It could be because of her grandfather’s stories or growing up on a farm in a small Canadian prairie town and wanting to see the world beyond her horizons that travel became a fascination at a young age for Vancouver-based Elinor Warkentin. Her recent globetrotting has included visits to Sweden, Denmark and Iceland. She’s a trustee of Women Welcome Women World Wide, a women’s travel friendship organization with over 2500 members in 80 countries. When she’s not travelling, Elinor is a Professional Organizer through her business Goodbye Clutter!
1) What tips do you have for how to get organized before a trip?
Create a packing list. I have a master travel packing chart that covers about 6 different kinds of trips, such as trips to family in Canada, Europe for meetings, professional organizing conferences, etc. Each trip gets a column and each item a line, so that I can check off the things I will need. Also, keep a folder called “My Next Trip” on your desk and file necessary papers as they are created, such as your itinerary, key contact info, etc. Book time in your calendar to start packing about 2-3 days before your trip.
2) How can travellers stay organized on the road?
Create a small list of emergency numbers. Laminate the card and keep it with your flight and hotel information. Put a copy in your wallet or purse, and one at home with your emergency contact person. Pack less. You will have less to keep track of and less to cart around.
3) What packing tips do you have?
Pick a colour so that your clothes can be easily mixed and matched. Pack clothes you no longer want that you can leave behind. Don’t be afraid to hand launder your clothes. Take lightweight, wrinkle-free clothes. Unpack when you get to your destination if you are staying any more than one day. Keeping things in your suitcase usually leads to a mess of items that you end up forgetting you brought or aren’t able to find easily.
4) How do you keep travel costs down?
I love exploring grocery stores in other countries and trying their foods. It’s easy and fun to have picnics with a few deli items. Mix low-cost groceries with fresh, take-out sandwiches, and then enjoy the occasional restaurant. Eat where the locals eat. Don’t forget to check your cell phone plan for roaming and long distance charges. Look into their travel plans. Google “free things to do” and your destination.
5) What are some of your favorite travel websites or resources?
For flights, I prefer using a travel agent but I am finding Twitter to be my most valuable resource for countries I want to visit. Twitter introduced me to several Icelandic bloggers from whom I learned many things before my trip. I also ask members of Women Welcome Women for information when I am preparing to travel to a country that has members there.
6) What travel gadgets do you always pack?
My current favorite one has to be my iPhone with maps, contact info, email apps and Google. I also like my ear plugs and those cloths that are compressed to the size of a mint, but expand in water and become an instant face cloth.
Elinor’s Websites:
www.goodbyeclutter.ca
www.twitter.com/GoodbyeClutter
www.womenwelcomewomen.org.uk/trustees.asp
Are you a globetrotter who’d like to share your travel tips with our blog and e-newsletter readers?
If so, I’d love to hear from you!
Please email me at info@travelsmarts.ca.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
