Calgon's Pre-Departure Vacation Checklist
Ahoy there everybody! I'm Calgon. I've been described in my Nautical Dictionary as, "An obsessive/compulsive list maker and all around strange duck. Can often be found lurking in travel chat rooms and bulletin boards. Holds a special fascination for cruise travel." Yeah, I guess it's true. Welcome to my world.
Since you're reading this, it's probably a pretty good assumption that you're seriously considering a cruise. That's great, because this checklist has been specifically designed for those taking a cruise vacation. However, many of the tips, hints and other various recommendations will apply equally to anyone getting away from the rat race. So, if you're going on a land based vacation, don't leave. Please read through all my excess verbiage and sort out those gems which apply to you. If you have suggestions, forward them to me at: Calgon .
Leaving on cruise vacation, either for a weekend or an extended period of time, can be very hectic. Isn't it ironic that the very thing we are trying to get away from (stress), we often take with us, simply because we forget to plan? It's so easy to forget the small, but important things, which may make the difference between an average and a terrific getaway. The purpose of this checklist is to assist you in ensuring that you address each of the four primary concerns; Cruise Selection, Packing, Safety and Security.
A) Cruise Selection -
Before you select the cruise of your dreams, you need to determine what your interests are and bounce them against what's available. It really doesn't do any good to have your heart set on whale watching from an old fashioned paddlewheel riverboat. It ain't gonna happen. At least not on the same cruise. Deciding factors are:
Age -
This is probably one of the most important factors as various cruises are, if not age specific, at least age oriented.
Activity Level -
What are you looking for? Your options run the gamut from a nuclear powered Russian ice-breaker excursion to the North Pole, to a lazy barge down the Blue Danube. Do you want Las Vegas style entertainment 24 hours per day, or are you seeking string quartets? Are you on a quest to visit a dozen different islands in fourteen days, or is a three day "cruise to nowhere" what trips your trigger?
Availability -
When can you go? If the only time the entire family can get away is during winter break, then an Alaska cruise is not a viable option. They just don't sail that route then. Likewise, a July or August run up the Amazon River is just asking for problems (unless you really enjoy living in a sauna).
Affordability -
Unfortunately, this is often the deciding factor for many cruisers. I have listed it last, as that is where I firmly believe it should be in your decision making. If you work closely with your Travel Agent (TA), and are at all adaptable, there is no reason you cannot have an absolutely wonderful cruise, at an affordable rate. Now, let's be realistic here. You may not get the owner's penthouse for an eight month, around the world voyage; but there are many specials, deals, upgrades, discounts and other assorted bargains out there; which will have you sharing the dinner table with the folks who did book the penthouse suite.
Bottom line, you'll go to the same places, see the same sights and have just as great a time for about one fourth their cost!
Now that you have a good idea of what you want, where do you go?
I don't know why anyone would book a cruise directly with a cruise line or a 1-800 call center. Hopefully, you will select a travel agent who is a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) or a Master Cruise Counselor (MCC). There is absolutely no one in the industry better qualified to guide you to the cruise of your dreams!
I booked our last cruise, 14 days in the Caribbean on Holland America, using the services of a very knowledgible, very attentive, and very qualified agent at my local AAA office - Mary Steils. If you live in the southeastern Michigan area, I HIGHLY recommend this lady. She knows what she is doing!
A GOOD cruise counselor gives so much more service and
can work for you to get a better price or upgrade. I suggest going personally to two or three agencies (don't just
phone them) and ask to see the "cruise specialist". Ask questions. Are they CLIA accredited cruise specialists? How many ships have they been on? How many have they actually sailed on? Which Ships? Tell them what type of cruise you are looking for in terms of destination, size of ship, meals, entertainment, optional tours, exercise facilities, overall service and of course prices. Ask for pertinent brochures and study them. After visiting your third agent and asking the same question, you'll have a pretty good idea which agent is the most knowlegeable and can do the best job for you. It costs nothing to ask, but the time spent will help you secure an agent that will assist you in spending your money wisely on a cruise you will enjoy.
Start making your reservations as far in advance as possible. Depending on the season, some cruises will be "booked solid" shortly after their brochure is published. Early booking increases your chances of getting the cabin you want, on the cruise you want. By getting it out of the way as soon as possible, not only will you have peace of mind that comes from knowing that you are confirmed, but prices will be much more affordable.
