Planning Tips

Unfortunately, while you're away, there are often still things that need to be looked after back home. Make sure you have arrangements in place for someone to look after your bills, plants and mail. If you are going to be leaving a house empty, consider finding someone to house-sit for you while you're away.

Make a list of things that you plan to do while away. Check WalworthCoGetaway.com for events that are happening and places to visit. There may be special events on that you can only attend if you book in advance. Planning what you're going to see will make it a lot easier to relax when you're on vacation!

Start making a packing list a few weeks in advance or use our packing list. As the weeks go by, you will undoubtedly think of many more things to add. Write them down as you go, then pack everything on your list in the last day or two.

Use a spiral notebook to write down specifics about pictures you have taken. Nothing frustrates me more than looking at a picture and not remembering where it was taken.

An alternative to small padlocks for luggage is split rings (key rings that you slide your keys onto). They are inexpensive and easy to find. They make a great deterrent against theft without having to worry about re-setting a padlock.

A fun extra to bring is a pedometer that you clip on your belt. I wore mine every day and was amazed how much walking I actually did! I logged over 160 miles in less than four weeks without even trying! They are inexpensive and comfortable.

Bring a corkscrew. It's so nice to buy a bottle of wine and enjoy it in the evening - a lot cheaper than in a restaurant or bar, too!

Pack for the best scenario and simply buy yourself out of any jams. Risk shivering for a day rather than taking a heavy coat. Think in terms of what you can do without - not what will be handy on your trip. When in doubt, leave it out.

If you'll be hiking in isolated areas, bring a first-aid booklet, Ace bandage, space blanket, and tape and bandages.

For a basic first aid kit, include Band-aids, soap or alcohol preps, moleskin, tweezers, thermometer in a hard case, non-aspirin pain reliever, medication for colds and diarrhea, prescriptions and medications in their original containers.

Courtesy of www.ricksteves.com and www.travellerspoint.com