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Momorandum Archive »
Executive Momorandum
Away We Go
7/1/2010
Executive Momorandum
- Away We Go
A sure-fire Executive Moms sign that we are in
the midst of summer? An increasing number of "Out of Office"
auto-responders when we send an Executive Momorandum! While we thrill to
see those well-earned days away come to pass, we also recognize that the
prospect of family travel
carries with it yet more responsibilities, in all
the preparations.
For an express lane to getting organized before you get on a plane, whether this
holiday weekend or in the weeks and months to come, we found these helpful
checklists and tips that cover all you would hope to remember (and some things
you never might have considered):
A Family Travel Checklist
 This
is one of the most
comprehensive travel planning lists
we have come across, organized like a wedding countdown (remember those?),
covering all of the "To Dos" you might in fact need to do at the time you first
book your trip, 2-3 weeks before you go, a week before, the night before, and
the day you depart. While some items listed might strike you as less than
essential, if not total a impossibility for a working mom (i.e. Hair and Spa
Appointment 1-2 weeks before travel)? - we appreciate the attention to
important details relating
to travel documents,
especially for
international
travel. A sampling:
-
Obtain a notarized letter for a child traveling with just one parent
(template provided)
-
Apply for an International Driving Permit
-
Alert credit cards of travel plans (and avoid the risk of a credit freeze due to
"unusual activity")
-
Stock up at the drugstore on 3 oz size bottles for liquids
-
Clean out your wallet to streamline down to the essentials for travel (we must
internalize this one)
-
Take quick photos of your luggage and its contents, in case the airline has its
own travel plans for it
These suggestions are accompanied by other more obvious but nonetheless crucial
reminders like: water the plants, set the alarm, that will help mitigate that
troublesome feeling of "what did I forget?" as you leave the bounds of
daily life behind.
A Carry-On Checklist
 For
once you arrive at the airport, this
companion checklist
is equally useful in enabling you to plan what to bring
on board.
Some of the suggestions here:
-
A copy of all drug prescriptions
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Antibacterial wipes
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Treatment or comfort items for possible predicaments like ear pain, motion
sickness, congestion
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Ziploc bags
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A variety of snacks
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Small insulated bag to keep food, milk, medicine cold
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Light blanket and/or pillow
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Books, electronics and chargers
There are also plenty of good suggestions for travel-friendly toys to keep
children of all ages occupied, if and when they turn away from their DVDs,
Nintendos or iPods.
Find these checklists and additional great tips at
jetwithkids.com. And happy
travels.
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