25 Essential Tips to Get Organized, Plan and Pack for Travel

Summer calls us to head out and travel. Travel feels most at ease when you are organized. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or week long adventure, being prepared and ready makes everything smoother and more enjoyable. Here are 25 tips to help you get organized, plan effectively, and pack smart for your next trip.

Getting Organized Before the Trip

1. Create a master travel checklist for you and your family. List everything you usually need (passport, chargers, toiletries, technology, medicine) so you can reuse the list for each trip. Use either the Notes app or paper to capture this information. Review the list after your vacation and update for when you travel next.
2. Start your packing early. Pull out your suitcase and leave it where you can drop in items. Review and organize at least one day before departure to avoid last-minute chaos.
3. Organize your travel documents using a travel app or folder. Keep flight details, hotel reservations, and itinerary info in one place either digitally or printed. Share that information with those at home so they know where you are and how to contact you just in case of emergency. Double check reservations to ensure everything is all set.
4. Check the weather forecast for the 10 day period around your travel dates. Weather apps are fairly reliable but pack an extra light weight coat and umbrella just in case.
5. Plan a capsule wardrobe that coordinates your clothes. Instead of tossing in random clothes, plan your outfits to mix and match, as well as shoes that go with all attire. It is easiest to choose a color palette and coordinate.
6. Organize your charging cords by device. Use a pouch to be sure all the cords are with you, both going and returning. Look for small chargers that charge multiple devices. Keep that pouch in your carry on to charge at your airplane seat or car.
7. Coordinate your pet and home care while you are away. Make a list of tasks that include setting up out-of-office replies, watering plants, and holding mail. Contact your pet care person and share a list of responsibilities.
8. Ensure your safety by gathering important documents, Make photocopies of your ID, passport, and insurance card, and store them separately. Carry the copies with you at all times when away in case of emergency.
9. Update transportation apps like Uber and Lyft to be sure these are ready to use when you land.
10. Get organized with medication organizers and a small first aid kit. Fill a 3 times a day pill organizer with all medication and supplements to keep in your carry on. In your luggage, pack a small first-aid kit that include basics like band-aids, pain relievers, and any prescription meds.
11. Plan for oops. Keep up to date on events as you travel. Permit notifications from your airline and hotel apps just in case of emergency.

Staying organized while on your trip

11. Use packing cubes to subdivide your clothes into manageable units. These might be packed by a set of clothes per day or the category of clothes such as swim or underwear.
12. Designate a “landing strip” for all papers, money and keys. This way there is only one place to look for items your need.
13. Plan for laundry with a bag and pocket size detergent. You can wash as you go or save laundry until you return.
14. Think ahead about healthy snacks and hydration. Bring protein bars for healthy snacks. Having an easy option snack makes you feel better as travel is fatiguing. If you are in the USA, bring refillable water bottles to be eco-friendly and hydrated.
15. Use a hanging bag for easy access for toiletries while travelling. Having a hook at the top makes it easy for you to hang it near the sink and use less counter space.
16. Set up a dedicated tech charging area. It is easy to store and charge all devices each evening. Be sure to bring a car charger as well for day travel.
17. Bring a foldable small lightweight tote or backpack. This makes day travel easy to organize with snacks and water. It is also handy for beach outings, daily outings or carrying souvenirs home.
18. If you pack for your family, use quart size ziplock to organize their clothes by day or outfit. It makes it easy to tell your kiddos what to wear that day.
19. Regroup each night by picking up your hotel or vacation rental. Your reset each evening ensures that yu are organized the next day.

Smart Last-Minute Carry On Organizing

21. Be sure to charge all devices fully the night before travel. This way phones, tablets, and power banks are at 100% before you leave.
22. Download entertainment ahead of time. Save podcasts, books, or movies for offline use during travel. Carry some paper magazines you have not had time to read at home.
23. Choose comfy clothes and layers for the flight or car ride. Pack an extra pair of undies in your carry on. Wear slip on sneakers with support for walking.
24. Organize your carry on by pocket and with small zipper cases. Have what you need easy to find. Assign inside pockets for valuables and important paper work.
25. Make your travel time a fun part of the vacation. Arrive early at the airport to relax. Follow airline guidelines for how early to arrive and depart without stress, rather than choosing your own time. Adding in the travel time extends the fun!

A little planning makes all the difference to make your trip smooth and memorable.