Though vacations are designed to help us relax, prepping for them can increase stress for many people.
This happens when we wait until the last minute to take care of all the loose ends. Whether you use our checklist or create one yourself, figuring out what you need to do well in advance will help start your vacation off on the right foot.
1. Mail delivery. Either have the post office hold it for you, or arrange to have someone you trust pick it up.
To do on (Fill in the Date): _______
2. Pet care. This is one of those items that needs to be done well in advance to avoid stress! Arrange for a kennel, a professional pet sitter or a friend to look in on your pet so that they can have their own stress-free vacation.
3. The Fridge. Plan your meals for a couple of days in advance before you leave so you have nothing to throw out. However, if you do, toss the food that won't stay fresh and save yourself the disgusting scenario of having to toss out the milk when you return from your three-week cruise.
4. Emergency contact. Let someone know that you are leaving and when you will be back, and that you will contact them as soon as you return.
5. Credit Card info and passports. Make a photocopy of these and place them somewhere different than the originals so you will have a spare copy.
6. Prescriptions. Fill them well in advance!
7. Eye care. If you use disposable contacts, remember to bring an extra pair.
8.
Create an automated email response. An automated email response is just as much of a benefit to you as people who contact you while you are away: it will let you relax so much more. Go the extra mile with a personalized voicemail if you are traveling internationally.
9. Update your calendar. Check your calendar and make sure you have not made any commitments during your time away. If you have, cancel or reschedule them. Do the same for commitments made in the day or two before traveling. You will be busy enough as it is getting ready to leave!
10. Best Vacation Tip EVER: Are you ready? Here it is: if possible, plan an additional day off, at home, before you go back to work. There really is nothing worse than flying home on a red-eye thinking about unpacking everything and having to get up in 6 hours to make the morning commute. You need at least one day off AFTER your vacation to go through your mail, do laundry, grocery shop and all the other things that fill your day-to-day life. You will be so thankful you did. Trust us on this!
Happy travels!
