Guest Author - Claudine Williams
Graduation season is fast-approaching and many of you are planning trips to attend out-of-town college graduation ceremonies. Now is the time to prepare for your trip.
Check your calendar right now, and if you haven’t done so already, ask for time off at work. You don’t want to wait until the last minute for this. Oftentimes, taking the time off from work is the first step in planning a family trip.
Have you made your accommodation reservations? The end of the college term is a busy season for area hotels, and it’s probably in your best interest to book your stay as early as possible. Some colleges have alumni houses, sorority, fraternity or guest hotels where parents may rent rooms.
Are you driving? Research prices for car or SUV rentals to save your vehicle from wear and tear. It’s also a good idea to start budgeting for high gas prices now. When it comes to gas costs, prepare for the worst case scenario. It’s better to overestimate than to underestimate gas prices.
Do you have a pet sitter? Now is the time to start making arrangements for your pets. Your pets must be immunized with current shot records to stay in many pet boarding facilities. Search for a place to board your pet now, or find a friend who is willing to pet sit or take care of your pets at home. Don’t forget to find someone who will feed your fish!
Do you have houseplants? Who is going to water your plants or make sure that things are okay at home? Most of your family members may be attending the graduation. Ask a trustworthy friend or a family member to look in on things at your home. Now here’s a good question. Does the person listed as the contact person for your security alarm know that you are going out of town? Is that person going out of town too? If you have a monitored house alarm, you need to have a good emergency contact person for the alarm company to call in case of trouble at your home. You need to tell that person that you will be going on vacation and let them know how to reach you.
Get your itinerary ready now. Is the family going out to dinner after the graduation? Are you planning a graduation party? Are you thinking about taking a side trip? Don’t delay making these plans. Graduation is just around the corner.
