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| Preparing for the Perfect Trip
by Paula Farris Part of planning the perfect family vacation is making sure that all of the details are covered before you depart. Making sure that your car is in good repair, that all of your luggage is tagged, and that you remembered to run your garbage disposal before leaving the house will go a long way in improving your trip. This checklist will help you to remember all of those little details. The items in this list are in loose order of what should be done earliest to the last minute details. This list does not include the actual planning of the trip, but only the steps to take to prepare to leave. Trip Preparation ListItems to be started, or at least planned for, three to four weeks prior to departure:
____Start making a list of supplies, clothing, etc. that you need to purchase--add items as you think of them ____Plan travel route Items to be done throughout the three to four weeks ahead: ____Wash and dry all the dirty laundry (keep up on the laundry so that you don’t have a huge amount to do the day before you leave) ____Do all dishes (same with dishes) ____Begin making a list of items you need to purchase ____Begin making packing list ____Stop deliveries (newspaper, mail, water, etc.) or make sure your house sitter knows what to expect when ____Cancel or reschedule regular service appointments (pool maintenance, exterminator, etc.) ____Talk with your children about the trip--when you will leave, what you will do, whom you will see, etc. ____Buy gifts for host/hostesses or family members that you will be visiting, if desired ____Find pet sitter, house sitter, yard caretaker, etc. ____Make instruction sheet for pet sitter, house sitter, yard caretaker, etc. ____Train pet sitter, house sitter, yard caretaker, etc. ____Check camera and camcorder batteries, film and tapes--Add to Shopping List if needed ____Have car checked by a mechanic/Have repairs or maintenance done, if needed ____Review club and credit card benefit information to be sure you take advantage of any deals and discounts to which you are entitled ____Review medical and auto insurance policies to see if you are covered where you will be traveling/Buy special riders, if necessary Items to be done the last week: ____Make Itinerary/Copy ____Give copy Itinerary and Emergency Contact Information to whomever needs it ____Check to make sure you have luggage tags for each bag you are bringing (even carry ons) ____Get prescriptions refilled and a copy of your prescription in case you need it ____Use up or give away perishable foods ____Make sure you have food available for when you return home (either frozen dinners or something that doesn’t require perishable food--don’t forget breakfast) ____Clean and straighten up all rooms of the house ____Set sprinkler system and outdoor lighting ____Do yard work (mow lawn, trim plants, etc.) ____Begin packing ____Stop email mailing lists ____Get car washed ____Pay bills ____Make sure to empty your trash dumpsters or take a trip to the dump ____Deliver keys to pet sitter, house sitter, yard caretaker, etc. ____Go to bank for cash/traveler’s checks ____Double check your packing list ____Finalize your purchasing list ____Go shopping for items needed for your trip ____Prepare travel games/activities and treats for children ____Tell some of your neighbors that you will be gone; let them know if you will have a house sitter. Ask one of them to park one of their vehicles in your driveway to deter would be thieves. Items to be done the day of departure or the day before: ____Empty all trash cans and diaper pails ____Water house plants ____Set lights and radio or TV on a timer, if desired ____Finish packing ____Check email ____Turn thermostat up or down ____Turn off &/or unplug electronics ____Lock all windows/doors ____Pack cooler ____Flush toilets ____Run the garbage disposal For additional tips on How to Leave Your House Feeling Like Home read this article. StressFreeFamilyTravel.com |