Preparing For Vacation - When to Start?

You've made your plans, have tickets (if applicable) in hand and are ready to pack for the trip. We all know that starting to pack too early is likely to result in things left behind (toothbrushes, sunglasses, shampoos, medicines, the book you are reading) and some know that waiting too long increases anxiety to NOT forget important items which results in brain lock quite often. Here is a middle ground solution offered as a travel tip.

I suggest you make a list weeks ahead of time. For camping trips, you might include obvious things that you are not using daily like sleeping bags, tents, lanterns, radios, flashlights, binoculars, etc. But also list the items you may tend to forget and then have to buy when you arrive: charcoal, bug spray, white gas, a tarp, rope, etc. For plane trips to vacation destinations, do the same: sunglasses, toiletries, bathing suit, towels, IPOD's or similar entertainment items WITH accessories, extra batteries, medicines, reading glasses, book(s), etc. Start packing but only include items you won't need in the following week(s) AND make sure you have your printed itinerary (hotel reservation information/confirmation, plane tickets or E-tickets, Amusement Park or special tour info) and keep this specific information in an envelope on top of the suitcase. This way you won't be running around the house looking for a plane ticket with the shuttle van only 5 minutes away. The list is practical because if you have listed specific toiletries, you will go into the bathroom on departure day and gather toothpaste, medicines, conditioners, shaving cream, deodorant and other needed items in one fell swoop.

If you are sitting still. having coffee and making a travel list with a clear mind, you will remember to pack many items you would not think of if you wait for the last minute. There is nothing more irritating than going on a camping trip and having to buy a corkscrew when you have 5 in your drawer. Or paper towels when you have 2 -36 packs from Costco sitting in the basement. You will likely remember you will need golf shoes or sandals or slippers or robes. Putting down items like sunglasses will keep you from leaving them on the table if you check your list before leaving home. And of course, your wallet, passport, money and itinerary are must haves as no one wants to get to the airport and then miss their plane because they don't have proper credentials.

So make a list WEEKS before leaving and then check off all items as packed. Then keep the list near your suitcase and add the last minute items. You will be much less likely to forget anything other than toothpicks this way.

David C. Reynolds is a longtime veteran of the Hotel business who offers common sense, money saving advice on how to find rooms, booking hotels as cheap as possible, travel and ground transportation tips, understanding reviews and occasional destination 'specials'. If you would like detailed information about reserving hotels as cheaply as possible, check out his e-book or MP3 at: http://www.cheaphotelforyou.com

To get details about his 50+ page travel tips e-book, go to his site: http://www.cheaphotelforyou.com/TravelTips.htm

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