Planning last minute holidays can be romantic, exciting, and adventurous. Late availability vacation packages are also a creative, spontaneous way to say "I love you" at Christmas -- talk about romantic Christmas gifts! If you don't celebrate Christmas, this is a splashy way to say Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary or "Just Because I Love You."
Here’s how to plan last minute holidays without forgetting anything!
Planning last minute holidays or late availability vacation packages:
- Ask friends, family, and colleagues about their experiences with last minute bargains (they might have some great advice about last minute holiday deals or late availability websites).
- Consider an all inclusive vacation – you may not have time to research an exotic city or country, and all inclusive packages take care of everything for you.
- Take the time to research as many websites as you can that offer last minute holiday packages and all inclusive resort vacations.
- Call the airline for information about baggage restrictions.
Planning last minute holidays – before you leave work for the last time:
- Clear it with your boss.
- Make sure your colleagues know you’re going. Have them cover your desk while you’re gone.
- Set up a Vacation Response on your email, informing people when you’ll be back.
- Leave an updated voicemail message on your phone so callers know when you’ll return.
- Clear off your desk so you don’t return to chaos.
Planning last minute holidays – before you leave for the airport:
- Set your indoor lamps on automatic timer to regularly light up and shut down in the evening.
- Unplug everything electronic, except your automatic indoor lamps.
- Ask a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your house, bring in your mail, water the plants, etc.
- Make dog or cat sitting arrangements for your pets.
- Take out the garbage, and give fridge perishables to neighbors or family.
- Lock your house securely.
Packing quickly for last minute holidays:
To pack quickly, make sure you have the following before you leave for your last minute vacation (the first few are the only absolutely crucial items):
- Passport or driver’s license.
- Photocopies of passport and driver’s license.
- Airline information, reservation codes, etc.
- Foreign currency, bank card, Visa card.
- Prescription medications.
- Vitamins and supplements.
- Books or magazines.
- Sunscreen, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, beach wear.
- Toiletries. To pack quickly, go through your medicine cabinet, bathtub ledges and countertops for everything you use regularly.
- Unscented baby wipes and antiseptic hand gel.
- Laundry soap.
- Money belt or clothes that have secret pockets. Stash money in your Wonder Bra!
- Exercise clothes.
- Leave your expensive jewelry at home.
- Pack light; buy practical souvenirs such as sarongs, local clothing, hats, scarves, etc.
If you found Planning Last Minute Holidays helpful, read:
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
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