The Essential Vacation Checklist

By Matt Jackson

Going on a Family Vacation

A family vacation should be a time to unwind, forget your troubles and spend quality time with your family. However, an ill prepared vacation can turn out to be something very different indeed. Screaming children, expensive medical bills and 28 cartons of milk waiting on your doorstep are what you have to look forward to if you don’t plan everything properly. Planning a vacation with near military precision may seem stressful in itself but it will ensure that when you finally lay your towel on the beach you can relax, knowing everything has been done and you’re prepared for almost any eventuality.

Prepare in Advance

The sooner you can start preparing and buying the appropriate items, the more prepared you will be and the more money you will have when the vacation finally arrives.

• Print this list and add any items specific to your own circumstances or vacation.

• Always do some research on the area you are visiting - buy or print maps, find details of places you want to visit, restaurants you could eat at and the accommodation you will be staying in.

• Make sure you have tickets well in advance of your vacation and make reservations as soon as possible.

• Also make sure that all your documentation is up to date including passports, insurance and any other personal documents.

• Find out if you need any shots and arrange to have them done with your doctor. When you visit the doctor ensure that you and your family have all the prescription medication you will need.

• Book your cats, dogs and other pets into boarding kennels as soon as possible to make sure that you can find somewhere with room. This can be especially important during peak season because many kennels fill up quickly.

• Buy items that will keep until your vacation. This includes camera equipment, batteries, sunscreen and sun block, insect repellent, antihistamines, etc.

• Always make sure you have something to keep the kids entertained. Not only while you are on holiday but also during the tedious travel times. Bored children and lengthy flights are not a desirable combination.

A Little Closer to the Time

Just before you leave you should have all tickets, documentation and other personal effects sorted out. Your work isn’t quite done yet, though.

• Cancel the mail, the papers and any other deliveries that you won’t be able to take.

• Update voicemail and work email auto-responders.

• Leave emergency numbers with a neighbor that is willing to keep an occasional eye on your property for you.

• Only mark your luggage with details of your destination. Including the address of your vacant home is inviting trouble that you don’t want.

Wait

As the day of your vacation arrives you should be winding down ready, but again this isn’t usually the case. Most people find themselves running around in circles to check that everything is done and your home will be safe while you’re gone.

• Secure all windows and doors and make sure you set the air conditioning to the setting you want.

• Turn off water to the relevant appliances.

• Try not to leave smaller appliances on standby. Do you really need to leave your television set plugged in while you are away? And your toaster?

• Check you have your passports, tickets, medication (including ophthalmic) and confirmation of any reservations. Also make sure you have your money and credit card.

Once all this is done, you are free to enjoy your holiday.