Aussie summer is just around the corner and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be starting to plan a much-needed getaway. Here are three quick tips to ease you into the planning process…
Three Quick Tips For Stress-Free Holiday Planning with BONUS TRAVEL CHECKLIST
1. Daydream
Sometimes one of the best parts about going on holiday is actually deciding where to go. But with our social media feeds crammed with holiday snaps from glamorous locations around the world, choosing the right holiday destination for ourselves can be overwhelming.
Start by narrowing down the list to your top three or four places, then close your eyes and imagine yourself in each place. Imagine the experience, the connection to people and nature each place offers. Take note of how your body and breath react to each little holiday daydream and go with the place which sparks the most joy… finances allowing of course. This step is just like setting your intention when decluttering.
2. Organise
Before you jet off, there will be multiple To Dos, from arranging pet-sitting, to booking tours, hire cars or hotels.
I recommend doing all of the above as soon as possible once you have booked your travel. If you can’t get onto it straight away, write a list and get them done as soon you can. Not only will you feel more prepared (and therefore more relaxed!) but you’ll likely save a bit of cash on tours and accommodation by booking early.
If you are looking for the best time to sit and complete the list, I recommend a Friday night. Time management expert Laura Vanderkam tells us that Fridays are the best day of the week for planning.
3. Pack
Most people hate doing it, but it must inevitably get done. With the right tools in place, however, packing can be quick, easy, and yes, even fun!
BONUS TIP
Flag your reservation emails in your inbox then de-flag them once the flight has taken place. This will save you the stress of having to search for your itinerary the night before you fly.
Go one step further and add your flight number, booking reference, and accommodation details straight to your calendar of choice.
Or, to make life even easier, I recommend using TripIt. TripIt uses the details in your confirmation emails to create a comprehensive, master itinerary for every trip that you can access anytime, on any device. No more scrolling through your inbox to find what you need!
Watch how Sallly packs for a weekender
our expert packing tips…..
When to pack
- The ideal time to pack is the week leading up to travel. No, not the night before, and not three weeks in advance. Before you start, mentally visualise what you want to take, or better yet, write a list. If you open up your wardrobe without doing this first, you’ll likely end up feeling overwhelmed with choice and will end up packing too much.
Pack clothes verticly and use packing cubes
How to pack
- Pack your clothes folded vertically ( the KonMari Method way ). This will enable you to see everything you’ve packed, and knowing what you’ve packed is the key to packing light! No more last minute ‘have I got it?’ freak outs. Also, if clothes are folded vertically, you’ll be able to remove things from your case and put them back without messing everything up.
- Another option is to use packing cubes which are great for larger suitcases and duffle bags. These ones from Katmandu are 100% recycled polyester.
Pack for efficiency
- Pack your suitcase in categories, such as toiletries, electronics, casual-wear, active-wear etc. That way you’ll know where everything is in your suitcase, and will be able to find things quickly.
And don’t forget your Travel Checklist ….promise you will like it.
Want to learn how to fold clothes for suitcase like Marie Kondo? W e got you covered….watch these
How To Fold T-shirts
How To Fold Undies
I hope these three tips make it a little easier for you to start planning your dream holiday, whether that’s hiking through the bush, taking a guided tour of Tuscany, or simply soaking up rays cocktail in hand.
And remember a holiday is defined as “an extended period of leisure and recreation”, so let’s keep it that way. For more ideas, check out Tips to Get Your Home Organised For The Holidays.
For stay-cation holiday tips, check out The Art of Hygge: From The World’s Happiest People
The TripIt app is available for iOS (including Apple Watch) and Android (including Android Wear). TripIt is also accessible from any device with a web browser.
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Organising travel and packing tips I tried on our latest holiday with kids. Designed to help you get to your destination stress-free and ensure a smoother travel experience for the whole family.
