Preparing to Travel

Every Thanksgiving I'm grateful for the time I get to spend with my family, even if it means hours on end in the family taxi.

However, before that wholesome family time can begin a lot of planning, packing, and time is spent preparing for the days away from home and on the road.

If you are planning on traveling for Thanksgiving, here are a few things you may want to add to your "to-do list".

1. Water Plants.
2. Arrange for Pet Care (if your pet isn't coming along for the ride too).
3. Turn your thermostat down for the days you'll be away.
4. Make sure your home is secure by locking all the windows, doors, and removing hidden keys from outside around your house.
5. Set a radio and light on a timer. Those who don't know you're out of town will think your home.
6. Close blinds and curtains.
7. Clean up the kitchen, empty garbage cans, wash dishes, and dispose any items in refrigerator that won't be good when you come back.
8. Have at least one frozen dinner in the freezer when you get back, you'll be thankful for it later.
9. Check out the family taxi before you leave, tires, jacks, fluids... make sure your vehicle is road worthy for the trip.
10. Make sure you have a few dollars of cash for tolls or traveler's checks depending on where you're going.
11. Have the car charger for your cell phone and a calling card for areas you might not get service on your cell phone in an emergency.
12. Take care of any last minute bills that arrive and are due while you're away.
13. Catch up on your laundry while your packing, this way when you come home you only need to take care of the soiled clothes in your suitcases.
14. Pack an extra "fun bag" for the kids with books, games, and other amusements that are age appropriate for the ride. (we'll talk about this in another up coming blog. :) )
15. Take along plenty of snacks to prevent unnecessary fast food stops.
16. Don't forget your GPS, Maps, and directions.
17. Post a list of "what not to forgets" on the front door as your going in and out from packing the car, write on last minute items as you think of them, but don't get too carried away!!
18. Wear old comfortable shoes. Yes, you can get blisters inside the car too.
19. Give yourself plenty of time to travel to your destination.
20. Relax, it's going to be okay. You're family will remember this time always. :)

Make sure you use your travel itinerary and packing list in the free MRsCHADT Holiday Planner to help guide you as you prepare to leave. And, if your staying home this Thanksgiving, there's a meal planner and shopping list made especially for the occasion.

As always I'm thankful for my family, great friends, wonderful fans, and I don't have to cook the turkey this year. ;P

How about you?

To all of you, a blessed Thanksgiving.

Preparing to Travel

Ahh... Summer, the time when we most often pack our suitcases and head off to destinations like the beach, Disney World, family reunions, and Grandma's house.

Whether you are packing for yourself or someone else, here are a few general tips to help you reduce stress, ensure you have what you need, and have a fun trip.

1. Make a list for each person you're packing for, yourself, your children, your spouse, or everyone.
2. Pull out the suitcases a few days early.
3. Aim to pack three to four days in advance.
4. If you are packing for more than one person for the trip, tackle packing one person at a time to ensure you don't over look any necessary items or mix up items in other suitcases.
5. Choose one day to do various task before you leave on your trip. Don't try to do everything in one day, or you will most likely end up frustrated, tired, and come up short with other people.
6. The day before the trip, check your suitcases against your list one final time and double check our travel arrangements.
7. Create a household schedule, such as taking out the trash, plan meals, and pet duty for anyone who might be staying home or pet and house sitters.
8. Let your house sitter, pet sitter, a neighbor or family member know where you are going, when you'll be gone, and how to reach you in an emergency.
9. Grab a few snacks and at least one bottle of water for the trip for each person going. It's amazing how fast one gets while traveling.
10. Relax and enjoy your trip.