Are you planning a summer vacation? Taking the time to be prepared for a summer getaway can save you time, money and frustration.
Here are a few helpful tips for you:
- Renting a car? Be sure to speak to your insurance professional to determine if you require the extra insurance offered by the rental agency.
- Don’t post your travel plans or picture updates on social media sites. Wait to post your photos and adventures upon your return.
- Ask a trusted neighbour or relative to pick up your mail and newspaper, take out and bring in trash and recycle while you’re away. It only takes a few days for a home to appear empty.
- Hire a lawn service to maintain your yard. Not only will your home look well cared for, you'll have less yard work to do upon your return.
- Unplug computers and other devices before leaving in case of electrical surges.
- Before leaving, set your home’s thermostat to 76 – 78 degrees to keep humidity in the home low and cool enough for houseplants.
- Check that your sump pump is working and the battery backup is charged in the event of a power outage.
- If driving on your vacation getaway, have your car serviced well in advance of your departure date – just in case there are serious problems, you’ll have time to fix it or make other arrangements.
- If you're renting a home owner-run vacation home, do a quick video of the property upon your arrival and when you depart, in the event of a damage dispute.
- If you’re travelling out of province, even the government of Ontario strongly recommends travel insurance - be sure your travel medical insurance is up to date.
We wish you many memories and safe travels – you deserve it! Enjoy!