7 Things You Should Do Before Leaving on a Trip
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By Vivian Bricker, Crosswalk.com
Families might go on various trips throughout the year. Some are sport-related travel, such as when their child has a soccer game halfway around the country, and other trips might just be a few hours to see extended family for the holidays. You know just how busy the year can get if you have a family. When I was a kid, my family and I did a lot of traveling, but this tapered off once my siblings and I were homeschooled. My mom tried to get us out for field trips, but it became too expensive, and so we had to cut back.
Trips are fun, but one needs to be prepared in advance. When my family was able to go on trips, there were many things we had to do ahead of time. Only when everything was taken care of could my mom finally relax. It is important to mention that these steps are not only for when you go on vacation. Even if you're just leaving for a day trip or to visit extended family across town, these steps are important. My mom was always prepared, especially when it came to trips.
1. Pray for God's Guidance and Protection
The Apostle Paul tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). We need to take Paul's words to heart and pour out any concerns we have to Him.
If we are anxious about getting to our destination or afraid we will get lost, we need to give these fears over to God. We can pray for His guidance and protection as we travel, and He will surround us with His grace. Going to the Lord in prayer and simply talking about our fears can do wonders for our mental and emotional health. Rather than being afraid and letting it ruin our trip, we will have complete trust in the Lord.
Whether you are someone who gets stressed over car trips, airplane rides, or travel by boat, give these concerns over to God. In the same way, if you are nervous about traveling with small children or traveling by yourself, give your concerns over to God. Trust Him and find comfort in His love. He will surround you with His guidance, protection, and love.
2. Give Thanks
As mentioned, there came a time when my family couldn't afford trips anymore. Even the rare day trip became non-existent. This made me sad when I was younger, but now that I'm older, I understand that we simply did not have enough money for trips. Trips are a luxury—they are not a necessity. I miss trips, but I also understand that they are impractical when you don't have enough money to make ends meet each month.
Each time before leaving on a trip, recognize your privilege and give thanks. Not everyone can go on trips. Many people may never be able to go on one trip throughout their entire life. Aside from financial strains, many people cannot travel due to medical conditions or disabilities. Regardless of where you are traveling, give thanks that you are able to go to this location.
It is common for us to complain or become resentful if we don't get to go where we want to go, but we need to be happy that we get to go at all. Maybe you wanted to go overseas this past summer; however, your family wanted to stay within the States. Rather than being resentful, give praise that you got to go traveling at all. Recognize your privilege and give thanks in all circumstances.
3. Ask Someone to Look After Your House While You Are Gone
My mom was always terrified someone was going to break into our home while I was a teenager. As an adult, this is also a real fear for me. When I was a teen, we had people steal decorations off our porch, and ever since, I have always been afraid that somebody will steal something else. Since we live in an unsafe world today, asking someone to look after your house while you are away is important. Even if you are only gone for a day, ask a neighbor or a friend to keep an eye on your house.
We used to have our neighbor look after our house while we were gone, and when she was away visiting her daughters, we would keep an eye on her house. Maybe you could return the favor for your neighbor or friend and look after their place while they are away. This simple gesture can help you feel more confident that your home will stay safe while you are away. You can text or call your neighbor if you ever get nervous and they can give you peace of mind in knowing that your home is okay.
4. Make Sure the Car Is Ready to Go
Another common concern my mom had before we embarked on any sort of traveling was whether the car was up to the trip and had enough fuel. Most of the time, the answer was no. It got so bad that my mom often would elect to rent a car when we had enough money because she didn't trust our own vehicle to make the trip. If your present car also tends to be a bit unstable, renting a car for your trip might be beneficial. It is better to rent a car than for it to break down somewhere randomly on the highway.
Getting gas for the car was great fun as kids. My siblings and I used to watch the number go up as my dad pumped the gas outside. We thought it was exciting; nowadays, when I pump gas, I'm thinking about how I just want to go home. Things change as we age, so try to keep the magic alive with your kids as much as possible. Play games with them while your spouse is pumping the gas or ask them if they want to help pump the gas if they are old enough.
5. Bring Enough Snacks and Water
If there is one thing I always forget on trips, it's snacks. I never think to pack them, but someone always needs snacks on the way to the destination. Everyone should have snacks, bottled water, and any personal supplies they might need easily accessible. It would also be helpful to bring a first aid kit and any required medication.
Bring some crackers, chips, or even sliced bread to prepare sandwiches. All of these ideas will ensure everyone stays fueled and happy rather than cranky. No one wants cranky travelers in the back.
6. Set a Budget
Many of us struggle to afford a trip of any kind. It can be helpful to set a budget. Setting a budget can help us get an overall idea of how much each day will cost. A quick day trip is a fun and cost-effective option. You won't have to pay for an overnight stay in a hotel, which automatically saves money.
When you set a budget, make it clear to your family that you must not exceed this amount. Kids might struggle when you tell them "no" to a certain ride or game. Help them know that traveling on a budget is the only option right now. Traveling on a budget can be just as fun—many activities are free, such as going to national parks or certain museums.
7. Establish a Plan
Establishing a plan before departing on your trip can also be extremely helpful because it creates a game plan. Rather than blindly going into the trip, you will have a plan set in place. If you are going on a vacation with your family, plan the daily activities, what hotels you will be staying at, and any dining options or attractions near your hotel. Including the entire family in the plans can be a lot of fun, and they can add their own suggestions. However, if you want to keep the daily plans a surprise, this can be a great gift to your kids as well.
