Travelling is exciting and takes us away from our “normal” lives but it can be frustrating if you don’t have the right documents with you when you need them. Learn what documents you need when you travel and how to quickly organise them by using these 5 proven organising tips.
1. Plan ahead by gathering the information you need on hotels, places of interest, restaurants and transportation.
2. Create a packing list and keep this on your computer so each time you travel you can print it and check off each item as you pack. If you find you needed other items for your trip add them to the list when you return home. You may need different lists for different types of trips. Such as skiing, hiking, beach, business, travelling by car or by air etc.
3. Gather all of your important travel information:
Photo identification, prescriptions, passports/visas, hostel card, itineraries and airline tickets. Email your itinerary to family and friends who may also need this information.
4. Print any emails or web pages that contain travel details:
Contact information, electronic tickets, confirmation numbers for hotels and tours, and schedules.
Now comes the fun part-keep it organised. Create a travelling travel file that holds all your documents. Use a clear plastic folder to slip all your information into. Get a travel organiser made of clear plastic that has 3 sections to organize itineraries, maps and travel confirmations. A front pocket for keeping the boarding pass and receipts is also very convenient.
5. Divide your travel file into categories:
a. Tickets/airline confirmations and car rental reservations. Quick access to your flight information, tickets and boarding passes reduces a lot of stress at the airport.
b. Phone numbers:
*Make a list of essential phone numbers in case of emergencies.
*Call your credit card company or bank before you leave home notifying them where you will be travelling so they don’t block the use of your card.
c. Itinerary: Place your schedule where you can find it quickly and easily as you will refer to it daily.
d. Maps and directions: Online directions you have printed or a road map are great resources. Include a highlighter to mark your location and destination.
e. Brochures: Include those you think will be helpful as you travel.
f. Hotel reservations: Keep all confirmations for your lodging in one location. Organise them in the order you will be using them.
g. Receipts: Keep all receipts from the trip. Put them in an envelope so you know where to find them. Use them to compare against your credit card bill or to submit travel expenses for reimbursement or tax purposes.
Keep your travel file handy, in the lid of your luggage under the mesh pocket or in the outside pocket of your suitcase are ideal places.
Now your travel documents are all organised it is just one less thing for you to stress about on your trip. This will help you get rid of clutter when you travel as you will only be taking the essentials.