Loose Ends to Tie Before a Family Vacation

You’ve made your travel arrangements, booked your accommodations, and planned your sightseeing adventures. Now all that’s left to do is prepare your house and family for your vacation. By taking a few hours to ensure that everything is organized and arranged at home, you’ll get your trip off to a great start.

Check Everyone’s Suitcase

If your kids packed for themselves, check their suitcases to make sure they didn’t forget anything. Otherwise, you may find yourself at the store instead of enjoying your trip when you arrive at your destination. Verify that your kids remembered to pack items, such as books and tablets, to keep them entertained in the car or on the plane. While not always necessary, you may want to include rain gear, jackets, swimsuits, and an extra pair of shoes in their suitcases. 

Prepare for Emergencies

While emergencies are unlikely, it’s wise to prepare for them. Make copies of important documents, such as drivers licenses and passports. Save your doctor’s number in your phone, and don’t forget to pack any prescription medication you might need. Check your car and health insurance policies to know what they cover.

Consider securing additional protection in the event of an emergency. For example, if you have a Medjet Horizon membership, the company will arrange transport from one hospital to another if you need that type of assistance. While it’s not pleasant to think about, knowing you’re prepared for worst-case scenarios often puts your mind at ease.

Take Care of Your House

Preparing your home for your vacation is a little time-consuming but will relieve much of the stress associated with getting your family out the door. To make leaving as hassle-free as possible, start early.

The week before you go, put timers on the lights in a few rooms. Schedule them to go off and come on at various times so that no one will know you’re away. Next, put dried goods in airtight containers to make sure bugs don’t invade the pantry, and clean out your refrigerator so you don’t come home to spoiled, smelly food. If you have time, give your house a quick wipe-down. While it’s a bit of a hassle, you’ll appreciate returning to a tidy home.  

The morning you leave, adjust your thermostat to save on your power bill. Unplug electronics, such as your toaster, coffee maker, and microwave. You’ll reduce your electrical bill while slashing your risk of a house fire.      

Arrange Lawn and Pet Care

Don’t forget to plan for pet and lawn care. If your trip lasts more than a week, keep your neighbors happy by hiring a lawn service to mow your grass. Boarding facilities tend to fill up quickly, especially in the busy summer months, so make arrangements for your pets a few weeks in advance.

Don’t try to do everything at the last minute. Instead, make a to-do list, start early, and take things one step at a time. Once you’ve tied up all the loose ends, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation.