{"id":3152,"date":"2026-04-14T20:34:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T20:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/?p=3152"},"modified":"2026-04-19T21:08:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T21:08:00","slug":"vacation-timeline-planner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/vacation-timeline-planner\/","title":{"rendered":"Vacation Timeline Planner"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/vacation-packing-list\/\">Packing List<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Two months Out<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Research activities that we are able to do<\/li>\n<li>Research: Beaches, Bird Watching, Driving Tour, Fresh Water Fishing, Local bus tour, Museums, Parasailing, Park &amp; Nature Preserves, Railroad Tours, Restaurants, Salt Water Fishing, Screen capture maps, tide charts, etc<\/li>\n<li>Start searching for hotels with the following critical criteria\n<ul>\n<li>Elevator<\/li>\n<li>Make sure stairs are not required to reach the lobby<\/li>\n<li>Near Public Transportation<\/li>\n<li>Accessible &#8211; or at least Shower rather than Bathtub<\/li>\n<li>Verify claims through Yelp<\/li>\n<li>Desk is nice &#8211; if not, a suitcase stand or ironing board is needed<\/li>\n<li>Bathroom counter large enough for our stuff<\/li>\n<li>King sized bed (or two twin beds)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Airline &#8211; Not economy, but at least premium economy<\/li>\n<li>Take out travel insurance\n<ul>\n<li>Lifetime evacuation:\u00a0 MASA (Medical Air Services Assn)<br \/>\nPlantation, FL 800-643-9023 &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.masaassist.com\/\">Masaassist.com<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>One Month Out<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Review pills &#8211; Order more if necessary<\/li>\n<li>Eat the fridge &#8211; Start anyway<\/li>\n<li>Find out:<br \/>\n&#8211; Does unit have tape or CD player?<br \/>\n&#8211; Are non-smoking suites available?<br \/>\n&#8211; Is there a grocery located nearby?<br \/>\n&#8211; If there is a fireplace<br \/>\n&#8211; Is there a charge for firewood?<br \/>\n&#8211; Can we get a single story suite?<br \/>\n&#8211; Can they mail us any maps<br \/>\n&#8211; Prefer a unit with a kitchenette<br \/>\n&#8211; Determine access to groceries &amp; liquor<br \/>\n&#8211; Call a few days before \u2013 upgrade avail?<br \/>\n&#8211; Gather maps and info of the area<\/li>\n<li>Gather immunizations if necessary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Three Weeks Out<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Stop buying groceries that we cannot finish within three weeks<\/li>\n<li>Start &#8220;Eating the Fridge&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Two Weeks Out<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Finalize Research: See TWO MONTHS OUT<\/li>\n<li>Continue \u201cEating the Fridge&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Notify house keeper<\/li>\n<li>Photocopies of passport, papers, etc<\/li>\n<li>Gather receipts for expensive items<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>One Week Out<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Start aggressively \u201cEating the Fridge&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Review pills &#8211; NUMBER OF DAYS + 2 &#8211; &#8211; &#8211; Pack pill strips<\/li>\n<li>Schedule Stop mail<\/li>\n<li>Review bill pay<\/li>\n<li>Review all reservations and docs<\/li>\n<li>Itinerary to family<\/li>\n<li>Put cox on vacation hold<\/li>\n<li>Make backups<\/li>\n<li>Update thumb drives and Dropbox<\/li>\n<li>Print out luggage tags<\/li>\n<li>Print ship boarding pass<\/li>\n<li>Verify liquor<\/li>\n<li>Take out Suitcases&#8230; Start packing<\/li>\n<li>Verify reservations \u2013 plane, hotel, auto<\/li>\n<li>Print out confirmations<\/li>\n<li>Get $400 in 20\u2019s<\/li>\n<li>Get $60 in 1\u2019s<\/li>\n<li>Get haircut \/ mani \/ pedi<\/li>\n<li>Refill prescriptions<\/li>\n<li>See family one more time<\/li>\n<li>Cynthia \u2013 Shave legs<\/li>\n<li>Check expiration dates of (eg) repellant<\/li>\n<li>Evaluate meds 2 to 3 days before leaving.<\/li>\n<li>Adjust irrigation appropriately.<\/li>\n<li>Figure out GARBAGE plan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Three Days Before Leaving<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Fill hummer feeders<\/li>\n<li>Print Baggage ID tag for INSIDE suitcases<\/li>\n<li>Ice cubes in bags in freezers<\/li>\n<li>Put hold on mail or paper<\/li>\n<li>Arrange for airport transport<\/li>\n<li>Charge camera<\/li>\n<li>Final crop harvests<\/li>\n<li>Gather batteries for those items<\/li>\n<li>Talk to neighbors<\/li>\n<li>Make sure all travel date in iPad<\/li>\n<li>Check conversion rate if using local currency<\/li>\n<li>Go to grocery store and get any needed items<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Two Days Before Leaving<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Water plants<\/li>\n<li>Coordinate with Jack<\/li>\n<li>Write check for Patricia and notify of schedule<\/li>\n<li>Finish laundry<\/li>\n<li>Clean house<\/li>\n<li>Charge shavers and toothbrushes<\/li>\n<li>Verify Bill Payments will be made<\/li>\n<li>Next to final packing<\/li>\n<li>Final shopping: snacks, liquor, etc<\/li>\n<li>Backup computer system<\/li>\n<li>Coordinate with house-sitter<\/li>\n<li>Fill car with gas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>The day\/night before leaving<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Print boarding pass<\/li>\n<li>Take out final garbage<\/li>\n<li>Lock Garage<\/li>\n<li>Lock irrigation and fuse boxes<\/li>\n<li>Pack Infrared Thermometer<\/li>\n<li>Remove charge cards not to be used<\/li>\n<li>Change Bed Linens and Towels<\/li>\n<li>Pick up mail one last time<\/li>\n<li>Final packing &#8211; last minute items<\/li>\n<li>Secure anything outside from wind damage<\/li>\n<li>Verify reservations, etc.