by Kimberly Hill, CPP | Bliss® | Mouse Tales® Travel

A pile of receipts. An accordion file folder. A calculator. iCal. Mileage book. Sound familiar?

No, it’s not tax time, it’s time to invoice my commercial client for this month’s expenses. You see, I’m in the midst of a long-term project photographing hotels and each month while I total up my expenses and prepare my invoice, I also reflect on how I can make the next month even easier. It’s been 5 months since this project began and things are humming along rather smoothly – here are some of my favorite tips for being the traveling photographer:

• Create an office-in-a-box: In that box I store notepads, a calculator, envelopes, pens, my beloved Sharpie, a stapler and staple remover, extra business cards, DVD’s, etc. It’s also where my client information binder and accordion file folder are stored.
• Designate one place for records: For me, the accordion file folder is my lifeline. Each hotel stop has its own pocket where I have the confirmation information, directions, backup DVD’s, receipts, notes from the hotel, etc. When it comes time to complete my invoices, it’s all right there.
• Keep in touch with your loved ones at home: As I travel I collect fun cards, interesting postcards, little gifts, and other tidbits. These are stored in my office-in-a-box as well, along with a book of stamps. Throughout the trip I send cards home to my daughter, husband, and grown sons. Occasionally I do a little shopping (Amazon.com, how I love thee) because my daughter ADORES getting mail and hey, presents are even better!
• Run, don’t walk, to purchase this Personal Organizer from L.L.Bean for your toiletries. Since I’m gone for at least a week at a time, and often 2-3 weeks, I carry full-size products and use the Large size. It’s fabulous! Mine’s the yummy Cobalt Aloha.