Just Cruises Plus

We had a great response to our contest asking for your approach to preparing for your vacation. Three things immediately stood out. First, all of our responses were from females. Does this mean that men don’t plan and pack? Second, planning and preparations for most vacationers who responded began at least 2 weeks pre trip. Third, the responses that we liked the most involved computers to assist in planning and organizing.

Laverne T. uses a very comprehensive spread sheet. She listed the days of her trip across the top of the spread sheet and noted the dress code for each day. Clothes categories for day and evening were listed down the side of the spreadsheet. Each “cell” provides space for the actual item that will be packed.   Laverne also includes a checklist of her standard “other” items (such as toiletries, electronics, etc) at the bottom of the spreadsheet.

Barbara R. keeps a “vacation” list on her computer. The list is divided in two parts. The top part of the list is for things that are necessary for all vacations such as passports, medications, extra glasses, toiletries, etc. The bottom part of the list gives the particular clothing. Of course, the bottom list changes for each vacation.

About three weeks before her trip, she pulls up her list and takes it shopping and buys any needed items. She finds that her list stops her from over packing which is very important in these days of hefty baggage fees.

Ellie S. starts her list 2 weeks before the vacation. She also uses the spreadsheet method but the columns of her spreadsheet are named “Casual”, “Smart” and “Formal”, “Jewelry” and “Shoes” and the sides are named “Dinner ware”, “Daywear”, “Swimwear” and “Gymwear” (WOW!).  Within each cell, she is very specific. For example, where “Casual” and “Daywear” meet, she lists “Under Armour Pants”.

She actually begins the packing process 5 days before the vacation. She wears heavier items when going to the ship to make her bags lighter.

These three methods, while different, have the same goal, making sure you have everything you need while eliminating unneeded items. No more taking things “in case” you might need them.

When reviewing all of the response, we found the following lists or spreadsheets to be helpful:

-Spreadsheet for planning what to wear each day/night (outfits, associated jewelry, shoes, handbags, belts, etc) and other day-specific needs

-Detailed list of what to pack (clothes plus toiletries, medications, etc)

-To do list for all that needs to be done prior to the trip

Miscellaneous Notes and Pointers:

We received several pointers, some were “lessons learned” from folks who where “burned” by not following their own advice. Here are some worth mentioning:

-Line up all of your luggage, both checked and hand carry, in one spot of the house, preferably close to the door. When packing the car/transport, have one person go back at the end to make sure there are none left at the door. (seems obvious, but….)

-Keep all documents in one place within your hand-carry luggage, but each type into separate labeled envelopes – it makes them easier to locate:

-air eticket/boarding pass
-cruise boarding pass
-travel protection insurance
-hotel confirmation
-train tickets/passes
-other confirmations

– If you take prescription medications, check to see when your current supply will run out. If you expect to run out while away, you may need to pre-arrange with your insurance company to refill your prescription early without being penalized.

– Once you create a list in preparation for your trip, update that list with what you actually end up using on your trip this can serve as a good baseline for your next trip and may help you avoid overpacking.

– Add items/thoughts to your list as soon as you think of them. Then check the item off once you’ve addressed it. For items that need to get packed, you may want to add another check to show that it was ultimately packed.

Congratulations to Barbara Rubenstein of Bensalem, PA, who is the winner of the $50 gift card.  Her name was randomly selected from all who submitted their suggestions.