Spur of the moment getaway? Don’t leave home without doing this.

The kids are back to school and fall is fast approaching, and you’re left wondering where the time went. If you feel dismayed that summer is nearly over and you’ve yet to enjoy a vacation, don’t fret! A spur of the moment vacation is still an option, even if just for the weekend. In fact, a vacation may be more enjoyable now that the weather is growing milder and less sweltering than the midsummer heat.

While packing an overnight bag and jumping in the car is a great way to enjoy these last days of summer, there are a few things you should remember to do before you go.

Protect your home

If it’s just a night or two away, ask a trusted family member or neighbor to keep an eye on your home and pick up the mail daily. If you are gone longer than two nights, consider asking someone to stay at your house until you return. Having somebody there to do regular upkeep will help keep your home safe by deterring thieves and preventing disasters such as sudden leaks. Make sure whoever is watching or staying at your home has your cell phone number and the number to the place you are visiting so that they can reach you in case of an emergency.

Maybe you are new to the area, have no close friends or family around, or you simply don’t trust the people you know.

In this case, consider doing the following:
  • Hire a landscaping company to cut your lawn while you are away. There is no need to tell them you will be gone, just pay them and make a date to have it done. Keeping your yard tidy gives the impression that somebody is home and taking care of everyday chores.
  • Ask the post office to stop delivering mail to your home on the days you will be gone. Stopping mail service while you are away will prevent people from seeing your mail pile up and tip them off that you are away.
  • Put timers on your lights to go off and on at appropriate times.
    The goal is to make it look as if somebody is home.

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Protect yourself.

Tell somebody you trust where you are going, how long you will be gone and when you expect to be back. Give that person an approximate itinerary of the places you will be visiting. Make sure you have each other’s phone numbers. Ask them to call you soon after your scheduled arrival time (if they don’t hear from you first) to make sure you returned home safely.

Protect your health and your assets.

Make sure all of your insurance policies provide sufficient coverage and are paid up to date. Affirm that your health insurance will cover urgent care services while you are out of town. Your homeowners or renters insurance and car insurance policies should be current and provide an adequate amount of coverage. You may want to think about leaving valuable items or important personal documents in a bank deposit box until you return.

Other things to consider before you go.

If you have a landline, forward your phone number to a relative or close friend. Do not leave a message on your voicemail or answering machine that lets people know you are away from home.

  • Because electronic devices can be severely damaged in a storm by an electricity surge, use a good surge protector or unplug your computer, television, radio, and other such appliances before you leave.
  • Leave your drapes and blinds pulled to the position they are in most often when you are home and be sure you lock your windows and doors.
  • Turn the water off at the main valve and set the thermostat on your water heater to “vacation mode.” This helps prevent accidents and save energy.
  • If you have central air conditioning, set the thermostat to 78 degrees to keep the house at an acceptable temperature while saving energy.
  • Put things like bicycles, ladders, gardening tools, and other items in your garage or basement to avoid tempting someone to “borrow” them before you return.
  • Leave a car in the driveway.

And last but certainly not least, lock the door and have a great vacation!