Once you have selected the cruise you want, it's time to select your cabin. You have two options here. You can elect "Run of the Ship" or you can pick "the perfect cabin".
With "Run of the Ship" you pay a basic charge for an inside or an outside cabin. The cruise line will not select your cabin until immediately (during the last week) before sailing. The advantage here is that your price is the lowest available for the category, and you stand a very good chance of being "upgraded" to a much better cabin at no charge. Hmmmm, maybe you'll end up in that penthouse suite after all.
In selecting a cabin, here are a few things you'll want to consider.
Do not select a cabin immediately above, below or beside any of the following; a disco, nightclub, lounge, theater, swimming pool, galley or jogging track. Cabins adjacent to the elevators, stairwells, thrusters or anchors are not your best choices either.
If you are set on an outside cabin, check to see if you will actually have a view of the sea, or a lifeboat.
For those of you taking small children, I strongly recommend against an outside cabin with an open balcony. Think about it. That railing is about three and a half feet off the deck and it's a LONG WAY DOWN! Children are incredibly fast and their judgement is not always the greatest (not that ours is that much better, but we can rationalize our stupidity). Anyway, it only takes a second for a tragedy to occur.
If the "motion of the ocean" affects you, the best locations are interior cabins, on a lower deck, amidships (halfway between the bow and the stern). This is the section of the ship which will be the least affected by pitch, roll or yaw.
B) Packing -
For some reason, I highly recommend using my "Ultimate Packing List" (go figure. I designed The UPL for a one week, Caribbean cruise for two adults. It's really extensive and not every item needs to be taken by every person on every cruise. Heck, even I don't take all that stuff. Please, feel free to customize The UPL for your vacation, family size, location and season.
C) Safety -
A large portion of "Safety" is nothing more than situational awareness and common sense. If you are traveling to foreign countries, your concerns fall into two areas:
1) Health -
Some folks have actually gone so far as to recommend having your appendix removed before you leave the country, by a real doctor (as opposed to what, a witch doctor?)! That may be stretching the point just a bit. Basically, your concerns should be:
Can you drink the water? and, Will you need shots?
For good, country specific reports, plus information on traveler diseases and treatments, check out:
Travel Health On-Line
Another very informative, but sort rather unwieldy, site is the U.S. Government Centers for Disease Control.
Your final stop should be the
United Nations World Health Organization.
Between these three sites, you should be able to find out what you'll be sailing into.
Armed with this information, get an annual check-up during the six months before your vacation. Advise your doctor of your plans. While you're at it, have him/her update your prescriptions, identifying the generic equivalent wherever possible. Many foreign countries do not have the same brand name medicines as we do in the your hometown. If you have a major medical condition, get (and wear) a "Med-Alert" bracelet or necklace. These save lives!
In addition to seeing your doctor, have a full dental exam. Get any dental work done well before you leave and have a full cleaning the week before heading out. Makes those pearly whites look great in all those photos!
One last medical item. If you wear eyeglasses (contacts), make sure you have a spare pair and a copy of your prescription. Don't forget an adequate supply of cleaners, etc.
2) Socio/Economics -
Is there a war going on? and, Will I be a target for crime?
Don't even think that waving that American passport will protect you. As a matter of fact, it may even make you a target! Three 'great sites for information on the international level are (and don't laugh):
the
U.S. Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook,
The
U.S. State Department's travel services and,
And, the
Pinkerton Detective Agency.
These sites address just about everything you need to know about the countries you will be visiting. Important items for you to key in on:
What is the political system of the country? Is it a democracy? A benevolent monarchy? An oppressive dictatorship? A loose confederation of primitive tribes? Whatever the form of government, it is in your best interest to be tolerant. Keep your political views to yourself and remember that you are a guest in their country. Be respectful. Believe it of not, I have actually heard tourists say, "We kicked your butts in World War Two, so don't go thinking you?re all that great!"
What are the significant cultural differences? Can women wear pants in public? Is it acceptable or forbidden to publicly display affection (holding hands)? Does the
country have diplomatic relations with yours?
