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TOPIC:   Organizing and Simplifying Travel 


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
8/31/09 8:16 A

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Credit is Best

When you travel on business, it is advisable to charge as much as possible and minimize cash expenses. For every cash expense, you need to request a receipt and make a notation or you risk forgetting. Your credit card charges will show up on your monthly statement whether you made a note in your expense book or not.


Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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GODINMYHEART
GODINMYHEART's Photo Posts: 1,689
8/26/09 11:43 A

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thanks for all your tips! I'm planning a trip and they come in very handy!

KATTY- URUGUAY, SOUTH AMERICA

Anne Lewis:
Here are four ways God answers prayer:
1.) No, not yet
2.) No, I love you too much;
3.) Yes, I thought you'd never ask;
4.) Yes, and here's more
Team leader at
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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
8/26/09 11:39 A

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expense envelope

Bring an envelope with you for keeping business receipts, and put the receipts in as soon as you get them. Try to remember to make a notation in your expense book at the same time. A little work now will be worth a lot to you later.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
8/17/09 12:33 P

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extra business cards

If you travel on business, leave some extra business cards packed in your suitcase-just in case.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
8/14/09 9:06 A

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oh, no!

You bought too much on your trip and it doesn't all fit in your suitcase, or it's too heavey to drag to the airport by yourself. Don't panic. If you're at a hotel, see if they have a shipping department. If they do, get a box and mail home all the items you won't need right away. Or go to a post office and do the same thing.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
8/12/09 7:35 A

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mini-mess

When you're packing to go home, if you're tempted to take the shampoo, body lotion, conditioner, shoe shine kit, sewing kit, and deodorant soap, think again. you didn't even use them because you prefer your own brands. Remember your bathroom at home where a hundred such mini amenities are gathering dust. When you get back, get rid of them: give them to a friend who uses them, or throw them away if they're old.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
8/11/09 10:54 A

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temporary travel notebook

When you travel, don't take your whole year's appointment calendar with you unless you need it. Take a temporary travel notebook, instead. In it record your name, itinerary, and numbers of places you'll be in case you lose it on your trip. List names and addresses of people to write, send gifts to, or look up. Staple a half pocket in back for stamps, receipts, postcards, and other loose items.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
8/10/09 9:37 A

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when I get back

In the last few days before you leave on a trip, start a list of things you need to do when you get back at home and at work, such as phone calls to make, repairs to take care of, and letters to write. List things that can wait, but that you don't want to forget or be plagued with remembering while you're gone. When you get back, you won't have to reconstruct your whole life.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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OPTEDMAGAZINE
OPTEDMAGAZINE's Photo Posts: 19
8/3/09 9:48 A

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Hi everyone! I thought I'd share an article I wrote on my blog about a simple tip that helps packing for travel much easier: http://www.optedmagazine.com/2009/07/make-travel-packing-easier/

These tips everyone has listed are fantastic ideas! If anyone is interested in writing a short guest post for my blog, let me know!

OPTED Magazine
--Organization
--Productivity
--Tasking
--Efficiency
--Decluttering
www.optedmagazine.com


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
8/1/09 10:38 A

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arriving

Soon after you arrive at a hotel, orient yourself. Locate the local convenience store, drugstore, dry cleaner, grocery store, etc. Ask at the concierge desk right away for a good local map, specific recommendations, and directions to the places you plan to visit the same day. If you arrive in the afternoon and are going out in the evening, ask for an iron or request any other services well in advance.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/31/09 12:41 P

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Taxi trick

In a taxi (or on a city bus), don't put anything down. Wrap whatever you can around your arm, such as the straps from all pocketbooks, shopping bags, and umbrellas, and keep the rest on your lap. If it's on your lap or wrapped around you, you're less likely to leave it on the seat or the floor.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/29/09 12:02 P

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nothing counted, everything lost

Before you leave on a trip, count the number of parcels, bags, or pieces of luggage you have. Include your coat if there's a chance you will take it off, and your camera if it's not in a larger bag. Whenever you put things down and pick them up, count everything again before moving on. Do this every time you stop and start until you arrive at your destination.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/17/09 7:32 A

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one bag

If you don't have to check your luggage when you fly, don't. If you can manage to fit everything into one bag that goes under your seat and, perhaps, a garment bag, do it. Take your luggage with you on the plane. You won't risk losing your belongings and you won't have to waste time at the other end waiting for them.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/16/09 8:23 A

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quick change

The day before you leave, make sure you've got change for phones and dollars for tips. Break a twenty-dollar bill into 18 ones and 8 quarters. If you forget to do this before you leave, you should do it as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/15/09 6:05 A

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pack for the plane

Why not consider the flight as part of the trip and enjoy it? Pack a bag just for the plane. Include thick, comfortable cotton socks. Take off your shoes the moment you get on board and slip into these. Bring bottled water so that you're not at the mercy of the flight attendants (you should drink lots of water when you're on a plane). Bring a couple of pieces of fruit or another snack that you like so you can enjoy your own schedule. If it will make you more comfortable (or to make it clear to the person next to you that you're not interested in chattering), bring foam earplugs and sunglasses or a headset. Pack your own book or magazines.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/14/09 10:42 A

