12 Smart Things to Do Before You Leave on Vacation
Going on vacation is a time-honored tradition, a chance to get away from every day and explore new horizons. But before you can relax and enjoy yourself, there are a few things you need to take care of so that your time away goes as smoothly as possible. Vacation preparation doesn’t have to be a hassle, though. With a bit of planning, you can take care of everything before leaving the house.
Here are twelve intelligent things to do before you leave on vacation.
1. Update Your Passwords
This is especially important if you’re using public Wi-Fi while away. Hackers can easily access unsecured networks and steal your personal information. You can make it much harder for them to get into your accounts by updating your passwords. Passwords should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
2. Forward Your Mail
If you’re going to be gone for more than a few days, it’s good to have your mail forwarded to a friend or family member. You won’t have to worry about it piling up while you’re gone. Mail can be sent through the post office or online.
3. Set Up Automatic Payments
Nobody wants to come home from vacation to a pile of bills. Set up automatic payments for your utilities and other regular expenses. That way, you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of. Auto-pay can usually be set up through your bank’s online bill pay system.
4. Make a List of Emergency Contacts
In case of an emergency, it’s essential to have a list of contacts who can help you out. Include family members, friends, and your hotel’s phone number. Contacts should be stored safely, like your wallet or phone.
5. Pack Light
You don’t want to be lugging around a heavy suitcase on vacation. Pack only the essentials, and you’ll be much happier when trying to get from place to place. Light packing also reduces the risk of lost luggage. Also, make sure to pack any medications you might need.
6. Bring Your Charger
Nothing is worse than having your phone die while you’re on vacation. Make sure to pack your charger to stay connected to family and friends. Power bank chargers are also a good idea if you can’t find an outlet. Charger cords can quickly be wrapped up and stored in a carry-on bag.
7. Check Your Insurance
Before you leave, check to see if your health insurance covers you while you’re away. If not, you may want to purchase travel insurance to ensure you’re covered in an emergency. Insurance can usually be bought through your travel agent. Insurance should also be purchased for any valuables you’re bringing with you, like jewelry or cameras.
8. Get Travel Rewards
If you’re going to be doing a lot of traveling, sign up for a travel rewards credit card. That way, you can earn points or miles that can be used for future trips. Credit cards can be used for airfare, hotels, and rental cars. Tickets can also be purchased through online travel agencies.
9. Bring a Map
Even if you’re using your phone’s GPS, it’s good to bring a physical map of your visiting area. You can always find your way back to your hotel if you get lost. A map can usually be found for free at the visitor’s center.
10. Learn Some Key Phrases
If you’re traveling to a country where English is not the primary language, learn some key phrases in the language of the country you’re visiting. You’ll be able to communicate better with locals and get help if you need it. Phrases can be learned through online resources or language apps.
11. Bring Cash
In some parts of the world, credit cards are not widely accepted. Bring enough cash to cover your expenses while you’re away. Currency can be exchanged at airports or banks. Cards can also be used to withdraw money from ATMs.
12. Arrange Transportation
Before you leave, make sure you’ve arranged transportation to and from the airport. This can be done through a chauffeur service which is the most convenient form of transportation. Having a plan will make your trip much less stressful. Transportation can also be arranged through your hotel. Ask about shuttle services when you book your room.
Vacations are a time to relax and enjoy yourself. By taking care of a few things before you leave, you can ensure that your trip goes smoothly. From forwarding your mail to arranging transportation, a little planning can go a long way. With these 12 bright things to do before you leave on vacation, you’ll be prepared for anything.
