Now that you’ve made it to retirement, you can finally explore the world. After all, you no longer have to worry about coordinating travel dates with work, herding children along and dealing with the screaming when you don’t buy them that souvenir they desperately want. But even if you can travel now, nothing dampers a trip like worrying about things back home. You don’t have to let home drag you down, though. Here are a few tips to do before leaving home that will guarantee you a fun-filled time abroad.
Acquire Your Documentation
Make sure your driver’s license and passport are up to date and not about to expire. It can take a few months to get a passport if you don’t choose to pay to expedite the process, so plan ahead. Canada and Mexico no longer accept alternative documentation, so if you plan to leave the country, have a current passport. Along with that, make sure you have other documentation such as prescriptions for any medicines you plan to bring or might need to refill during your travels.
Manage Your Mail
You don’t want your mailbox overflowing or newspapers piling up while you’re gone for several reasons. First, it’s a security issue since it makes it obvious no one is home, which makes your home a potential target for thieves. Second, in case of inclement weather, your mail might not survive intact. Arrange for a neighbor to collect your mail and hold it for you, or make arrangements with the post office and/or newspaper to temporarily stop delivery.
Secure Your Home
Along with managing your mail, you’ll want to take other precautions to ensure your home is safe. A good security system and a house sitter is a great combination. You want to project that someone is monitoring the property. Additionally, an ADT-monitored home security system helps with false alarms, so you don’t have to worry about being needlessly alerted to issues while you’re off seeing the world. If you can’t afford a professional security system, you could install a DIY system with cameras and sensors that sync to a smartphone app.
Research Your Destinations for Weather and Events
Plan around extra cold, rainy, or hot seasons in accordance with your preferences. If you like extreme temperatures, you can often save quite a bit of money by traveling to major destinations in their low-tourist seasons. Events calendars are fairly easy to find for major destinations as well.
Plan for Your Pets
Sudden change to a pet’s environment can lead to stress-induced illness, so carefully assess the best option for your pet. If traveling with your pet, allow several months to acquire documentation for international travel. If hiring a caregiver, make sure to introduce and acclimate your pet to their new companion well before you leave.
Finally, pack your bags and get ready for the time of your life!
