Prepare for Travel

Your own “get ready for travel checklist.”

February is a very busy month for travel. By now most of us that get snow are asking ourselves the same question every year about this time, why do we live here again? Am I right? Listed below are several tips that I found helpful to make it as stress-free and healthy as possible to leave on vacation.

How many times have you traveled and ended up sick?

We blame it on being overtired, jet lag, not sticking to your regular eating habits. Sure these can all play into it, but just think about all of the things you are surrounded by in an airport. People are coming and going from all parts of the world, coughing, sneezing, not to mention being encapsulated in a plane with no fresh air for hours. My rule of thumb is to start building your immune system a few weeks before traveling.

Why build your immune system before traveling?

When you have a compromised immune system, you are at greater risk of developing infections and other health conditions.

Even if you are extremely health conscious, it cannot hurt to kick it up a notch. For you “not so health conscious,” there are many natural immune boosters, such as adding some natural products that I have used try and boost my immune system like, Echinacea, Elderberry, Colloidal Silver, Probiotics, Astragalus Root, Ginger, Ginseng, Vitamin D, Myrrh, and Oregano. This list of natural immune boosters is no way suggested as treatments or intended to treat, cure or be used without researching usage, reaction, and contradiction. I suggest consulting a reputable health care provider before using any products.

I am not a fan of taking medications. One sure way to ruin your vacation before it even starts, however, is sitting next to someone covered in dog or cat dander, or as I call it the “invisible miserable.” If you have any allergies to animals, it might be a good idea to be prepared before getting on the plane.

This pre-trip checklist will help you not only take care of the essential tasks, but it will also remind you of the things that many forget before they go. Before that white snow becomes white sand, and the hot chocolate is now a Pina Colada, take the few extra steps toward success, and you will be well on your way to a worry-free adventure.

Don’t leave home without checking these pre- travel must do’s

Place stop order on mail or have neighbor or friend pick up.
Place stop on newspaper
Arrange a house sitter
Notify home security system, or tell your nosey neighbor 😊
Set a timer for a light or two
Clean out the fridge
Take out the trash
If leaving pets, confirm with sitter or kennel
If a homeowner, turn off main water valve
Unplug all electronics
Close and lock all windows
If going out of Country, obtain foreign currency
Create budget for trip
Research all entrance fees
Pay necessary bills in advance
Notify credit card company/bank of travel
Pack
Create/print itinerary
Confirm baggage fees and weight limitations for airline
Confirm the weight of your luggage
Add luggage tags, confirm correct information
Check weather
Confirm all reservations, hotel, flights, transportation
Notify family and friends of travel
Write important contacts on paper just in case something happens to cell phone
If passport is needed, make sure it is current and put it in a place it will not be forgotten
Make a copy of passport
If traveling overseas Confirm medical insurance coverage
Download travel apps/e-book or movies
Confirm Cell phone plan and coverage
Chargers for all electronics, phone, computer, camera
Refill all prescriptions
Get necessary immunizations