Planning an Organized Vacation

Summer vacation season is upon us once again. We all look forward to the fun and relaxation of vacations, but sometimes the planning, packing and prepping leave you more stressed out than if you had just stayed home.

No need to fear – In my 5-Part series on organized vacation planning, I’ll help you plan an organized vacation, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a month-long European vacation.

From helpful packing tips to keeping kids (and grown-ups) happy on a long journey, you’ll learn how to leave home happy – not harried.

Here are the topics of my 5-part series:

Part 1 - PERFECT PLANNING (below)

Part 2 - PACK IT UP – how and how much

Part 3 – HOME SAFE HOME

Part 4 – THE ORGANIZED PACKING LIST

Part 5 – HAPPY TRAVELS WITH CHILDREN

Bon voyage!

PERFECT PLANNING – part 1

Perfect vacations rarely happen without some thoughtful planning. While not always as exciting as a spur-of-the-moment getaway, a well-thought-out trip may be less likely to deliver stress and frustration. To start the vacation

planning process, compile all your trip details in a 3-ring binder or a spiral notebook plus a 2-pocket folder. Whether you’re in the early planning stage or just days away from your trip, gather these items so they’re at your fingertips when you need them.

- Your travel agent’s phone number and email address
- Airline or train reservation information, plus phone numbers and website addresses (to check in online or verify on-time status
- Car rental agency phone numbers, coupons, and confirmation numbers
- Hotel brochures, phone and confirmation numbers
- Maps of the area you’re traveling to, as well as maps and directions to help you get there
- Brochures of interesting places to visit on the way or upon arrival at your destination (museums, state parks, theme parks, historic sites, etc.
- Complete itinerary of your trip

Also, to keep your home tidy in the days or weeks leading up to the trip, dedicate one central location (such as a laundry basket tucked away in a closet or spare bedroom dresser) for take-along items.  As you encounter things that must be packed (such as travel books and beach towels), toss them in and forget about them until packing day.

Next up is Part 2 – PACK IT UP – How and how much

Originally posted 2009-06-20 14:23:34. Republished by Blog Post Promoter