Vacation! Got to love that magical mix of travel, relaxation, recharging and adventure. The only downside is the preparation needed to actually get out the door and on the road. Isn't it ironic how much work it can be to organize time away from work? Any task is easier when you have a plan, so I always make a checklist — here's my basic one, expanded to include some great reader tips. Check it out and bookmark for your next trip…
7-10 DAYS BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE:
• Launder favorite clothing and/or take it to the dry cleaner.
• Put in stop mail and newspaper delivery requests.
• Plan meals that will finish up the food in your refrigerator.
• Confirm pet sitting plans.
• Check your data and calling and roaming plans for your cell phone service and make sure you understand any potential additional charges and add international discount calling and message plans as needed.
THE WEEKEND BEFORE:
• Get out the suitcases. • Tell a trusted neighbor that you'll be away, when you'll be back and how you can be reached in case of emergency. • Make two copies of your passport/ID. One to keep separately when traveling and one to give to a friend - this info makes it easier to have it replaced at a consulate if necessary. • Return any books and videos to the library. • Make sure the fridge/freezer is stocked with basics that will not spoil so immediate shopping is not required when you return • Prepay bills that will come due while you are away.
THE DAY BEFORE:
• Copy all of your travel itinerary/hotel/car/sightseeing information and links into one email, with a clear subject line and send it to yourself - then, when traveling, you only need to search for one email on your phone/laptop to see all the pertinent info.
• Put timers on lights/radio.
• Empty the kitchen compost container.
• Move any wet laundry from the washer to the dryer.
• Move your car to the non-street sweeping side of the street or leave a key with a neighbor if that isn't possible.
• Pass along any food that might go bad while you are away.
THE MORNING OF YOUR TRIP:
• Water plants
• Close and lock windows, lower shades.
• Unplug the tv, computer and any kitchen electronics that won't be in use while you are away.
• Adjust the temperature control to the most efficient level.
• Remove all bedding to allow mattress to air out while you are away.
• Take out the trash.
• Turn OFF your alarm clock - your neighbors will thank you!
As soon as you leave the house, take a minute and take a deep breath, relax and start enjoying your time away. Travel isn't always easy, but you've planned well and you deserve a great time - make the most of it and don't sweat the small stuff - you're on vacation!
Image: Adrienne Breaux/LonAnne's Vintage and Modern Texan Charmer
Original post and reader comment thread used to create this new, revised checklist: Things to Do at Home Before Leaving for Vacation
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I wouldn't want to come home to an unmade bed, but that's just me.
I always have the house very clean w/fresh linens on the bed and in the bathroom, but letting the mattress air out while away isn't a bad idea.
This is great--thanks.
Great tips.
I agree with Blondrea...the last thing i want to do when i am back from a vacation is making the bed. You just want to wash up and sleep...hoping for more vacation.
hmmm. very topical as I'm packing for a trip this Friday. I never thought of the "letting the mattress air out" thing, but it's not a bad idea. I always forget to unplug kitchen appliances, but I don't use most of them daily so it slips my mind!
We always shut off the water and the water heater when leaving on a vacation of more than a few days. I also put all my houseplants in the bathtub, water them well and create a "greenhouse" with a sheet of plastic over the top.
I always make a list of what I need on the trip, divided into 4 categories: clothes, toiletries, equipment, and logistics. The first two are self-explanatory -- just go through your planned itinerary and figure out what you need for each activity and day, and throw in a couple of extra tshirts and something to wear in your hotel room - sweat pants or whatever. Equipment -- your ear phones, gps, phone, charger, laptop and charger, zip drive, camera, batteries etc. Logistics -- all the paperwork you need -- printed and put into a big envelope. Tickets, confirmation numbers, directions, phone numbers, itinerary, copies of passport etc. (and passport if you need one). If you're really organized, make a copy of these and leave with a friend and scan and send to yourself on email.
For ideas on what to pack for a dangerous overseas trip (you never know when life finds you in Libya) check it out here: http://howtorunyourlife.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-to-prep-for-dangerous-foreign.html
pam h
howtorunyourlife.blogspot.com
I disagree with the bedding suggestion. I prefer to make up the bed fresh before I leave so that when I come home exhausted, I can fall into bed with no work.
