There’s nothing more exciting than going on vacation, but for many of us, the build-up to the departure date can be stressful. If you’re counting down the days, here are some simple tips to help you get organized and keep stress at bay.
Pack in advance
There’s nothing worse than rushing around like a headless chicken trying to cram everything into a suitcase with minutes to spare. The earlier you can pack, the better. Write a list of everything you need to buy before you go away, and then get out your holiday clothes. Start putting anything you won’t need to use before your vacation to one side, and stick to organized piles. Work your way through your shopping list, get all your laundry done a few days before you leave, and then pack your cases. Make sure you put everything you want for the journey in your hand luggage and check the weight of your bag to make sure you don’t get stung at the airport. Check that you’ve got everything you need before you set off, including your travel documents and tickets, plugs and chargers, cash and cards, and any medication you need. It’s best to pack any valuable items, such as tablets and cameras in your cabin bag. If you’re struggling to think about what you need, take a look at this handy packing list https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/travel/travel-planning/vacation-packing-checklist.
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Protect your home
An empty house is a lot more appealing to thieves than an occupied home. If you’re going away, the last thing you want is to be worrying about your prized possessions. Before you go away, consider beefing up your home security if you don’t already have security lights or an alarm system. If you visit sites like www.suddenlink.com/, you can explore options, including innovative technology that enables you to keep an eye on your home while you’re overseas. It’s also a good idea to ask your neighbors to collect your mail for you and to cancel any deliveries. If you use social media, take care to avoid posting photos or tagging yourself in far-flung destinations if your profile isn’t set to private.
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Book transfers
You don’t want to be chasing your tail on the morning of your flight or worrying about getting to the gate in time. If you don’t plan to drive yourself, make sure you ask a friend or relative for a lift or book a cab or transfer in advance. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and make your way through security. It’s better to have too much time than to be sprinting through departures with seconds to spare.
Image source: https://kaboompics.com/photo/5329/parked-yellow-taxi-cab-waiting-for-a-fare
Are you looking forward to jetting off on vacation? The countdown to going away can be stressful, but if you’re organized, you can ensure things run smoothly. Write a list of everything you need to do before you travel, pack in advance and give yourself peace of mind by protecting and securing your home. Book a cab or ask a friend or family member for a lift to the airport, give yourself plenty of time to make your flight, and then chill out and enjoy yourself.
Jessica Lippe 