Know before you go !      		  Checklist pencil 

  
Before you Go

  
There are several things to consider before you leave for your destination.  Whether you are going for business, pleasure or a combination, you will have to keep a few things in mind before leaving for your trip.    First things first, think about how long you will be away and the things that will impact your absence. Make check list of everything you may need or need to take care before you go. If needed make a schedule when you want yo get certain items completed and/or packed. 

  
Number One Tip -  Travel Documents

    This is the thing you must have before you go, in order to board your chosen travel method. Have a checklist of travel documents and other items needed to complete your trip (Cruises, travel tour group information, meeting places and times, etc.).  It may be a good idea to make 4 to 5 extra copies of your indentification and place one copy in each of your checked and carry on lugguage. If you lose the original document, you can prove who you are and will be able to board. This should include, but not limited to: 


passports Government issued identification (Examples: Driver's Licence, Passport, Indentification Card, etc.). 


It is a reconmended to confirm that you have up to date indentification at least 30 days (national flights) and 60 days (international flights) before your departure date. Let's face it, you can not board without the approporiate documentation.


- Flight itinerary and boarding pass/seat assignment(if you printed your pass from home).


- Review, review your id information before you go.




Hold your mail


 If is much easier for the post office to hold and deliver your mail while you are away.  You do not have to alert your neighbors that you will be gone.  Depending on your neighbors, this is a a great idea!

  
You can have your mail held either by:

  
 1. Going to the post office and request a “Mail Hold” card.  Indicate what dates you want your mail held and if you want the post office to deliver your mail or if you will pick it up from the post office.  OR  

  
2.  You can simply go to https://www.USPS.com and select the option to hold your mail.  You will fill out the same information as if you were in the post office filling out the mail hold card.    This option is perfect for everyone, especially if you have little time on your hands.  *Please note, when holding your mail, you must submit the card to the post office or online 24 hours before the first date of the mail hold.

  
Holding your mail online is a convenient and confidential way to hold your mail.  You will not have the mail piled up in your mailbox and your neighbors will never know you are away. We like this method because your bulky mail will be delivered to your home.

  
Weather

    Check the weather on line or watch a weather channel for your destination. Also, you may email the hotel or venue where you are staying and ask them if they are aware of the weather conditions during your stay. It is important to check the weather to adjust your packing needs, planning activities and depending on where and how long you are going, you made need to adjust your trip departure and return dates if neccessary.

  
Credit/Debit Cards

    If you are not a frequent travel, alert your credit/debit card company that you are traveling out of town.  This is helpful, so that when you use your card, there will not be a hold or fraud alert on your card.  Please don’t mistake what we are saying fraud alerts are a welcome and much need tool to protect yourself.  If a fraud alert occurs, your credit/debit card company may put a hold on your purchase.

  
Pets

    Make sure you book your pet’s stay at hotel, kennel or friend at least 3 weeks in advance.  Many pet hotels book quickly during the holiday season and many other frequently travel times through the year. If you are traveling with your pet, confirm that the hotel, plane and other pet travel needs have not changed policies and procedures.

  
Security

    Set your alarms before you leave.  This may sound like an obvious thing to do, but many people rush out the door and forget the basics.  If you do not have an alarm, system, go to your nearest home improvement center and get a few window guards and light timers.  It is a good idea to set alarms on your television, clock radio or regular alarm clocks.  If you've extra time, a nanny cam in your home is a great idea!

  
Transportation

    Make sure you arrange for airport transportation 1 to 2 weeks in advance of  your departure date.  During the holidays, it is highly recommended to arrange for airport transportation 3 to 4 weeks in advance.  If you will be leaving during the winter months or any inclement weather, arrange for the airport shuttle to pick you up at least 3 hours before your flight departure time. 

  

  
Before you go, it is recommended that you make a detailed checklist of items, clothes, identification and other important information.