Become A Master of Planning

So, exciting news, I'm going to England in 20 Days!!!!! So in preparing for my trip I thought I would bring everyone into the secret of having a stress free vacation, ready? The secret is lists. If your like reaction is ugh, then I'm sorry but have fun panicking 3 days before you leave. Ok, So I'm a huge dork when it comes to all things office supplies and organization. And I understand that everyone has a system but if you want a different perspective on how to travel then I might just have the answer.

Here are 7 Steps I go through before I leave: Click here for free printable plan!

Step 1: So you have decided where you're going to go (if you haven't, then that's Step 1) but I think it's super important to ask yourself this. "Am I going to be adventurous, relaxed, or both?" Whatever your answer is, then plan around the idea of that. So I'm going to see Amanda and Neil and I know that their going to take off to spend time with me, but do we want to treat ourselves or do we want to see new things? We decided we wanted to both, so our weekends are packed with adventure (and to be honest, being a tourist) and during the week, we are relaxing with tea, movies and arts & crafts.

Step 2: Now that we have a rough itinerary, let's build an actual itinerary. Like I said, everyone goes about their planning differently but I need to physically write things down for peace of mind. Neil likes to make spreadsheets. To each their own but here was my process. I grabbed a legal pad and made rough notes and where I wanted to go and see and then the three of us talked about everything and came out with our plan. Since I'm a dork, I made sheets and filled them out so everything would look nice and orderly.

Step 3. Now, let's make sure we can actually do all the things we want to within a budget that works for all of us. (also if you don't have a budget than your crazy and you should make a budget.)

Step 4. Create a list of things to do before you leave. I did 30 days but whatever amount of time works for you.

Step 5.Create a packing list.

Step 6. Create a week before list. That way if you have things you need from your packing list then you can get it the week before.

Step 7. Create a day of list. So you can actually fall asleep the night before you leave!

1 more piece of advice, use a pencil with a good eraser. Have fun planning your vacation or trip and I pray peace over you!