Preparing for Trips

You are getting ready to go on a trip, and as usual you cannot remember everything that you need to pack. Here are a few tips to help you get more organized.

Take a storage bin, drawer or even empty suitcase and use it to set aside travel items such as travel shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.

A few months before booking your trip check your passport. Is it ready to expire? Are there enough blank pages for your trip?

As soon as the trip is planned start making printouts of confirmations and activities that you want to do. Place those print outs in the front zipper of your suitcase for easy access.

Do you have luggage tags for your bags? Do the tags have your name and phone number on them? (TSA requirement) Do you have enough tags for the baby stroller, golf clubs, carry on bags, etc? Check out www.crewtags.com for affordable customized luggage tags.

Don't forget to check the rules with airlines that you plan to use. Most have started restricting checked luggage to one bag with additional bag costing a fee.

A few days before you depart, check your film and battery supply and buy anything that you might need at home where it will be cheaper and you can get the brands that you like. Also visit the bank and get some small bills for tipping.

The morning that you are leaving, place a small bag next to your vanity. As you are preparing to go, place each item that you use into the bag. Also think about any special preparations that you might need for evenings out. (Don''t forget to put the bag in your suitcase before you leave)

Pack a small notebook in your bag. While you are on your trip make a note of anything that you might have forgotten. Leave the notebook with your suitcase. When you prepare for your next trip, review the notes that you had made.