Vacation Preparation Tips

This is a list of things you will want to take care of before your embark on your vacation travels. Don't forget to visit our Vacation Checklist page for a great list of items you may need to take with you on your vacation.

A good traveler has many things to take care of before leaving town. Putting together a good check list is easier for some folks than for others. Experience plays a major role. Wow, I will never forget the time I forgot to take out the trash before we went camping. When we returned home we were all looking forward to relaxing in the comfort of our nice house. Needless to say we were in for a fright when we opened the door...............YUCK!

We decided to put together a check list so this never happens again. Yes a good checklist prepares you for everything. There are things to do before you depart that you may not think of while you are scurrying around in a big hurry. Don't make the mistakes so many of us have already made, read our checklist!

VACATION PREPARATION

1. Newspaper, Mail etc. - Ask a trustworthy neighbor to collect your mail and newspaper. Or contact the newspaper or post office and let them know you will be out of town for a given number of days. Don't tell the newspaper boy or postal worker you will be leaving town.

2. Theft Protection - Set up timers on lights, TV's, radio etc. To keep potential thieves on their toes purchase timers with different daily settings. This will give the appearance to those who don't know better that someone is home. Ask a trustworthy neighbor to watch your house for any suspicious activity.

Don't tell anybody you don't totally trust that you are leaving town.

Lock all windows and doors. Close all curtains and mini blinds etc.

Some towns will allow police officers drive by your home if you inform them you will be out of town. Call and ask!

3. Set your thermostat to a moderate temperature. You don't want your house getting too cold or too hot especially if you have plants, fish or other pets.

4. Clean your kitchen, wash all dishes and take out the trash before you leave. Do NOT leave any perishable items in the house. Empty your refrigerator of items with a short shelf life such as milk and leftovers. Freeze leftovers and give perishables to somebody you can trust to keep your secret.

5. Unplug your computer from the internet and it's power source. A lightning storm could
take out your modem or motherboard.

6. Mow your lawn and pick up your yard and perform all yard work chores. You don't want to come home to a messy yard and your neighbors will appreciate it.

7. Water your house plants and garden, ask a trustworthy neighbor to take care of them. Leave them a key and remove any hidden keys you may have under the door mat etc.

8. Set up a pet sitter if it is a kennel or friend. Never leave your pets to fend for themselves even if they are fenced and outside.

9. Pay all your bills before you depart.

10. Purchase travelers checks, foreign currency, calling card,  .

11. Don't forget your wallet, passport, drivers license, cash, credit cards, foreign currency, medications, first aid kit etc.

12. If driving your car out of town get an oil change and general maintenance. Check head lights, tail lights, break lights, blinkers, emergency lights and clean the car inside & out. Make sure your window wash solvent, and anti-freeze reservoir and radiator is full.