Getting Organized Makes Traveling Easy

There are many stresses that occur when you are traveling on a business trip. However if you plan a few things in advance, it will help to make your business trip less stressful and more organized.
When you plan your trip, you should create a check list of what you need to accomplish and a timeline to get things done. Consider what needs to be done first and work towards your departure date.
Travel Arrangements:
• Use sites like www.Travelocity.com or www.Orbitz.com or www.Expedia.com, they often have great savings and you can book flights, hotels and car rentals at the same time. They also provide an itinerary that is emailed to you for your convenience.
• Book a limo service to take you to and from the airport. Keep a good relationship with the service provider so you can get upgrades for future travel. The investment is well worth it to avoid the stress of traffic and attempting to find parking at the airport. Plus you will save on long term parking fees.
• Keep all itineraries in a folder on your computer and print them out to take with you.
• Email your itinerary to anyone that needs to know your schedule.
• Put a “to do” or “reminder” in your calendar, Outlook, or PDA for any follow up that needs to be done like confirmations or reminding people to pick you up or confirming arrangements.
Keeping your household going when you are gone:
• Got pets? Make arrangements for Fido and Kitty to be taken care of when you are gone. Don’t forget to use a “reminder” to remind your pet sitter when you are leaving and returning.
• Give the keys to your home to any caretakers that will be checking in when you are gone, i.e. pet sitter etc. Give them a checklist of items they will be responsible for.
• Put a hold on your newspaper delivery service and your mail service. When mail and newspapers pile up outside you are more likely to be burglarized when you are gone.
• Put your lights on automatic timers so strangers will think someone is home.
What to bring with you:
• If you are attending any networking events, dinners, parties, seminars etc., be sure to pack what you need for those events.
• Pack items that you can mix and match so you take less with you.
• Be sure to pack your toiletries in a zip lock baggie as some items tend to leak with the pressure of flights, this keeps leakage in the bags and not on your clothes.
• Be sure to check the weather and keep your wardrobe consistent with your destination.
• Pack plenty of business cards.

Airport Security:
• If you take a carry on be sure to follow the 3-1-1 rule, this is the TSA rules for traveling with liquids 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure. If you have any liquids or aerosol cans with more than 3 oz then check your bag.
• If you are checking bags make sure you know how many bags you can check for free, most airlines have a two bag limit and you will get charged for more. Call ahead or look on your airlines website for their policy.
• Wear comfortable clothes on your trip. Traveling is stressful and you need to be comfortable to cut down on the stress.
• Wear shoes that can be easily removed. When going through security you will be required to remove them.
• Keep your ID and plane ticket handy until you get to your gate. You will be asked for them upon check in and at security.
• Check in online within 24 hours of your flight and you can get a ticket you print from home and skip the long check in lines
• Use a laptop carry on bag and take that with you on the plane, sometimes they can be damaged if you check it with your luggage. Be prepared to take it out of the carrying case when you go through security.
• The best tip is for the savviest of travelers, get a CLEAR® Card... Clear® is the fast pass for airport security. Clear members are pre-screened and provided with a high-tech card which allows them to access designated airport security fast lanes nationwide. Clear members pass through airport security faster, with more predictability and less hassle.
Use Technology When Possible:
• Use a PDA, Blackberry or other similar device that will sync to your calendar on your computer to keep dates with you
• If you bring a lap top you can remote into your computer at home or office with a remote access program or a web based program like Log Me in (www.LogMeIn.com) be sure to set this up in advance and test it so you are not frustrated when you are on the road trying to figure it out.
• Get a Wi-Fi card to connect to the internet where ever you are. Don’t bother to look for hot spots or a plug in dial up. Check with your wireless carrier for wireless internet solutions.
There are lots of ways of keeping yourself organized. By putting some systems in place, you can get the right process or system to make your trip more efficient and less stressful