Is there anything better than going on vacation? Like most people, we look forward to taking time off of work to relax in an exotic locale almost all year long.
While we don’t exactly enjoy all of the planning and bureaucracy that going on vacation typically requires, the last thing we want during our precious vacation time is to have to spend hours navigating a challenging and complex situation that could have been avoided with a bit of preparation. Here are some of the most important things that we recommend taking care of before leaving for a trip.
Take Pictures of Your House
Who among us hasn’t left for the airport only to immediately start stressing that we may have left the stove on? Give yourself some peace of mind by taking pictures of your stove, outlets, and other potentially dangerous features before you leave. Reference the pictures once you’ve hit the highway and that inevitable doubt starts to creep in. Make a checklist in advance so that you don’t forget anything.
Figure Out Your Finances
Every bank and credit card company will have different policies regarding travel, especially if you’re headed abroad. To avoid potentially having your accounts blocked, check these policies before you go and make sure to notify the companies when relevant.
Plan Your Health Insurance
Getting sick or injured is frustrating enough. Save yourself at least some of the headache of navigating an unfamiliar medical system by speaking with your health insurance company in advance. Understand what protections your current plan may include, and purchase travel health insurance if necessary.