summer vacationThis is the time of year when a summer vacation is just what we need to relax, refresh, have fun and make some wonderful memories. Whether you’re leaving on a jet plane, road tripping or having a staycation, organization plays an important role to ensure that you have a stress-free, fun-filled summer vacation.

Making some decisions with those involved is the first step to creating a plan to avoid stress and ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience.  You may want to do some research for options, whether you know or don’t know yet where you want to spend your summer vacation this year.

There are some different options for a mode of travel listed below to get you started on making the decisions that will begin your planning process.  It may help to list the pros and cons of each option to make your decision.

  • Leaving on a jet plane:

This option is far reaching as you can fly anywhere in the world; the sky is the limit…literally! Another thing to consider is that air travel may just be the way to get to a coast where you could jump on a cruise ship to various places.

  • Road tripping:

Taking a road trip is a great way to visit parts of the country up close and at your own pace using your own vehicle. It can also be a more affordable option.

  • Staycation:

Don’t discount enjoying a staycation to visit places of interest near you.  It’s a cost-effective summer vacation option for relaxing and seeing sights you may or may not have seen before.

Now that you’ve decided on the mode of travel, the next step is to create a plan that includes the following:

  • Where you are going
  • The length of your vacation
  • Where you will stay
  • Schedule of activities
  • Packing checklist

The tips below are organized based on mode of travel. Some of these tips may overlap with more than one mode of travel. Packing tips can be found below the different modes of travel to help create a travel checklist.  Check out these tips to help you plan your summer vacation to make some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime!

Leaving on a jet plane:

  • Put a hold on snail mail at the post office or ask a neighbor to pick it up and hold onto it until you return.
  • Leave trip itinerary/contact information with another family member, close friend, or neighbor, so someone has a record of your travels for security.
  • Put timers on lights inside the house so it looks like someone is there; as an alternative, hire a house/pet sitter (if you have pets-this is actually a better alternative for your pets than a kennel).
  • Photocopy debit cards, credit cards, driver’s licenses, passports, and lost or stolen contact information, and keep separate from these actual cards/documents.
  • Confirm all reservations (ie., flights, hotels, rental vehicle, etc.), at least a week in advance.
  • Print all boarding passes and send copies of them as a text to yourself if possible. You can’t rely on mobile apps that use WIFI or cellular because of limited connectivity at the airport.
  • Try not to check bags if possible. But if you absolutely have to, keep photo identification, medications, phone, charger, and other necessities in a carryon bag in case your bags get lost.
  • Keep your 1-quart baggie with your max 3 oz. liquids, lotions & gels handy to pull out as you enter security in the airport. Consider picking up sunscreen at your sunny destination to leave space in your baggie for other more expensive essentials.
  • When traveling by air, consider mailing souvenirs to your home, instead of using up prime real estate in your luggage.
  • Use up fresh food items prior to leaving so they don’t spoil while you’re away.
  • Clean the house before you leave. You will feel less stressed knowing you are coming home to a clean house!
  • To keep the little ones from getting bored during long flights, have each child pack a backpack with their favorite toys and games for the trip.

Road tripping:

  • Take your vehicle in for a service check 2 weeks prior to your departure date to allow sufficient time for repairs.
  • If you use a GPS device other than your phone, update your device prior to taking a road trip so you have accurate info before starting out.
  • Leave trip itinerary/contact information with another family member, close friend, or neighbor, so someone has a record of your travels for security.
  • Put timers on lights inside the house so it looks like someone is there; as an alternative, hire a house/pet sitter (if you have pets-this is actually a better alternative for your pets than a kennel).
  • Photocopy debit cards, credit cards, driver’s licenses, passports, and lost or stolen contact information, and keep separate from these cards/documents.
  • Use up fresh food items prior to leaving so they don’t spoil while you’re away.
  • Map out your route to include some fun places to stop along the way to your destination.
  • Bring an empty tote bag for all those souvenirs!
  • Build in some gaps between activities so you’re not overwhelmed by hurrying to get to the next place on your list.
  • Clean the house before you leave. You will feel less stressed knowing you are coming home to a clean house!
  • To keep the little ones from getting bored, have each child pack a backpack with their favorite toys and games for the trip.
  • Some newer vehicles have DVD players built in, so bring some favorite DVDs from home to keep the kiddoes happy. If not, bring a portable DVD player from home.

Staycation:

  • Staycations are so versatile, relaxing, and cost effective. Not doing anything is also a great option! No planning or sticking to a schedule is quite relaxing.
  • Do some research for some fun activities that are near you that will interest all the members of your group.
  • Spontaneity is underrated! Time is on your side. If you feel the urge to get out and do something, do it, if not, why not take a nap?
  • Plan a dinner and movie night by inviting some friends to your home. Have everyone bring a dish and their favorite movie. Put the names of the movies in a basket & pull out one movie, watch it, then pull out another until you run out of time or movies.
  • How about a game night? Similar to the dinner & movie idea above, pull out your board games to get your game on!

Packing:

  • Load a medication organizer with meds, vitamins, or supplements for each person respective of their needs for each day of the trip. Label each organizer with their name.
  • Keep a separate bag of toiletries ready, to save time packing for a trip. Replenish supplies upon your return.
  • When packing clothes, roll them up to reduce wrinkles and make efficient use of suitcase space.
  • Pack an outfit for each day of the trip, +1 or 2 more if you have space, including undies, shoes, & accessories for each person.
  • Pack undergarments in mesh laundry bags. It keeps them all together, and when you return, you can throw the whole bag into the washer.
  • Put shoes in grocery bags & pack around the perimeter of your suitcase. This way if there is anything on the soles, it won’t end up on your clean clothes.
  • For overseas travel, pack a tote bag to carry on the plane, with necessities for at least 1 day, in case your luggage gets lost.
  • If the lodging at your final destination has a laundry facility, pack fewer outfits & wash them midway through your trip.
  • Check with the lodging at your final destination to see what amenities they have that you don’t need to bring.
  • Make sure you pack essential items that may be more expensive to pick up in another state or country.