You are about to take that well-earned vacation. The kids are impatient to get the show on the road and you have a million things to do before you leave. Here are a few things to help you remember before you go:
· If no housesitter is available, ask your neighbors to water your plants. If they aren’t around, place your plants in the tub with a small amount of water to ensure their survival while you are gone.
· To prevent potential burglars from paying a visit to your home, install timers on one light fixture per floor. Set them for different times in the evening until your normal bedtime. An additional trip to Home Depot for the timers saves you a trip to the police station later.
· Lock all doors and windows. Don’t forget the sliding glass door to the deck or terrace!
· Stop mail and newspaper deliveries. Notify the post office at least three days prior to your departure.
· Pack an extra bottle of sunscreen and load up on film. Many tourist destinations charge astronomical prices for such items.
· Don’t forget the kids! To channel your children’s excitement, give them each a bag that they can pack themselves. It will keep them busy and out of your hair while you pack yourself.
· If you are driving, fill the gas tank and change the oil. Top off the water cooler to prevent the car from overheating.
· Check the date of your atlas. If it is more than five years old, you need a new one! Alternatively, go to www.mapquest.com to plan out your driving route step-by-step.
· If you are flying, leave plenty of time to get to the airport. Summer travel can clog airports so don’t leave your packing until the day of departure.
· Make certain that you have your paper tickets and valid passports if you are flying internationally. Otherwise, you may be charged up to $100 per replacement ticket. Most airlines don’t accept e-tickets when flying abroad.
Bon Voyage!
Christine Louise Hohlbaum, author of Diary of a Mother: Parenting Stories and Other Stuff, has a BA in pol. science from Smith College and an MA in International Relations, German and English Lit. from the University of Constance, Germany. She currently lives with her husband and two children near Munich.
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