, torn bags, or flimsy boxes. Who needs stuff to break or collapse while you are trying to relax and enjoy your vacation?
Appropriate wardrobe: Check the internet to find out the weather where you are going and pack accordingly. Look at average highs, lows, and rain for the week you plan to be there. Also, pack clothing that can be worn in layers. Consider wind breakers, sweatshirts, and t-shirts. Some wind breakers are waterproofed, including taped seams. There are also several brands designed so that they compactly store in a built-in pouch that can be attached to a belt.
Packing List: Make a packing list that you can check items off as you go and save this list for next year so you don’t have to reinvent it each vacation. If you keep it in a vacation folder on your computer this really saves time, or you can create a paper travel folder that you keep in your family filing system.
To-Do List: Make a vacation preparation list that includes items like: stop paper, hold mail, find pet sitting, call the neighbors to keep an eye on things…If you have someone watching pets or watering plants, create and save a contact information sheet for them too. This sheet would have your contact information while on vacation, the phone number and address for the vet if they are taking care of a pet, contact information for local family members that will be in town while you are gone, and instructions.
Bonus tip: If you can, on your way home from vacation, tweak your packing and vacation to-do list, based on this year’s experience, for next year! What did you bring too little of? Or, too much? What did you forget? Make sure things will go even more smoothly next year!
Thank you to Organized A to Z partner Barbara Tako for contributing this article. Barbara, owner of Clutter Clearing Choices LLC, is a motivational clutter clearing speaker who provides tools to help people simplify their lives and free up time and energy for their priorities. She is the author of Clutter Clearing Choices: Clear Clutter, Organize Your Home, & Reclaim Your Life (O Books, 2010), a seasonally organized book that provides a variety of doable clutter clearing tips that readers are encouraged to pick and choose from to fit their personal style and needs. Since 1998, Barbara has entertained and inspired audiences at women’s groups, parenting groups, church organizations, and corporations including 3M, Target, Medtronic, Securian, and Supervalu. Barbara’s passion is to provide people with tools to simplify their lives. Go to www.clutterclearingchoices.com to sign up for her FREE monthly clutter clearing tips newsletter.
June 7, 2010
Organized A to Z.com has added the Mineral Case Makeup Organizer to our product line. This cosmetic organizer features a variety of sizes of spaces the hold makeup jars securely and prevent them rolling or spilling. 
It stores and organizes jars of loose powder eye shadows, blush, foundations, and bronzers, as well as cream-based lip gloss and make-up as well. It is designed to hold a wide range of makeup brands in their original containers, and comes in black and brown.
Makeup brands such as Bare Escentuals, Clinique, Lancôme, Pur Minerals, and Vincent Longo fit perfectly in the case, as well as many others.
We love this organizer because it not only reduces countertop clutter but also gives you a perfect view of all or your makeup, making it convenient to grab what you need without searching through a makeup bag. In addition, you can organize your make up by color and season so you can easily create the look you want.
This makeup organizer is the perfect shape and size for smaller spaces and is also ideal for travelers. The lid locks securely for travel and slides under the case to form a pedestal when in use. It fits easily in a drawer, cabinet, suitcase or tote.
December 23, 2009
Today’s featured product is our Auto Document Organizer. We all know we need to keep insurance and registration records in our vehicle, and too often we stash them in the glove compartment or a console, and then can’t find them when we need them! I love this organizer because it keeps everything together in one secure place, and you can easily find what you need when you need it!
Organized A to Z is celebrating our birthday in July, but we’re giving you the presents! Each day, we are offering our favorite products at 25% off. The discount is good today only, so get it now!
July 24, 2009
Today’s Birthday Special is the Collision.kit. I especially recommend this for teen drivers, just in case they ever get in a fender bender. It will help them know what information they need to get from the others involved, making it easier for them to document the incident.
Organized A to Z is celebrating our birthday in July, but we’re giving you the presents! Each day, we are offering our favorite products at 25% off. The discount is good today only, so get it now!
July 16, 2009
Today’s Birthday Special is the Kid’s Car Organizer. When you’re on the road with kids, it helps to keep them entertained. This handy car organizer holds everything they need – DVDs, game consoles, crayons, books, snacks, drinks, and more!
Organized A to Z is celebrating our birthday in July, but we’re giving you the presents! Each day, we are offering our favorite products at 25% off. The discount is good today only, so get it now!
July 15, 2009
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