In my next Sunday Coffee Class on May 4th I will be talking about organizing for travel. Here are my top ten tips when planning your trip:
10 Tips for Organized Travel
1. Keep good records: the who, what, when, why, how and where of every conversation you had regarding your trip. This may save you lots of frustration later.
2. Confirm reservations for hotel and departure information for air travel prior to leaving the house. Never assume everything is running on time!
3. Leave an itinerary at home or work and with a friend or relative. Put a copy of your itinerary in your purse and check-in luggage in case it gets lost.
4. Create your own check-off lists: packing, house, yard, pets, children, mail, etc. Update these after every trip.
5. Research your destination on the Internet. Search for local events, sites to visit, admissions, hours of operation, etc. Be prepared and not disappointed.
6. Put anything that is liquid in a sealed clear plastic bag before it goes in your suitcase. Trust me on this one!!!
7. Put small items in see-through bags to contain them. Small items can easily fall out during security checks and they may not make it back in the bag.
8. If you use Zip Ties to secure your bags during check-in, be sure you have a set of nail clippers to cut them when you get to your destination. Also, keep extra Zip Ties handy in case you need to open your bag or it is searched by security.
9. Put a set of underwear, change of clothes, critical medications, and personal hygiene items in a plastic bag in your carryon bag in case your luggage is lost.
10. Prepare one folder with all your trip plans (itinerary, confirmations, phone numbers, maps, brochures, reservation details). Keep this with your carryon items for quick reference.
