Family vacations are some of the most fun you’ll ever have. But if you don’t know how to accurately prepare yourself, your family, and your home for your next big trip, you could be in trouble. Nervous about making your next vacation prep to-do list? Here are a few tips to help you get prepping.
Notify Your Bank
The last thing you want to happen while you’re on a nice vacation with your family is for your credit card to get declined. In many cases, that might be your only means of money while you’re on the road. To prevent that nonsense from derailing your beautiful vacation, make sure you give your bank advance notice of where you’re going and when you’ll be gone. When you do that, your bank will know that in a month when transactions are being made across the country with your card, it’s really you. The best part is this really only takes a few minutes of your time. Call your local bank branch and your credit card company and give them a quick update. Vacation shopping, here we come.
Do Some Language Prep
If you’re traveling to Spain or any of the 21 other countries around the world where Spanish is the official language, you’re going to want to brush up on your Spanish. The same is true for visiting any country with a language different than your own. A little bit of study is really all it takes! Not sure what would be best to learn? Here are a few common phrases that are typically helpful to know.
- Thank you
- Hello and goodbye
- Excuse me
- May I have…
- How much does it cost?
- Where is the bathroom?
- Yes and no
- Where is…
- Help
- I’m allergic to…
When you’re in an unfamiliar place, learning simple phrases like these can help you get around and stay safe. Not only that, but it will make you a better traveler. Taking the time to learn a little bit of the language and culture of the place you’re traveling to is a great gesture of appreciation for your destination.
Come Prepared with Snacks
If you’re traveling with kids, snacks are one of the most important things you need to prepare in advance. Whether you’re driving or flying to your destination, it’s smart not to rely on outside services to provide snackage for your little ones. If you’re going to be on the road for a while before you reach your final destination, you can come prepared with a cooler full of fresh snacks or prepare some non-perishable snack bags that will last without the help of refrigeration for the duration of your travels.
Prepare Your House Accordingly
This is one of those prep items that might not be first up on your list of priorities. But considering that police respond to almost 38 million home alarm activations per year, it will definitely pay to have your security system performing at peak condition before you leave for vacation.
In addition, it’s a good idea to have a close friend or family member come in and check on your house every few days or so. Activities like checking the mail, turning indoor lights on and off, and even cutting the grass are still important while you’re gone. Not only do they ensure your house is well-monitored, but they can make it look like you’re still home to any prospective burglars. And on top of that, having someone watch your house while you’re away can help you prevent any unexpected home disasters when you return. Say there was heavy rain and you left a window open. When mold can develop in as little as 24 hours after a flood, it definitely pays to have someone looking after your home to handle cleanup before mold can even get a foothold.
Prepping for a family vacation is no small task! But with these tips under your belt, you should be ready to get packing and have some fun in no time.
