Carefreetrip.com :: Travel Blog

Travel is a fact of life, whether for business or for pleasure. For many business people, frequent travel is a frequent event. Over time, seasoned travelers have been able to come up with ways to simplify being on the road. However, in today’s changing economy, many people are experiencing job and career changes. As a result, the friendly skies are full of those who are new to business travel and finding themselves overwhelmed and exhausted. Here are ten steps to make your travel simpler and less time-consuming.

1. Make a list of all the products you use throughout the course of an average day. (shower gel, deodorant, shampoo, moisturizers, hair spray, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, etc).

2. Take your list with you to the store and purchase one of every product on your list in a trial size. Also buy a small inexpensive hair dryer, a mini shower scrubbie and an extra small comb or brush. At the same time, purchase a travel case large enough to accommodate all these new items.

3. After shopping, put a handful of cottonballs, swabs and safety pins into three separate baggies. Pack your new travel toiletries and your baggies into your travel case and keep it packed this way and stored in your luggage at all times.

4. After you return home from each trip, refill your travel size toiletries then put the newly replenished bag into your suitcase until your next trip. You will never have to pack toiletries for travel, if you always keep this bag packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

5. Roll clothing into cylinders when packing. It takes up less space and it will help keep wrinkles down. Also, roll socks and underwear up and stuff them inside your shoes. Not only will it make more space in your luggage, but it helps keep your shoes from getting crushed.

6. Pack clothing that resists wrinkling, such as polyester blends, wool blends, microfibers, silk, and rayon. Avoid packing 100% cotton or linen when possible.

7. To avoid having to bring two pairs of dress shoes, choose one neutral color and build your wardrobe around it. Don’t bring outfits based on both black and brown, because then you’ll need both black and brown shoes and belts.

8. Bring one suit and several pieces to change its look. Men can wear the same suit with varying color shirts and ties. Ladies can create several different outfits from just one skirt, one jacket, a pair of coordinating pants, and a few blouses.

9.Call your hotel ahead of time to ask if they will provide personal items such as an iron, clothing steamer, and hair dryer. If so, you’ll have extra room in your luggage for other things.

10. Carry on your important documents, toiletries, medications, and one change of clothes in case your luggage gets lost. Traveling can be simpler and go smoother if you create an effective system and follow it consistently.

This article was written by Monica Ricci. Monica has been an organizing and productivity specialist since 1999. She offers onsite consulting, as well as motivational seminars and workshops, which teach effective organizing and simplifying and effectiveness strategies for home and work. Contact Monica at www.CatalystOrganizing.com.