I invite you to follow me while I get organized for the day-to-day activities of my life.  This month you can follow the organizer....On Vacation!  Here's how I do it.

Keep a vacation "To Do" list

Create a to do list and sort by "who-what-reason", pull up and review before each trip, cross off irrelevant items, assign tasks, keep handy until out the door.  I keep mine filed on my computer under a "Travel" directory.  Click here to see mine.

Use zip loc baggies or tubs (quart) - sort and pack

If you fly you are familiar with the use of quart size zip lock baggies during screening.  Keep extra baggies in your suitcase for the trip home.  Whether you are flying or not, use them to sort and contain underwear, medications, cosmetics, shaving gear, etc.  Pack bags on top of your clothes if possible to facilitate security search if necessary.  There's just something about having a stranger touch my personal things that doesn't seem right.....

Keep a pet (or child) infomation sheet - update before each trip

Create a basic information sheet on your pets to leave with caretakers.  Include contact numbers, pet feeding and play habits, commands, medical information, shot updates.  Update the sheet before you leave; provide the name and number of a local friend or family in case of emergency.  I keep my list filed on my computer under my "Travel" directory.  Click here to see mine. 

Take medical information with you

If you have health conditions, create a personal health history sheet and take it with you.  Include your insurance information, medications, allergies, pharmacy, primary care doctors, past procedures; everything they ask you when you go to a new urgent care center!  I keep mine filed on my computer under a "Health" directory.  Click here to see a sample. 

Send important lists to yourself by email

One way of keeping all these lists under control during your trip is to email them to yourself as attachments.  I did this for my trip to Italy.  If I needed to get to my information quickly I could bring it up on the hotel computer.  There's always a risk of sending confidential information over the internet, but there's a risk having it taken from your luggage too.

Use the camera video feature to record  what you are filming

If your digital camera takes both still and movie shots, consider recording yourself describing the location and details about your photos taken each day.  Alternatively, take shots of road signs, newspapers, brochures, anything that shows where you are.  This will help you recognize your photos later when you get home.

Create a trip folder

Planning a trip can be complicated and generates lots of paper.  Use a folder or large envelop to separate and contain papers for airline, hotel, sightseeing, events, contacts, receipts, confirmations or other details.  I use a file folder with top clips.  I separate my papers and mark them with small post-its on the bottom.  When the trip is over I can keep this information for a return trip.

Separate Travel Documents for quick retrieval 

To make getting through airport security a breeze, separate your travel documents before heading to the airport.  Be sure to include your driver license, boarding passes, passport, extra cash, itinerary, and contact information.  Use an oversized travel wallet, zippered bag, envelope, or anything that will be easy for you to keep secure in your purse or carry-on.