What is the employment/unemployment rate, per capita? Is crime a factor? Can you safely walk the streets wearing your finest jewelry? How about the back alleys?
What is the predominant language? Do you speak it? How well?
D) Security -
Unless you're a celebrity, head of state or other high profile target requiring bodyguards and a permit to carry concealed weapons; what we are talking about here is home and business security. Specifically, how to protect your valuables and your property during your absence.
An empty house, or one that looks that way, is a tempting target for burglars. You want to protect your home from the acts of people, but a few additional steps can help protect it from "Acts of God". Bottom line, your goal is to take all reasonable precautions to prevent your home and other property from being damaged or
stolen during your absence.
The following precautions will reduce your risk of "Acts of Man" (burglars).
1) Inform your local police department of your absence and steps you have taken. Ask them to have a patrol conduct security checks periodically.
2) Have good locks on all doors and windows. USE THEM!
3) Make sure any broken windows, door or window locks are repaired.
4) Never leave your house key "hidden" outside your home.
5) Put timers on interior lights, radios and/or televisions to turn them on and off at various times.
6) Check your exterior lights - Use a combination of motion sensor and photo-electric. Set these to come on automatically when light levels are low, then turn off and switch to motion only during the night (i.e., photo-electric from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM and motion from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM).
7) Turn the ringer on your telephone off or down low. If a burglar is around, he/she won't be alerted by an unanswered telephone.
8) Don't announce your absence on your telephone answering machine. "Hi! We're out of town for the next two weeks ?" IS NOT A GOOD IDEA (but some people do it)!
9) Seriously consider getting a machine with a remote recovery function so you can receive your messages while you are away and reset the machine.
10) Leave your blinds, shades and curtains in their normal positions.
11) Secure your storage shed, gates, attic and basement entrances.
12) Have your valuables engraved (Operation ID).
13) Place valuables in a safety deposit box at your bank or credit union.
14) Place your vehicle(s) in the garage, if possible. Lock the vehicle. Do not leave the registration papers in the vehicle.
15) Lock your garage. Thieves love to gain access through the garage. It allows them to park their vehicle(s) inside (away from observation) and take their time unloading your house. It is not that difficult to reprogram another remote opener to your code and - Zip. They're in! So, lock your garage door(s). Unplug the automatic opener. Put a padlock in one of the door tracks to prevent the door from being opened, if the main lock is picked.
16) One of the best measures you can take, is to make arrangements for a trusted friend or family member to watch your house while you're away. Provide your
house-sitter with their own checklist, identifying:
A) Your itinerary information.
B) The name, address, telephone number, and policy number(s) for your vehicle and home owners/renters insurance.
C) Your attorney's name, address and telephone number.
D) The name, address and telephone numbers for your security/alarm company. Also, the correct codes to arm and disarm the system as well as any duress codes.
E) The name, address and telephone numbers of any other points of contact you feel may be necessary.
If your house-sitter will be taking care of any plants, tape a 3x5 card to each, with it's name (hey, some people talk to 'em), when and how much to water.
If the pets will be staying home. Make sure you leave:
1) Enough food to take care of Fido in your absence.
2) A list of medications and know how to administer them.
3) The name, address, telephone number(s) and directions to your veterinarian.
4) The name, address, telephone number and directions to the nearest 24 hour animal hospital.
5) A Power of Attorney to care for your pet.
Have your house sitter put your garbage can(s) out for collection on the appropriate day. If they are empty, have him/her put some of their garbage in them.
Remember, the trick here is to make it appear that you are home. An empty can at curbside is an open invitation to a crook.
To protect your property from "Acts of God":
1) If you have a swimming pool, spa or hot tub; turn off the heater(s). Cover and lock. Leave the filter on but reduce the pump operating time so the filter operates less.
2) To protect from damage caused by power surges (lightning) you will want to unplug every appliance you can. Simply turning them "off" is not enough.
20,000,000 volts will still follow the lines and cause damage. So, unplug all appliances that will not be used (connected to a timer). Don't forget television and radio antennas.
3) Turn off water where ever possible. Do not turn off the main supply to the house, but do turn of what ever else you can (ice maker, toilet(s), sinks, washing machine, etc.).
4) Run your dishwasher the night before your departure. Unload and unplug. Prop the door open slightly.
