Often, the only thing that gets people through the month of February is the thought of the upcoming spring vacation they have planned. And when that day comes, you already have your destination picked, hotel booked and plane tickets in hand or everyone packed into the family car. As you set out on your adventure, you can’t shake the feeling that maybe you didn’t lock the front door or forgot to pack jumper cables in case of car trouble. All this time, the kids are in the backseat begging you to stop for drinks and snacks. These are the worries that can turn your vacation into what feels like a Chevy Chase movie. But with the proper preparations, you can leave your home with your mind at ease.
When taking long road trips, one of the most important things to keep everyone happy is having snacks and drinks at the ready. Not only is it more convenient, but much more cost effective to purchase all of these things at the grocery store than to stop at a gas station or fast food chains along the way. For shorter trips, bringing along an Igloo cooler filled with ice works well. They are fairly cheap and will keep food and drinks cold all day. For even longer trips, investing in a small Yeti cooler, which can keep things cool for up to a couple days, is an easy way to keep food and drinks cool throughout your road trip without having to worry as much about getting more ice.
Whether you are flying or driving, there are always precautions you should take in order to ensure a safer trip. Double-checking that you have enough locks for all of your family’s luggage when going through the airport is important to prevent theft. If you are driving to your destination, having a bag of a few things just in case of emergency is very important. Some items to have on hand are a pair of jumper cables, a tire gauge, a flashlight, oil, a map or GPS, and a basic first aid kit. Being fully prepared will keep your vacation relaxing.
Any time you leave your home, there’s always that nagging feeling that you forgot to lock something, left your water running or didn’t unplug all of your electronics. Worrying about your home can cause unnecessary stress during your vacation when you’re just trying to relax. Some simple solutions are to make sure you have enough time before you leave your house. Rushing around right before you leave is stressful in itself, and often will cause you to forget something. Write a list beforehand on everything that needs to be done before you leave: doors and windows that need to be locked, electronics that need to be unplugged and security items that you may need to purchase before leaving. Buying a small safe for your valuables that you will not be taking with you and hiding it in a closet is a simple way to keep your mind at ease. Also, having a security system and asking a friend to check in on your house a few times while you’re gone is the easiest way to keep your comfort level high and stress level low when leaving your house for vacation.
Vacation is supposed to be your getaway from your every day worries, and time to spend with your family and friends. Keeping everyone happy with snacks and drinks, being prepared for the worst and having a secure home is an easy way to make your vacation that much better, and stress free. FBN