Planning
- Plan ahead if you will need a passport especially since passports are now needed for Canada and Mexico.
- Try to book direct flights. Avoid connecting flights and direct flights that stop en route, if possible. Many cities this can’t be avoided.
- Book airline tickets under the name that is listed on your driver’s license or passport.
- Book flights for early in the morning to avoid delays and afternoon thunderstorms.
- Double check your dates and cities before booking an airline ticket to make sure they are correct.
- Plan for enough time between layovers. Flights board 20-30 minutes before the actual time on the ticket.
- Have maps printed in advance so you know right where to go.
Packing
- Pack as light as you can especially with the fees associated with baggage and overweight baggage.
- Pack a different shirt with the same pants. No one notices the same pants versus the same top.
- There are great organizers for bathroom items.
- Pack heavy and essential items such as medication, valuables, travel documents, 1 shirt, etc. in a carry-on in case your luggage is lost.
- Do your research ahead of time. If the hotel you are staying at has a hair dryer then don’t bring yours.
- Pack anything that might leak in a plastic bag. When we traveled back from NY one year we got some maple syrup that leaked all over our luggage.
- Use checklists to avoid forgetting items. Here is a sample vacation checklist, camping checklist, and hunting checklist. Click on the link, SAVE to your computer, update to suit your needs.
Airports
- Have your ID and itineraries easily assessable.
- Security can be a real pain. Try to minimize this by making sure you gather all of your items when you are done. Use the family lane if you need extra time.
- Do not where sandals when traveling thru airports. With the rule you have to take your shoes off thru Security you have to walk on the mats with no shoes or socks just like everyone else is.
- Plan ahead for meals since most airlines do not offer meals or offer snacks for a fee.
- Pack your patience.
Rental Cars
- Renting the child car seat is an easy way to travel. You won’t have to travel with yours, risk it getting damaged or lost, and you don’t have to count it as one of your baggage.
- Learn the vehicle before you leave the parking lot. Know where the lights, wipers, radio controls, etc. are.
Hotels
- These are general hotel tips not necessarily related to organizing.
- Never, ever sleep on the bed spread of a hotel. They get washed about 1 or 2 times a year and that is it.
- Disinfect the phone before using it or avoid using it at all. They also do not get properly cleaned.
- Never, ever drink out of the hotel glasses. If they are plastic, they are ok. But, not if they are glass. They very rarely get cleaned. A hotel never has the number of clean glasses it needs to replace all of them in a hotel in one shift.
- Remember safety at all times when in a hotel. Never open the door without seeing who it is. Know where the stairs are in case of fire.