When heading off on a big vacation, it is all too easy to let the excitement of the trip ahead distract you from the monotonous things that need to get done ahead of time. This is why you need to start planning well in advance. To help you get started, here are seven things you need to do before you take a big vacation.
1. Make A List
The first thing you want to do when getting ready for a big vacation is make a list. You should start by making a list of everything you want to get done before your trip. Then you also want to make a packing list. This is the best way to ensure that you aren’t forgetting anything.
2. Make Arrangements For Pets
If you have pets that need to be cared for while you are out of town, you will want to make arrangements for them well in advance. If you plan to have a trusted friend or family member care for them in your home, you will need to make sure they have access to your place as well as instructions for how to care for your pets. You should also think of a way to thank them for helping you out. This can be a payment or a gift depending on your relationship to them.
If you plan to board your cat or dog while you are gone, reserve their spot ahead of time to ensure there’s room for them. You also want to do research well in advance to verify the quality of the place you plan to leave your pet at. If your pet has any special needs, you also want to check that the place you choose is able to accommodate them.
Another way you can find care for your pets while you are away is through a pet sitting service. A pet sitting service will connect you with people in your area who can stop by your house to check on your pets while you are away. These services are a great solution for people with cats or people who don’t know anyone in their city.
3. Stay Healthy
The worst thing that could happen before a big trip is an unexpected illness. If you get stressed in the days before traveling, you could be especially susceptible to picking up a virus. The best way to make sure that you and your family stay healthy in the days before your trip is to avoid anyone you know who has recently been sick. Ask other parents to disclose any recent illnesses before you let your kids play together, or avoid playdates the week prior entirely. Additionally, you can give your family things with vitamin C such as Emergen-C. You can also try IV drip therapy to get an extra dose of vitamins in the days prior to traveling. Before embarking on your big vacation, purchase your tickets to your destination’s top attractions at hellotickets.com.
4. Pay Your Bills
You will want to make sure that you don’t have any bills that are due while you’re away. Pay any bills that are due ahead of time or set up auto-pay so you don’t have to worry about it. The last thing you want to do is return from your trip to find late fees on your accounts, so be sure to check before you go, even if your trip is short.
5. Turn on Your Out-of-Office
Make sure to set an out-of-office message on your work and personal emails. You may also need to set up an updated voicemail message if you use a separate phone for work. Additionally, it is courteous to send a message to anyone who you are in the middle of a conversation with to let them know that you may be slower to respond while you are away.
6. Prep Your Home
Unplug anything that uses energy while you are gone such as appliances, TVs, desktops, modems, and routers. Turn off all the lights and consider whether or not you want to put any of your lights on timers so it doesn’t look like your home is empty for an extended period of time. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and set any alarms before you head out the door.
7. Confirm Reservations
The day before your flight, make sure you confirm all reservations including flight information, hotels, rental cars, attractions, and anything else you have booked in the immediate days ahead. You can also check in for your flight 24 hours ahead of time. Checking in online can be helpful to speed up the process at the airport in addition to making sure your seating arrangements are satisfactory.
Bon Voyage!
Once you have completed everything on your list and your bags are packed, it’s time to head off on your big vacation! While the days prior may be stressful, you are sure to forget all about it when you have reached your destination. Good luck and happy traveling!
