Your vacation is almost here. What are some of the things you can do to help reduce stress so you can get into vacation mode faster? What can you do to help with a smoother transition when you are back home after vacation? This article will give a few tips and tricks to help you out.
Things to do to prepare for your vacation - the week prior
1. Credit Card Call your credit card company and let them know when/where you are traveling. This is especially important if it is an international destination or a destination you don’t travel to as frequently.
2. Travel Documents
Make sure you know where all your important travel documents are. i.e a passport, offsite airport parking reservation, etc.
3. Tip Sheet/Tip Guides Read your tip sheet from your favorite travel advisor so you are well prepared for your trip.
4. Sharing travel plans Let a friend or family member know about your travel plans. Leave them a copy of your travel itinerary including any booking numbers, contact information, etc.
5. Packing Double check the weather so you can make sure you are packing the right type of clothes. Read the packing list from your favorite travel agent at Markwood Magic. Reminder: it is great to pack in layers. For many destinations, even if you are going somewhere warm, it can be cooler inside.
6. Toiletry Bag Double check to make sure you haven’t run out of the items you need for your toiletry bag.
7. Luggage tracker Make sure to find your tracking devices such as an Airtag that you can put in your luggage.
8. Get Cash
If you don’t typically carry cash with you in smaller denominations, go to the bank and withdraw money. This is great for tips for the person/people leading your tour, valet, etc.
Things to do to prepare for your vacation - the day prior
1. Flight
Check in for your flight if you have not already done so. Download your airline's app as well.
2. Electronic Items
Fully charge any electronic items you are bringing such as earbuds, kindle, laptop, portable charger, etc.
3. Maps
Download Google Maps to your phone and make sure to include the areas you are going to.
4. Entertainment
Download e-books, movies, audio books, or other entertainment to your devices. This is great for your car ride or flight on the way down or back from your destination. Bonus: It also doubles as a great way to relax on vacation.
Things to do you for your house/household.
The week prior to vacation
1. Mail Putting your mail on hold is a free service from the US Postal Service. It can prevent mail theft and a full mailbox. Click here to place a hold.
2. Bills
Schedule autopay/bill pay ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about paying any bills while you are on vacation.
3. Clean up Okay you don’t need to clean your entire house. But straighten up your bedroom and the entryway to your house. Your future self will thank you when they walk in the door and it is nice and clean.
4. Safe and Secure
Make sure to close all the blinds in your house. Not only will it help with regulating the temperature, but it will also make it harder for those to see what is going on inside your house. You may think about calling your security company or local police station to let them know you are going to be out of town.
5. Medication Refill any medication so you don’t have to do that when you get back.
6. Pets If you have a pet, double check your reservation for boarding, pet sitter, etc.
7. Online ordering
Try hard not to order anything online that might arrive while you are away. If you do, request a neighbor be on the lookout for your package.
Things to do the day prior to vacation: in the home
1. Plants If you have indoor plants – make sure to water them prior to leaving.
2. Food
The day prior to vacation clean out your pantry and fridge and get rid of any food that will expire while you are away. Nobody wants to come into their home after vacation only to discover there is a horrible smell!
3. Appliances Unplug appliances such as a toaster oven that will not be used while you are on vacation.
4. Thermostat Program your thermostat as you don’t need to heat your house as high or cool as low while you are gone. Please note: if you have a pet staying at your house, talk to your vet as to what temperature you should set your house at.
6. Laundry
Wash, dry, and put away laundry. You will have enough laundry to do when you get back from vacation. Go ahead and do today’s laundry so you have less work.
7. Car Double check how much gas is left in your car and fill it up if needed. If you have an electric car, make sure it is charged.
Hope you have a fantastic vacation!
Lindsey Markwood, Travel Curator
