- Rent the proper size vehicle for your group: In addition to renting ahead of time to ensure you have a vehicle on your vacation, make sure to rent one that will accommodate the number of people and their luggage in your group. I once had the interesting experience of trying to shove my super size suitcase into an economy size trunk. It was quite a hassle to go to the rental office and exchange the car for a larger one.
- Be sure anything on top is securely fastened: Take a trip to a home center prior to your trip and buy a ratchet tie-down strap for large objects in order to avoid the objects on top of your car becoming a missile on the highway.
- Always know where your keys are and have an extra set: It is amazing how pricey and inconvenient lost keys can be on a vacation. When on vacation, we relax and sometimes the location of our keys slip our minds. Wear a lanyard around your neck with your key and always have an extra on hand.
- Know if your state has closed rest stops: Many states have saved money by closing rest stops. If you are traveling with little ones that need to stop frequently, check online to see if any are closed.
- Avoid micro-sleeping while driving: Always drive refreshed. The phenomenon of micro-sleeping, when a person drifts into a sleep-like mode for 2-3 seconds, is more common than you think. Tap your hands, listen to music, and keep conversations going in order to stay alert.
- Be aware of TSA rules: Last year, my daughter's safety scissors were taken from her. They had a rounded tip, but TSA thought they could be dangerous. In order to avoid safety-line tears, be aware of the rules before you enter the line. Always err on the cautious side to keep the line moving and keep everyone happy.
- Change your watch to local time: Doing the conversion in your mind and not adjusting your internal clock to the local time can wear on you and the ones you are around. In addition, changing your watch helps keep you on time to any event you are attending.
- Book suitable accommodations for your family size: In addition to having a vehicle that fits your family, choosing the proper size of your accommodation helps make for a more pleasant trip all around.
- Educate yourself and children on local customs: Involve your children in the planning along the way so that they understand why the locals are doing what the locals do.
- Protect your cell phone: Cell phones are the number one stolen item of travelers and can be dropped easily on pavement or in the water. Invest in a water resistant case if you will be around the water during your trip. Also remember not to turn it on or push any buttons if it does fall into the water. Take the battery out and let it dry thoroughly before trying the power.
With a few extra precautions, you can have a fantastic vacation this summer. We would love to see what worked well for you.
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