We’re getting ready for our family’s vacation (Beaufort, SC), and I really want to make this one extra special. There’s been so much activity and chaos between work, school, extended family events, home repairs and more. We are looking forward to pure relaxation, with no obligations! Sound familiar?

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I’ve come up with a few planning tips for making your vacation the BEST ever:

  1. Rent a house or cottage, rather than a hotel room. Then you’ll feel like you are more “at home, away from home.” The value is often better this way as well. There’s more space and privacy. And you never have to leave because the maid is coming in. Another benefit – many house rentals allow pets. You cannot leave a pet alone in a hotel room.
  2. Check in advance to see if there are grocery stores and restaurants convenient to the place you’d be renting.
  3. Bring a few of your favorite kitchen items if you will be cooking. I always bring a good knife and  few staples from my pantry when renting a house., so I don’t have to buy a lot of basics when I get there.
  4. Take your car in for servicing. You may need an oil change, tire check and you want to make sure it’s in good shape for a long drive. I just took my car in for this reason and discovered my rear brake pads were totally worn. Glad I took the car in!
  5. Make a checklist on the computer of all the things you need to do before leaving. You can use that same list every time you travel. (i.e. items to pack, lock doors, close window treatments, set timers, give neighbor a key, set alarm, unplug computer, etc) This saves time and give you peace of mind.
  6. If traveling with a pet, bring proof of vaccination. Various parks and other recreational areas may require this.
  7. Check out books on tape at the library before leaving. This will keep the entire family entertained during the long car trip.
  8. Leave your contact info with a neighbor or family member who has they key.
  9. Pack a box of activities for kids to keep busy in the car.
  10. If you MUST bring a computer on your trip, make sure the place where you are staying has wireless access and offers free wi-fi.
  11. Make sure your camera is in good working condition. And be sure to pack all chargers, batteries, etc.
  12. Don’t let bad weather get you down. If it rains a lot while on your trip, take that down time to enjoy the family. Play games (that you were smart enough to pack), watch movies, visit indoor places. Decide that you are going to enjoy your trip no matter what!

Last summer I wrote an article about packing the car for a trip. Read it here.

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