Travel Planning

Plan your work and work your plan...

That is a LOT of use of the word "work" when we are supposed to be discussing travel and relaxation. Unfortunately, without a good bit of trip planning and organization, travel will tend to be more stressful than it should be so let's avoid that when possible.

There are tens of thousands of web sites that will help you plan your vacation activities once you get to where you are going. Destination clues right down to advice about local parks and pubs, and the location of the best restaurant are quite handy to have at your fingertips - thanks to the internet.

But what about all the things to think about while trip planning - early stages?
Who is going to help you with that?

Let's use the principles of good old project management - of which I actually do have professional training, and apply it to getting ready for your next vacation - the important part - the planning.

We already discussed some of the important things to consider when first considering a vacation on the Have a plan web page. We've also had opportunity to take the Vacation Personality quiz. Now the focus is on things you will want to consider in advance so that by the time you are ready to leave on your vacation, or on any trip really, stress will be reduced or eliminated.

First, make a list.

A lot of people laugh at those of us who make lists. I could care less if they laugh. I'll be laughing when they land somewhere in Europe for a two-week vacation and realize they forgot something important! A list can qualify as a list as long as it has one item. We're starting here with luggage. Having the right luggage combo for your upcoming travel will make your trip easier from start to finish.

Time to pack your bags - oh wait, I don't have any decent luggage!

Has this ever happened to you? Quite often, thoughts of luggage do not get into trip planning until it is too late to do something about it. There is then a mad rush to the local mall to grab whatever is available and will suit the (now) emergency purchase. Don't shop like that when you don't have to. By purchasing luggage on YOUR time schedule before the rush of other travel activity begins to take over, you will have a better chance of getting a great deal on the exact type of luggage you desire.

It is also unfortunate that since luggage can be an expensive part of travel, more people don't make the luggage purchase when they are NOT making travel plans - especially vacation plans - at the same time. In light of the current economy, I imagine a lot of people are either scaling back on holiday travel plans already - if not eliminating them altogether so...

Why not treat yourself to some new luggage?

...whether you are traveling this year or not? You probably deserve it! If you aren't vacationing with a purpose this year...what about all that business travel? No travel in your current job? How about for that new job you'll be seeking in 2010? There is never a wrong time to think about some new luggage. Online vendors such as Magellan's and Luggage Online can provide you with hundreds of choices, in a variety of colors and get it to you promptly - sometimes with FREE shipping!

---

Luggage
Duffels and Shuffles...

Do you have any? Do you have enough?

Everyone has their own style regarding how they like to carry their belongings...what type of luggage, what color, and how much luggage they need.

No matter what your own personal style and preference, online merchants have it covered. From leather backpacks, duffel bags and carry-ons, to 3-piece coordinated ensembles...remove some stress from travel planning by making sure you have the perfect luggage.

That being said...I LOVE this leather backpack!

Magellan Leather Backpack
This handsome rugged backpack has lightweight yet sturdy construction and superb organization - all at an attractive price. It features a roomy main compartment, pockets for cell phone, PDA and iPod®, plus a padded compartment for a laptop or anything else. Made of rich, dark brown Colombian leather that gets better with age, it features padded shoulder straps, a sturdy grab handle and antique brass hardware. (17 x 13 x 6½"; 2lb, 14 oz)

---

Magellan 25" rolling duffel

Ultra-lightweight Hovercraft Rolling Duffels hold it ALL and are easy on your back. The spacious main compartment of this durable duffel opens wide like a book for easy packing and has compression straps to secure contents. A zippered laundry pocket separates dirty clothes from clean. Oversized off-road wheels, a rugged foot plate, and sturdy, soft-touch telescoping handle make it easy to maneuver even the heaviest gear, and top, center and bottom handles let you "grab and go" from every angle. Constructed of Cordura nylon blend fabric. By Eagle Creek. Available in Black, Crush, or Pacific Blue. (25 x 15 x 10-1/2"; 7 lb)

---

Magellan Small Carry-on
Pack light and move fast with the ORV Gear Bag. This versatile bag is lightweight and practical, but doesn't skimp on features. Internal dividers organize your gear and an interior spill- and stain-resistant pocket is ideal for toiletries. The padded back, bottom and sides protect contents and provide structure; a fleece-lined exterior pocket keeps eyeglasses or portable electronics safe; and a large horseshoe zippered opening on the main compartment makes for easy packing. Three carrying methods - hideaway backpack straps, end and center grab handles, and a detachable shoulder strap - give you plenty of options when you're off the beaten path. Made of Helix™ and ballistic nylon. By Eagle Creek. (26 x 10 x 13"; 3300 cu. in. capacity; 3 lb)

More great products from Magellan's

---

---

Special Values from Luggage Online

Luggage Online carries top brand names in luggage, briefcases, computer cases, travel accessories and business accessories. Our customer service is second to none - with all orders shipping within 48 hours, and FREE SHIPPING on orders over $99!

Below are some of Luggage Online's current specials by Piel Brand and one of my personal favorites in high quality, affordable backpacks, duffles, computer bags and luggage.

---

Luggage Locks

Unless you want to waste time in line and also annoy other travelers, you will be aware of the new regulations regarding locked luggage.

If you secure your luggage without using these new TSA-approved locks - which can be opened by travel security agents, they will simply cut your lock from your luggage.

These new locks can be opened by security agents using a universal key - allowing them to check your luggage and you to retain the lock intact. You can order the locks shown from Magellan's

---

New SearchAlert Combo Locks let you know instantly if your luggage has been inspected - by anyone!.

These handy three-dial resettable combo locks may be opened by airport security (using secured tools) to inspect your bags, and re-locked for their onward journey.

The unique Security Window on these locks changes color from green to red if the locks have been opened out of your presence by the TSA (or anyone else!).

Order here...

More travel shopping ideas for you here.

Loading

Next up on our list...making sure you leave your home secure while you are traveling the world and the neighborhood...And making sure YOU stay safe while traveling...

Travel Planning Tip for the Day...
Mail - Put it on hold here.

Can it be more simple?

---