Going on an extended trip is an exciting experience, whether it be for work or pleasure. It can also be a bit overwhelming if you are not prepared. Taking the time to get organized and plan will help ensure your trip goes smoothly and you don’t forget any important details. Here are six tips to help you prepare for your extended trip so it goes as planned.
Get Your Travel Documents
Planning an extended trip takes a lot of time, but two of the most important pieces of information you need to secure early on are a valid passport and visa (if required). Make sure to check the expiration dates on both so they’re still valid and up to date. Research the passport requirements in whatever country you’re visiting. Some places won’t accept your passport if it’s within six months of expiring, so be sure to look into that. It also pays off to store your passport in a safe place and take extra copies with you if traveling abroad.
Book Flights and Hotel Early
Planning ahead and booking your flights and accommodation in advance is a great way to save money when traveling. It can be tempting to wait until the last minute to book travel deals, but more often than not, it costs more than it would have if booked earlier. Early booking typically means better discounts, plus it also helps ensure yourself a good quality place to stay during peak season as most discount rooms can be sold out quickly. So, if you’re thinking about planning a trip soon, don’t wait for the perfect deal to come around – book your flights and accommodations early and enjoy the savings!
Arrange for Pet and/or Plant Care
Planning ahead and making arrangements for your pets or plants while you are away is essential. Whether you decide to involve a trusted family member, friend, neighbor, pet sitter, or boarding facility, seek out someone you trust who is willing and capable of taking care of your furry loved ones or botanical babies. If you are gone for an extended period of time, you should consider finding somewhere your pet can stay overnight so they don’t get lonely.
Think about their individual needs: Does one of your pets require special food? Is there someone familiar with plants that can help maintain your garden? Making sure everything is set up in advance will put your mind at ease, knowing that your beloved is in good hands while you’re away from home. Be sure to leave detailed notes on what is required of them each day you’re gone. It’s also helpful to have the person in charge of your pets/plants come to your home before you leave so you can show them around.
Reserve Long-Term Parking
If you’re driving to the airport, it pays to pre-book monthly parking. Not only will this save you time – no more circling around busy car parks looking for a spot – but it can also be significantly cheaper than paying each time. Most parking lots near airports offer monthly passes that require a single payment and give you access to parking when needed.
Shopping around is always recommended; look for offers that provide discounts or free extras like valet services or complimentary car washes. Don’t forget to read the small print, too: make sure your pass covers all hours of the day and is valid for the dates and times that best suit your travel plans. Pre-booking monthly parking can be a convenient and economical way to start your travels.
Pause Your Deliveries
If you’re getting ready to take a trip, it’s important to remember to cancel any regular deliveries you may have before leaving. Whether it’s your newspaper, milk, or anything else regularly delivered right to your door, not checking off these items can cause a lot of unnecessary stress while away. Think of the waste of food that could occur if you don’t cancel those fresh products!
It can be easy to forget about regular deliveries, but with a few clicks or phone calls, you can ensure everything is taken care of before your trip’s departure. Setting aside some time to address this in advance will pay off in the long run. You should also contact your postal service to pause your mail delivery and ask a neighbor to collect any packages that might arrive while you’re away.
Call Your Bank/Credit Card Company
Credit/debit card fraud is a real concern, and banks have measures to help protect account holders. One protective measure is blocking cards if they are suddenly used in different parts of the country or world. To prevent this from happening, it is important always to let your bank know if you plan on traveling so that they can adjust their security measures accordingly. Doing this will ensure your cards work normally while you’re away and save you any unpleasant surprises or delays while attempting to use them. It’s also generally recommended only to use credit cards when traveling in case your information gets stolen. Otherwise, you might be on the hook for a thief’s purchases.
It’s important to plan ahead and prepare for your next extended trip. From getting your travel documents in order to pre-book flights and hotels early, arranging pet or plant care, pausing deliveries, calling your bank/credit card company, and reserving long-term parking – there are many things that should be considered before embarking on a journey. With some planning and preparation, you can ensure everything is taken care of while on your trip.
