Ten Things You Need To Do Before Going On Vacation

There are many things we need to do before going on vacation. This is especially so if you are planning a long trip and will be away from home for some time. Some of these things will ensure that we return to our homes the way we left it.

We often think of what we need to pack. Equally important are some of the things we need to do before going away like paying your bills and getting someone to collect your mail, etc.

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Very useful travel tip before you go on vacation

I find a check list really useful. There are so many things to do that some are bound to be forgotten.I usually compile the list just the day before I am leaving. The things that go on my list include last minute things to pack as well as last minute errands.

Download a Universal Packing Checklist to generate a list of how to pack for a vacation. Whether you are going on a hiking trip or a holiday abroad, a checklist will ensure you don't forget the essentials.

Avoid disruption to some essential services

Paying all outstanding bills is vital especially If you are going away for a week or more These bill include the utility bills and credit card bills. This will ensure that there is no disruption in the services.

You can also use automatic payment options for your utility bills especially when you are going away for a long trip.

I always make sure my mobile phone bill and credit card bills are up to date especially when going abroad. I can be sure that I can use the services any time I need it.

Important thing to do to avoid food spoiling in the fridge

I had a bad experience with spoiled food when my family were away on holiday for about five days. There was perishable food in the refrigerator and also meat in the freezer compartment. There was a very bad storm on the first day that we were away This had triggered the circuit breaker in the house causing a disruption of the electric supply to the house. The circuit breaker has to be turned back on manually.

So for the whole time my family was away, electric supply to my refrigerator was off causing the perishable food to turn bad. The stench from the rotten food was really terrible. What a welcome home! Cleaning up the refrigerator after a tiring journey back is the last thing I wanted to be doing.

Since then I always made sure my refrigerator is empty of perishable meats and other foods before going on holiday.

Good safety precaution

When going away for more than a week it is a good idea to ask a friend or neighbor to just check on the house . This is more of a precautionary measure. It will mean that if the circuit breaker has been affected by any storm, then it can be turned on again ensuring electric supply to the house is not disrupted.

The person can also help bring in the mail. Mail that is not collected for several days is an obvious sign to any possible intruders that the residents are away. Cancel the delivery of your newspapers. A pile up of the papers on the front porch is a sure sign of an empty house.

When going away for more than a week it is best to empty all the perishable kitchen waste. This will eliminate any foul smell in the kitchen when you return home. It will also discourage any pests like cockroaches and ants from crawling around the trash can. I also like to wash all the dirty dishes leaving the kitchen sink as clean as possible. Putrefied food on plates are not a welcome sight when you come home.

A happy pet means a happy owner too

If you are not taking your pets along for the holiday, it is best to send them early to where you intend to board them. You can then have more time to get them settled in their temporary home. It is less stressful for both pet and owner. It also means you have more time to attend to other matters related to your holiday.

If you are leaving your pet at home make sure they have an automatic feeder and you leave enough food and water to last them till you return home. It is a good idea for someone to drop by and check that everything is well with your pet.

Important list for someone looking after your home

One important thing to do before your vacation is to give a list of telephone numbers to your neighbor or whoever you have asked to take care of your house in case of emergencies.

This is especially so when you are going abroad for your holiday. The list should have the contact numbers of someone close to you that your neighbor or friend can call.

Ensures a ready-to-drive car when you return

When going for a long holiday make arrangements for someone to start your car and run the engine. This will ensure that you will have no problems starting and running your car when you return home. I hate it when I am back from a long holiday and have to spend time and money to recharge my car battery.

Safety precaution against intruders

This can be forgotten in the rush to leave so make sure it is listed down in your check list. Locking all doors and windows will prevent any break in by intruders. Draw the window curtains close as well so that intruders are not able to look into the house.

It is advisable to unplug electronic items like the TV set, stereo and computer. This is to prevent any possible damage should there be a bad storm. It is not enough to just switch the items off as the electric current can travel through the telephone line. My computer's mother board was damaged during a bad storm some years back even though it was switched off.