This wonderful season is perfect for spending some quality time with family, discovering something new and just plain relaxing.

 

     If you are lucky enough to do all the above activities away from home, that means you may be going on vacation.

This simple adventure, though it's very exciting and fun, can be very hectic and stressful to prepare for. There are some simple preparation needs to attended to before you leave.

I will provide you with a list of to do's that I follow when getting ready for a trip. 

    

The Pets:

Will I be boarding the animals or will someone stay at the house? If I board them, how much notice does the kennel need and are their shots up to date?

 

The House:

If I don't have anyone staying at the house, I will need to decide if I want to stop the mail or have a neighbor get it.

 

Travel:

Will I go by plane or car? With each scenario there are different plans to consider.

Let's address flying first.

Will I need a passport? This can take from 4-6 weeks to acquire.  You can go through your local post office, but I believe an appointment is now necessary.

Will I be leaving my car at the airport or will someone be driving me? If you are leaving your car, do you need to call ahead and check out who has the best rates? Also, determine if a reservation is required.

If someone is taking you to and picking you up at the airport, make arrangements with them ahead of time.

If your flight leaves at an early hour, would it be best to spend the night before at a hotel near the airport? This would require a reservation and could possible allow you to leave your car in the hotel lot, if they provide transportation to the airport.

 

Second, if driving is your choice of transportation:

Does the car need maintenance before you go? Perhaps tires rotated, or the oil changed.

Do I need to make an appointment for that?

Do I want to map out my route myself or have AAA do it?

 

Accommodations:

This will be determined by where you are going, will a hotel work or perhaps a house at the beach?

Wherever you stay, reservations will need to be made. If you are traveling with children, does your stay require baby equipment.

 

This brings us to Packing:

I recommend making a list so nothing is forgotten, and I always check the weather at my destination.

Here is my suggestions of standard items: clothes, (if staying at least a week and there is access to laundry facilities, less is more), bathroom toiletries, toys for the kids, music and movies for the car, food and drinks, your bed pillow, cell phone and charger, camera, money and or travelers checks, book, magazines, lap top, suntan lotion, sun glasses, beach towels, medicines, bug spray and any sporting equipment you need.

 

Give yourself a good two weeks before leaving to get all this done, so that when it's time to go, you can relax and enjoy the trip.

 

Happy vacation everyone, and don't forget to pack the bathing suit.

 

Live Simply
Joan

 

Joan Heath, owner of Organize It All is married with three grown children. As a previous single mother organizing was a must.

Over the years Joan has had variety of jobs in the medical and dental fields.

Joan has volunteered her organizing skills to several non-profit organizations including her church, where she set up a new kitchen and a quest services storage room.