Our Group Leaders have crazy schedules and can be heading for different parts of this beautiful world on any given day. They’re not only in charge of other travelers but they must deal with packing their own bags, too!  They’re fielding questions from the group’s travelers, confirming travel plans and dealing with other last- minute issues.

As a result, the many calls from members and flights here to there can make forgetting to lock the door a real possibility. To avoid this, use this handy checklist before each trip that leaves your house empty for more than two days.

One Week Before or so…

1.) Turn in library books.
2.) Find new books/podcasts/movies for the flight.
3.) Leave neighbor with a key and ask them to grab the mail or put a “hold” on the mail.
4.) Arrange someone to take care of plants and pets or arrange a kennel stay.
5.) Obtain any money needed, such as foreign currency and small bills for tips.
6.) Notify credit card and bank of travel – very important.
7.) Make copies of your passport or ID; place in your luggage.
8.) Refill your prescriptions.
9.) Leave an itinerary with numbers to call with family and neighbor.
10.) Set up an email away message to run during your trip – maybe.

Day Before

1.) Mow your lawn
2.) Close your shades
3.) Clean out refrigerator
4.) Raise temperature in the refrigerator
5.) Alert home security system of your trip – again…very important
6.) Charge any phone, tablet or laptop you are taking.

Night or Morning Before

1.) Make sure the windows, doors, shed and garage is locked
2.) Unplug electronic devices
3.) Use a plug-in timer to set some lights
4.) Turn off water and gas (check w/utility first)
5.) Turn off or turn down heat/air conditioning
6.) Wash final dishes and clean out sink
7.) Take out trash
8.) Set home security alarm
Now you can settle into a wonderful vacation with family and friends without worrying if you locked the door or returned that library book on time!

Enjoy!