7 Things to Do Before You Leave on Vacation
Posted: Friday, June 06, 2008
by Steve Schulte
NWA WorldVacations
Modern traveling can be extremely stressful due to tightened airport security, the fear of leaving a house unattended, and more. Fortunately here is a list of 7 things you can do before vacationing to address any potential problems before they occur.
2. Give your security company a heads-up. If you have a home security system, let them know the dates you will be gone. The company can then assume any alarms issuing from your home are real and respond accordingly.
3. Unplug all electrical appliances. These pose a fire risk and can be damaged during electrical storms. You should be sure all appliances are unplugged before departure to prevent harm from happening from within your home.
4. Remove food from the refrigerator. If you are going to be gone more than a few days, remember to remove any items that may spoil during your absence. This will prevent an unpleasant surprise awaiting you upon your return.
5. Pay all bills before you leave. Vacationing often helps people to forget their everyday worries. However it is important for travelers to remember that bills still need to be paid on time. Conducting any sort of financial transaction while traveling can be difficult. Avoid this potential hassle by paying any bills that will be due during the duration of the trip before you depart.
6. Bring copies of important documents. Heightened airport security post-9/11 requires airline passengers to have the proper identification with them at all times. You should be sure to bring a photocopy of your passport and/or driver's license along with the original document in case it is lost or stolen during the trip.
7. Enlist the help of friends, neighbors and relatives. This can additionally ease stress in all of the previously mentioned situations. Friends can periodically check in on a home, and keep copies of any important documents such as passport, credit cards and bills in case problems arise. You should ensure at least one person at home has your itinerary and contact information at each stage of your journey as added peace of mind.
Modern travelers have a wealth of travel information at their fingertips thanks to the internet. Sites such as http://blog.nwaworldvacations.com NWA WorldVacations Blog provide constantly-updated information about traveling from more stress-relieving tips to travel stories and ideas to ensure the most stress-free vacations possible.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)I always wondered if the crooks have the same list? If they want to get in they will but some common sense tips as you made could cut the odds down. The other thing is don't spread it around you are leaving and for how long. How does it go, loose lips sink ships. Best wishes.
Thanks, Steve! I tend not to do #3. In the future, I will unplug the electrical cords. I move around so much and when returning, even before getting to the house, I'm looking ahead and audibly say, "thank you, Lord" when I see it still standing. I have been on vacation and witnessed a house burning down while the owners were on vacation. I just thought about that so now I will unplug the appliances etc. Great instructions!
Very good article, Steve! Summertime is here for sure and vacations are planned for a lot of us. These are wonderful tips. Thanks.
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