To make sure your summer travel plans go as smoothly as possible, start with Step #1: know when everyone’s available. I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s perhaps the most challenging part of the planning. Get this information as early as possible, and find out if there’s any wiggle room with the dates, just in case there are folks who are not available when everyone else is. Sites like Doodle.com can help you coordinate this task. Once you know when everyone is available, you can decide on the dates. Step #2: After you figured out WHEN you’ll go, it’s time to decide who’ll do what. Who will be in charge of making the flight and hotel reservations? Who’ll be making their own arrangements? If you’re driving to your destination, who will rent a car or drive their own? Who’s bringing snacks and drinks? Step #3: The Trip Expenses. Whenever you’re traveling in a group, it’s important to discuss the upcoming expenses, what will be paid before travel, and how the payment will be collected. Step #4: Decide what to bring with you. Make a list of what you Need for everyday, and in case of emergency. Some ideas are: First aid kit, GPS or paper map, paper money and coins for toll roads and cash-only places, cell phones and chargers, sun screen, books and magazines. Travel safely this summer, US Storage Centers
