TRAVELCHECKLIST: WHAT

TO DO BEFOREYOU LEAVE

Luc Van Hecke

Taking a long vacationsometimes seemsabsolutely necessaryand can be a greatthrill and reward inlife. Making sure youtake extra steps beforeyour vacation will helpensure that you’ll berelaxed during the tripand after you arrive

home.

If you’re planning on leaving the country, let your

credit card company and bank know about your

travel plans and destination. There is nothing

worse than having your credit card locked while

you’re overseas

Other people you should make aware that you’ll be

gone are close friends and family members. While

it may be tempting, try not to brag online that

you’ll be on a vacation. It’s best that it not be made

public information that you won’t be home.

LET IMPORTANTPEOPLE KNOWYOU 'LL BEGONE . . . BUT NOTEVERYONE

Make sure dishes are clean

Laundry is put away

Unplug electronics

Shut off the lights or set the timer for them

DO HOUSEHOLD CHORESAND ERRANDS

Get the house in order so you come home to aclean environment

BE PREPAREDIt’s a good idea to confirm all your travel details, from

hotel and airline reservations to directions to theairport, bus, or train station. While most of us rely on

our smart phones for this information, I think having apaper copy of reservations and directions is a good ruleof thumb. We’ve all experienced our smart phones notloading something important at an inopportune time;

it’s best to avoid this altogether by having it available inhard copy form.

Remember to charge your electronics and

bring your charger with you on your carry-

on. If it’s an especially long trip to your

destination, have something to keep your

mind preoccupied like books, magazines,

and your laptop.

BRING WHATYOU NEED