I have been there. You’re jogging through life and for one reason or another (sometimes good, sometimes bad) you need to take a last-minute trip. Perhaps it isn’t even last minute, either way, panic sets in and you don’t know where to start. I want the share with you the best travel planner, simple but effective!
Take a deep breath. I have good news! There are only so many things that are a “must have” when leaving the comfort of your home to travel. And guess what, as long as you’ve got those things taken care of, everything else will be a-ok!
You need:
- a place to stay
- transportation…(If you fly make sure you think about transportation after you arrive)
- a good packing list
- a car prep list if you’re traveling by car
I know what you’re thinking, “Easier said than done.” But, I’ve got you covered. I have laid it all out for you in my “Travel Planning Checklists.” Yes, there will be some things that don’t apply and a few things I forgot, but this list has room to grow… Just add it on!
Let’s dig in a little deeper in the best travel planner!
A Place to Stay
I know the biggest concern for me when planning a trip is, where are we going to stay? I like to get that squared away first then move on to everything else. If you don’t have your lodging already figured out, hop on google and just search “hotels in __________.” You can also google “trip planning” to find sites such as TripAdvisor and Expedia that streamline the booking process for hotels, flights, and such. Then you can start to see what choices you have. Once you have narrowed it down by your criteria (arrival and departure date, accommodations, location, rates, etc.) get that booked and out of the way!
A way to get there… and possibly a way to get around once you’re there (if you fly)
Ask yourself, do I need to book a flight or a rental car? If you are flying, visit a couple of travel sites to check out the most up to date flight schedules. (hint: Kayak.com allows you to compare multiple travel sites at once and there are probably others).
Don’t forget to book a rental car if you are going to need your own transportation after your flight. That would be a definite palm to face moment!
On the rental car front, of course, it is the most cost-efficient to use your own vehicle. But that is not always possible or desirable. If you need a rental car, I know I am always looking for the best deal, so I again would google “car rental near ___________.” You will find the closest locations to pick up a car and then you can price out the options according to your criteria.
Car prep list (If you’re traveling by car)
I don’t think it can be overstated how important it is to have a well-prepared vehicle to make travel as easy as possible. When you are trying to keep stops to a minimum, and chaos in a closed in space at bay, there are somethings that you want to make sure you have.
- Sleeping gear (pillows and blankets)
- Food and drinks
- Entertainment
- Trashcan
- Paper towels
- Cleaning products
Don’t miss this even more detailed car prep list to make sure you are set up for hours of easy travel!
Last, but not least….
A good packing list
This has got to be the most daunting part of all…PACKING. A good list makes for simple travel. When you are pressed for time, making sure that you have grabbed everything that everyone might need can seem impossible. Best trick ever…Keep a packing list ready to go! When you need to get things to pack for a vacation together quickly, you can grab it and feel confident that all the “must haves” are there.
I have included my printable travel packing list that my family uses to help get you started. Panic no longer and take a deep breath, because you have been caught off guard for the last time! It is ever changing, if something needs to be added, slip it in a blank spot, and you are ready to go the next time that traveling comes around, even if it is last minute! Just print the travel checklist pdf and be on your way!
Here’s a couple posts you might like:
Marriage Restart: Regain Your Foundation
Let Go of Perfection: Set Expectations That Work for Your Family
Choose Progress Over Perfection
