Part Four:  Preparing for Departure    

You have decided where you are going, with whom you are traveling and what you are packing in your suitcase.  Now you must begin the final preparation, chores that must be completed in order for you to enjoy your trip with “No worries”.  The following will insure a safe trip and safe return.

1. Preparing for your health and well being while away: Ask your doctor for additional prescription medications.  Be sure and pack these medicines in the original containers and in two separate places (one in your carry on and one in your suitcase or backpack).  You might also consider requesting an antibiotic ear drop and eye drop solution.   If possible pack a second pair of glasses and/or contact lenses.  Remember cleaning solutions for contact lenses.  Don’t forget to pack over the counter medications such as cold remedies (Nyquil, Sudafed), analgesics (Tylenol, Excedrin, Advil), intestinal distress medications (Tums, Imodium, Pepto Bismol) and topical antibiotic creams (Neosporin, Bacitracin).  Searching for your favorite home remedy may prove to be very difficult and time consuming if not impossible!
2. Preparing for unexpected emergencies:  Leave a copy of your itinerary, including contact phone numbers or email addresses, with a close neighbor/friend and a family member.  Consider posting your itinerary on the refrigerator door.  Take two copies of your itinerary with you, packed in two separate places.  Include names of contacts or copies of emails from places and activities you have reserved.  Make two copies of your passport, driver’s license and any credit cards you plan to carry.  Leave one set of copies with a family member and pack the other copies in a separate place in your luggage.  Be sure to include the phone numbers necessary to cancel credit cards if they are lost or stolen.
3. Preparing for your home’s safety: Notify your local law enforcement agency and fire department.  Provide them with your address and your date of departure and anticipated return.  Many neighborhoods have contract deputies and/or neighborhood watch programs.  Check with the local authorities and make sure they are aware of the time you will be away.  Consider investing in several timers to turn lights on and off at different times throughout the night.  Cancel delivery of your mail and request that your newspapers be delivered to a neighborhood school.  Relying on a neighbor’s child is not recommended.  The child might mention your being away to the wrong person or simply forget to do the job.  If you have plants that require special care take them to a family member or friend.  Don’t forget to include written instructions.  If you do not have a regular lawn service, hire a lawn service to take care of the yard and outdoor plants a few weeks before you leave.  Arrange to pay them in advance.  A few extra weeks of lawn care before you leave will give you extra free time to prepare for your trip and eliminate the need for the service to know you are going to be away.
4. Preparing yourself:  Spend several weeks walking in your shoes.  If you plan to carry a backpack put it on while you walk.  Gradually add more weight to your pack or suitcase.  Walk with your full pack up and down stairs.  If you plan to pull a suitcase practice walking with your suitcase up and down stairs.
5. Preparing for departure:  Pack the night before you depart.  Get a good night’s sleep.  Have a nice meal before you leave for the airport.  Arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure.  Have your passport and/or driver’s license, tickets and a good book easily accessible.  Remember, “No worries”!
   

Part One:  The Purpose

Part Two:  The People

Part Three:  Packing

Part Five:  Participation

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