Travel tips: Before you go

Zoomer | January 1st, 2006

A comprehensive list of “non-travel, travel tasks” that should be completed before you take off on a trip of any significant duration. Some are obvious, some not so obvious…

  • Get a haircut
  • Visit the dentist
  • Make sure any ongoing prescriptions are filled so you have enough for your trip
  • Do your taxes if need be
  • Prepare/update your will
  • Forward newspapers and magazines
  • Change of address if necessary

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  • Set up a free web-based email account and forward your email
  • Balance your bank account
  • Wash all your clothes
  • Clean your home
  • Unplug unnecessary electrical appliances
  • Set timers on lights and radio to keep your home “lived in.”
  • Check with your home insurance company – you may not be covered for theft if you do not have someone checking your home at specific intervals, such as one week.
  • Empty your fridge and all garbage cans of perishables
  • Give copies of your keys to someone else
  • Shut off the water
  • Make an itinerary for friends and family
  • Arrange plant and pet care