Traveling these days isn’t what it used to be. Simply getting to the airport from Napa is a journey unto itself.

I noticed this past Easter how many people seemed stressed out about traveling. No matter how capable and experienced you are, traveling can jeopardize your sense of peace and well being.

It is possible to travel in comfort with ways that are simple, fun and stress free. I know that with a little planning and some moderate organizing systems in place, traveling can become enjoyable again rather than something that you dread.

Packing is one of the biggest problems. Many people pack too little or way too much. Packing what you need as opposed to what you think you need is paramount. Just this past week I was organizing a home office for a wonderful client in Santa Rosa who travels a great deal for work. She said her major issue with traveling was that she always forgot something and had to buy at airport prices the same item she had at home. I created four traveling lists for her for business, personal, winter weather and summer weather. She said that this would make a huge difference.  

I also noticed that she didn’t have appropriate luggage. She had a huge duffel bag without any wheels and an older hardback suitcase that weighed a ton, even when it was empty. We ordered luggage from Samsonite that fit her needs much better. Also, her toiletries bag was old and funky. We replaced that with personalized bottles that, once she returns, she can fill up to get ready for the next trip. She liked that idea a lot; there is always so much work to do when you travel, simply having your toiletry bag ready to go is a big time saver.    

Travel documents are another concern. Having your passport and travel information in plastic folder or a specialized travel wallet saves a great deal of time and worry. I have a travel wallet in which I easily transfer my personal identification along with my passport and flight information. I never take my everyday wallet when traveling. It holds items like my Costco and library cards that I won’t need. When I was robbed in Georgia a few years ago, I had my entire wallet, and it was such a hassle to remember everything and replace it all. I could have avoided this if I hadn’t taken my everyday wallet with me. Live and learn!

Travel memorabilia and photos are a big clutter issue. Most homes have way too much. First try to edit the photos before you get them developed and download them on your computer. I just had a dear friend who didn’t back up her photos and when her computer crashed, she lost all of her photos. I prefer to keep mine on a CD in a binder for my travels. They aren’t on my computer and yet I can quickly share them with family and friends.

Traveling can be much more fun when you are prepared for some of the inconsistencies that happen on the road. A little preparation goes far even more so than in your day-to-day life. Having travel lists, suitable luggage and travel documents in a specialized travel wallet can make your trip much more enjoyable.   

Don’t forget, if you have questions or need any help, please e-mail us at info@organizedworld.com. We’ll be happy to point you in the right direction or offer advice regarding any organizing concerns.  

Lanna Cairns has been teaching people how to gain mastery over their physical environment since 1998. She is the author of “Organizing

for Your Brain Type” and “Every Child Has a Thinking Style.”  Her Web site is www.organizedworld.com.She can be reached by e-mail or by calling 524-9896.