When getting ready for vacation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with things to remember: scheduling the kennel for pets, putting the mail on hold, finding passports, replacing luggage. The list goes on and on.

Before you head out, here are four important vacation planning “to-dos” (and one “not-to-do!”) that will help you stress less about any legal, logistical or financial issues while you’re vacationing.

1. Update Important Documents

Creating essential legal documents, such as a will or a healthcare power of attorney, is always a good idea, but updating them before you travel becomes even more important. Make sure these documents contain the most current beneficiaries and instructions. If you don’t have a will, you may leave important decisions — such as guardians for your children — up to the court system and the laws of the state.

2. Leave Important Information with a Trusted Family Member or Friend.

It’s important that a family member or friend knows where you’re traveling, your departure and return dates and how to get in touch with you while you’re gone in case of an emergency. So make sure you leave your important contact information in one, easy-to-locate place before you leave town.

Download a PDF copy of this Travel Itinerary here

3. Complete Health Care Forms for Children.

If you are a parent or guardian, it is a good idea to complete a form referred to as a Medical Treatment Authorization for Minors. This document provides information regarding your child’s medical history as well as insurance information and authorizes medical personnel to treat your child in the event you are not physically present or you cannot be located or contacted.
 

What’s the “Not-to-Do?” Don’t advertise you’re gone.

There are a number of little things you can do to help keep your home secure while you’re gone. First, put a hold on any mail, newspapers or packages delivered to your home. Then get a timer that will turn lights on and off at different times of day. Have someone stop by periodically to check doors, windows, locks, etc. to ensure everything is secure.

Also, even though you’re excited to tell others about your fun vacation plans, don’t post details online about when you depart, your destination or how long you’ll be gone. This gives identity thieves or potential burglars the puzzle pieces they need to steal your identity or locate your home. Wait until you get back to post pictures of your trip.

Planning a vacation can be stressful, but you can save yourself a great deal of time and hassle by following a vacation list like the one above. Then you can get down to what a trip is really about — relaxation, adventure or both.

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Got the Book?

Take the 30 Day Challenge: Get your crap together, so your Family won’t have to!

You have your choice of two options. Yup I’m Dead…Now What? or Yup I’m Dead…Now What? The Deluxe Edition.

What’s the difference? The Deluxe Edition contains the 30 Day Challenge along with additional forms, resources, shortcuts and tips. The regular version refers to the website to download these items.

• Amazon is a tad quicker and convenient (if you have prime). I pretty much order everything from Amazon, so why would I not order my books, as well.
• Barnes & Noble is just B&N (some prefer)
• LuLu Marketplace takes a little longer, but is a few pennies cheaper and offers a convenient coil binding.

Whichever option you choose, you just need to choose one! 

Don’t delay!

This is one of the most important things you can do for your Loved Ones.