My Top Tips for Travel and Camping Organization
Traveling is one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. New adventures and opportunities for learning, expanding on a cultural level, and so much more. Traveling helps you learn more about yourself and learn beyond your surroundings. As the writer and poet Hans Christian Andersen said: “To travel is to live”.
If you’re looking to travel more and explore this world full of wonder, here are my tops tips for travel and camping organization to make your experience as easy and enjoyable as possible:
The most important thing when starting a trip is to plan it, visualize it, and then make it happen.
Here are some travel tips for the planning stages:
1. Decide on the type of trip
Do you prefer going to the beach, to a mountain, to a beautiful town, or prefer a big city? Your travel organization will really depend on the type of trip you’re going on.
2. Confirm your essential details
Once you know your destination, confirm the essential details like budget and travel time. Also decide if you’re going alone, with friends, as a couple, or with the kids! All these will impact your travel plans.
3. Do research about the destination
Find out as much as you can about where you are going: it’s currency, the weather, must-dos, language, and whether you need a visa to visit or other documents. Even though travel is slowly starting to open up, make sure you understand your destination’s COVID-19 requirements for vaccinations, testing, quarantine, and social distancing. Some areas have more restrictions than others and you don’t want an unexpected quarantine to ruin your trip!
4. Build a budget you can stick to
Check the costs of your trip and decide on a budget that will fit your needs. The three main items you’ll want to consider are food, accommodations, and transportation. But don’t forget to also consider attraction prices, tours, souvenirs/shopping, drinks, and rental equipment. It’s always good to include an emergency or miscellaneous category for unexpected situations that might come up.
5. Pack your luggage carefully
A good quality luggage set is such a game changer. Carry light, practical, and versatile luggage that works for multiple types of trips. To save space, bring travel sized toiletries and be selective with your clothing options. Only bring outfits, shoes, accessories, and outerwear you know you’ll wear and take pieces that can be swamped up for multiple outfits. Also, check the weather before you go! If it might rain, bring an umbrella and a light jacket just in case.
6. Get trip insurance
This is something lots of people overlook, but it’s essential to keep you and your family safe. It’s better to be protected for an emergency even though it’s unlikely something will happen. It will bring you peace of mind and make travel more comfortable. NOTE: I would highly recommend COVID insurance in case you contract COVID-19 while on your holiday.
There are so many options when it comes to travel depending on the experience you want to have, from luxury and relaxing to connecting with nature, there’s something for everyone. Keep in mind, not all trips have to include flying to an expensive resort at a 5-star hotel. Camping is a great, affordable option that works for couples and families. Campaign can be an incredible and unforgettable adventure too!
Let's go camping! Here’s how you can organize a simple camping getaway:
1. Destination and details are the most important
Just like my tips for travel planning, the destination and details should always be the first thing to consider even when it comes to camping. Read my blog on the top 5 tips of getting organized for camping.
2. Check the weather!
Because camping usually involves the outdoors, checking the weather is so important. Whether it’s cold, warm, or rainy will make a big difference in what you bring for the trip. Keep an eye on the forecast and prepare yourself for any type of weather.
3. Define your budget
The budgets for camping can vary! You could do a low-cast trip with simple tents, no electrical hook up, and only essential washroom facilities or if you want to spend a bit more, there are higher end “glamping” locations with heating, showers, and even private bathrooms. Decide what camping suits you and your family best.
4. Check the restrictions and amenities of your campsite
Some campgrounds have restrictions on pets, open fires, and noise. Double check what you can bring to your campsite so it’s a smooth check-in process.
5. Choose a quality tent
If you’re tent campaign, it’s crucial to get a safe, comfortable, and weather resistant tent. Check the size of your tent to make sure it will fit the amount of people you require. Another thing to check is if it’s water resistant and insulated. Trust me it will make a difference. Lastly, don’t forget tools to help you assemble your tent when you arrive to your campsite!
6. Pack personal hygiene items
When camping, bring your own personal hygiene items to keep your space sanitary and comfortable. Make sure to pack things like soap, insect repellent, and sunscreen! Anything you might need for the outdoors.
7. Bring comfortable and versatile clothing
Pack comfortable, stretchy/flexible clothes so you can be comfortable in any weather and move easily. I always bring a pair of water resistant shoes I don’t mind getting dirty because it can often be muddy in the outdoors even if it’s not raining. I’d also recommend bringing a sweatshirt, rain coat, boots, and some extra underwear. Be prepared for anything!
8. Pack easy to prep and accessible food
Food is very important when camping. It’s important to plan ahead based on where and how you are camping, what equipment you’ll have access to, and which grocery stores are nearby. Even if there’s a grocery store near by, I like to pack basic items and snacks that can be easily eaten. Simple breakfasts you don’t need to heat up are always a great idea. If you’re arriving late, spend the daylight getting your tent set up instead of scrounging for food. I suggest keeping non-perishable food and jugs of water nearby to make it easy for your family. If you’d like to have a hot meal, take a portable stove, propane, pots/pans or a BBQ so you can cook.
9. Safety first!
Don’t forget to take pack a first aid kit. Being prepared for any situation will make everything easier. Include things like bandages, disinfectant, antibiotic ointment, regular medications, medications for upset stomachs (Tums, Pepto Bismol, Imodium etc.). Keep track of any allergies and be sure to bring any personal medications and a copy of your health documents.
Now you’re ready to escape and enjoy your trip away! Don’t forget to capture your favourite moments with your camera. I’d love to hear where you’re heading to over on Instagram.
Melanie McConnell is a Professional Organizer and the owner of Mello Spaces. She helps busy professionals and parents get the organized home of their dreams. Check out her website www.mellospaces.com and follow her on Instagram: @mellospaces
Florena Davies is a Professional Organizer and Owner of Organize by Flo. She uses her experience as a wife and mother of 2 to create real life organizational systems and changes for work and home that allow our 2 worlds to co-exist and 'Flo" together. Check out her website at https://www.organizebyflo.com/ and on instagram @organizebyflo.
Marybeth Welty helps women create calm and healthy homes and lives. With over 12 years of experience in organizing, interior design, sustainable building, and mindful living, Marybeth is passionate about improving your mental health, your work, your relationships, and supporting the life of your dreams by starting with where you live, your home. You can book a free meeting with her at https://sustainablelifestylesolutions.com/20-min-free and connect with her on Instagram at @this_sustainable_lifestyle.