30 essential things to do before you leave on vacation

[ ] Make sure your passport is good for 6 months beyond your return date

[ ] Make color copies of your passport, put a copy in your carry-on luggage and save it on-line

[ ] Stop your US Mail – US Post Office Vacation Hold Request

[ ] Stop your newspapers

[ ] Reconfirm your flights – 30 days in advance & 24 hours in advance

[ ] Get travel insurance

[ ] Set auto timer for lights so your house looks lived in while you are gone

[ ] Check power outlet/converters standards for the countries you will be visiting – World Electrical Info

[ ] Make sure your name on your tickets match your passport exactly (first, middle and last name)

[ ] Check your airline baggage limits – they differ between airlines

[ ] Research your destinations

[ ] Schedule the kennel for the pets a few months in advance

[ ] Place your itinerary inside each piece of luggage in case it gets lost

[ ] Withdraw currency from an ATM in country, it usually is the cheapest

[ ] Call your bank and credit card companies, tell them you will be abroad, where and when

[ ] Get local maps and guide books for your destinations

[ ] Make a list of “must do” activities, sites, restaurants, bars, etc., for each destination

[ ] Check the weather at your destinations & pack accordingly

[ ] Verify if you need any vaccinations – Vaccines & Health Warnings

[ ] Ask neighbor to watch the house, and to look for any deliveries

[ ] Give a neighbor and others your itinerary and contact info in case of emergencies

[ ] Reset thermostats (lower or raise)

[ ] Close curtains and windows

[ ] Prepay any bills that will be due during the vacation

[ ] Empty the refrigerator of anything that might spoil & take our the garbage

[ ] Water plants and check automatic watering systems

[ ] Make sure there are not any wet clothes in the washer or dryer

[ ] Make sure you have chargers for cameras, cellphones, and laptops

[ ] Print out a list of any medicines you take and put it in your wallet

Contact numbers for credit card companies:
MasterCard® 1-800-627-8372
VISA 1-800-847-2911
Discover 1-800-347-2683
American Express® 1-877-325-2639

With a little advanced planning you can ensure you will have a relaxed and worry-free vacation.