15 Things to Do Before You Leave for Vacation

1. Make 2 Photocopies of Your Passport. Give one copy to someone you trust. Keep the second copy in your carry-on or personal item, or keep an electronic copy on your phone.

2. Inform your credit card company and bank of your travel dates and destination. Failure to do this could cause your spending to be interpreted as fraud and lead to a lock on your account.

3. Update your contact list. Save the phone numbers of your travel agent, airline, and any other relevant emergency numbers to your phone’s contact list before you go.

4. Pay any bills that will be due while you are gone.

5. Hold your mail. Ask USPS to hold your mail until you return from your trip. This service is available at no cost.

6. Set your thermostat at an “away” temperature. I recommend the upper 50’s in the winter and the upper 70’s in the summer.

7. Create an automatic email response – even if you plan on checking your email regularly. Save yourself the pressure of maintaining your normal response schedule while traveling. Poor internet connection, or an excess of fun and relaxation, may deter you from checking your device as much as you thought you would.

8. Unplug anything you don’t want running while you’re away. You may even want to consider turning off your home’s water supply.

9. Use, gift, or toss any perishable food that will spoil while you’re away. Try to limit the amount of perishable food you purchase in the days leading up to your trip.

10. Make sure any electronics you want to use en route are fully charged. Be sure to pack any needed chargers and adapters.

11. Avoid coming home to unpleasant smells. Don’t leave wet clothes in the washing machine, dirty dishes in the dishwasher, or garbage in the garbage can.

12. Water any houseplants. Our 4 legged friends are impossible to forget about, but don’t forget to also make arrangements for the care of things in your home such as plants or fish if you will be gone for an extended period.

13. Think about what you would like to come home to and prepare accordingly. Freshly washed sheets and a hearty meal to pop in the oven can make a world of difference on your first night home.

14. Make a list of the things you will use at home on the morning of your departure; they are easily forgotten last minute. This can include your phone, jacket, wallet, chargers, medications, and beauty and hygiene products.

15. Check the TSA website to make sure you are packed properly and avoid any issues going through airport security.