Well here it is, summer again.  If you are travelling this summer, do you have your travel plans organized?  I use a desktop filing system (called a SwiftFile) that contains individual folders for the 12 months and 31 days of the month. 

As I make reservations and receive confirmations, I place all of the documentation into my filing system in the folder for my departure date.  If you don't use a system like this, make a hanging folder and label it "Upcoming Travel".  You can put your documentation in that folder until it is time to go.

When travelling I create a simple travel folder.  I take a manila file folder (I recycle these and use them over and over) and I staple the following documents on the right side of the folder.

• Airline receipts, itinerary and electronic boarding passes.
• Hotel confirmation
• Rental car confirmation
• Any other reservation/confirmations

On the other side of the folder I staple an envelope to hold receipts.  I slip some cash in small bills into the envelope to use for tips and tolls.  If you have other important information that relates to your health, you can include that in the folder as well.  I used to carry a list of important phone numbers, but now that I have my cell phone, I usually don't print them out.  If you do not keep contact information in your phone, I would suggest making a simple list of neighbors, friends, family, etc. that you might need while you are away from home.

If you plan to send postcards to friends and family, make sure you have their mailing addresses and some stamps.  You can put the stamps into your receipt envelope.

Throughout the trip I keep my receipts organized and together, making it easier to complete an expense reimbursement form or to enter them into my financial software program.   I find that keeping the documentation organized in this way means that I can always find what I need when I need it.

Other considerations in travel planning:

• Did you stop the newspaper and the mail?
• Do you need to record an "Out of the Office" message on your voice mail?
• Do you need to refill any prescription medicine before travelling?
• Do you need to make arrangements to have your plants water or yard maintained?
• Are you pets taken care of?
• Do your neighbors know you are travelling? Is someone keeping an eye on your home?
• Unplug as many of your appliances as you can while you are gone. You would be surprised how many appliances use energy, even when you are not using them.
• Did you set timers on any lights in your home?

I hope this helps you get organized before your trip and stay organized while on the road.

Happy Travels!

Tamara Meyer
Meyer Professional Organizing, LLC
www.meyerorganizing.com

P.S.  If you would like to learn more about the SwiftFile Desktop Filing System, you can visit my website at http://www.meyerorganizing.com/index.php/products