I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t like traveling. I am definitely a home body - BUT if I want to see family, I have to travel (vacations are nice too). I’ve done my best to curb my discomfort around traveling by creating a system that helps keep my head from spinning on all the details. 

Since I began writing the blog and offering stories and tips about organizing, I realized just how much I learned from my mom. There are things she always did, that I now do, and creating a travel checklist is one of them.

As the trip is being planned, everything goes into a “Travel” folder so I can easily find the info I need. This includes plane ticket info, house/hotel rental info, car rental info, tickets for events, and general things of interest to do. I have a paper file and a file on my computer.

One of things that make it hard to go away is leaving Lula (our pup) behind. Even though we have a great place to leave her, getting her packed up to go (with food) takes some time. She also has medication for thunder storms and fireworks. I have an information sheet that I give with all the food that explains what she gets when, some of her quirks, the vet info and my cell phone number. After the first time putting it all together, I saved it so I can adjust as needed, but the main info stays the same and makes the process much easier. 

Leaving your home:

Even if you have a camera or security system, it's hard leaving an empty house. 

Tell a neighbor or friend you are going out of town so they can keep an eye on your house. Does someone know where you are going and know how to reach you?

Depending on how long you will be gone, have someone pick up your mail (or put it on hold at the post office). 

Before leaving be sure to lock windows (and doors) and turn off lights. Do a quick check of the kitchen to make sure all appliances are off. Turn off or set the HVAC to an appropriate temperature. Take out all trash so you don't come home to a stinky house. You might want to put a lamp on a timer.

I do not like coming back from a trip to a messy house, so I'll make sure there are no dishes in the sink, the counters are wiped down and misc stuff is put away. I'll also do a quick pass with the vacuum.  

Driving somewhere?

First question for any road trip is does the car need any servicing?
Oil change? General services? Tire pressure check? The last thing I want is to have car
trouble for something that could have been avoided.

A few years ago we needed a new car, and the ‘must have’ was the ability for the car to fit 2 large folded dog crates in the trunk. My husband made a cardboard cut out of the crate and brought it with him to the dealers to determine what our options were. Prior to this, we drove to the beach with our 2 dogs for a long weekend in his truck that was beginning to have some issues. We wanted to be sure we could travel with the dogs comfortably so making sure we could fit what they needed was our priority. We found a car that worked for us, and it's made all the difference in taking long trips, with or without the dogs!
 
Some other considerations when driving include emergency items like flares, first aid kit, flashlight, & water.
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And most importantly, don't forget the snacks, pillows/blankets, downloaded music or books to listen to (and headphones for those who prefer their own music).  A little preparation goes a long way!

Traveling by plane? 

There’s an app for that. 

Have the airline app on your phone for easy access to flight status and checking-in. Keep all your travel info on your calendar with alerts.

​It seems the policies about cancellations and luggage are always changing. Be sure to check the airlines policies so if something happens you will get a credit or refund. Some airlines now charge for carry-on's along with checked luggage. Knowing ahead of time can keep you from being unpleasantly surprised.

I always have something to read with me. Whether it's waiting to board the plane or having a flight delay, it gives me something to do and I actually enjoy having the time to sit and read.  You also may want to pack a snack. Depending on when you are flying, it's easy to miss a meal so staying fed and watered is important, especially because you could end up hangry, and no one needs that while traveling.

Packing for a trip

​I pack differently depending on if I’m flying or driving. Driving makes it much easier, since you normally have more room and no restrictions. Dare I admit I overpack when driving, but I’m working on it:)

Packing usually starts a couple of days before. I start putting clothes and things I know I want to bring on the bed in the guest room. This continues until it’s time to pack and I go through the pile, making sure I really need what is there. It helps to base your clothing around one or 2 colors that coordinate with 1 pair of shoes. For example, if I am bringing black shoes, I am not going to pack navy clothes.  I like using Packing Cubes because it helps keep groups of things together and is easier to find things when you need them.

I don’t like to check a bag if I can help it, which means I really have to plan out what I will truly need so I can get everything into a carry on. The hardest part of that for me is shoes and toiletries. I have big feet (size 11!) which means big shoes….and they take up a lot of real estate in a carry on bag, so I do my best to wear sneakers on the plane and select one other pair of shoes for the trip. 

The toiletries trip me up b/c i have curly hair and for those who have curls, you know that only certain products work without creating a dry, frizzy mess. So I now have smaller containers for my hair products, each clearly labeled so that they are within the TSA guidelines for carry-ons. I use these Silicone Travel Bottles because they are easy to label and clean out when I want to switch what is in them.

Trains, planes and automobiles…..The summer months are coming and many people are planning trips.

Being organized and having a system can really help with your travel plans. I keep a checklist on my computer which includes things like: 

Make sure I have a photocopy (or pic) of everything in my wallet so on the off chance it gets lost, I have the numbers and info I need to alert cc companies and get replacements. 

Check that my phone is backing up so if I loose it, I still have access to the data.

Check on all auto deliveries and adjust dates so they don’t arrive while I am out of town.

Water plants 

Adjust thermostat

And it has don't forget to pack items like: phone charger, vitamins & pillow

I know some people who can easily “pack up and go”, but I am not one of them. Having a system relieves much of the stress of traveling for me, and lessens the
‘i forgot to’s…’ once I’m on my way.

​The summer months are coming and many people are planning trips. Being organized and having a system can really help with your travel plans. There are people who can pack up and go pretty easily, which is wonderful - but I am not one of them.

Growing up, we went to a NY state park for a week in the summer. We would stay in a cabin which had 2 rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom on front screened-in porch, toilet only. There were hiking trails, a lake with diving boards and a swim area. The park also had family activities in the morning and evening on certain days. I always enjoyed going. Now, as an adult, I realize what my mom had to do to get us there.

The cabin was bare and only had cold water, which means we had to bring EVERYTHING. So in addition to everyone’s clothes and shoes, my mom had to pack blankets, pillows, bath towels, soap, napkins, dish cleaner, dish towels, bug spray, flashlights, plates, cups, pots/pans, cutlery etc. She also premade meals for the week since there was nowhere to eat-out. Then somehow, all the stuff and the 5 of us (plus the dog) would pile into the car for the 4 1/2 hour drive to the park.

Years later when my family was talking about those trips, I asked my mom how she managed to pack and remember everything. She told me she had a list. After each trip she would add to it if she needed to so the following year she would remember. She said: ”It was a lot of work getting packed and out the door, but once we were on the road I could relax.” 

I have never taken on a trip that involved that much preparation, but I have created my own travel list. It includes items that I always need and don't want to forget. It also has things I need to do before I leave town. The list has saved me time and lessened the stress I feel about traveling. 

My wish is that any travel you are doing will be hassle free and truly enjoyable!