How to plan and pack using a flowchart
How to plan and pack using a flowchart
Planning and packing for a trip can be time consuming - and even stressful. This might be the first time you've ever travelled. Or you might be travelling on your own. Or you might not have much time to prepare for the trip. Planepack can help!
Planepack flowchart
We all think and plan differently, so when my friend Natassja suggested I create a Planepack flowchart I thought, 'What a great idea!' Sadly I'm not an Excel gun like some of you might be, but I think I have the principle right! You too can draw upon your inner geek and sketch something along these lines:
The Planepack (draft) flowchart
Will it be warm?
Assuming you know where you'll be going, the first question to ask yourself is, 'Will it be warm or will it be cold?' Preparing and planning for a trip is all about choices - and eliminating the ones that don't apply. So let's assume you'll be going somewhere warm. The next choice will be deciding what's your wardrobe - maybe that would be your next flow chart . . .
How long will I stay?
Unless you're going on an open-ended nomadic style trip, you will limit your travel time. It could be that you're going away for a few days only, perhaps on a business trip. Or you're taking an annual holiday of a few weeks. Or you're going on a major exploration for Time magazine (I wish). Having a clear idea of the duration of your trip will focus your packing needs.
What must I take with me?
So you have an idea of the climate, you know how long you'll be travelling, the next thing to chart is what exactly you need to take with you. This is where you become ruthless with your clothes and your toiletries: only take the essentials. But because you've got such a clear idea of your trip requirements, by this stage your packing should be easy.
What will I do while away?
Your activities away will help you galvanise your thinking and packing. If you're going on a business trip, chances are that you'll be attending meetings, going to a conference, sitting in boardrooms. A holiday prompts other activities: going to the beach, shopping, walking, dining out, exploring. See how your planned activities influence your wardrobe?
The flowchart
Ok, so my attempt at a flowchart might not be the best, but it gives you an idea: if you sketch your travel plans and requirements - you'll immediately see what's in and what's not. I hope you find this visual planning helpful: let me know! Maybe together we can develop some real flowcharts (in Excel!)
About the author
Planepack featured in Canberra Weekly
I'm Slobodanka Graham, digital publisher, content entrepreneur and digital artist, but sadly not an Excel specialist. I'm more at home in the written world. So I appreciate Canberra Weekly running a story this week in their print magazine - some more Planepack tips and advice!
