Leonard Potter & Olympic Ins Blog Vacation Checklist

Before you take your trip, have you remembered everything? Are you sure? Check your tasks against our Vacation Checklist and make sure there's nothing you've missed.HomeClean the refrigerator of all perishables.Take out the trash and recycling.Lock all windows and doors.Turn off water to external faucets. Winterize pipes if necessary.Turn off water to washing machine, especially if your hoses are older.Have the newspaper and mail held until you're back.Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home for you. Leave them your contact information.Never leave your house key hidden outside your home.Store jewelry and valuable papers in a safe deposit box.Mow your lawn just before you leave.Arrange for the care of pets and plants.Electricity & HeatSet timers on interior lights.Make sure to unplug TVs, computers, and appliances that are susceptible to lightning and power surges.Turn off all electrical appliances.Set the heating system to provide minimum heat of 55 degrees (to help prevent mold).CarDouble check your auto insurance policy for collision coverage and how it applies to rental car insurance.If taking your car, get tune up, check tires, battery, major fluids, etc.If you're leaving your car, leave it parked in the driveway.FinancialGet tickets and accommodations.Buy travelers checks.Advise your credit card and alarm companies (and local police if you will be gone for an extended period).If a credit card is stolen, you can report it and stop additional charges. If your debit card is stolen, stopping additional charges can freeze your access to cash. Consider using your credit card when away from home.Check your health insurance policy to make sure it covers you while you're traveling. If not, call your insurance agent to acquire a temporary vacation add-on to your current insurance.Renew or obtain passport if needed.Pay upcoming bills that can't wait.WorkUpdate work voicemail with absence notification.Turn on email's automatic vacation reply.ErrandsIf traveling outside the US, make sure you check on the requirements for travel immunizations.Replace expired prescriptions and medications.Replace expired sunblock (most SPF lotions lose potency over a year's time).Restock toiletries kit.Buy extras you might need:Sun screenInsect repellantAnti-nausea pillsMoney / passport bagEuropean power converterEntertainment for kids or yourself during travel timeCamera batteriesExtra memory cardInformationGet maps.Buy/check out guide books.Talk to others who have been there to get suggestions.Put name and destination phone number or destination address in luggage. Don't put the address of your vacant home.Record phone numbers for reporting lost or stolen credit cards or debit cards and put them in a location other than your purse or wallet.Record emergency phone numbers to leave with trusted neighbors, relatives, or pet boarding facilities.Remember...TicketsPassport / IDReservation confirmationsPrescriptionsContacts / Eyeglasses and suppliesCamera (If leaving the country, proof of purchase for expensive camera equipment can avoid problems at customs.)Bag for dirty clothesLeave room for souvenirsWallet and/or purse and cash (we often forget the most obvious things)Credit cards and/or traveler's checks (plus list of numbers of both)Car and house keys (plus duplicate sets kept in different bags)Medical insurance cardsList of phone numbersMaps and directionsPackingMost of us know how to dress when we travel, so we'll be leaving off the obvious items like tops, undergarments, etc... But we've included a list of the commonly forgotten items:Lightweight sweater or jacket and long pants for cooler evenings.Swimsuits (two per person, so you'll always have a dry one).Towels (again two per person is ideal).Sun hat.Sunglasses with UV protection.Sandals.Beach Bag.Family-size beach blanket and beach chairs.Ensure toiletres/liquids are in containers of 3oz. or smaller and all fit in one quart-sized bag per person.Flashlights.Pillows.Music and headphones.Wristwatch.Cell phone and battery charger.Upon Arrival - Tips for ParentsHand-test the hot water temperature. A child can suffer third-degree burns in a matter of seconds if exposed to water above 120 degrees F. Hand-test the water to avoid accidental scalding.Examine bunk beds for proper installation and support of the mattresses. Bunk bed guardrails, like crib slats, need to be close enough together to avoid head entrapment. Avoid allowing children under the age of 6 to sleep in the top bunk.Place all household cleaners and other potentially dangerous chemicals in a locked cabinet or closet.Inspect the rental crib to make certain it is sturdy, properly assembled and in good condition.At PLC Insurance, we take a personal interest in our customers. We like to share information with you to help you protect yourself and your family from financial loss. If you have any questions, regarding this information or your insurance coverage, please don't hesitate to give us a call or send us an email.