Travel can be many things. It can be a must visit to your relative’s house for the holidays. It can be a quick overnight getaway on the town to see a show and do some shopping. Or it could be a week-long vacation where you get away from it all just for a little while. Whether you’re packing the car or boarding the plane, trip planning requires a few i’s and t’s. You’ll never be able to control the long line at airport security, but by following a few general guidelines, you’ll be able to get organized and shape your next trip.
Ten tips to travel without problems
1. Set a budget.
Sit down ahead of time and determine what fits your budget. Nothing spoils a great trip more than flying blind and then getting the bill (and that sinking feeling in your stomach). Knowing your budget helps you stay on track while dining out and going to the gift shop.
2. Make a map.
If you’re just planning a visit to your parents or relatives, then you won’t need as much planning, but find out everything you need ahead of time and then make reservations accordingly. Flying? How will you get to and from the airports, both at home and at your destination? Travel planning goes far beyond choosing a hotel. Make a master list of all your needs to get organized.
3. Delegate.
Figure out what can be delegated, whether it’s making dinner reservations or packing your bags, and then do it. All planning and organization should not fall on the shoulders of one person. If you have kids, rest assured that the kids can help pack too. Just give them a list and let them check off the items. Be sure to take a look, just to make sure your four-year-old hasn’t packed just the pajama bottoms and not the top.
4. Live the trip before you arrive.
Sketch the trip in your mind. What do you want to do while you’re there? What can’t be missed? This will help you determine what needs to be reserved ahead of time and will also help you when it comes to packing.
5. Load everything.
There’s nothing worse than seeing a flashing light without a battery just when you found the perfect photo. Charge your electronics before your trip, and then pack all your accompanying cables and devices in a large Ziploc bag so you don’t run out of power mid-trip.
6. Document folder.
Get a large folder or envelope where you’ll keep all your travel-related documents, from passports to booking confirmations. You don’t want to have to rummage through your bag with a security officer watching you, so having it all together in one place can be a lifesaver.
7. Medicine.
If you take prescription medications, pack them in their original pharmacy bottles. While it rarely happens, it’s reassuring to know you have all the information right there. Also, while you don’t need to bring the contents of your medicine cabinet, it’s helpful to have a small supply of medications just in case (Imodium, Tylenol, etc.).
8. Pack with the 80/20 rule in mind.
It’s tempting to want to pack every favorite pair of shoes and every favorite outfit in your closet, but remember that you can’t bring it all, especially with ever-increasing baggage fees. He typically wears the same basics (khakis, shorts, hiking shoes) every day. Force yourself to downsize by trying to create as many different outfits from two basic pants/shorts/skirts and two or three different shirts.
9. Happy Children = Happy Parents.
If you have kids and you’re bringing them, don’t let them bring all the stuffed animals. That said, it’s important to carry a stock of toys, games or books to keep them occupied and entertained while you travel. Bring a small coloring book and crayons for the plane or a portable DVD with never-before-seen movies and you’ll keep them calm and relaxed.
10. Package for children.
We’re not talking about that cute little sailor dress for your little boy, either. We are talking about car seats, strollers and other equipment. Just focus on the essentials, but you’ll need to know if you’ll be bringing the car seat or renting one from the car rental agency.