5) Turn an electric water heater off. Turn a gas heater to "Pilot".
6) Set your heating system to 55 degrees, or your air conditioning to 85 degrees. In moderate climates, turn both completely off (gas to "Pilot").
7) In cold climates, open cabinet doors under sinks and pour automotive anti-freeze in each drain to fill trap (that little "u" shaped section of pipe). Turn off the water in the toilet and flush before anti-freezing it.
8) Plug in heat tape, if you have it.
9) This is your big chance to clean out your refrigerator (and freezer). Get rid of all those "beats me what the heck it is" containers and those other thing that have taken on a life of their own. If you have an ice maker. Turn it off by either turning the switch to "Off" (that was a hard one to figure out, huh?), or by lifting the bail (that little wire arm-thing). This should keep your ice-maker from going crazy and filling your freezer, kitchen, house?
10) Set the timer on your lawn sprinkler. For an added treat, don't tell the neighbor kid who's going to be cutting the grass when they will go on.
On that note, make arrangements for your lawn to be mowed, or the driveway and sidewalks shoveled, as appropriate. The last thing you want to do after a wonderful week or two in the Caribbean, is to sog through 14 inches of cold, white, wet stuff!
TIMELINE
12 months out -
This is the time to figure where you are going, how you are going to get there and how you are going to get back (Yes, you must return). Don't forget to check for discounts. In addition to a discount for early booking, don't hesitate to ask what other programs they have for which you may be eligible.
If you are not opting for the cruise lines air program, start monitoring round trip air fares. This can be done very easily via the internet. You can set up a standing request for departure and destination cities and receive e-mail notifications when the fares drop or specials are offered. Once you make a tentative reservation through the internet, call the airlines to see if additional discounts are available, on top of the ones advertised (senior, military, etc.). It's worth a try.
Driving directly to the port is another option. If you live within 300 miles, you may want to consider this choice. Remember, if you're leaving your car, it's going to have to be stored somewhere. Parking fees at the ports run between $US 8 and $US 15 per day.
Many of the cruise lines have semi-local bus pick-up. Another option. Check with your Travel Agent.
9 months out -
If you are planning a pre- or post-cruise stopover, make hotel reservations. Go through the hotel's home office customer service/reservations department. You may be able to do this via the internet. Important concerns are: Does the hotel have a shuttle to/from the airport? Is there shuttle service available to the pier? Just as with your transportation, check for discounts.
Submit application for passport. To get information on US passports, check:
US State Department
If you are intent on visiting a foreign country and don't speak the language, enroll in a language course. Try to pick one designed for travelers. These include cultural familiarity as well as basic conversation. Check with your local community college.
6 months out - OK, things are starting to jump now.
Regarding your hotel reservation(s). Now is the time to call the hotel directly. Check to see if they have any discounts that the home office was not aware of (sometimes, local managers will run a special to take advantage of local circumstances, i.e., price wars between other hotels, etc.) Also, ask the reservations clerk, "How far from the construction area is my room?" This is a trick question. Since most hotels are always having remodeling going on, you may be able to get a price reduction, or an upgrade to a better room because of the inconvenience. If they say there is no construction, simply tell them that you were misinformed (by me). Worth a try.
Check with your travel agent, to see if additional discounts on your cruise have come available. You may be able to convert a price change into an upgrade, a shipboard credit or roll it into a special amenity package (anniversary, honeymoon, birthday, etc.).
Since it is now the exact opposite of your vacation season, you should be able to find some really great bargains when it comes to clothing. Don't forget to check your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other "second-hand" stores for tuxedos, prom dresses and bridesmaid gowns. Get them cleaned and over to your >seamstress for necessary alterations!
Get those medical, dental and vision appointments out of the way.
Make arrangements for someone you trust to house-sit, or, at least come by your house/business and check things out.
Make boarding arrangements for your pets (two and four legged type).
Sign up for ballroom dance lessons.
4 months out -
If you're going on a holiday cruise, your final payment will probably be due next month (90 days out). Don't forget to budget for it.
3 months out -
Check with your travel agent again. If you're going on a holiday cruise, your final payment is probably due. If you're going on a regular cruise, your final payment will probably be due next month (60 days out). Don't forget to budget for it.
