MONTHS BEFORE
- Update passports and check regulations due to recent changes. Passport Processing Times Have Increased Due to High Volume, so plan accordingly. Visit the Passport Office's website HERE for all you need to know.
- If traveling internationally check on the vaccine recommendations for your destination country. Here's the link to the Center for Disease Control: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/.
THE WEEK BEFORE
KID RELATED
- Inform school administration of kids being absent (if out of normal vacation times)
- Child's Birth Certificate and copy of their latest shot records (just in case)
- Carry current photo of child
- Confirm appropriate bedding arrangements for children (standard size cribs are different in different countries; will you need a bedrail for children; is there a pack n play option)
EMAIL
- Set auto-response vacation message
- Change any PSP memership/group settings to minimize how many messages you receive while you are gone. Learn more here.
GENERAL
- Stop Mail-- you can do this via the USPS Website
- Put in Fresh Direct order so you'll have food
- Hold newspaper delivery
- Inform neighbors/ super you'll be gone (and make sure someone has your key)
- Pay babysitter (if appropriate) ahead of time
- Get cat/dog sitter/kennel lined up
- Get plant sitters
- Plan on housecleaner while you're away
- Turn down thermostat
- Make copies of your passport(s). Leave with someone as well as take a copy for yourself (you can take your copy to the nearest gov't office to get a new one)
- Copy down any credit card numbers with expiration date, that if they are lost or stolen it easy to cancel and replace.
- Scan Passport and ID and email to yourself so you have it just in case. (NOTE: someone noted the problem of email security with this one).
- Email a list of your bookmarks (including your ticket company, airlines, Visa, Amex, embassy links, etc.) to yourself.
- Check TSA regulations for list of what you can't carry on-board.
- Buy extra quart sized Ziploc bags because ALL liquids must go through security in these bags. (NOTE: ONLY ONE Ziploc per traveler)
- Take Phone numbers of pediatrician, other doctors, neighbors, friends, super, nanny and have them handy. Think of whoever you might need to contact in case of an emergency or last minute need.
- First Aid Kit (band-aids, Tylenol, thermometer)
THE DAY BEFORE
- Close house windows. Here are more general safety reminders for your home.
- Check on reservations
- Reserve Car Service (and make sure to take the Car Service Phone Number if you want to call them from the airport)
- Set DVR/VCR to record favorite shows
- Make sure car is parked in a spot that will be legal throughout vacation (if not taking car) (if you have a car)
OTHER TIPS
- Take Car, Plane, Boat sickness supplies (bonine, dramamine, sealable bags, extra wipes, change of clothes for parents and kids)
- Take EMPTY water bottles on the plane and refill on board
- Take EXTRA bags for garbage, barf, barfed on clothes, etc.
- NO on-board liquids more than 3 oz. unless medication (no sunscreen, etc.). TSA will confiscate and you'll be left without. (1/2 used 5 oz toothpaste are NOT allowed)
- Breast milk or formula is allowed, but you must separate and declare at checkpoint. Read what PSP parents advise about traveling while breastfeeding/ breastpumping HERE.
- Leave your golf clubs, pool cues, swords, axes, hatchets, Billy clubs, bows and arrows and spear guns in checked luggage (not sure why I found this so funny, but I did!)
DON'T FORGET to Take:
- Kids' passports
- CORD for GPS (and the GPS)
- Take cell phone charger. (For international travel you can rent an international cell phone)
- Take laptop power cord (if taking laptop)
MORE CHECKLISTS TO CHECK OUT:
