Vacations are great! We look forward to them all year long. In fact we spend hours planning for them. We gather maps, buy new clothes, check out our camping equipment, and look over our vehicles.

Be sure to cancel the mail and your newspaper(s). You can cancel your mail via the internet by going to the USPS web page. It is simple and safe. Cancel your newspaper(s) too. Newspapers stacked on the front porch are a dead giveaway you are not home.

Leave on several night nights and a radio. The appearance of someone being home is a deterrent to the ever watching burglar. Notify the police department and ask them to do a house check for you.

If you have a pet, make sure they are cared for too. Ok, you have taken care of those items, but wait . . . there is something else to do!

Before you go be sure to let a family member know of your itinerary and a contact phone number. Remember that your church, mosque, or favorite charities continue while you are away. So before you pack up and head out mail in your offering/donation so they can continue their missions in the community.

Have a great vacation and I look forward to you checking out my articles when you return!