Extended Vacation: Tricks to Make Traveling Easier

Planning every small detail of an extended vacation can be difficult. Staying organized and preparing a home for the long trip can become overwhelming. Small details could be forgotten that lead to large problems after returning from the vacation. Several tricks will make planning an extended vacation and traveling much easier.

Use Automatic Bill Payments

Utility bills will need to be paid at some point during an extended vacation. Allowing service to lapse could damage appliances, or harm plumbing. Signing up for automatic bill payments will relieve stress and keep utilities active while traveling.

Buy Essentials after Arriving

Trying to pack toiletries and other essential items can make luggage heavy, and could cause problems if traveling by air. It is far easier to plan to buy essentials from local stores after arriving. This keeps luggage light and organized. Toiletries and other essentials can be thrown away before returning.

Use Apps to Stay Organized

There are now dozens of free and commercial apps that will help to keep an extended vacation organized. Some interface with hotels and airlines so updates are sent if there are delays. Others can store lists and sound reminders about events during the trip. Using these apps keeps everything organized in one central location.

Always Confirm Reservations before Arriving

Mistakes, misunderstandings, and errors can cause problems with important reservations. Travelers should always call ahead one, to three days before arriving to confirm reservations. This provides enough time to schedule alternate transportation, or book a new hotel room if there are issues.

Stay In Touch With Friends and Family

Travelers should always call family and friends regularly while on an extended vacation. Vanishing for several weeks can be problematic. Friends and family will keep travelers informed about local events and things that could affect their home. Staying in touch will also improve safety while traveling.

Put Fragile and Valuable Items in Storage

An unoccupied home can become a target for crime during an extended vacation. Burglars or vandals could steal or destroy personal possessions. Extended vacations are less stressful if fragile and valuable items are put into storage. By putting items in self storage in Santa Monica homeowners can be certain valuables are protected by security systems and even on-site staff.

The key to an easy and relaxing extended vacation, is removing stress and simplifying the trip. Travelers should take every effort to address any issues in the home so there is nothing to worry about while on vacation. Accurately planning important details like lodging, transportation and meals will also help to make the extended vacation fun and free from stress.