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duplicate posting

Edited by: LIVELOVELAUGH- at: 7/14/2009 (10:42)
Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/14/09 10:39 A

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neat and clean

Don't leave space when you pack. Put socks in shoes. Clothes are less likely to rumple if you put shoes and other heavy items on the bottom. Wrap shoes in plastic to make sure the bottoms don't' touch clean clothing. Pack an extra plastic bag for bringing home dirty laundry.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/13/09 8:24 A

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think square

Square things are easier to pack than round things. Choose square-shaped toiletries. Put non-square things in square boxes, and totally fill the boxes. The boxes will pack better than the individual items. Pack square things next to each other, and stack them.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/10/09 10:01 A

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clothes for travel

Wardrobe planning is very important when you travel. Try to see that everything goes with everything. Plan your wardrobe around one or two colors so you can pack less. Black and white are generally good choices because they go with all other colors and are appropriate during the day and at night. Black is better in colder months, and white is better in the summer and in tropical climates. If you like, introduce a third color as an accent.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/9/09 8:58 A

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toiletries

Try to pack exactly the amount you're going to use of each disposable item. Trial sizes are of no value to you if they run out, leaving you to go out in search of shampoo, aspirin, etc. Your goal should be to pack just enough so that you will use up each disposable item on your last day away and make room in your suitcase for any new purchases.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/8/09 10:03 A

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on trial

Trial-sized products are great for travel, but don't keep packing and unpacking them. Leave your suitcase packed with products you use when you travel: a pint-sized shampoo, shaving cream, a razor, toothpaste, powder, hand cream, and so on. It's a good idea to keep these items in a plastic toiletry organizer so they pack compactly without spilling and can be carried all together to a hotel bathroom. Plastic see through toiletry organizers that fold up into small packages are especially efficient. The best ones fold open and can be hung on a hook in a bathroom.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/7/09 7:48 A

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Keep it packed

keep your suitcase packed with an adaptor for overseas travel, a travel alarm clock, a cosmetics bag, and a checklist for remembering your comb, toothbrush and other last-minute toiletries.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/2/09 8:54 A

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picture yourself

When making a list of what to buy or what to pack, imagine yourself on your trip. Visualize your travel. Picture yourself waking up. What will be the first thing you'll need? Before lunch? When you leave the hotel? What will you be wearing? Carrying? Seeing? If you take the time to do this, chances are you'll have everything you need-no more and no less-and that should be your goal.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
7/1/09 4:11 P

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When You're away

Make a list to keep on hand for people who look after your home when you're away. The list should include phone numbers for the plumber and electrician, the name and number of a person to call in an emergency, what to do in a variety of emergencies, the plant-watering or dog-feeding schedule, instructions for mail, and so on. Attach a separate page with last minute details and your current itinerary, including phone numbers where you can be reached.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
6/30/09 6:43 A

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before you go

Keep a list of things to do before traveling such as stopping the newspaper, putting the lights on timers, or asking someone to take care of your pet, water your plants, or take or stop the mail. If you always use the same luggage, keep the list in your luggage along with your list of things to pack. Otherwise, keep both lists in your "travel arrangements" file.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
6/29/09 8:53 A

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AAA

The Automobile Association of America has great maps for car travel, and they're free to members. They will also create a trip-Tik for you that lays out your trip on maps, but not unless you ask them to. Don't forget to take advantage of the clubs you belong to. If you belong to AAA, remember to ask at hotels if they give a discount to AAA members. keep a list of available discounts in your travel file. Take it out whenever you make travel arrangements.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
6/25/09 9:47 A

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travel arrangements

Keep a file labeled "travel arrangements." In the file, make note of car rental, hotel, and airline phone numbers, with notes about companies you particularly like or don't like and include special discount coupons you may want to use. Also keep a list of standing arrangements, questions to ask, and special requests you will want to make whenever you make travel arrangements. These things may include special diets on a plane or a certain seat, a note to remember to use your frequent flyer numbers when you make reservations or to ask for a double bed, no-smoking accommodations, or whether the hotel has a gym. List those things that always come up but that you sometimes forget.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
6/24/09 5:41 P

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maps

depending on the number of maps you have, categorize them first by region and hten put them in alphabetical order. Shoe boxes hold them nicely. Label the boxes clarely, and remember that maps often become dated after a few years. Decide if you even need to keep them at all. Do you know have GPS? access to maps you can print off the computer? Decide what maps you need to keep and toss the rest.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
6/23/09 11:59 A

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short lived information

Get all you can out of your guidebooks. Write in them; tear them up. They're rarely good for more than one or two years. If you're not going to use them again, ask the hotel clerk if they'd like to keep them for others to use. Leave local maps, too.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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LIVELOVELAUGH-
LIVELOVELAUGH-'s Photo Posts: 7,083
6/22/09 10:24 A

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read up

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, before you go to a new place, read about it. Know where you're going before you go so you won't have to waste time orienting yourself when you get there. Collect guidebooks, maps, and transportation information. If you have enough time, contact the chamber of commerce for each destination and request they send you materials. If you're going to many different destinations, create a file for each.

Changes are best made when we are aware of the need, recognize the process necessary, and focus on one-step-at-a-time.

Energy goes where attention flows.


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