I have travel on the mind since we are in the midst of doing so much of it. Several years ago, when we were still in the diapers and stroller stage, my husband pleaded with me to make a check list for vacations. It wasn't because he needed it, but because I became increasingly neurotic the closer we got to our date of departure. I was always wondering, "What am I forgetting??"
This check list (which has evolved with our family) has become a great time AND sanity saver. Now, when we get to about two weeks before a trip, I print out the list and begin checking off things that need to be done before we leave home. At two weeks before departure, I can do things like put our mail and newspaper on hold and make arrangements for who will care for the pet or water the lawn in the summer (or check to make sure pipes aren't freezing if it's winter). Several days before the trip I can start making sure the refrigerator is cleaned out, stock up on snacks and activities for the kids, and begin packing. The day of the trip I check the list for things like adjusting the thermostat, closing windows, shutting down the computer, and turning on outdoor lights.
Even if you're not typically a "list" person, I think before a trip is a great time to be one. Plain and simple, you can enjoy yourself more when you know you did everything you needed to do and have everything you need to have. And I can testify that it gets done more efficiently (ie. time is definitely saved!) when I use my check list.
If there is interest, I'd be happy to share the one I use for our family. Do you have a check list or similar method for when you travel with kids?
This check list (which has evolved with our family) has become a great time AND sanity saver. Now, when we get to about two weeks before a trip, I print out the list and begin checking off things that need to be done before we leave home. At two weeks before departure, I can do things like put our mail and newspaper on hold and make arrangements for who will care for the pet or water the lawn in the summer (or check to make sure pipes aren't freezing if it's winter). Several days before the trip I can start making sure the refrigerator is cleaned out, stock up on snacks and activities for the kids, and begin packing. The day of the trip I check the list for things like adjusting the thermostat, closing windows, shutting down the computer, and turning on outdoor lights.
Even if you're not typically a "list" person, I think before a trip is a great time to be one. Plain and simple, you can enjoy yourself more when you know you did everything you needed to do and have everything you need to have. And I can testify that it gets done more efficiently (ie. time is definitely saved!) when I use my check list.
If there is interest, I'd be happy to share the one I use for our family. Do you have a check list or similar method for when you travel with kids?
of course, share! we are going camping in a couple of weeks.
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