Today we're on our way to Miami for the No Barriers Festival and it reminded me to share the many travel ideas we've gathered along the way! Our travels take us far and wide, and some of these ideas make us feel like we're not that far from home.
1. Lists. If you're an organizer, think about making "packing lists" based on the type of trip (we have business, vacation, and camping lists). We were forever scribbling on Post-Its before our trips and forgetting something every time, when I finally realized I could write a master list that we could add to any time and save sheet after sheet of yellow sticky paper. To take it one green step further, print out the lists and laminate them, then cross off what you've packed with a grease pencil and clean it off when you're done! Make one for every family member so they're in charge of their own belongings and forgotten items!
2. Drier Sheets. My favorite trick for the suitcase and keeping clothes fresh, I usually bring 6 or more fresh dryer sheets so that if I do laundry along the way, the clean clothes will stay fresh too and I have a dryer sheet to use as well! When I pack, I layer the sheets between 2-3 articles of clothing, either folded or in the garment bag, to combat that musky suitcase smell. I also put a sachet of lavender in the bag for those nights I might not be able to sleep and it doubles as a scenter for the clothes, too.
3. Shower Caps for dirty shoes. This one's great for muddy trips, camping, places where shoes aren't allowed or other instances that will require protection of some item (either dirty, wet, or scratchable) either for or from your other packed goods.
4. Empty Duffel Bag. This is an old standby you may have forgotten about... When we're going somewhere far where we know we'll bring home presents (great idea for fall trips and Christmas preparation!), we stuff a duffel bag in the suitcase pocket so we're not scrambling to fit everything within weight limit for our existing bags, or pay extra for shipping.
5. The Gifts. Along these lines of buying ahead for xmas, think of gifts that are unique and pretty inexpensive to the area such as a local specialty like pecans, marmite, or Spanish olives; the local sports team for your sports fans; or indigenous stones set in local styled jewelry for the ladies in your life.
6. Printed mailing labels. This one might sound funny in this day and age of technology, but everyone still loves postcards- our friend sends one from Hawaii every time he goes, although we're pretty sure he's just rubbing it in... However, when I don't have room in my bag for the address book and I'm leaving my US-only smartphone in the car at the airport (with relief!) then this idea RULES for me. Depending on how long you're gone or how many cities or sites you are visiting, print 1-3 labels for mom, grandma, sister, and BFF so when you see the perfect postcard for them, you just peel and go!
7. Copies of Passport & ID. This is a must; make sure you keep them in a different place than your actual copies or give them to the hotel or local contact to keep in case of emergency.
1. Lists. If you're an organizer, think about making "packing lists" based on the type of trip (we have business, vacation, and camping lists). We were forever scribbling on Post-Its before our trips and forgetting something every time, when I finally realized I could write a master list that we could add to any time and save sheet after sheet of yellow sticky paper. To take it one green step further, print out the lists and laminate them, then cross off what you've packed with a grease pencil and clean it off when you're done! Make one for every family member so they're in charge of their own belongings and forgotten items!
2. Drier Sheets. My favorite trick for the suitcase and keeping clothes fresh, I usually bring 6 or more fresh dryer sheets so that if I do laundry along the way, the clean clothes will stay fresh too and I have a dryer sheet to use as well! When I pack, I layer the sheets between 2-3 articles of clothing, either folded or in the garment bag, to combat that musky suitcase smell. I also put a sachet of lavender in the bag for those nights I might not be able to sleep and it doubles as a scenter for the clothes, too.
3. Shower Caps for dirty shoes. This one's great for muddy trips, camping, places where shoes aren't allowed or other instances that will require protection of some item (either dirty, wet, or scratchable) either for or from your other packed goods.
4. Empty Duffel Bag. This is an old standby you may have forgotten about... When we're going somewhere far where we know we'll bring home presents (great idea for fall trips and Christmas preparation!), we stuff a duffel bag in the suitcase pocket so we're not scrambling to fit everything within weight limit for our existing bags, or pay extra for shipping.
5. The Gifts. Along these lines of buying ahead for xmas, think of gifts that are unique and pretty inexpensive to the area such as a local specialty like pecans, marmite, or Spanish olives; the local sports team for your sports fans; or indigenous stones set in local styled jewelry for the ladies in your life.
6. Printed mailing labels. This one might sound funny in this day and age of technology, but everyone still loves postcards- our friend sends one from Hawaii every time he goes, although we're pretty sure he's just rubbing it in... However, when I don't have room in my bag for the address book and I'm leaving my US-only smartphone in the car at the airport (with relief!) then this idea RULES for me. Depending on how long you're gone or how many cities or sites you are visiting, print 1-3 labels for mom, grandma, sister, and BFF so when you see the perfect postcard for them, you just peel and go!
7. Copies of Passport & ID. This is a must; make sure you keep them in a different place than your actual copies or give them to the hotel or local contact to keep in case of emergency.
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