Home Or Apartment Preparation

o Secure Windows, Doors, Garages, Sheds
o Close All Curtains And Blinds
o Remove Any Valuable Items From Yard
o Determine Lights To Leave On Or Set Timer
o Water Plants In Home And Yard
o Unplug Microwaves, Toaster, Coffee Machines Or Other Small Appliances
o Mow And Set Up Lawn Care If Necessary
o Empty Trash Cans And Put Trash Out For Pickup
o Wash Dishes
o Consider Emptying Perishables In Refrigerator
o Turn Off Or Turn Down Thermostat
o Consider Turning Off Hot Water Heater
Pre-Travel Preparation

o Make Hotel Reservations
o Make Airline, Bus Or Train Reservations.
o Buy Event Tickets (Tour Packages, Sports, Theaters, Plays, Festivals)
o Set Up Car Rental
o Make An Itinerary. Leave Itinerary, Lodging And Hotel Information With Friends Or Family
o Travel Agent Info And Trip Cancellation Info
o Pay Bills That Will Be Due Before You Get Back
o Stop Mail, Newspaper, Home Deliveries
o Setup Email That You Can Access From Any PC
o Set Up Child Care For Children Not Coming
o Consider Getting A Cash Card, Telephone Calling Card And Travelers Checks. Take Credit Cards
o Get Passport/Visa If International Travel
o Get Inoculations Necessary For International Travel
o Exchange Currency If International Travel
o Set up Caretaker for Pet(s) or Board them at a Kennel.
o Inform Local Police
o Inform Neighbors That You Trust
o Inform Family Members
o Leave A House Key With Someone You Trust

Automobile Preparation

o Check Tire Pressure On Tires And Spare
o Check Oil, Coolant And Windshield Fluid
o Consider Changing Your Oil For Long Trips
o Consider Check Up By A Professional Mechanic
o Wash And Vacuum
o Make Sure You Have Proof Of Insurance
o Fill Up The Gas Tank. Bring Extra Fluids

Packing

o Pack Luggage, But Not More Than You Can Carry
o Pack Family Pictures, Especially Your Children’s
o Include Contact Information In Children’s Luggage.
o Seasonal Clothing Needs: Consider Whether You Need Winter Wear Or Summer Wear
o Jackets, Coats, Rain Gear And Umbrellas
o Swim Suits And Swimming Towels
o Appropriate Shoes Or Footwear. Sandals, Slippers, Tennis Shoes, Dress Shoes, Boots, Hiking Boots
o Formal Wear, Belts, Ties
o Socks, Underwear, Nylons
o Hats, Caps, Visors, Gloves, Mittens
o Pajamas, Night Gown, Sweat Pants
o Baby Items (Diapers, Disposable Bags, Wipes, Powder, Ointments, Creams, Medicines, Bottles, Bottle Cleaners, Formula, Baby Food, Car Seat, Stroller, Blankets, Toys, Pacifiers)
o Attach Luggage Tags
o Include Emergency Information
o First Aid Kit
o Camera, Camcorder, Film, Tapes, Batteries.
o Battery Operated Alarm Clock
o Cell Phone And Cell Phone Charger
o Laptop Or PDA With Charger And Connectors
o Personal Identification / Driver’s License
o Passport/Visa If International Travel
o Address Books
o Airline, Train Or Bus Tickets
o Event Tickets
o Take Medical Insurance Info Or Insurance Card.
o Road Maps And Guide Books
o Language Books For International Travel
o Books, Magazines, Reading Material, Games, Dice, Playing Cards Or Toys For Children
o Binoculars For Sightseeing
o Flashlight, Batteries, Tape
o Lighter Or Matches
o Portable Irons, Sewing Kits
o Laundry Bags, Trash Bags, Small Plastic Bags

Medications / Lotions / Hygiene

o Headache Medicine, Pain Relievers, Aspirin
o Necessary Prescription Pharmaceuticals
o Cold Medicine, Cough Medicine
o Glasses, Sun Glasses, Contact Lenses And Solution
o Indigestion Medications (Tums, Pepto Bismol)
o Insect Repellent
o Sunscreen, Skin Burn Lotion, Lip Balm
o General First Aid Cream
o Motion Sickness Pills
o Vitamins
o Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Dental Floss
o Combs, Brushes
o Deodorant, Cologne And Perfume
o Bar Soap, Hand Soap, Dish Soap, Laundry Soap
o Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Treatment
o Shaving Cream And Razors
o Makeup/ Cosmetic Kits, Mirrors
o Blow Dryers, Curling Irons, Curlers
o Feminine Hygiene Items
o Nail Clippers, Tweezers, Scissors
o Tissues, Toilet Paper, Towels, Towelettes