“If I don”™t have my “˜fun on”™, I might as well stay home!” A Travel Chat with a Professional Organizer.

by Janis on May 9, 2011

Traveler Interview: Lori J. Spies

Pursuing a variety of interests – railroad brakeman, greeting card creator, flight attendant and professional organizer — just to name a few, has given Lori Spies a life of great adventures. From exploring the creeks and streams of northwest Iowa as a child, to running throughout Paris in hopes of seeing as much as she could take in during a short overnight stay – Lori never has a dull day.

Lori’s organizational and time management skills are in-demand from the clients of Absolutely Organized, the company she founded in 2003. Lori helps clients develop systems to control clutter while getting and staying organized.

Lori’s creative skills inspired her to start a second company — tickled pink! — where she creates handmade cards, and offers a mailing service to organize client’s greeting deliveries. Lori often incorporates re-purposed goods into the designs of her unique cards.

Whatever Lori is doing, she always seems to be having fun. We were curious about her passion for travel and life. (And we hoped to learn some of her travel-related organizational tips!)

The Jones: What inspires you to travel?

Lori: My inspiration to travel is due in part to my father, a crop farmer, from a very young age. My interests started with his land, which progressed to any and all land. I find great joy in viewing landscapes and in noticing how land is utilized. Land provides hints to the way in which people live, which I find extremely fascinating.

Hiking at the Grand Canyon

I’ve watched landscapes unfold from inside a rail car as a railroad brakeman, looking down from the sky as a flight attendant, maneuvering down mountainsides on my snow skis, and while driving down many roads in a camper.

I find the tapestry humans weave on the space we have allotted to us to be most interesting.

I love to learn. I find the most rewarding and educational experiences are those where I’m on the ground interacting with people and nature.

Have you always enjoyed travel? What contributed to your love of travel?

Lori: The adventure of travel for me is FUN! Since early in my youth I’ve experienced new places and other ways of life. My curiosity has been my driving force in this fun life. Woo-hoo!

Do you have a favorite destination?

Skiing Utah's High Country.

Lori: I do not have a favorite destination. I’m about fun and I try to carry that with me everywhere I go. Like a chameleon, I adapt to my setting, soak in everything I can, and return grateful for the experiences I’ve had.

What destination has surprised you the most, either good or bad?

Lori: I would have to say the most surprising thing to me is life itself and the way people live their lives. I am absolutely fascinated by culture in other lands. It all goes back to the way of the land and what we do with what we have available to us.

Why do you think that travel is important?

Lori: Without travel there would be stagnation. New experiences brighten my outlook. Whether to the local zoo, the Grand Canyon or a third world country, I am richer because of each encounter I have with life.

Camping on Minnesota's North Shore at Split Rock Light House

You are an organizational expert. Do you have an organization tips for travelers to share?

Lori: The best organizational tip I can provide would be to “always be prepared” “;

For the temperature with layers, the terrain with proper footwear, the climate with enough water. And, get enough rest.
Prepare a schedule of events and rank them as most important to least important so you fit the best things in if time runs short
Be ready for an emergency and have a plan. Think of what you haven’t thought of “IF” something should occur
Pack your bag(s) accordingly. Less is more. Only take those things you absolutely need for the trip.
Most importantly — allow yourself the opportunity to have fun!

From your travels, do you have a practice or insight that makes your travel experiences more enjoyable?

Lori: My best trip practice: research where you will be going, learn what is available and what you’ll be doing while there. Then pack accordingly.

I have a general spreadsheet of items needed and check it twice.

I try to be ready for emergencies with a good first aid kit: Aspirin, band aid, pocket knife, lip gloss, cork screw, hat.

One thing I know for sure – if I don’t have my “˜fun on’, I might as well stay home!

We enjoy learning about other people’s travel discoveries as much as making our own.

What fuels your travel passion? Please share in comments.

Read More Traveler Interviews:

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/travelinjones
or interact with us on Facebook facebook.com/TravelingWithTheJones