|
Travel. The possibilities are
endless and the anticipation can be so sweet. Now we just need to do
everything possible in the planning stages to avoid unnecessary stress.
Being organized before you step on to the plane, train, bus or hit the
gas pedal is the best start.
Luggage:
Whether you anticipate
delays or not, do yourself a favour and pack an overnight bag. This way
if you checked luggage is lost, or if you arrive late and tired, you
won't need to fumble through stacks of clothes to retrieve your PJs and
toothbrush. Instead, you can yank them out of the overnight bag and hit
the pillow ASAP.
Verify the allowable limits before packing your expensive perfume or
other like items. Due to current airline policies on the volumes of
liquid permissible for transport, you don’t want to be
disappointed at baggage arrival and have anything confiscated.
Also, read up on prescription medication allowances at flight check-in
and at border crossings. At the time of writing of this article,
prescription medications were accepted providing they were accompanied
with a corresponding prescription and/or a receipt for each medication.
Baggage check-in at the majority of North American airports have been
enhanced to include electronic check in, with the goal of eliminating
counter waiting lines. And carry on luggage is permitted providing they
are the standard regulation dimension. With carry-on luggage, you'll
avoid the waiting game at the other end by the baggage arrival
roundabout. You'll also eliminate the horror of lost baggage.
According to the Pardo Principle, we only use 20% of what we have. Try
this out for yourself. Open your clothes closet, or your kitchen dish
cupboard, and chances are you’ll find that you only wear or use
20% of what you have. With that in mind, when you pack for a trip,
consider packing way less that your whole closet. Consider your
vacation activities and pack accordingly. Count the number of days
you`ll be away, and mix and match for enough variety with less items.
And finally, give yourself permission to replace your worn items such
as your PJs and slippers, giving you a fresh start
for your vacation.
Documents:
Passports,
birth certificates, insurance policy numbers, and notarized letters
authorizing the accompaniment of a child or grandchild across the
border... these are the top documents to have in order prior to travel.
While some forms of travel do not require a passport to go to the US,
why delay getting one? The average wait time for a routine passport
application is about three weeks, more during peak seasons. And
remember to add additional time if you do not have the regulatory birth
certificate, as parish birth certificates are no longer valid in
Quebec. It would be wise to keep a photocopy of each passport with you
on your trip. Depending on your destination, it may be safest to keep
your original passport under lock and key at the hotel having only the
copy with you at all times.
For divorced or separated
parents, the passport process can be longer considering the signature
requirements to get a passport for your child. Also, look into having a
notarized letter authorizing the custodial parent, non-custodial parent
or other adult permission to bring the child out of the country.
Without such a letter, even grandma could be stopped and questioned at
customs, spoiling a nice trip.
Never had to claim an accident on your insurance policy? Great! But if
you ever need to file a claim, you don’t want to be calling your
friend or boss from the emergency ward to look up your policy number.
Also call your insurance provider(s) to advise them of your vacation
destination and bump up your coverage for that period. Keep copies with
you outlining the benefits provided and all contact information. Also
leave a copy with a friend or family at home. This has to be said. If
you haven't made out a will, now would be a good time to do so. Call a
notary or lawyer and get something on paper. Even if you just have
something simple drawn up, it will protect you, your children, and your
family in the event of the unforeseen.
And, obvious yet sometimes forgotten, pack your tickets, needed
documents and passports in your purse or carry-on bag. Do it the night
before the trip, ensuring they will not be left behind in the rush of
departure day.
Keys, Cameras, Lap tops, Blackberries, Palms, and Cell Phones:
These items, for many of us,
hold the details of our life and business. You want to prevent loss as
much as possible. Let's see how. For your keys, I don’t imagine
you’ll want to lose your office keys in the sand. So only bring
copies of your house keys and/or make sure a trusted neighbour, family
member or friend has copies for you. Bring back a thank you gift to the
kind soul that has agreed to check your house for you while
you’re away. Check with your home insurance provider to see their
requirements in order to maintain your insurance coverage.
The memories! Bring a camera that you can live with losing. For digital
cameras, bring extra batteries, an empty your memory card(s), and have
a second memory card with you if you`re super shutter happy. Can`t
leave your laptop behind. Then set up a password to protect and secure
the information on your laptop and be sure to back up your data and
leave it at home, work or in a safety deposit box. While you`re at it,
you could bring your camera download wire with you and download your
photos, emailing them to your inbox.
Consider what, if any, electric conversion plugs you will need. Back up
your Blackberry and other hand held electronic devices. You don't want
to lose those contacts, schedules and emails. But on second thought,
consider leaving them at the office. Remember, if you`re on vacation
maybe you can unplug and disconnect for a while. This is the perfect
time to say ``I’m taking time for me``. And enjoy your time for
yourself, your family, and friends.
Wishing you a wonderful and pre-organized vacation!
Kathleen Murphy is the Director of Organizing Optionsä, a full service organizing company based in Montreal.
Tel: 514-402-0709
www.organizingoptions.com
kathleen@organizingoptions.com
|
