After having made the biggest move of my life this past week, from Burnaby to Cranbrook in B.C., Canada, I realize just how much planning has to do with a fairly successful "jaunt" with my daughter. Planning, although not foolproof (what is with kids?) can really make a vacation, move, or family outing a much more enjoyable experience.
With all of the research that I did for our own move, I thought that it would be nice to pass along the great information that helped my family thrive and enjoy our two-day, 16-hour, car trip across British Columbia. Without this information, I think that we would all be worse for the wear, and leery to try it again.
Most of the information presented here is pertinent only to the vacationing family - just because of the time of the year. However, many of these pieces of advice can be used when moving (as we did), to ensure a smooth transition with the kids.
And how does this all factor in with parents who work out of their homes? Well, we all need a break sometimes, and the summer is a perfect time to enjoy our families, without the stresses of working from home. A trip away from home can be a very welcome change of pavce for those of us feeling just a little trapped in our homes, and will create some fantastic memories for the entire family to reminisce about for years to come.
Checklist Before Leaving on Vacation:
- Stop any newspaper deliveries; ensure that your mail is picked up by a neighbor while you are gone.
- If you will be gone for an extended period of time, get a friend or family member to mow your lawn, and keep your property looking lived in.
- Leave an itinerary with the same people listed above, just in case you need to be contacted.
- Empty your fridge of all perishables, and make sure that you take all of your garbage out before you leave.
- Turn off all unnecessary utilities, and invest in a timer for your lights. It will simulate your presence, while giving you peace of mind for a very little cost.
Where to Stay While on Vacation?
