A hard earned vacation has the potential to be satisfying, relaxing, and just plain fun, but improper planning can lead to heartache and even disaster. A simple, well thought out plan will save you plenty of trouble, pain, and suffering, so when plotting your getaway ask yourself “did I remember to turn off the oven?” Read on about six things you absolutely can’t forget when taking a trip.
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Know Where You’re Going, and Plan Accordingly
You would be surprised how many people plan a trip to a destination they’ve never been to, then end up lost and confused. Not knowing where you are can cut into your leisure time, and cause plenty of headaches. That’s why it’s always good to have an itinerary. Figure out where you will be on what day, and allot plenty of time to do what you would like. If you’re driving or traveling on your own accord be sure to have maps or a GPS handy.
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Prepare for Emergencies
It’s always a good idea to prepare for the worst, just to be safe. Know where the nearest hospital to your destination is, research emergency phone numbers, and make sure you always have a good means of communication (like an emergency cell phone) if you happen to be in a situation where it may be needed. Always make sure you have plenty of any medications you may need for your trip before you leave as well.
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Rent a Car
If you plan on doing quite of bit of traveling either to or at your destination, rent a car! It’s simple, fairly inexpensive, and can be planned in advance. Car rentals in Augusta, GA are super easy to plan, and can make your trip that much better. If you must rely on public transportation, research bus routes, copy taxi company numbers in the area, and study all aspects of transit in the area.
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Prepare Your Finances
Not much is worse than being in an unfamiliar destination and not having any money or access to funds. Research the best way for you to carry currency, be it traveler’s checks, cash, or credit cards. It is often a good idea to call your bank in advance and let them know that you are traveling and your cards may see transactions in a foreign place.
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Make Sure the House is Taken Care Of
Before leaving the house for an extended period there are a few precautions you should take. You can visit your local post office and ask that they hold your mail, as not only do you risk losing an important piece of mail, but stacks of it left at your box lets thieves know that you aren’t home. Make sure pets are boarded or taken care of, turn off your hot water heater (no sense wasting the money!), and make sure all electronics are turned off or unplugged.
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Prepare Your Personal Items for Travel
This includes making sure you pack copies of all important documents like travel visas, passports, and identification. It’s always a good idea to remove any unnecessary things from your wallet or purse, and only take items that you believe are necessary on your trip.
And there you have it! Remember to take these six simple steps when planning your vacation and you’ll have no trouble at all. But most important of all, have fun… you deserve it!
Annette Hazard is a freelance writer that usually writes about family. She loves traveling and writing about travel when she gets the chance.
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