What to do before you go away, another timely reminder, a checklist before you travel
As more and more people are travelling, there are still some sensible things to be aware of. When you travel a lot, it is easy to get complacent. So as we have some significant holidays coming up it is timely to remember a few things. Undoubtedly I have missed things. I hope these are just common sense and not OTT.
Some helpful hint on what to do before you go away
Don’t advertise that you are away on holidays
Contents
- If you can’t get someone to get your mail, and that is a big imposition, in reality, get a post office box. It does not cost that much and is better than mailing hanging out of our box and blatantly advertising your absence. Just let the post office know that you will be away so that they don’t think that something untoward has happened, and/or you are decomposing at home.
- Pay someone you know or trust to mow your lawn. A long lawn is again a beacon for would-be thieves.
- Leave a light or two on or invest in a light timer that flicks lights on and off at set times.
- Re curtains – this is always tricky. If they’re shut for any period of time, then people will know you are away. If you leave them open 24/7 then people will know you are away. I go just partly ajar, not shut but not totally open.
- Let your neighbours or a neighbour know and leave them a contact number of a friend or family member should something seem amiss.
- Keep too many details of your social media accounts. Be discreet on Facebook, without totally blocking your family and friends.
Some general tips
- Run the fridge right down before the last garbage pick up. Some people turn there’s off. I do if we are away for a significant amount of time. Otherwise, I leave it running, ditto hot water system even if we are away for a long time.
- As you have to eat after the last garbage collection, you will inevitably accrue rubbish. Don’t leave food in your bin. It is not nice to come back to a maggot infested bin. This might not be totally correct, but I take garbage to a friend who has some space, or down to a bin at the shopping centre and get rid of it there. Of course, I recycle and because this doesn’t stink since it is just papers and washed out jars and containers, this is no issue.
- Turn all appliances totally off (except maybe the fridge), but any computers and absolutely the dryer and washing machines, and totally disconnect the plugs from the wall. This is really important. A surge can cause a fire, and these appliances are high risk, it is not worth the risk
Who to tell that you are away
- Let your bank know that you will be making transactions when you are away so that when your credit card shows purchases in Cambodia for example, they will know. Actually, the banks are really good. We have received some calls just confirming that we had used the credit card in certain countries. Good work banks.
- It is hard to leave an itinerary if you are just going where you feel like at the time. So just give someone close to you, at least, the departure and return dates, and stay in contact with someone, whether it be by email or phone. They can be the conduit to other friends and people.
- Many governments have a site where you can leave your travel information. For Australians, use this link.
What Else do you Need to do
- Photograph serial numbers of expensive appliances, jewellery, art, works for insurance purposes, should the worst happen.
- Photograph passports and other documents and store in the phone, but send to a trusted person.
- Get animals tended to.
- Leave a key for a friend to get into your house should they feel a burning desire to clean your house for you.
The airport
- Confirm your flight either online or by phone before hand
- Read ALL TERMS and CONDITIONS of your flight. Let the buyer beware.
- Book your seats as soon as you can
- Organise your transport to the airport
- Make sure your baggage is under weight. You need to fit in a snow cone your two. Wear your heaviest item. I have seen people wear their ski boots onto the plane… seriously.
- Don’t be late Yes, it is boring but it is better than being not allowed on the flight.
Documentation and money
- Check your passport is current and whether you need a visa.
- Organise your money.
- Organise a cheap phone card which means that you need to get your phone unlocked for you plan on getting a sim card at your destination.
- I am a bit anal, but I take envelopes. Each had the name and address of the accommodation if we have pre-booked it. I often to the get directions Google map and put that in as well.
- Invest in a wallet where your credit card cannot be scanned. This happened to a friend coming through LA airport and she was ripped off $8,000. Mine is bling.
- You don’t need a bum bag or a money belt. Just be a little sensible about where you carry your bag and how you do. My bag is always between my husband and I. He keeps the wallet inside his front pocket. Always close your bag. I have one with straps that are nearly impossible to cut, and it is not butt ugly.
What I think makes a return easier
- Leave your house neat. There is seriously nothing worse than getting home and you are jet lagged, to a messy house.
- Unpack immediately and get the washing on. Don’t put it off because you will leave it for a long time. Regardless of how tired you are, get unpacked.
- Then sit down for a coffee and a long nap, and dream about your fantastic holiday.
- These are just some hopefully sensible suggestions, for What to Do Before You Go Away
