Real Solutions For Living...Top 5 Vacation Organizing Tips

We yearn for it all year long. We work hard to pay for it all year long. It's finally time for vacation! Here are 5 solid tricks to make this year's vacation truly relaxing for you.

1. Make a list of everything that needs to be packed. Categories should include, but are not limited to: undergarments, outfits, special occasion clothes, sox/hosiery, shoes, hats, outer garments, accessories, toiletries, medicines, sports (or other vacation specific) equipment, camera/film/batteries, sunblock, snacks/toys for children in transit, traveler's checks, passports, and so on.

Whether you despise making lists or not, you need to have one whenever you prepare to travel. Keep it from being a nuisance by creating one master list you can refer to time and again.

2. Make a second list of everything that must be completed before you leave home. Categories should include: stopping the mail, setting lights on timer, checking all the locks, arranging for pets at the kennel, packing, leaving contact information with a neighbor in case of emergency, taking care of the bills, and so on.

Also, you may want to watch your grocery buying and eating habits the week before you leave. You want to come home to a clean smelling fridge! Have something on hand for breakfast that first morning back that doesn't require milk in case you don't have a chance to pick some up on the way home. Have frozen juice available for that first morning back as well.

3. Find out as much as you can about where you are going. You will need to take the following type of factors into consideration while planning and packing: weather conditions at that time of year, currency exchange information, passport needed (Canada, Bahamas, Carribean, and Mexico are being added to the list), items you may need to bring if renting or house swapping, evening dress code, special equipment (sporting/hunting/fishing trip), and so on.

4. To have a truly relaxing vacation, plan your activities in advance. I'm not suggesting you leave no room for spontaneity or book yourself solid. I am, however, suggesting that you think ahead as to what places you'd like to tour, activities you'd like to pursue, and experiences you would like to share. With these considerations in mind, you can take a look at the length of time you will be at your destination and determine what would be realistic to take on.

What will fit in your budget? Is there something for everyone so you all go home happy? Give thought to the possibility that the weather may shake up your plans and therefore be prepared for that with Plan B. After planning things to see and do, wait a few days and go over it again. This time ask yourself if it a) takes everyone's wishes into account, b) fits your budget, and c) leaves room for the inevitably unexpected.

5. You've finally arrived in paradise and it's time for some fun. One key ingredient at this point to having a relaxing and successful vacation: be flexible! If a wonderful opportunity presents itself then go for it! Remember too to expect that not everything will go according to plan. Expect the unexpected. This will make it a lot easier for you to go with the flow, so to speak.

Once you have arrived remember to pace yourself. If you have done your homework, you will not be as anxious to head out the door and start sightseeing and doing everything all at once, trying to cram it all in. Rather, you have a good idea of what is possible to do that first day or evening.

Vacations are meant to be enjoyed. A well-planned vacation is the kind you can definitely find relaxing. Organize your packing, organize what must be done before you leave, think about any special considerations involved with your type of vacation (skiing, safari hunt, cruise) or destination (over the border, overseas), and have a realistic game plan of what can be done once you are there. Remember to relax and be flexible. Keep the lists you create to help you prepare for future vacations. Bon Voyage!