Travel Smart

Good Morning and Welcome back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog!

Way back in April I mentioned that I was expanding this blog to include articles, essays and guest posts. Today, I'm sharing with you an article I wrote back in 2017 for an insurance company I worked for. I think you'll find it informative and I hope you'll enjoy it...

Months on the open road, hiking in the mountains or forests…

Many people dream of taking an extensive vacation, voyage abroad, long road trip or RV trek across the country. No one likes to think they won’t return from their vacation but, more times than we imagine, some don’t. Therefore, it is important to make sure your legal affairs are in order and that someone knows what your final wishes are and how to carry them out.  

Here are a few things to keep in mind and help you prepare before you begin your journey….

#1: Have a will? Make sure your heir(s) have a copy or know where to find it. Don’t have one? Unless you have a huge estate, several ex-s, and/or a whole passel of kids, a simple list of instructions on who/what/when/where should suffice. 

#2: Are your banking, bills and/or personal financial transactions handled online? Your surviving spouse and/or children need to know how to access these accounts and what to do with them. Put everything on a “thumb/jump” drive or an external hard drive and leave it with your nearest relative/child, in a safe deposit box, or with your attorney. Be sure to list Life Insurance/Burial Policies and/or Retirement/Investment Accounts as well as home/auto and other insurance.

#3: Have a DNR or Living Will? Make sure the party you are travelling with has access to these documents. 

#4: Have food or medicine allergies? Be sure to let the party you are travelling with know these things. Keep a list in your wallet and/or wear a medical bracelet or tag.

#5: Back up your computer files to an external hard drive and give it to your next of kin. That way, he or she can close any email/social media accounts/groups you belong to.

#6: List the details of your funeral and/or burial for your spouse, significant other and/or children/heirs. These decisions are difficult for grieving loved ones, so make it easy on them by letting them know whether you want a funeral or cremation and other such particulars.

#7: Along with special instructions on how to finalize your earthly existence, write a letter to your loved ones. Let them know how proud you are of them, make amends or simply voice your love. These words will last much longer than any harsh memories they have (or may have had) of you in the past.

These are a few ideas to help make your summertime fun and should you not return, the shock less intense for those you leave behind. Before you get on the road, board that train or plane, or head out with your RV or in a motorhome, talk to your insurance agent about a final expense or travel policy for just in case.

Traveling with kids and pets? Here are some items you may need...

*Pet records. Having your dog or cat’s shot records with you will make finding hotel rooms or temporary shelter for your furry friends a whole lot easier.

*First aid kit. Include baby, antiseptic and disinfectant wipes.

*Laptops, I-Pads, Electronic reading devices. These are easy to carry, don’t take up much room and will help keep the kids occupied while travelling. Make sure you pack car and home chargers! Books, Coloring books & Crayons and card/board games work well also.

*Granola/Cereal bars, peanut butter, fruit snacks, trail mix, bottled water, etc.

Until next time, take care and travel smart.

PamT

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