Part 4: How I Organize Everything in Notion
This is the last post in the series on how I prepare for a trip. We've covered the packing list, personal safety, and photography gear.
Here I'll show exactly how I keep information organized using Notion. The goal is to have everything in one app on my phone, accessible even offline.
I create a central page for the trip (e.g. "Indonesia") and put the information into sub-pages. This is my system:
1. Tickets
- I add the PDFs for all flights, trains, and buses.
- I upload screenshots of booking codes so they open instantly without internet.
2. Personal Details (for bookings)
When I'm traveling with others, I keep a list with:
- Full names.
- Dates of birth.
- Passport numbers.
It saves me from digging through messages when I need to quickly book flights, trains, or other tickets for everyone.
3. Packing List
I use a checklist with checkboxes. I tick something off only when it's actually in the bag, and I avoid second-guessing whether I forgot something.
4. Pre-Departure To-Do List
Things that need to happen before the flight:
- Visa applications (e-Visa).
- Research for demanding routes (hiking).
- Shopping for the medical kit.
5. The Detailed Schedule
I build a table so I know where I'm sleeping each night and how I'm getting there.
| DATE / DAY | ROUTE | ACCOMMODATION / BASE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16/11 | Denpasar → Sanur | Suka Homestay | Evening arrival, sleep early to leave first thing in the morning. |
| 17/11 | Sanur → Munduk | Dangin Mangkalan Homestay | Driver booked for 8 hours. |
| 18/11 | Munduk | Dangin Mangkalan Homestay | Waterfalls by motorbike. |
| 19/11 | Munduk → Sidemen | Jana's Homestay | Morning stop at Ulun Danu temple. |
6. Raw Notes for Each Destination
A page where I dump loose information gathered during pre-trip research.
- Accommodation options: e.g. Puri Taman Sari (looks quiet), Santra Putra Homestay (+62 813 37854799, spoke with Komang).
- Small tips: e.g. Stay outside Ubud's center for peace and quiet.
7. Contacts
I save names and phone numbers in Notion (local drivers, agencies, people who hosted me). That way, if a friend visits the same places later, I can send them my contacts with a single copy-paste.
Notion is available for free here. Set it up however works for you — it genuinely puts order into the chaos.
Evangelos
