Any vacation is a chance to disconnect from the stresses of daily life, but few experiences are as rejuvenating as an extended getaway. How you define a “long” vacation depends on your frame of reference, but for us it might be two weeks or more. While the world keeps turning, make sure you’ve taken time to prepare your home prior to departure. This allows you to truly relax, without worrying about paying bills while away or returning with a long to-do list. We send you a pre-departure checklist whenever you book with us, and these are a few of our top tips.
Tidy up. Taking time to clean up your home before departure may be a small thing, but you’ll be glad to return to a fresh environment. In addition to basic tidying, toss items that will expire in your refrigerator. To avoid unpleasant odors building up, flush the garbage disposal and sinks with vinegar and water, and pour some bleach in toilet bowls. These small steps will allow you to disconnect from your regular chores!
Inform your credit card companies. To protect you from fraudulent charges, many credit and debit cards will be flagged and locked if used overseas. To prevent this from happening, simply call your card companies and inform them of your trip. While suspicious activity will still be flagged, you’re less likely to run into headaches when making ordinary purchases. Also, know that some countries only accept 4-digit pins when withdrawing cash from bank ATMs. If you have a 5- or 6-digit pin number, talk to you bank about changing it, even if just temporarily.
Prepay your bills or set up autopay. While you’re on vacation, the mortgage, credit card, and utility bills are still going to be due. Instead of searching for Wi-Fi on your vacation or worrying about whether a payment went through, we recommend setting up autopay on these accounts, which you can typically arrange online or by calling the company. Another option if you have the cash flow is to estimate your charges and prepay your bills. If you overpay during one billing cycle, the remainder should be applied to the next billing cycle. Planning ahead will avoid late charges and possible dings to your credit score.
Consider security. Make sure your home is secure by locking up valuables in a safe-deposit box and setting all your alarms. If you’re leaving your car at home, park it in your garage and lock it. Having lights that automatically turn on and off also sends the message that someone is home. Additionally, check with your local police department to see if they offer a Vacation Watch program. In Grapevine, TX where our office is located, volunteers will check up on your residence for up to 31 continuous days!
Communicate your itinerary to trusted people. Before heading out, leave your detailed itinerary with a loved one including your contact information for each trip segment and a photocopy of your passports. If taking a cruise, include the ship name and your cabin number. Additionally, consider enrolling in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before you leave. This is a free service to U.S. citizens that helps the local embassy or consulate contact you in the event of an emergency while overseas.
Pack carefully. Before departing, make a photocopy of your passport’s biological page and any foreign visas you’re required to have and always carry them with you. Also carefully consider which credit/debit cards you expect to use and leave everything else at home in a safe place. If visiting an all-inclusive resort, it also helps to bring small cash bills such as $1’s and $5’s for tipping outstanding service.
Set away messages. Make every effort to disconnect from work by setting an away message, informing co-workers that you’re unavailable. If sending autoreplies to external senders, though, be sure to simply say you’re “out of the office” without advertising that your home is vacant.
Embarking on a long vacation is a true joy. Take full advantage of your time away by preparing your home life ahead of time. This will help keep your mind clear and allow you to return truly stress-free!
My goal is to simplify travel-planning through an equal exchange process where I acquire your ideas and expectations for your trip relieving you of the worry, hassle, stress and time that accompanies Do-It-Yourself planning.