*This is a collaborative post.
We don’t blame you if it’s all you can think about now that a vacation has been planned and the countdown has started. However, don’t let your excitement for what is ahead cause you to overlook the things you need to do to prepare. You should do some things to make your vacation the best it can be, while others suggestions are to help make it as smooth as possible. Holidays, even all-inclusive ones, can still need preparation beforehand. Although a lot of stuff will be done for you, you need to make it there first, pack everything, as well as get your passports and insurance sorted.
Make a meal plan
Go ahead and pamper yourself with takeout or meal kit on that last night or try some odd leftover combos to show you’re a taste adventurer before even leaving your native country! In the few days before departure, minimise fresh buys and use stuff up, so no food is left in the fridge. You can also plan what you are going to eat on holiday if you want to try certain restaurants.
Verify every reservation
Verify all of your reservations, including those for your airline, lodging, rental vehicle, meals, tourist sites, and any other products or experiences you have in store. There shouldn’t be any unpleasant shocks when you check in. It’s not a bad idea to print confirmations if you have access to a printer. If you don’t, jot down the confirmation numbers (as well as the phone numbers for customer service) and keep the paper handy in your wallet or carry-on.
Make plans for your pets’ care
Unfortunately, we can’t always bring our beloved pals on vacation with us, so we must make arrangements for their care in advance for such times. Stock up on pet food, snacks, litter, and/or doggy bags if you have someone pet-sitting your pets or checking in for a few hours each day. Put everything in its proper place so the pet sitter can easily find everything your pet needs. If your pet is staying with someone, pack enough food for your pet to consume while you’re gone. You should also take along toys, treats, litter, water and food bowls.
Organise a little
After a peaceful, tranquil trip, you won’t want to return home to dirt. Before you depart, you might not need to thoroughly clean everything. After a long day of travel, though, entering a messy home will shake you out of your relaxed state. Nevertheless, cleaning your house before a trip isn’t simply for your personal good. It also serves as a safeguard against things going wrong, like fruit flies taking control while you’re away. Clean the toilets and sinks, vacuum, and consume or throw away any fruit that is left out.
For more expensive or prolonged vacations get insurance
If you have renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance, your coverage probably covers lost or damaged property. To cover any costs you could accrue as a result of a cancelled or delayed flight, you can also purchase supplementary coverage. Travel insurance is frequently provided by credit card issuers. To get the coverage though, you might need to use your credit card to buy tickets or make hotel reservations. If you’re going abroad, ensure your health insurance will cover you if you need to get medical attention somewhere else. If not, it would be a good idea to buy extra health insurance for the trip.
List your summertime reading
Why not compile a list of summer reading if you’re seeking activities to do while travelling? You can do this to take a break from work, yet remain productive. Take some time to peruse the bookcases at your neighbourhood bookshop; there are many excellent options available. For instance, reading a book on the Civil War would be something you’d like to do if you’re interested in history. Or, if you prefer mystery books, pick up one of Agatha Christie’s well-known works. There is undoubtedly a book out there that is ideal for you, no matter what your interests are. Create a list of books to read this summer, then spend some time on your next getaway reading.
Examine the Weather
One of the things that most people take for granted is the weather, which has the potential to make or break your trip. In Spain during the spring, it will undoubtedly be warm, right? However, there are always outliers to general weather patterns, particularly in seasons of transition. A weather forecast can help you plan your packing, and not checking the forecast can lead to unprepared, disgruntled, and very soggy travellers.
A Tech Kit
Additionally, an e-reader is an excellent substitute for bulky books and magazines and will come in useful. Charge your phones, tablets, and laptops before you go. Before you leave, stock up on the newest travel accessories. You might be asked to turn on any electronic devices you have in your hand luggage when passing through security. Additionally, you’ll need a fully charged phone for your e-ticket. Before you depart, review your data roaming package and think about adding on to save costs. Make room for new images in advance on cameras and phones. Save the current images and movies you have to your computer or an external hard disc.
Set the alarm
Make sure your alarm can protect the house in a crisis. Make sure the batteries are fresh, and if your alarm company requires it, inform them that you’re departing. During an emergency, you can modify who they tell, but some need it in writing, so be prepared! If you don’t have an alarm, have a look at a non-hardwired alarm system, which can be set up in a matter of hours if you don’t already have one.
Request an advance supply of your prescription medication from your doctor
You never know when you might need to remain longer, and your particular medication might not be accessible where you are going. To avoid legal issues or seizures, it’s also critical to confirm the rules and regulations for carrying pharmaceuticals and medicine into the nation in advance.
Get a tan
If you are going somewhere hot and don’t want to get there and be pale, maybe do some self-tanning. As it washes off you will have the real and natural tan coming through! Be careful when you are applying or get someone to help, you can end up with a lot on your hands and then will need to know how to get fake tan off your hands.
Use a packing checklist to prevent overpacking
Do you require five pairs of heels? Most likely not. You’ll be more prepared to pack if you have activities planned. Make an effort to mix and match your outfits so that you can wear the same shoes and accessories with different looks. Will there be a washer and dryer available to you? You can prevent overpacking and make sure you don’t forget anything by using a packing list.
Remind your contacts at work that you’ll be away from the office by following up with them
Even though you presumably and ideally had informed your team that you would be travelling, one week before your departure is a wonderful time to remind everyone of your out-of-office status. Even though you’ve been keeping track of the days till your vacation, likely, your team members haven’t been doing the same. Before your departure, make sure that everyone has discussed their needs with you to avoid any last-minute demands or calls that you don’t want to be getting.
