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Careful Preparation Makes for a Great Vacation
Finally, the time
has come that you have decided you either need, deserve
or just want to take a vacation. You might be the type
of person who quickly throws stuff in a suitcase and
caution to the wind. However, most people like to arrange
their vacation to make it as worry and trouble free
as possible. The key here is planning and organization.
First you should select the type of
vacation and its destination. Are you looking for a
relaxing time on the beach, an exciting skiing vacation
or a thrilling gambling junket to the islands? Once
you have narrowed down the type of excursion you have
chosen, it is time to do some research. You will want
to find the peak time of the year to go for your particular
trip along with the best prices on transportation and
lodging. You can get the information from your travel
agent or do it yourself on the Internet.Then depending
on your decision, purchase the airline tickets, schedule
the cruise, rent a car or reserve the hotel or campground.
Arrange for transportation to and from the airport.
Allow enough time to get your traveling
documents in order. For instance, ordering a notarized
birth certificate or applying for a passport, visa,
international driver's license, travel insurance, etc.
Be sure if you will be going as the solitary parent,
to obtain a notarized letter of consent from you spouse
or ex-spouse that you have the permission to bring the
child with you to your destination. However if the other
parent is deceased, you may need to present their death
certificate. Then again, if you will be leaving your
child with a guardian, give him or her a notarized letter
allowing them to authorize emergency medical attention.
Check to see if any mandatory inoculations are necessary
for immunization to travel in the area you are going
to be visiting. Verify that your health insurance is
up-to-date.
Plan your itinerary because a well-planned
itinerary will save you both time and money. For example,
if you decide you really want to attend a special festival,
concert or other activities while you are away, check
out if it will require tickets or reservations and order
them before hand. This will avoid arriving to find a
long wait or the activity is sold out. Do not overload
your schedule. See how long it will realistically take
to get from place to place. What is the best way to
get there? How long will you stay? Realize there will
be delays caused by weather, transportation and possibly
health issues.
You will want to make sure you have
everything at home tended to while you are away. You
will need someone to take care of your pets, plants
and trim the lawn. You may wish to hire a house or pet
sitter. Otherwise, you will have to arrange to have
your pet boarded, the mail held at the Post Office and
deliveries like the newspaper and bottled water temporarily
stopped. Make sure that you supply your house sitter
with a key and the alarm code to the house. Provide
instructions for taking care of your pets. Also make
a list of emergency phone numbers they might need, such
as, the veterinary, police, fire department, alarm company
and where you will be staying.
Shortly before you leave, make sure
you have your prescriptions refilled. Pay any upcoming
bills. Shop for things you will need to bring with you.
Give yourself plenty of time to pack your luggage so
you will not forget anything. Advise your alarm company
and police department of the time you will be gone.
Put lights and maybe a radio on timers so it looks and
sounds like someone is home. Throw out anything in the
refrigerator that will spoil. Make sure to have the
credit cards, travelers checks, cash or foreign currency,
reservation confirmations and traveling documents you
will need.
Right before you depart on vacation,
shut off all electrical appliances and unplug televisions
and computers. Depending on the season, raise or lower
the heat and air conditioning. Take out the garbage.
Shut off the water to your washing machine and outside
faucets. Check with the airline to confirm your flight
is on schedule. Lock up the house and car. Get ready
to have a fantastic vacation knowing everything has
been taken care of due to your careful preparation.
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