Start Planning for Your Summer Vacation

Summer is coming, ya’ll! Really — it is…

While I know many of you are still fighting through ice and snow this spring (I’m sorry!), it’s finally warm here in Texas – who knows if it’ll last the week? But it feels like we are nearing the hot and humid season. I like the heat – the weather here never really bothered me much, so I’m looking forward to summer.

Another reason why I’m looking forward to summer is that this will be the first time in several years that I’ll be able to travel normally –not having to carry my peritoneal dialysis machine and other equipment with me.

Traveling while on dialysis was stressful – what if the machine malfunctioned? What if it got lost?

Case in point: When we went to Hawaii last year (free trip!), on the first night, I plugged in the machine and got beeping and red lights – it was malfunctioning! I started to panic. Fortunately, the on-call technician was able to help, and the machine was easily re-calibrated. I was sweating for a bit there…

This year, we’re going on vacation to Bermuda (another free trip!). No machine, no early bedtime attached to a machine…Hooray! Therefore, this year, I get to think about the typical travel issues–just like everyone else.

Here are some tasks you (and I) should complete before any summer travel.

First Aid Kit

Whether you are traveling by airplane, train, or your own vehicle, be sure to pack a first aid kit. The contents of your first aid kit will depend on your method of travel. Pack essentials such as bandages, tensor bandages, gauze, thermometer, tweezers, antiseptic wound cleanser, and hand sanitizer. You’ll never go wrong being over-prepared in this area.

Scan Your Documents

Unplanned unpleasant incidents can happen on vacation. It’s no fun to be having a good time and have your wallet stolen and dealing with the loss of your identification or other cards. Before you leave home, scan all your documents, both major and minor. Then, you’ll be able to determine quickly what’s missing should your documents, wallet, or purse be misplaced or fall into the wrong hands.

Car Check-Up

If you are going to be relying on a car for your transportation, take it to the mechanic for a check-up before your departure date. It’s no fun and can be dangerous to have something go wrong. Many car troubles can be avoided with regular check-ups.

Scope Out Hospital Locations Beforehand

Do a little research on your vacation destination before you leave. A quick internet search can tell you where the closest hospital and emergency rooms are in case of an emergency. When you arrive, ask some local residents to confirm your findings. Many travelers have had a health crisis in the middle of the night and have been forced to drive around looking for care.

Get Recommendations for Hotels and Restaurants

Ask any friends that have traveled to your intended destination about the eateries and hotels that they used while they visited. Word of mouth is the best way to find out if hotels and eating establishments are clean and feel safe. You can also research online travel sites for other opinions — just make sure you are looking at a reputable site so you can trust what you read .

Keep Your Money in More Than One Place

To protect your finances, plan to split your money among several places in your luggage, on your person, and other places. Perhaps you’ll want to take a little cash along on daily trips and leave some in the safe at the hotel. Always keep your money and other valuables in more than one place so that if some is stolen or lost, you have something to fall back on while you arrange for the replacement of the rest.

Summer travel can create some of the best memories of your year. With a little foresight, you’ll be able to stay safe and create wonderful moments that will last you a lifetime.

I’m looking forward to my trip – I’ll be sure to keep you up to date with the plans. Have you planned your vacation for this summer? Let us know in the comments.

Loving Life—The Reboot!

Dominique