Very Useful Pre-Vacation Planning Strategies
January 16, 2010
For anyone who is going to school or has family members in school there is great anticipation as spring break quickly approaches. Spring break plans vary from person to person but if you are one of the lucky few able to take a vacation it is time to get ready. For some this means putting on the tanning bed lotion and scheduling an appointment at the salon to get a pre-sun head start on achieving that glowing, golden skin tone. But tanning bed lotions and golden skin aside, there are some key preparations which must not be overlooked when preparing to travel. The following checklist offers some helpful reminders as you prepare to take some time away from your everyday routine.
1. Stop your paper and mail delivery. If you are planning to be gone for more than one or two days, put your newspaper and mail delivery on hold. Nothing draws attention to a vacant home like a pile of newspapers lying in the driveway.
2. Prepare a vacation budget. Knowing how much you wish to spend on such things as food, supplies, and souvenirs will help you not to buy impulsively.
3. Make travel arrangements long before your trip. Many of the best accommodations book up early, particularly if they are in the most desirable locations. An additional benefit to being well prepared is often cheaper airfare or rental car rates.
4. Be an organized packer. When packing your suitcases it pays to be a wise packer. Finding that perfect balance between over-packing and under-packing can be tricky but very rewarding. Keep in mind any restrictions which will be enforced if you are flying, as well as the potential added cost of checking your bags. Things that can be easily purchased or found upon arrival, such as sunscreen, beach towels, and personal care products can readily be omitted from your packing. Make sure to include in your carry -on luggage necessary prescriptions, identification, minimal cash, and a credit card.
5. Research the vacation destination you will be visiting. If it will be your first visit to the locale, make sure to do a little research before your arrival. During spring break particularly, vacation destinations are very, very crowded and finding your way around could be a bit of a nightmare. Just a small amount of prior preparation can let you know where to find a good restaurant, where the best night club spots are, what is family-friendly, or where to rent items for recreational activities.
6. Do not forget to make arrangements for any pets living in your household.
7. Pay in advance any bills needing to paid.
8. Coordinate any addresses or phone numbers for anyone you think you may need to get in touch with during your vacation. Consider having calls forwarded to your mobile phone if you are concerned about missing anything important on the home front.
9. Consider asking a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home, just in case anything may seem out of the ordinary while you are away.
10. Set up timers for indoor and outdoor lighting to give the illusion of activity and to keep your home well illuminated.
