BayouGal

I have listed my preparations so we can walk out of the door ready to go in the wee hours of the morning. Please look over my list and see if I've forgotten anything. (No pets or kids to deal with.)

*Put newspaper and mail on vacation hold
*Called the credit cards to give vacation dates/locations
*Set outside security lights and a couple of lamps on timers
*Washed dirty clothes and dishes
*Put water heater on vacation setting
*Reprogrammed thermostat for vacation days
*Printed out airport discount parking coupon
*Printed out boarding passes
*Packed, then removed overpacking items
*Printed lodging confirmations
*Printed rental car confirmation
*Placed all liquids in luggage to be checked (in zippered baggies)
*Place travel scissors & sewing kit in luggage to be checked
*Packed special travel music CDs for auto player
*Verified trusted neighbor has house key in case of emergency, gave copy of itinerary with contact numbers
*Have cash & credit cards, and phone card - no cell service in Yellowstone
*Packed solid snacks, camera, extra memory card, important papers, guide books, reading, etc., in carryon.

Thanks!

[Hopefully this list will be beneficial to others, too. ]

cantstayhome

Pitch anything in the refrigerator that might be nasty upon return?

BayouGal

Thanks!! Wouldn't want to overlook THAT one!!

wtm003

Turn off water to washing machine - just in case a hose gives out.

escargot

a copy of your itinerary with someone

a copy of front/back of credit cards and 800 number to call in case you lose them, unless you already have that somewhere you can access easily.

turn down your sheet and leave a chocolate on your pillow so it will still feel like vacation when you jump into bed upon your return !

have fun! take notes for us !

BayouGal

What great ideas, thanks! This is becoming a great resource for us all. Especially love the turned down bed and chocolates - you are my kind of traveller, escargot!

I am bringing my notebook for trip notes with the handy dandy pockets for receipts, etc.

kureiff

Great list!

Pack warm clothes as there is a cold front moving through the area. You'll get to see the first snow of the season while you're in Yellowstone!

BayouGal

We have the layers and our lightweight gore-tex, should be ready. Also have the map and directions to the Jackson Albertson's and KMart so we can stock up when we get there before heading into the parks. Sooooo excited about the snow!!!!

LoveItaly

One important reminder BayouGal, have a fun and relaxing trip. Enjoy every precious moment!! Oh, and take out any last minute garbage, lol.

wow

Unplug all TV's, computers, phones( w/ electric call display) in case there is a thunderstorm or something that causes power outage so that when power comes back on you do not get a "power surge" that causes permanent damage.

Turn down setting on fridge

Pack address/phone # book

Give close relatives contact numbers

If winter, ask neighbors to park one of their cars in your driveway or "make snow tracks" so it looks like somebody is home

BayouGal

Yes, LoveItaly, that's the most important, isn't it?! (and the garbage, too. LoL)

Wow, those things are important and I hope I wouldn't have forgotten, but glad you mentioned it so I can add it to my list. I'm in the deep south, so snow here is only wishful thinking.

DebitNM

After Neo's experience in Vegas...be sure you and DH to have a picture of each other.

And even though you printed out boarding passes, be sure to have record locator # just in case you need to go back to ressies.

Carry singles and change for purchases in airport and/or vending machines en route.

Hope this helps...
Debi

sweetsailing

Here's a few more:

* Charge camera batteries
* download pics so you have an empty memory card (assuming you have a digital camera)
* get the weather forecast
* set your VCR to record your favorite TV shows

Great list!

Have a great time!! We want a trip report when you get back.

wow

Bayougirl: D'oh! I shd have known from your screen name! I am a little out of it today! Now, tell me...do you really want some snow?? LOL

Have a great trip!

travel_addict

Dang girl! You've been busy! Now go on vacation and relax...

pollyvw

Stick a few return address labels in billfold. They are useful on airline baggage id tags.

Put one on a blank sheet of paper on top of everything in your suitcase in case you get separated from it.

Call newspaper and tell them you have cancelled your trip. Have a neighbor pick up your paper instead. In our area, it is safe to notify post office to hold mail, but notifying newspaper it tatamount to telling the world that no one is home and there have been many break-ins that police trace directly to that notification.

Then...get on the airplane and relax after all this pre-trip prep.

BayouGal

It's hard work to travel, huh?! I always say I need a vacation to recover from the vacation! ;-)

Don't I wish!!!

Thanks for all the great ideas . . . Fodorites, as always, we are leaving no stone unturned!

jetset1

need any driving directions? There are so many good map sites available.. Of course, if you're just staying around a certain area, maybe you don't need any..

Hey, if you happen to see any real cowboys with them thar Wranglers and some attitude, take a subtle phone picture for dear lonely Jetset,lol

go crazy in the Wild West.. maybe buy some sounvenir chaps, then on our next gtg, we'll round up some Harleys and have some laughs, J.

LoveItaly

BayouGal, I learned my lesson the hard way. We had emptied the under the kitchen sink wastepaper basket. Unbeknown to me my DH tossed a cantaloupe into it afterwards (the night before we were leaving for two months in Italy). Many days later a good friend who had a key to our house popped in to check on things. The smell of the rotten cantaloupe almost overwhelmed him! He left us a very long note on the kitchen counter..LOL. It was not a pleasant situation..but certainly a lesson learned.

Norden1

DON"T forget your binoculars