Blog: Making the most of your Time
Saving Time When You Travel

• Check the weather report for your destination. Having climate appropriate clothing will keep you comfortable.
• Create a list of what you'll need (include items of comfort for small children such as a special blanket or toy).
• Call ahead to confirm the reservations you've made (airline, rental car, hotel, etc.).
• Check with the Transportation Security Administration www.tsa.gov/index.shtm for the latest guidelines. They have travel information related to air travel, highways, maritime, mass transit and railroads.
• Keep emergency contact information on hand (phone numbers, insurance cards & extra cash). Never assume everything will go perfectly when traveling. Be prepared for delays or inconveniences.
• Print and keep all travel itineraries, tickets, passes, etc. in one location.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary and emergency contact information with a relative or friend that is not traveling with you.
• Use water tight containers such as Ziploc bags for items that can spill (shampoo, lotion, etc.).

• Renting an international cell phone. Talk to you current cell phone provider to see if your own phone gets coverage to the country you're traveling to. If not, can you rent one from them?  Another option is www.cellularabroad.com for cell phone rentals.
• Check with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/travel if you are traveling to a foreign country and may need vaccines before you go.

I hope these tips help you travel effectively and efficiently this holiday season.

posted on: 12/12/2007 9:30:00 AM by Brita Bolane
category: Time Management

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Making the most of your Time

by Brita Bolane

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About Brita:

Brita Bolane is the President of pare it down, inc. a professional organizing service in the San Diego area. Brita helps people streamline their lives through residential organization and time management consultation. Brita's first introduction to time management was when she attended college on a full atheltic scholarship (volleyball). She went on to play professionally on the beach and in Italy. Today, Brita is a business owner, wife and mother and understands the challenges of keeping a busy schedule and an organized life.

Brita's Website:

www.pareitdown.com

Time Savers

• evite
  If you don't have time to get traditional invitations out in the mail, this is a great resource for quick internet invitations. They also have information and suggestions on entertaining.
• shutterfly
  Digital, it's the way to go. Sites like shutterfly help you organize and arrange photos without having to print them first. They offer free, unlimited photo storage and if you do want to print pictures, you can print them to your local Target store. In addition, you can create wonderful gifts for family and friends in a reasonable amount of time.
• Sunday
  Sunday is a virtual assistant service. Depending on how busy your life is, this could be a useful service and a real time saver. I love the concept but have not tried it yet.

Resources for Life

• Martha Stewart
  I am a long time fan of Martha Stewart. Her website, magazines and TV program offer so many different and fun ideas. It's inspirational on many levels.

Tasty Treats

• TasteSpotting
  Interesting site that people can post food ideas and blogs, recipes or places to buy the best tasting treats. The pictures are mouth watering!

Technology to love

• oovoo
  I'm a big fan of face to face or internet to internet phone calls. Our family does this and it's amazing how much more you get out of the call when you see the person you're talking to. oovoo is a free service you can download to your computer that let's you have video converstations.
• skype
  skype is an internet based phone service that let's you call computer to computer for free! Who doesn't love to talk for free?!

Books I Love

• The Success Principles
  Jack Canfield is the cocreator of the Chicken Soup for Soul series. This is his book on how to achieve your goals in an effective and measurable way. I really like this book
• Getting Things Done The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
  Author David Allen provides a great approach to managing all your to do lists and how to focus on the most important tasks each day.
• The 4-Hour Workweek
  Timothy Ferris writes a revolutionary book and makes you rethink how you use your time.

BusyBody Grid Pad

The Calendar Planner

Administrative Basics

The Stress Invasion

Single Mom Pack

1-2-3...Get Organized Spiral Mini-Book Series

Organization Assessments

Macro Time Management