Planning a trip can either be really exciting and invigorating or downright stressful. If you fall into the latter camp, then you may be overwhelmed by the possibility of arranging your next getaway. You may have visions of clothes strewn all over your bed, suitcases bulging with the kids’ belongings, and passports lost in a haze of clutter and paperwork. It’s enough to make anyone consider canceling their plans.
Arming yourself with a few travel tips is the key. If you typically just throw everything together at the last minute, you’ll be surprised at the difference a little organizational effort can make to the final outcome. Here are a few suggestions to help you approach your much-needed trip with a different mindset.
Make a List
Devising a checklist is one of the most effective travel planning tips for disorganized people — largely because it’s what organized people use to stay on track throughout the process. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to the beach or a different country. Knocking out your to-do list step by step will transform the entire tone of the trip, with the big difference being that you’ll leave your house cool, calm, and collected instead of flustered and annoyed. Jot down everything conceivably related to the trip, from purchasing new luggage to hiring someone to pet sit to asking your neighbor to pick up the mail while you’re gone.
Write an Itinerary
So what do you plan to do when you arrive? If you’re headed to the beach with the family for your annual getaway, an itinerary may not be necessary. But if you’re going somewhere new or a location you’ve only been to once or twice, creating an itinerary is an absolute must. If this is something you’re inherently kind of lazy about doing (understandable), make it fun by purchasing a cute travel notebook and making it your little companion before you hit the road. Then get online and start researching places to visit. Add contact information for each in case you have questions or need to make reservations.
Pack the Essentials
Everyone can benefit from a few packing tips. That’s because so few of us actually do it the right way. There are little tricks and workarounds that can easily mean the difference between a fat and cumbersome piece of luggage and a lightweight bag that is easy to hoist onto your shoulder.
First, invest in a set of packing cubes. These zippered cases are designed to make life so much easier. Sets usually contain a variety of sizes designed to accommodate different items. A large cube can easily hold your clothes for a week, while medium- and small-size cubes are ideal for everything from swimsuits to chargers for your electronic devices. The point is that they’ll keep your suitcase organized—which is often what sets travelers back when they start smashing balled up shirts and pants into the corners of their bags.
If you aren’t taking much or you’re only going away for a short period, roll your clothes instead of folding them. Doing this allows you to fit a lot more than you’d expect, so even if you’re just traveling with a backpack or a carry-on, you can instantly create some more valuable space for your essentials.
Make sure that everyone in the family has everything set up too. Check luggage tags, make sure everything is securely fastened, closed, and zipped up. Double-check that you have all passports together and get some new travel accessories. It’s these little details that could set you back during those integral early phases of the trip — you know, when you’re in a massive rush — so it’s smart to address these travel tips beforehand.
Download Some Apps
There really is an app for everything, and odds are there are one or two for your destination too. If you’re headed abroad, for example, it’s beneficial to download a city guide and a language translator for the country. You can quickly and easily learn key phrases to help you when you land. There are also travel apps that can assist you with making reservations, calling important contacts, and finding out where to go to do things like change money or book a rental car.
Unpack Right Away
Once you arrive home, it’s tempting to simply toss your bags by the door and collapse onto the sofa. But before long, those bags start looking like pieces of furniture. It’s best to unpack as soon as you get home. You’ll feel less overwhelmed by the sight of one more thing to do — and you can start planning that next trip!
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