12 Things To Do Before Your Summer Getaway

Posted June 10, 2024

Your bags are packed, your itinerary is set, and you’re counting down the minutes until you take off for your dream summer getaway. Before throwing your bags into the car, though, read through this checklist of important things people tend to forget before leaving for vacation.

1. Let Your Financial Institution Know
   Please let us know your vacation destination at least one day before your scheduled travel to prevent your card from being blocked while you are traveling. You can visit a branch, give us a call, or use the BayFedCards app. If you’re going overseas, review our frequently asked questions about foreign transaction fees and ATM withdrawals. If you have any other credit cards that you're taking with you, let those providers know about your plans as well.
2. Check Your Auto Insurance Plan for Coverage
   If you plan on renting a car, check with your auto insurance provider to find out if your plan covers rental cars. If it doesn't, you may want to purchase travel insurance, just in case.
3. Pay Your Bills
   Before heading out on your trip, make sure all of your monthly bills are paid. You don’t want to be busy paying bills when you’re sunning yourself on the beach or take the chance of getting hit with late fees.
4. Set Up an Automatic Email Response
   Your boss might know you’ll be away this week, but potential and existing clients will not. Set up an automatic response that lets people know you’re out of the office to avoid appearing unprofessional or negligent.
5. Put Your Mail on Hold
   An overflowing mailbox is an open invitation to thieves. If you’ll be gone for more than a few days, ask the USPS to put a hold on your mail. They’ll happily keep your mail at the post office until your return, at no cost to you. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to collect your mail and hold it until you return.
6. Unplug Your Electronics
   While you’re away, don’t use electricity for devices you’re not using. Pull the plug on all small appliances and electronics before you leave.
7. Clean Your Home
   Before your departure, give your house a thorough cleaning so a spotless, clean-smelling house will greet you upon your return. Plus, you’ll avoid an invasion by ants and other critters. Here’s a quick list to get you started:
   • Scrub countertops and tables
   • Wipe down the refrigerator and toss all perishables
   • Sweep, mop, and vacuum your floors
   • Take out the garbage
   • Scrub your bathrooms
   • Seal any open food packages in airtight containers
   • Pour a cup of baking soda down your drains and toilets to rid any lingering odors
   • Change your bed sheets
   Yes, you’re busy with your packing and travel arrangements now, but your post-vacation self will thank you for any scrubbing you do now.
8. Let Your Mobile Service Provider Know About Your Travel Plans
   If you’re travelling abroad, you’ll want to check with your cellphone company about possible overseas service plans that allow you to use your smartphone for calls, texts, and internet access when on vacation.
9. Shut Off Your Main Water Supply
   Turn off your water supply before leaving on your vacation to avoid coming home to a flood. A small, unnoticed leak can quickly become a huge problem when left unattended for days or weeks.
10. Adjust Your Thermostat
    If you have the AC blasting throughout the summer, you’ll want to adjust your thermostat before leaving. Turning it off is not a good idea, because you’ll want some air to circulate to keep the humidity under control and to avoid mold. Instead, turn it a few degrees higher than you usually keep it. You can also program your AC to go on and off while you’re away. Also, set your water heater to its vacation setting so it’s heating the same water less often.
11. Invest In Timers for Your Lights
    Keep the prowlers out by setting your lights to turn on and off in different rooms and at different times of the day throughout your vacation. The light gives the appearance that someone is home, and it’s a small investment when weighed against the money and aggravation it can save you.
12. Confirm your reservations
    It’s a good idea to confirm your flight, hotel room, car rental, and attractions before setting out on your trip. You may have booked some of these reservations months ago, and you don’t want any unpleasant surprises ruining your vacation.

Categories: FinancialAdvice