Stay organised while on vacation

Lifestyle Wednesday 09/August/2017 19:38 PM
By: Times News Service
Stay organised while on vacation

Vacation is supposed to be fun and relaxing, but for many say vacations cause them stress. Vacation stress comes from multiple sources, including crowded airports, making transportation arrangements, booking lodging and more.
However, staying organised while travelling can help relieve some of the stress of juggling so many details and moving parts. Here are ways you can stay organised while travelling, and feel more confident that you have control of your vacation plans.

Prior to departure
• Make an itinerary with important information, such as flight numbers and times, hotel phone numbers, check-in and check-out times, prices, ticket numbers and phone numbers for attractions you’ll visit.
• Gather together travel guide info. If you’re still a fan of paper, create a packet of travel guides and maps for the area you’ll be visiting. Or go electronic and download guides and maps on your smartphone.
• Remember to make arrangements for your home while you’re away. Discontinue newspaper and mail delivery, put lights on timers and ask the local police department to do vacation checks on your home.

Packing organisation
• Pack a few days before your departure. Waiting until the last minute to pack can make you feel rushed and stressed — and increase the chance you’ll forget something important.
• Make a checklist of everything you need to take with you and check off each item as it goes into your bags. Organise your checklist by when items can be packed — well in advance (for seasonal clothes you don’t need at home) to last-minute (toiletries).
• Plan outfits and take items that can be mixed and matched with each other.
• Before critical items go into your bags, outfit them with technology that will help you keep track of them.

On the road
* If you’re travelling with the whole family and have a lot to carry, consider making each person responsible for a different, age-appropriate, item. For example, parents can manage large bags, teens and tweens can handle carry-on items and young children can be responsible for any small entertainment or comfort items, such as stuffed animals and carry-ons with colouring books and crayons.
* Keep all passports in one place and have a single, responsible party manage them.
* Carry a small journal to help keep track of notes about places where you go, changes in plans or reservations, receipts, tickets and more.
* Pack a small bag for snacks and water. Vacation travel often involves waiting, whether it’s at the airport for a delayed flight or in line for a popular attraction. A small snack bag can help prevent hunger-fuelled frustration and lack of focus.
Some stress while travelling may be unavoidable, but staying organised while on vacation can help ensure you feel as little stress as possible — and leave you plenty of energy to enjoy your trip.