Artesia News

Your bags are packed, your itinerary is set and you’re counting down the minutes until you take off for your dream summer getaway. Before you head out to the airport, though, read through this checklist of important things people tend to forget before leaving for vacation. 

1.) Let us know 

Give us a call at 575-748-9779 before you set off on your vacay.  If you’re traveling overseas, ask us about any foreign transaction fees and the best practices of using cash or debit/credit cards. We’ll help you make the best decisions for managing your money while you’re away. Plus, we’d love to hear all about your awesome travel plans! 

2.) Check your auto insurance plan for coverage 

If you plan on renting a car when you land, check with your auto insurance provider first to find out if rental cars are covered in your plan. If they’re not, you may want to purchase travel insurance, just in case. 

3.) Pay all your bills 

Before heading out on your trip, make sure all of your monthly bills are paid up. You don’t want to be busy paying bills when you’re sunning yourself on the beach or take a chance of getting hit with late fees. 

4.) Set up an automatic email response 

Your boss might know that you’ll be away this week, but potential and existing clients will not. Set up an automatic response that lets people know you’re out of the office to avoid appearing unprofessional or negligent. 

5.) Put your mail on hold 

An overflowing mailbox is an open invitation to thieves. If you’ll be gone for more than a few days, ask the USPS to put a hold on your mail. They’ll happily keep your mail at the post office until your return, at no cost to you. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to collect your mail and hold it until you return.  

6.) Unplug your electronics 

Don’t pay vampire charges for electronics you’re not using while you’re away. Pull the plug on all small appliances and electronics before you leave. 

7.) Clean your home 

Before your departure, give your house a thorough cleaning so you’ll be greeted by a spotless, clean-smelling house upon your return. Plus, you’ll avoid an invasion by ants and other critters. Here’s a quick list to get you started: 

• Scrub countertops and tables.
• Wipe down the refrigerator and toss all perishables.
• Sweep and mop, or vacuum all floors.
• Take out the garbage.
• Scrub your bathrooms.
• Seal any open food packages in airtight containers.
• Pour a cup of baking soda down your drains and toilets to rid any lingering odors.
• Change your bed sheets.
  

Yes, you’re busy with your packing and travel arrangements now, but your post-vacation self will thank you for any scrubbing you do now. 

8.) Let your mobile service provider know about your travel plans 

If you’re travelling abroad, you’ll want to check with your cellphone company about possible overseas service plans that allow you to use your smartphone for calls, texts and internet access when on vacation. 

9.) Shut off your main water supply 

Avoid coming home to a flood by turning off your water supply before leaving on your vacay. A small, unnoticed leak can easily turn into a huge problem when left unattended for days or weeks on end.  

10.) Adjust your thermostats 

If you have the AC blasting throughout the summer, you’ll want to adjust your thermostat before leaving. Turning it off completely is not a good idea, because you’ll want some air to circulate for keeping the humidity under control and to avoid mold. Instead, turn it a few degrees higher than you usually keep it. You can also program your AC to go on and off while you’re away. Also, set your hot water heater to its vacation setting so it’s heating the same water less often.  

11.) Invest in a timer 

Keep the prowlers out by setting your lights to go on and off in different rooms and at different times of the day throughout your vacation. It’s a small investment when weighed against the money and aggravation it can save you. 

12.) Confirm your reservations 

It’s a good idea to confirm your flight, hotel room, car rental and attractions before setting out on your trip. You may have booked some of these reservations months ago, and you don’t want any unpleasant surprises ruining your vacation.  

Your Turn: Did we miss anything? Share your own pre-vacation to-do list with us in the comments.

SOURCES:

https://www.blog.esurance.com/10-essential-things-to-do-before-leaving-for-vacation/amp/

https://www.timeinc.net/travelandleisure/travel-tips/things-to-do-before-you-go-on-vacation

https://www.mintnotion.com/travel/20-things-we-forget-to-do-before-going-on-vacation/

Q: I’m planning a camping trip for the summer, and I’d love to keep the trip as low-cost as possible. How can I cut down on camping costs? 

