Here at VolunteerSpot, we’re committed to simplifying the busy lives of parents, teachers and active volunteers. Along that theme, we’re pleased to support your personal efforts in getting organized and gaining quality time and present guest organization expert April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach! This Thursday, April is simplifying the immense task of orchestrating a fun and successful family vacation. Thanks, April!
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Family Vacation Planning
By April Welch
Live from 35,000 feet :
This week we're covering Family Vacations … and what better place to write the post than from my flight?
Full disclosure though?
I'm traveling solo this time. Headed to a conference in Utah, but when I return {& by the time this post goes live} I'll be road tripping with my family.
Remember back in the “Summer Brain Drain” post when I talked about pulling out the calendar & making a plan for what everyone wanted to do with their summer?
Well, here we are!
Ideally:
- You figured out where you wanted to go
- You were able to negotiate when you were going
- And now, you're in the countdown mode for the actual traveling part of the trip
Now, I have some great resources that I can recommend {you knew I would} but first, let's figure out where you are in the process.
- Be sure to set that budget
{remember my $300 cash lesson?}
- Prepare folks mentally
talk about the plan
- Prepare your support team
house/pet sitters
neighbors
family
- Brainstorm your shopping lists
does everyone have a bathing suit that fits?
are prescriptions filled?
do you need to purchase any special items?
- Schedule necessary appointments
oil change
doctor visits
- Consider who's packing what & how
The extra batteries are going into Johnny's suitcase & all the cords will be in Dad's
- Do a dry run
pack bags to be sure everything will fit
will you have enough room to bring home anything you acquire at your destination?
+ should you pack an extra duffel bag in one of the suitcases {just in case?}
- Take some pictures before you put things in the bags
lay everything out on a bed & take a picture as a "visual inventory" for each suitcase
- Determine if “surprises” are necessary
will you pack special "new" items for younger travelers?
are your snacks healthy?
- Make an ICE list
ICE = In Case of Emergency
if you're stuck, who will you call?
if something happens, who knows where your important documents are?
- Have fun
Don't forget ... this is suppose to be fun!!
For a gentle re-entry:
- use laundry bags during the trip
- take a plastic envelope or baggie to collect receipts
- tell folks you'll be back a few days after your actual return date
this buys you a little time to recover from any jet-lag
- give yourself permission to rest your first day home
- provide a large enough container for the mail to be placed in while you're gone
- unpack in the laundry area
- while doing laundry for the trip do the extra laundry for the few days after your return
Eliminating as much stress as possible is the best secret for success.
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As for sites I like & use often:
This is a great place to find a list for ANYTHING! And better yet? You can customize the lists before you print them!
Yapta.com
This site is great for watching airfare or hotel rates ~ search for your trip options & then save the details to be alerted when costs come down.
Chamber of Commerce Sites
Search for the local Chamber site to find out what's happening while you're in town. Usually any local specials will be listed too!
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I hope this helps you to relax and enjoy your vacation {whenever you choose to take it}!
Next week, we're getting down & dirty with our vehicles ~ in Busy Life Systems for Functioning from the Car!
Keepin' it tidy,
April
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April Welch is the founder of Simply Organized Online, LLC and shares her organizational expertise on her blog, The Mental Clutter Coach. In addition to her company, she speaks at conferences nationwide and gives helpful advice on how to effectively organize anything and everything.
