When you’re finally ready to take a lengthy vacation, make sure you can enjoy it. Make a list of the things you need to do before you leave and start doing them well in advance of your departure. To protect your home and privacy, and make life easier while you’re too far away to take care of unexpected problems, there are several things to consider.

1. Pay any bills

due during the time you’re traveling. It’s best to check credit card statements online rather than looking through your most recent statements. Some only arrive in the mail a week or so before they’re due, and if you’ll be gone for three weeks or more, you could be hit with hefty late fees.

2. Forward your mail

to a friend or relative and cancel your newspaper delivery until you return. Nothing alerts burglars like mail piling up in your mailbox or newspapers stacked on your lawn – they are practically invitations to come look through your mail for something worthwhile. If taking credit cards with you, tuck them into your travel luggage or purse and you’ll be fine. If leaving any credit cards behind, store them in a safety deposit box or leave them with a trusted friend.

3. Remember important documents.

It sounds simple, but many people don’t plan far enough in advance to secure their passports and visas. Apply for these documents months before your vacation to avoid the possibility of having to cancel your trip. The process has become more complex in the last eight years and takes quite a while.

4. Arrange for a house sitter to visit your home periodically.

Signs of life reduce chances of a break-in. Ask a house sitter turn the lights on and off in different rooms, make a little noise, and stay for a while, whether watching television or reading a book. The point is for your house to seem occupied. A house sitter can also care for plants, adjust your thermostat as needed, and open windows to let in some fresh air.

If you cannot arrange for a house sitter, invest in a few automatic timers to turn your lights on and off automatically while you are away.

5. Get a physical.

This may not seem like a priority in the days of before you leave, but the last place you want to be when you have an unexpected health problem is thousands of miles from your doctor. A routine physical will give you peace of mind on your trip, and any concerns can be addressed before you leave. Tell your doctor about your travel plans, too, as he or she may recommend preventative care

6. Refill your medications.

If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last for the entire length of your journey. If you’re going on a cruise for two months or renting a cottage in the south of France for the summer, you may need to talk to your pharmacist, doctor, and health coverage provider in advance to get a two-or-three month supply of your medication at once. Take care of any needed refills several weeks before you leave so there is time to handle any paperwork or red tape involved. Overseas regulations may be different and you don’t want to go through a battle to get your refills while you are trying to relax. Also, tuck copies of your prescriptions and your doctor’s contact information into a safe corner of your travel luggage, just in case. You never know.

7. Organize emergency contact information.

Give relatives and friends your itinerary and emergency contact information before leaving. Likewise, print out their information, including phone numbers and addresses, on a small sheet or card, laminate it, and tuck it into your travel luggage. It will come in handy for sending postcards, mailing packages, or as a quick reference if you have an emergency overseas.

If you take care of these details well in advance, the days leading up to your vacation can be stress-free – and knowing you have what you need will help you truly relax and enjoy your trip.

Labels: how to prepare for vacations, Travel Luggage, vacation packing, vacation planning