Pretty good list!
I would add some things for travelling out of country like
- before booking travel, check your passport is valid, renew if not
- review out-of-country medical insurance, purchase it if you have none (getting sick or injured out of country can bankrupt you)
- ensure all packing meets security meets security requirements at airports (notes will be on your flight itineraries)
- empty your wallet of anything you will not need while travelling
- pack all necessities in your carry-on luggage, and then superfluous clothes, etc. in luggage to be checked (act as though your luggage will be lost and then hope that it isn't, will save angst on at least one trip, maybe more, in your life)
- e-mail your itinerary with contact information to loved ones, in case of emergency
I loved your tip about checking roaming charges!
You can add, check your bank and credit cards to see what their exchange rates will be when used out of country. If you're a shopper or going to be gone a long time you may want to weigh their rates against foreign cash or travellers cheques.
Remember to take an adequate supply of meds and if traveling abroad, be sure to take the actual bottles or prescriptions. We had a near disaster concerning meds in a foreign hospital.
Make copies of all documents, passports and credit cards (front & back) to keep in a safe place and, as AT suggests, leave a set with a trusted person.
Bon voyage and remember to send yourself a postcard. It is a wonderful reminder of the good time you had!
We travel with a preschooler and a toddler, so returning home can be pretty chaotic. Before we leave, I always lay out our clothes for our first day home, and make a plan for easy meals on the following day, so I can catch up with laundry!
Great list! I agree with some others though as to the airing out the mattress by removing linens. I usually put fresh linens on the bed to avoid having to address that task upon arriving home tired, jet lagged, etc.
It is a good idea though...
I actually email myself a copy of my passport so I can pull it down online in case I've lost my original (& the copy I always tuck away in my suitcase). I also pack some snacks, make sure my kindle is charged and some good books are loaded.
I make a packing list too, I start the week before so I can mull it over. But don't forget to check the weather of your desination the day before you leave! I once arrived in Hong Kong expecting 70 degrees and found out a cold front had moved in and there I was with no coat.
I always make sure I have one pair of clean undies waiting for me when I return. Then it's not imperative to do laundry right away.
Good post. I would add regarding your credit/debit cards, let the bank know when and where you're travelling, so they don't disallow use of your cards as being fraudulent.
I also forgot to mention that having something like TripIt on your phone is much easier (for me) than sending myself an email with details. I like that multiple travellers can also be included so I can keep track of when others arrive, etc.
Another thing to add to the list for the day before or day of if you have time: put the houseplants that are small enought to fit into the bathtub, with their saucers, and water them really well, with about 1/2 inch water in the bottom. They will like the reduced light and the moist environment. If you have stuff that's too big to fit, you can get automatic waterers, but I have never done that: relied on a neighbor for those.
I learned the lesson of skaterjo's tip the hard way. Definitely give the bank a call! :)
Check to make sure that your credit/debit cards don't expire while you are traveling. Again, learned this the hard way when my card stopped working while in Italy. Granted, not a bad place to be stranded but still. . . .
I also scan and email a copy of my passport to myself--can then get a copy anywhere there is an internet connection. Same with my airline info, and bank/credit card phone numbers, etc.
And, while packing essential items in a carry-on bag is always good, if they are *really* essential--cell phone charger, keys, meds--make sure they are in your "personal item" that will fit underneath the seat in fronn of you and will definitely be on the plane with you. If you are among the last to board and the overhead bins are full, you will have to check your carry-on as well, and those bags are much more likely to be delayed than normal checked bags.
If it's a driving vacation (vs flying), be sure to have your mechanic give your vehicle a once over and get your oil changed, fluids topped off. Be sure to have an extra quart of oil in the trunk and a gallon of windshield washer fluid in addition to the usual emergency kit gear (first aid kit, jumper cables, etc).
If you are flying, take a set of underwear and a spare t-shirt or top in your cabin luggage - in case your main luggage goes missing.