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Vacation Tips

Being organized before and during your vacation could mean the difference between the vacation the family fondly remembers or the summer get-a-way everyone would like to forget. Here are a few simple articles that we would like to share with you. And remember vacations are fun! If you have any vacation tips to share Email Us.

> 10 Quick Tips
> Getting Their Safely
> Packing List

10 Tips For Organizing Your Vacation

1. Take care of any bills that will become due while you are away. There is nothing worse then arriving home to find the electricity turned off.
2. If you are one of those wonderful souls who send postcards, preprint address labels for those you will be sending cards to before you leave.
3. Set up a small notebook to jot everything down in. For example, all the details of your vacation, things that need to be done, places you want to see.
4. Label the pages with headings such as: to buy, to do, to pack. Encourage all the family to enter items.
5. Create a section for each day of your trip and pencil in ideas for your itinerary.
6. Select an area of your home to be 'packing central', a collection point for items that everyone feels just have to be brought along.
7. Do not do all the work and preparation yourself. Delegate tasks to family members.
8. Where possible, pack disposable items. Purchase travel sized items of toiletries and first aid kits. If you have been saving the samples given away in magazines, now is the time to use them.
9. Cancel deliveries in good time. Remember to leave a key with a neighbor or family member.
10. Leave all your worries and stresses behind. Chances are they will still be there when you return.

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Getting There Safely

Carefully check your car's cooling system, brakes, belts, and tires. Do it well ahead of your vacation so there will will be time for any needed repairs.

Before leaving, make sure your home is secure. Lock all windows and doors; arrange for a friend to pick up mail and check your house periodically; have your lawn mowed regularly; and notify local law enforcement that you will be away.

Don't leave home without your driver's license, spare car keys, vehicle registration and insurance card, medical information and insurance card, motor club card, and names/ addresses of next of kin.

Drive cautiously. Everyone should have seat belts on at at all times. Reduce speed during bad weather. Pull over and rest frequently if you are driving for long periods of time.

If you are vacationing in a big city, get a good map and familiarize yourself with the area you will be visiting. Find out from the locals if there are any areas which you should avoid.

When sightseeing, stay on the beaten path. See the quaint, out of the way places during the day. Take suggestions from the hotel manager or the desk clerk for places to see and things to do.

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Suggested Packing List for Traveling

Clothing - General Gloves Hats Swimsuit Handkerchiefs Exercise Wear Casual Clothes Scarves Shawls Clothing - Men Underwear Tanks Socks Nightwear Studs/Tie Clip Belts Robe Slippers Clothing - Women Bras Panties Slips Camisoles Nightwear Belts Robe Pantyhose Knee Highs Socks Slippers First Aid/Emergency Kit Sewing Kit Safety Pins Band Aids Emery Boards Flashlight Antiseptic Cr. Emergency Telephone Numbers Aspirin/Pain Reliever Don't forget the Tickets, Maps and Directions

Toiletries Soap Cleanser Toner Moisturizer Body Lotion Hand Lotion Eye Cream Mouthwash Shampoo Conditioner Hair Spray Gel/Mouse Tampons/Pads Toothpaste Toothbrush Dental Floss Razor/Shaving Kit Perfume/Aftershave Shower Cap Tweezers Deodorant Contact Lens Care Make-Up Remover Nail Polish Remover Hairdryer Curlers Curling Iron Hair Bands/Clips Washcloth Cotton Pads Cotton Swabs Miscellaneous Items Umbrella Pillow Journal Book Sunglasses Sunscreen Sun Hat Vitamins Insect Repellant Prescrip. Medicines Prescription Glasses Adapter Plugs Alarm Clock Camera Tea/Coffee