Summer Travel Tips
June 23rd, 2009 at 8:45 pm (Summer Travel Tips)
June 2009 Newsletter
Organizing Summer Travel Tips
If you have the pleasure of traveling this summer,
below are some travel tips that I hope will help your trip go smoothly.
1. Plan Ahead
*Make a list on paper of the things you need to pack, making sure you’re only taking along what you will absolutely need in order to reduce the number of bags. Cross it off the list once you have it packed. To me this is the best part of making a list 
2. Communicate
*Remember to let friends, family and trusted neighbors know where you are going, how long you’ll be gone and how to reach you. If you’ll be away for an extended period of time, have the post office hold your mail and put a hold on your newspaper subscriptions.
3. Protect Your Home
*Set timers on the interior and exterior lights in your home to discourage intruders looking for an empty home. Hide valuables somewhere in the house rather than leaving them in your jewelry box or an underwear drawer. Set your thermostat at a reasonable temperature in order to save on summer cooling costs.
4. Tune Up Your Car
*If you’re taking a road trip, be sure to give your car a thorough pre-vacation inspection. Check the tires and all fluid levels. Inspect windshield wipers, hoses and belts for wear. Don’t forget an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, basic hand tools, flares, a first aid kit and a flashlight.
5. Car Travel
*Keep a travel-sized waste can in your car so the entire family has a place to easily deposit trash items. Each time you stop to fill up with gas, simply empty the can of trash in the station’s receptacles.
*Sometimes toys and coloring books can take control of the interior of your car. Keep items contained in plastic boxes that fit neatly beneath the seat or choose organizers that hang from the back of the seat for quick access.
*Keep a supply of clear plastic bags inside your vehicle to easily put soiled or wet garments in until they can be washed or rinsed out.
6. Airline Travel
*Organize your identification-You will be asked to provide government-issued photo identification at various checkpoints throughout the airport. Passengers are required to provide proof of travel, including a boarding pass, or printed confirmation of an e-ticket. Don’t forget your Passport if traveling out of the U.S. Keep all of these items organized and quickly accessible.
*Pack Smart-FAA guidelines now limit carry-on baggage to one bag plus one personal item. Some airlines have recently added fees for checking bags or for checking more than one bag. Check with your airline before you pack.
*Packing Toiletries-According to TSA guidelines, liquids, gels and aerosols that you want to carry on the plane must be in three-ounce or smaller containers and in a one-quart, zip-top bag. It’s imperative to put shampoo, lotion, hair gel, toothpaste mouthwash and other liquids in guaranteed leak proof bottles to prevent spills.
*Bringing Gifts-do not wrap the gift before your trip - they may be unwrapped by airline agents at the security checkpoint.
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY SUMMER VACATION!