It’s summer here in the South Sound, although you would barely know it by looking out the window. It feels more like what I’ve decided to refer to as “early fall.” All the more reason to take off for a sunny vacation, check out of your real life and get some real relaxation. My family’s getting ready for our summer holiday and it’s got me thinking about what’s important to do before leaving for that little break. Here are my top 10 best ways to prepare and get the most out of my time away:
1. Pack a Copy of Important Documents: your passport, driver’s license, travel itinerary, credit card and medical documents (like Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive) and pack them in a compartment of your suitcase or save them electronically. If you lose your actual documents, the copies will help.
2. Set an Email Auto Response: Nothing ruins vacation more than feeling stuck to your phone or computer. Using an automatic response to let people know you are away, what your access to email will be like and who they should contact in your absence is one of the best ways I know to be able to actually RELAX when you are away. Then if an emergency comes up that you need to deal with, it will be the exception, not the rule on your trip.
3. Set your House up for Success:
Unplug any electronics possible (they still use energy even when you aren’t using them);
Give your fridge a little cleaning out;
Put your lights on a timer so your dark house doesn’t attract the wrong kind of attention;
Set your thermostat to save energy; and
Clean your house so you can return to one that feels good.
4. Stop Your Mail: (or make other arrangements for it to be picked up regularly). Identity theft is no fun!
5. Tell your Bank you are Leaving: You can usually find the right phone number on the back of your debit or credit card. Doing this will ensure that you’ll continue to be able to access your funds.
6. Pay your Bills: Make sure you pay any bills that will be due while you are away.
7. Charge Electronics: Pre-charge all your devices so they are ready to go when you need them on the plane. AND DON’T FORGET CHARGERS.
8. Bring Plenty of Sunscreen: I’ve found that it’s usually more cost effective to buy sunscreen at home and pack it with me than buy it in tropical locations. Plus, you want to be able to hit the beach or pool right away.
9. Check the Weather: I’ve been surprised before-make sure you are prepared by checking the weather before you pack.
10. Prepare for Lost Luggage: It’s no fun, but if you have a change of clothes and your essentials in your carry-on bag, you’ll survive in the event your luggage isn’t waiting for you on the other side. I always put a swimsuit, change of clothes and my makeup in my bag that I carry on. It will still be annoying, but it’s way better with a few essentials.
Bonus Tip: Make a list of everything you need to bring (I do mine on the computer so I can reuse it every time with tweaks for the specific trip) with check boxes. Then go one by one and check all the boxes. You’ll be as prepared as possible and less stressed than if you are trying to create the list in your head.
None of these tips are rocket science, but they are good reminders as you get ready to check out of real life for a while. Hope they help you and I’m wishing you a wonderful vacation.