Confirm that the individual who will be checking on your house is still willing and able to do so.
Notify your security company of your impending vacation. You will want to provide them with:
1) Departure date, return date, and destination (to include telephone and facsimile numbers).
2) An alternative point of contact, if they cannot reach you.
3) Full identification of anyone who will have authorization to be in your residence/business during your absence.
2 months out -
Check with your travel agent again. If you're going on a regular cruise, your final payment is probably due.
Send friends and family a copy of your itinerary, with emergency contact information (i.e., ship's telephone number, the cruise line's customer service number, etc.). If this cruise is a special occasion, you might suggest a bon voyage gift through the cruise line (I hinted to our son that a gift for his mother's birthday might be a "nice thing" to have waiting for her in the cabin.).
Notify your local police department of your impending vacation. Ask for a copy of their home security checklist and compare it with this. There are probably some locally specific items included on theirs that I haven?t thought of. Leave no stone unturned!
Notify your credit card companies of your impending vacation. Provide them with a written copy of your itinerary and request they annotate your file. This will help prevent delay or denial of credit when they suddenly receive a request from a foreign country. Likewise, if a request comes in from, say Belize, two days after you were scheduled to leave there, the credit company can deny the charge until they are satisfied that it is authorized.
Here?s one that some people have a problem with, Tanning. I'm not going to debate the merits of either side of the argument. I'm just going to say that if you decide that you are going to be exposed to the Caribbean sun, begin tanning at a reputable salon and use top of the line lotions. If you're not going to be exposing yourself to the sun, make sure you have plenty of cover-ups in your ensembles.
Final fittings/alterations on formal wear. Check with your tailor to ensure that the alterations have been completed and that they allow for "expansion" (remember, you're going to be eating for four or five)!
Start buying disposable, underwater cameras and extra film. I suggest buying one camera and one four-pack of film every time you hit the supermarket. That's based on one visit every two weeks. If you shop weekly, alternate your purchases. Film one week, a camera the next.
1 month out -
Check with your travel agent again.
Notify the postal service of your vacation. Make
arrangements for them to hold your mail until your return.
Contact your newspaper(s) and have delivery suspended until your return. Many papers will give you a credit or extend your subscription for the period of your vacation. You might also want to contact your local travel reporter. If you have any writing or photography skills, you may be able to subsidize a portion of the vacation with an article.
Contact local package delivery services (UPS, Fedex, etc.) and request they hold any deliveries which may occur.
Check with your bank or credit union to rent a safety deposit box (if you don't already have one) for storage of valuables.
Place an order with your local bank or credit union for any $US 2 bills or $US 1 coins you will be using for the trip.
Confirm boarding arrangements for the pets.
Have your attorney finalize any changes to your will(s) and powers of attorney you may have in effect.
2 weeks out -
Drop off all dry-cleaning.
Verify transportation to port/airport.
Verify pre-cruise hotel reservations, if applicable.
Verify post-cruise hotel reservations, if applicable.
Verify air transportation
1 week out -
Drop by the dentist for that cleaning!
Pick up dry cleaning (and any additional garment bags you may still need).
Start packing. Print out your customized version of The Ultimate Packing List.
Make dinner reservations for the night before departure.
Get valuables to the safety deposit box.
Pick up the $US 2 bills.
Get your Travelers Checks.
Final day -
Final house cleaning. You really don't want to come home to a dirty house.
Tag appliances to be turned off/disconnected.
Provide your house-sitter with a list of points of contact for emergencies. Vehicle and home owners/renters insurance agencies, policy numbers, etc.
Reconfirm transportation to port/airport.
Reconfirm pre-cruise hotel reservations, if applicable.
Reconfirm post-cruise hotel reservations, if applicable.
Reconfirm air transportation.
Put your feet up and relax.
Go to dinner.
Lay out travel clothes.
Go to bed early.
Pretend to sleep.
Departure Day -
Strip and remake bed. Sheets and nightclothes into the laundry hamper.
Turn off water as appropriate.
Set thermostat.
Set timers.
Shut off electric, as appropriate.
Load luggage into limo, taxi or neighbor's car.
Turn off phone ringer.
Lock house.
Head for airport.