Summer Vacation Checklist

Vacations are about relaxing and getting away from everyday life, but the weeks leading up to your getaway can be extremely stressful. With all the items on your to-do list: packing, double-checking all the vacation details, and getting your house ready, it can be stressful preparing for a vacation. Fortunately, we’ve compiled the ultimate summer vacation checklist to help you prepare for a much-needed time away from reality.

Around the House

While you’re gone, you want your house to look lived in and normal; otherwise, criminals will see it as a prime opportunity to rob you. To keep your home looking occupied and save money on water, electricity, and utilities, follow these steps:

• Eat, throw away, or give away any perishable food – clean out the fridge!
• Unplug all small appliances and electronic devices to conserve energy. 
• Set your thermostat to a temperature closer to outside temperatures but still protects your plants, pets, and furniture.
• Turn off water valves to the dishwasher and washing machine; if no one is house-sitting, turn off the water to the toilets and sinks.
• Park your car in the garage if you have one.
• Ask a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor to pick up your mail, newspaper, and packages – or stop all deliveries.
• Leave your contact information and travel itinerary with someone you trust in case of an emergency.
• Put your lights on a timer – all outside lights and one indoor light, if possible, is best!
• Make sure any outdoor cameras are working correctly if you have any.
• Install a motion-activated sensor on an outdoor floodlight – one in the front and one in the back is ideal.
• Take out all trash the night before or the morning you leave.
• Run your garbage disposal and dishwasher. 
• Make sure your smoke detectors are working correctly.

Personal To-do’s

If you need new clothes, shoes, or other travel essentials, plenty of stores offer a wide selection of items at affordable prices. Target, Walmart, and Amazon are great for travel accessories, while Macy’s, Dillard’s, and JCPenney have an excellent selection of purses, backpacks, and luggage to choose from.

Make any hair, nail, or beauty appointments in the week leading up to your vacation. After all, you want to look fabulous on vacation, right? Whether you want a bikini wax at European Wax Center, your hair cut at Vida Salon, or a spa day at Massage Envy, there are multiple places locally in Addison to help you look and feel your best!

The last thing you want to be thinking about on vacation is bills, so confirm that all your accounts are on auto-pay to keep your credit cards in good standing and avoid late fees. If you prefer paying your bills manually, pay them beforehand. Double-check all your reservations: hotel, flight, car rental, restaurants, attractions, and anything else you have planned. Printing out confirmations is a great way to have a physical copy of your reservation. If you can’t print them out, write down confirmation numbers and the relevant phone numbers on paper, easily accessible in your wallet or carry-on. 

Travel Essentials

Last but certainly not least, having a packing list is crucial to ensure you don’t forget anything. While some items will vary depending on the location of your destination, some things are essential no matter what: 

• Passport
• Driver’s license
• Cell phone and charger
• Reusable water bottle(s) and snacks
• Cash, credit cards, ATM cards
• Medication and prescriptions
• Glasses, contacts, and contact lens solution
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Deodorant, lotion, tissues, lip balm, and other toiletries and makeup
• Socks and underwear
• Hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes
• Swimwear (multiple pairs)
• Rain jacket or umbrella
• Shirts and tops
• Shorts
• Flip flops or sandals
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Backpack
• Books, movies, activity books, etc.