How often have you gone on a personal or business trip and forgot something? I have…and I’m sure you probably have too. It’s frustrating for sure but I do have a simple solution for you. Create a checklist. Ok…I can see you rolling your eyes, saying “Duh, Vanessa…we already knew that!” Ok…I’m not talking about creating a checklist on a sticky note every time you go on a trip. I’m talking about creating a checklist one time…so that you don’t have to recreate the checklist trip after trip.
Instead of writing out a list each time you go on a trip, why not make a list on your computer of all the essential items you need to pack for your trips? Then you can print out that list and check off the items as you pack them. Cool, huh! But wait, there’s more. How about printing off another copy of that list and packing it in your luggage so that on your return trip home you can refer to the list again and check things off so you don’t leave anything behind before heading home? Wait, wait! I’ve got another idea. Download a travel checklist app to your smart phone so that you always have your checklists with you! Genius…I know!
Seriously, whether you print out a list or refer to your smart phone, this is a really simple and easy way to remember your items when you go on a trip. My husband and son recently went on a Boy Scout camping trip and I created a packing list as we prepped and loaded everything up. I used an app that I downloaded to my iPhone called Essential Travel Checklist from TLA Investments LLC and was able to create my own checklist. What I like about this app is that it’s very simple, has several standard travel checklists with basic essentials already listed and it allows you to develop your own checklists. So, I can create multiple checklists for a variety of trips or events and can add to or subtract items as my needs change. Here’s a screen shot of the one I created for Boy Scout camping trips (it’s actually about 3 pages long):
So, you simply check things off by taping the squares and then when you’ve completed packing, you can clear all the checked boxes and use the list again when packing on the trip home. I’ve also started separate lists for packing my toiletry bag, my luggage/clothing bag, and my toddler’s bag. But there’s so much more you could create like checklists for a ski trip, cruise, foreign travel, business, conferences, sales, client meetings, presentations, and on and on. The possibilities are endless.
Now, if you don’t have a smart phone that’s ok. Just make a list and print it out. I even recommend keeping the lists in your bags even after you’ve unpacked them so that when you pull it out for another trip, you’ll know what you need!
We all know traveling can be both exciting and frustrating. Hopefully this tip can help cut down the stress and make your trips more enjoyable. Here’s wishing you safe and happy travels!!!
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