Living in the Midwest, many of us count down the days until the snow melts and spring arrives. On the other hand, some of us choose to take part in winter sports and bundle up with warm clothing, enjoy the outdoors skiing or sledding, then top off our day sitting by the fire drinking hot chocolate.
Regardless, I think we can all agree that the grind of winter can be diminished a bit by taking a warm weather vacation getaway. When planning that winter vacation, there are many things to prepare for at home, as well as when you are traveling.
You scan the web for vacation spots including hotels, transportation, and tourist attractions suitable for your budget constraints. And so —the planning begins.
While you’re making your plans, remember that it’s not just the vacation destination that needs consideration, but the home-front you’re leaving behind as well
Top Ten Vacation Safety Tips and Things to Consider
- Is your house well protected from intruders? A rural location could mean fewer neighbors to keep an eye on your empty home.
- Be sure to stop your mail and newspapers during the time you are away as these are sure giveaways that no one is at home.
- Don’t post your vacation dates on any social networks as it can serve as an invitation to others that your home will be empty.
- In the winter, it is important not to turn off the water or the heat.
- Be sure to give a house key to a trusted friend or relative and have them check on your home while you are away. Imagine a broken pipe unchecked or a furnace that suddenly stops working.
- Consider a timer lamp that goes on and off at different times of the day so intruders watching the home will not be tipped off that you are away.
- Remember that in most cases your home-owners insurance will not only cover what is left in the home but all the travel items you take along on your trip, including expensive cameras and sporting equipment. Be sure you know the cost and purchase date of each item you take along.
- If you’ll be renting a car, there’s about rental car insurance coverage called Loss Damage Waiver. This is additional coverage to your current automobile plan and does allow for waiver of any deductible costs or increase in coverage rates. Feel free to give us a call to discuss whether or not this is a coverage you should consider. One of your credit cards may also allow for rental coverage insurance. Find out the exact type of coverage allowed and if it is a substitution for the Loss Damage Waiver.
- What if you become ill on your vacation? In most cases your health insurance policy will give you sufficient coverage in an emergency situation. If you are traveling outside the United States for an extended period of time, you may wish to check with your insurance carrier as to what additional coverage you will need during your trip. Always ask about the specific activities you will be engaged in as to the type of coverage that may become necessary.
- Call your doctor if necessary to get extra medication so you do not need a refill during your trip. Most physicians will allow an additional amount of medication if they know you are traveling for an extended period.
Plan Ahead and Enjoy your Vacation
Planning that warm weather get-a-way can be fun and rewarding and also filled with headaches. Don’t allow the little things to get you down and spoil your vacation.
Once you have reviewed all the necessary items in the checklist above, sit down and make your own list of items you’ll need to take along on your vacation. Making a list of clothing and necessities is a sure bet nothing will be forgotten.
Remember that in most cases, planning for the accidents and mishaps is a sure bet they won’t occur. It is the person that leaves home without a care in the world that ends up finding themselves in trouble.
Create a plan and stick to it and you will enjoy a fun-filled adventure with good memories to last a lifetime, or at least until the Midwest cold is over.
