Vacation/Convention Preparation

It's summer time! Time for vacations and conventions. For some they're the same thing. In fact, in a week we'll be heading out to Florida! Incidentally, during that time I plan on doing an Evansville Geek travel Blog, especially at Universal Studios. Anyway, I thought I'd put together an extended leave prep guide to start it all off. This is also the list I follow when leaving for a convention.

House Prep:

1. If you can, find someone you trust to check up on your home, pick up mail, make sure no one has broken in etc. If you can't find someone, wireless security cameras you can easily connect to your smart devices are becoming more and more affordable. If no one can get your mail, at least put a freeze on it.

2. Invest in cheap timers for a few indoor lights to make it seem like someone is still home.

3. Clean up before you go.

a. I like to make sure the house is clean and all of the laundry finished before an extended leave, no worrying about what you have to do when you get back. You'll thank yourself when you get home.

b. Clean out your fridge of all the leftovers and things that will expire before your return, nothing worse then coming home to a science fair project gone awry.

4. Make a packing list. I have put together a good list of things to pack for a trip in the link below.

The Obligatory Convention Survival Guide Part 2.

5. Make sure the thermostat is set for no occupancy. If you have one with a timer make sure don't forget to set it.

6. Make sure EVERYTHING is off.

Driving?:

1. Get an oil change.

3. Make sure your registration and insurance information is in your car.

That's something you should always have anyway.

2. Get new wiper blades, if your current ones have signs of wear.

4. Make sure your tires are in good condition, nothing can ruin a trip faster than a flat.

5. Make sure you know where you're going. GPS navigation is amazing, but think about having backup road maps just in case. Don't be afraid to ask for directions, if you have too.

6. Pack what you need but make sure to leave extra room in your car for vacation purchases.

7. Snacks. Don't forget to pick up something to munch on during the trip.

8. Confirm hotel check in time, and any ride services available in the area.

Flyng?:

1. Figure out how you're going to get around after you get there, call up a rental car services. Make sure to print out any and all receipts and have them easily available when you arrive. Not renting? Uber or Lyft are affordable alternatives, in most big cities. Check for availability in smaller cities. Or just a good old fashioned taxi will do as well.

2. Check TSA regulations for packing restrictions. You don't want a hassle at the airport.

3. Don't forget luggage tags to easily recognize your bags, and print your information on them in case the worst happens. Get baggage locks, and use them.

5. Confirm, confirm, confirm.

Confirm the flight time, confirm the hotel check in times, any rental car information, confirm when you'll need to leave for the airport, confirm ride services at your destination.

6. If your checking your baggage have a carry on with your hygiene stuff, a change of clothes, a swim suit (if applicable) underwear, pajamas and socks. Just in case something goes wrong with your luggage.

Everything Else:

1. Research the place you're going. See what restaurants or events you'd like to go to while you're there. I'm a bit of a stickler for this one. I don't want to miss something cool.

2. Don't stress out about getting everything you want to do done when your there.

Above all else have fun!