Planning Your Life On-The-Go
Planning Your Life On-The-Go
I was not born knowing how to plan and keep my life organized. I learned this process by experimenting with different set-ups and invariably succumbing to consumerism. Being able to design a life on the go requires some planning. Not a lot. But some. First, how long will you be on the go?
Are you taking short business trips, able to use your home as a landing space? Will you be taking 1-2 month-long trips away from your home state or country? Are you just planning the "on the go" to mean time away from the family and the house while you are at work?
Assess your needs. Then create a plan. And work on it every single day. The household must keep running while you are away. What information will a stranger need to help your household continue running smoothly? Gardner? Handyman? Pool guy? Seasonal charity? Cleaning? Pets? Inventory of things and life are probably the most valuable items one can have, away from the home. One of the most frustrating things I experienced was being in a foreign country and unable to determine how much damage was incurred to my flat, back home, from flooding.
Here is how I have set up my On-The-Go planners for my needs.
Business travel 2-3 times per month average stay 4 nights 5 days Mode of transport: Airplane and car
1. A5 Gilliodoro Amica planner which contains my client list, schedule, and project management.2. Medium (Personal) Gilliodoro Navy with DIY Fish inserts to track personal goals, development, and well-being, including gratitude journal, vitamin tracker, and exercise log.3. Filofax Piccadilly Red Slimine for my wallet which has Daytimer soft silicone credit card inserts to hold practically every credit card, loyalty card, gift card or any other unnerving card that has a tendency to float around my office. They are all contained there. And when I do find myself shopping while away, I can always have my gift cards at the ready. I do a little happy dance when I use one up and can get rid of it. Making space in my wallet means making space for money to find its way to me. 4. Laptop (depending on the workload) or iPad Mini, a tripod stand, and a Bluetooth keyboard with access to a full version of Word to keep my editing on track.
At the airport, I merely have to have my slimline with me to show ID or use a debit card for miscellaneous purchases. None of these babies get checked in. EVER. The only things I am willing to check in are things that I would be ok losing. That is, I can always replace clothes, make-up, shoes, etc. But I would be lost without my planners and my trip would probably come to a standstill without proper ID to check into hotels, money, and cards for car rentals. These items are always on me-usually in my handbag.
I travel with (read: carry on) a vintage Louis Vuitton Randonee Grand Model (GM). This has been a staple for me in the last 5 years and no matter how many other bags I try, nothing else comes close to the simple, practical clean lines. It goes with everything and holds the whole lot! One suitcase: A Rimowa Cabin International (black) which can be checked in or carried on. I will do a separate post on what I take and how I pack.
Keep in mind this is only for 5 days’ travel. However, the minute I leave the house (and my office) all my clients want to reach me. So I make sure I carry the essentials with me to remind myself of conversations I have had with my clients. Having a personal assistant (thank you, Joanne) also helps tremendously.
International TravelAverage Stay: 1-2 monthsMode of transport: Airplane, train, car
When my husband and I travel we like to take our time and see our friends. We are lucky enough to have access to free plane tickets around the world and as such have to have a VERY flexible schedule. This means traveling light and being able to manage the home while we are away.
1. Traveler's style leather notebook with important client details transferred over to include the past month only. A special pocket holds my passport 2. iPad Mini with tripod stand and Bluetooth keyboard.3. Filofax Piccadilly Red Slimine for my wallet
We have annoyingly cheesy, matching Gregory Rucksacks and we only take about a week's worth of clothing with us, because we usually get our laundry done on the go and can always buy more as we go. On trips where we are going to stay put in 1-2 places for the whole time, we pack regular suitcases and have now gotten into the habit of posting them via UPS ahead of our travel, so our belongings can meet us at the hotel. No losses, no damaged suitcases and we can always ship what we want home.
Staying connected is important but even more important is having a system to make sure things are running the way they always do. Finding reliable and trustworthy housesitters is probably one of the best choices you can make for yourself on long trips away. Providing your housesitters with a manual on how to run your home is priceless. Currently, I am using a Filofax A5 Red Finchley. It seems to be working fine and holds up to the daily wear.
I am a big fan of enjoying life. Being a connoisseur of life, such that travel is actually enjoyed and when I get home from my travels and I don't need a week to recover because I have been resting enough while I have been away. Although we do travel with alarm clocks, we only use them to make sure we are on time for the often early airport roll calls. Other than that, the alarm clocks stay tucked away and we do what we like. If we feel like we want to stay in and sleep, we will. That is a tremendously freeing experience. Our mantra has been: Travel light and often. Eat well while on the road, sleep in dark, cool and quiet rooms and stay hydrated.
We hope to spend Christmas with my Godmother in Germany this year. Traveler's notebook is ready to go!