A: It’s great that you’re looking for ways to trim your vacation expenses. We can help! Read on for seven ways to save on camping costs.

    1. Save on location

Nightly rates for camping sites can cost a pretty penny during peak camping season. But why pay the fee when you can camp for free? You can find a campground where you can pitch your tent or park your RV at no cost, on Freecampsites.net or Campendium.com. 

Another great option is to camp at a national forest. You’ll be charged an entrance fee as well as an amenity fee, but you’re free to stay anywhere on these grounds as long as you follow park guidelines. If you’re a frequent camper, consider purchasing a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands annual pass. For just $80 a year, or $20 for individuals age 62 and older, you’ll have access to more than 2,000 national parks and national wildlife refuges. The pass covers entrance fees, parking fees, amenity fees and more. If you’re currently a member of the U.S. military, you and your dependents are entitled to a free annual pass. 

Finally, if your schedule allows, consider mid-week camping. Lots of campgrounds offer lower prices on off-peak days.

    2. Consider “workamping”

If you don’t live near a national park and you’d love a free stay, “workamping” can be a terrific option. Lots of campsites and RV parks are now offering this choice: For a bit of hard work, you’ll be granted free access to the campgrounds. You might even walk away with some extra cash in your pocket!

    3. Rent or borrow camping gear

High-quality camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves and camping clothes can cost a pretty penny. In fact, according to the American Camper Report from Coleman Company, adult campers spent an average of $546 on camping gear in 2016. 

You can have your gear and your budget, too, by double-thinking the purchase of brand-new gear. Are you a frequent camper? If not, does it really pay to spend big bucks on specialized equipment you’ll only use once or twice a year? If you have friends who practically live in a tent or RV, ask about borrowing their equipment for your trip. Otherwise, consider renting the gear you need from companies like REI Co-op. If you’d rather have your own equipment, check out sites like Switchback Gear Exchange for gently used camping paraphernalia at terrific prices.

    4. Skip the prepackaged meals

Yes, they might be super-convenient, but they’re also super-expensive. Save a ton on food costs this trip by ditching the prepackaged meals. You can find loads of ideas for easy camping meals you can cook over a fire by doing a quick Google search. Often, all you need is some basic food supplies and a roll of aluminum foil!

    5. Share meal prep

If you always camp as a group, take full advantage by sharing the meal prep. Divide the meals completely, having each family be fully responsible for several meals. Alternatively, you can create a master list of supplies and food and then divide and conquer. This way, only one of you needs to bring small packets of ketchup and a jug of maple syrup, while another one brings the coffee and salt. The packing and meal prep are a whole lot easier when they’re shared!

    6. Pack like you’re being marooned on an island

Don’t set out on your trip until you’ve checked that you’ve packed everything on your list at least three times. It will take a few extra minutes, but it’s worth the time and effort. You don’t want to be forced to pay inflated small-town convenience store prices for forgotten items like bandages or batteries. 

To keep it simpler, create a master list of everything you need to bring on a camping trip. Make a digital and physical copy of the list. When you return from your trip, review the list and edit it according to how it all went down. Do you need to bring more paper cups next time? Did you overdo it on the ice? Adjust as necessary. Before your next trip, use the list when packing so that you don’t forget a single item.

    7. Check out free camping activities on your campsite

Many campgrounds feature boat rentals of all kinds, but they can be pricey. Enjoy every minute of your camping trip by exploring walking trails, fishing and bike riding along a forest path. Don’t forget to pack some board games and books for rainy days. 

Use these tips when planning your trip and you’ll save big on costs without compromising on the camping experience. Here’s wishing you the camping trip of a lifetime, from all of us here at Artesia Credit Union! 

SOURCES:

http://bargainbabe.com/20-quick-tips-to-save-money-camping/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thepennyhoarder.com/smart-money/camping-on-a-budget-how-to-save-money-on-your-next-trip/amp/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.budgettravel.com/article/save-money-camping/amp

https://axleaddict.com/rvs/CampingForCheapskates