Vacation Travel Help

Use our Vacation Planner below to get your family going a little easier.

Travel Planning

• Travel insurance is a good idea, especially when booking a trip many months in advance.
• If you're planning a trip out of the country, make sure every member of your family has an up-to-date passport.
• Pick destinations that are between peak and low periods.
• Subscribe to email newsletters, travel websites and rewards programs to find out about upcoming specials or packages.
• Buy airline tickets on Wednesday nights as close to midnight as possible when the airlines are releasing their held tickets and trying to fill flights.
• Use an organizational application like Evernote to store your tickets, reservations, directions, rental car receipts and other needed items you've booked online.
• Make reservations through your hotel concierge whenever possible. Restaurants and entertainment venues often give the best service to these guests to maintain a good rapport with the hotel.

Packing

• Pack items that serve dual functions - like conditioner that can be used for shaving or dryer sheets that keep packed clothes fresh and get the frizz out of hair.
• If your traveling with children, check into baby gear rental at your destination instead of lugging all your gear with you.
• Travel frequently? Keep a bag packed with travel size toiletries. Hair products (ask for them at your salon); Hand wipes; Toothbrush, tooth paste and dental floss; Hair ties and a brush; etc.
• Download and print this handy Vacation Packing Checklist to make sure you're covering the basics.

Ready the House

From holding the mail to holding your mail, make sure you've covered the basics to keep your house safe while you're away with this helpful Vacation Home Checklist.

Getting There

If you're traveling by car, make sure you take it in for some maintenance to ensure it is in the best possible condition.

• Check fluids (antifreeze/coolant, brake, oil, power steering, transmission, & windshield wiper fluid)
• Inspect belts and hoses
• Check the air filter
• Check tires for inflation, balance and wear (correct tire pressure can improve gas mileage by up to 3%)
• Look underneath for loose or broken exhaust clamps or supports
• Save on gas by finding the cheapest fuel near you at one of these sites: www.gaspricewatch.com or www.gasbuddy.com.

If you're going to be traveling by air:

• Make sure the name on your ticket matches your ID name exactly
• Check in up to 24 hours in advance online and print your boarding pass
• Check your luggage at the curb; standard skycaps tip is $1 - $2 per bag for carrying and checking your luggage. The same goes for shuttle drivers if they help you with your bags. Anyone who helps you with special services, such as wheelchair assistance, should be given a small tip.
• Visit the TSA website to make sure you're aware of new protocol and to ensure easy passage through security checkpoints

Traveling With Kids

• Plan some breaks along the way. Let the little ones get out and run off some energy.
• Pack plenty of snacks and drinks in a cooler.
• Pack favorite toys: a special blanket, books, a stuffed animal and a tape deck with sing-along tapes.
• Fill a shoe box with art supplies that your child likes and a notebook. It can be the start of their vacation journal!
• Never underestimate the power of audio books or movies. Let your child help decide on a selection at the local library.
• Give your child a map. Circle your starting point and where you will end up. Let your child play "navigator" and tell you what city or town you will pass next.
• Print your copy of the Travel Eye Spy or Color Me Betty to help entertain your pint-sized passengers.

Traveling With Pets

• Take your furry friend to the vet for a check-up before traveling.
• If your pet rarely travels in a car, ease her into the travel routine by taking short trips in advance.
• Animals should be secure while traveling - consider a crate or carrier.
• Make sure your pet is wearing an identification tag.
• Find pet-friendly hotels, transportation advice, activity ideas and much more at www.petsonthego.com.