Last Steps Before Heading out the Door on Vacation...

Finally, time for a real vacation! We are heading off to Berlin on a week-long glorious vacation! The weather promises to be idyllic and everyone's mood in the family right along with it. I'll be sure to blog about this dynamic city after I get back! Before heading out the door, remember these quick tips.

• I can't stand to "destroy" a book, even a travel book...just photocopy the pages you will need. This will also cut down on the extra weight you're dragging along. I've stopped buying travel books to an extent and just print some of the great travel pages online.
• Separate your money..have your partner carry some too...don't carry it all with you in one place. Hide some in your sock, bra or waistband in addition to that...not all in your wallet...I keep most of my money "under wraps" so to speak. I had a friend who just came back from Italy who carried about 15 wallets with notes in Italian inside. It's almost a given that you will be pickpocketed there. He came home with only 9 wallets and never noticed a thing!
• Call your credit card company ahead of time and let them know you will be out of the country. I've seen people's credit cards get denied..and then they wondered why...credit card fraud departments can be extra vigilant these days.
• Take a photo of what is in your suitcase...if it gets lost on the airline, they always want to know what's in there..it may help with your claim too (and don't put valuables in there..but you already know that).
• Make a copy of each traveler's passport and keep the copies separate from the originals. Also have another copy of your travel itinerary and flight information.

Don't forget to check out these tips as well. Any others to add?