I live in New Zealand and my family and many friends live in the United States. For the past 5 years I have made a yearly trip back to see everyone. Here are some tips we have learned (sometimes the hard way) to make the trip much more of a success. You don’t have to go overseas, however, to make use of them!


1a. Priority of planning on it’s own.
Many times we leave the planning to last minute and question why our outcomes are not so good. I personally plan 90 days in advance for our overseas trip and this does not include airfare reservations that are done 6 months in advance.

1b. Know your trip priorities.
This is really #1, but cannot happen without the time commitment of #1. What is this trip about? What outcomes do you want to accomplish? List these priorities. Each decision that comes up needs to be made against the top 3- 5 priorities of the trip. For me, I see my family priorities as grandchildren, parents, and then siblings. We also have business issues of taxes; property to deal with and they come before siblings and friends.

2. Pre-trip self-care.
Taking care of yourself to the best of your abilities is important for good outcome on arrival. Drink 8 glasses of water each day; avoid stimulants like caffeine and alcohol at least 3 weeks prior to departure.

3. Keep a visible to do list for yourself.
As you go about your week, keep a list in a space that you see all the time. As things pop into your head that you want to do for this trip or on this trip.

4. Make appointments ahead of time.
One way I deal with this is to make my “have to” business arrangements early in our trip (taxes, banking, and other must do issues) and that leaves me free to spend time with my family and friends.

5. Make appointments with family and friends based on your priorities.
I actually email or call friends and family and have scheduled quality time. This means that some people must take time off work, etc. but can happen with advance planning. I sometimes ask friends/family to have an event (picnic, party, cook-out) to get lots of us together to cut down on travel.

6. Set up a trip space or open suitcase.
Packing for a big trip takes layers of planning. Having a space in a spare room or open suitcase can allow you to drop things in. Things like gifts, books to read, special clothing or gear, camera and film. You can easily sort thru and discard any unneeded items a day-two before departure

7. Set up a trip file.
This can be a shoe box or basket where you put trips itinerary, passports, maps, names and address of contacts, prescriptions and any other small items that you will need to have.

8. Pre-plan but don’t over plan.
Remember your priorities and do not try to do too much. Remember travel times to and from when “planning”. Don’t forget to leave time for spontaneity. Make it quality not quantity!

9. Consider jet lag, and general overall health.
Travel in the best of times can be stressful. Add to that jet lag, less than perfect travel experiences and any health issues, chronic or acute, and your first 1-2 days could be a disaster if over done. Be gentle with yourself and allow for adequate rest. You will be glad you did.

10. While you are away tasks.
These are numerous and need to be considered early on. To name a few, care of animals, mail pick-up, emergency numbers and to designated people as well as emails. Set up on-line banking account to allow for bill payment and money transfer while you are away.

Remember to enjoy yourself!! You can only spend your time once!!


Jennifer Wright is a Mid-Life Coach for Women. She works internationally by telephone and enjoys her own mid-life adventure these days in New Zealand. Visit her at her website for more articles, free e-course and monthly newsletter.

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