| Imagine yourself on the beach, in the mountains, | | | | have pets, either make sure a friend or relative |
| sipping hot chocolate or fresh coffee. The sun is | | | | has time to tend to them or check them into a |
| up, the birds are singing, and the clouds are far | | | | pet hotel the night before traveling to eliminate |
| away. It's the vacation we all dream of, but how | | | | last minute delays. Notify the neighbors of your |
| often does such perfection linger, even at the | | | | absence. More often than not, they'd be happy to |
| ideal getaway? There are hurricanes, power | | | | keep an eye out for ill-wishers. If the neighbors |
| outages, domestic disasters, monsters...well, | | | | can not or are unwilling to pick up the mail, just |
| maybe not monsters, but you have the idea. The | | | | have it held at the post office. This not only |
| perfect vacation is hard to come by, but making | | | | keeps the mailbox from overflowing, but excess |
| a check off list is a good path to take. | | | | mail, and particularly a pile of daily papers, only |
| First off, where is this secret haven? No matter | | | | serves as a big "Rob Me!" sign at end of your |
| what season, bad weather is always bound to | | | | driveway. And for that "really not gone" look, |
| sneak over those emerald peaks. So, check the | | | | purchase an outlet timer for table lamps. This |
| weather, it doesn't take long. As the vacation | | | | allows you to program lights to turn on and off, |
| approaches, keep an eye on weekly weather | | | | giving the impression that someone is still around. |
| forecasts, just in case that raincoat needs dusting. | | | | However, make sure all other appliances are |
| Always keep an umbrella handy, though. Car | | | | switched off and unplugged. If you hire a house |
| trouble and rain never mix well. | | | | sitter, make sure to leave out a list of |
| That brings us to the second point of concern. | | | | emergency contact numbers, including the fire and |
| When was the last time the car saw a mechanic? | | | | police department. If a house sitter is not in order, |
| Be sure all tune ups and oil changes are up to | | | | secure and lock all doors and windows and turn |
| date, make sure the windshield wipers work well, | | | | on the alarm system should you have one. |
| and check the tires. Make sure all tires meet the | | | | So, you're ready to go, right? Wallet, keys, |
| pressure requirements. Blowouts are just as | | | | clothes...check. But wait! Are you just bringing cash |
| dangerous, if not more so, meaning don't overfill | | | | and checks? For most things, this is all you need, |
| the tires. Stock up on cleaning supplies (moist | | | | but major credit cards are always handy for |
| toilettes, etc.) for interior cleanliness, especially if | | | | unseen emergencies, plus this payment option |
| younger family extensions are tagging along. Hang | | | | leaves little room for dispute at the hotel counter. |
| grocery bags from the glove compartment and | | | | Also, if you do bring cash along, make sure it is |
| or headrests to keep the floors tidy, and if you | | | | clipped neatly inside your wallet or stowed away |
| don't have a map light, slide a small flashlight into | | | | somewhere secure, and if your destination is |
| the door pocket. Keep napkins handy should you | | | | water related, go ahead and put the bills in a |
| need to check the engine, and go ahead and stow | | | | plastic bag, just in case that water proves |
| a gallon of water and a quart or two of oil in the | | | | irresistible. |
| trunk-an overheated engine is the worst way to | | | | Now you're ready. Pack up the kids and hit the |
| start a vacation. | | | | road, your vacation awaits you. Soon that hot |
| Don't leave yet, though. Make sure everything at | | | | chocolate and romantic sunset will be a reality. |
| the home base is in order and hazard-free. If you | | | | You didn't leave the stove on, did you? |