<\/li>\n<li>Take out garbage<\/li>\n<li>Fill hummingbird feeders<\/li>\n<li>Secure patio furniture<\/li>\n<li>Water plants \u2013 Watering system?<\/li>\n<li>Check weather information<\/li>\n<li>Pack food and snacks<\/li>\n<li>Print out address labels<\/li>\n<li>Secure windows and back door<\/li>\n<li>Sync iPad Calendar, mail, to do list<\/li>\n<li>Print boarding pass PM if leaving AM<\/li>\n<li>Set up and test light timers<\/li>\n<li>Put ice cubes in bag in freezers<\/li>\n<li>Remove HOME charge cards<\/li>\n<li>Insert TRAVEL charge cards<\/li>\n<li>Charge electrical toys and other items<\/li>\n<li>Change bed linen.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure we have AAdvantage Cards<\/li>\n<li>Adjust thermostat warmer or cooler.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Timeline Planner<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>_____ Wake up, dress, prep<\/li>\n<li>_____ Call Uber or other Transport<\/li>\n<li>_____ Leave for Airport<\/li>\n<li>_____ Arrive Airport<\/li>\n<li>_____ Pass through Security<\/li>\n<li>_____ Flight boards<\/li>\n<li>_____ Flight leaves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Hours Before Leaving the House<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Unplug television, computers, etc<\/li>\n<li>Unplug bug zapper, TV, PC, etc<\/li>\n<li>Pack final electronic chargers<\/li>\n<li>Make sure garage is locked<\/li>\n<li>Long trips&#8230; store computers<\/li>\n<li>Arrange car to fit into garage<\/li>\n<li>Turn off AC \/ Heater . . . or adjust up\/down to 65\u00ba in winter or 85\u00ba in summer<\/li>\n<li>Print boarding pass AM if leaving PM<\/li>\n<li>Request UBER with extra time built in<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>At the Airport<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Check on upgrade using points<\/li>\n<li>Arrive early enough we do not have to rush<\/li>\n<li>Request wheelchair(s) if necessary<\/li>\n<li>Discuss C-PAP bag<\/li>\n<li>Eat or dispose of liquids before security<\/li>\n<li>Double check carry on items are OK<\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Arrival at our Destination<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Use buses, trams, taxi or Uber rather than the subway which may have stairs\n<ul>\n<li>Consider subway to major stop, then street transport<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Travel, Arrive, Unpack, Relax<\/li>\n<li>Consider buying &#8220;immediate access&#8221; tickets to popular places<\/li>\n<li>No TOURISM purchases first day<\/li>\n<li>Make Jasmine a lumpy bed<\/li>\n<li>Put out birdseed for her &#8220;large screen TV&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Buy distilled water for C-PAP machines<\/li>\n<li>Network:\u00a0 RC-TravNet &#8211; RC*27 &#8211; 4 am-12M<\/li>\n<li>Guest Password:\u00a0 RC_GuestNet &#8211; BEGOOd-OK? &#8211; 6 am-12M<\/li>\n<li>Admin:\u00a0 http:\/\/tplinkwifi.net\/ &#8211; RA::TP-Link-RC<\/li>\n<li>Factory Reset Values stored in Keeper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Cruise Control<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Be on top deck as the ship approaches the port<\/li>\n<li>At port:\u00a0 Leave as early as possible.\u00a0 Board as late as possible.<\/li>\n<li>Book excursions at port, not on ship &#8211; unless time is a factor<\/li>\n<li>Hire a private driver and car with two other people<\/li>\n<li>Experience local cuisine while in ports<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Destination Shopping Trips<\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>ACCOMPANIMENTS<\/li>\n<li>Sugar, Stevia<\/li>\n<li>Bread<\/li>\n<li>Granola<\/li>\n<li>Jerky<\/li>\n<li>Instant Coffee<\/li>\n<li>Tea bags<\/li>\n<li>Toriani coffee flavor<\/li>\n<li>Water<\/li>\n<li>Wine<\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a0SPICES \/ ETC<\/li>\n<li>GTP Spices<\/li>\n<li>Baking soda<\/li>\n<li>Baking powder<\/li>\n<li>Corn starch<\/li>\n<li>Bisquick<\/li>\n<li>Flour<\/li>\n<li>Toriani<\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>MEAL ITEMS<\/li>\n<li>Fruit<\/li>\n<li>Vegetables<\/li>\n<li>Potatoes<\/li>\n<li>Eggs<\/li>\n<li>Milk<\/li>\n<li>Yogurt<\/li>\n<li>Meat<\/li>\n<li>Cottage cheese<\/li>\n<li>Beans<\/li>\n<li>Pasta<\/li>\n<li>Tomato sauce<\/li>\n<li>Tomato paste<\/li>\n<li>Broth<\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li>NON-MEAL ITEMS<\/li>\n<li>Scotch and Vodka<\/li>\n<li>Lemon juice<\/li>\n<li>Chewing gum<\/li>\n<li>String cheese<\/li>\n<li>Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Onion<\/li>\n<li>Dijon mustard<\/li>\n<li>Olive oil, butter<\/li>\n<li>Bisquick and Flour<\/li>\n<li>Some sort of meat<\/li>\n<li>Cottage cheese<\/li>\n<li>Tortillas<\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>SNACKS<\/li>\n<li>Popcorn<\/li>\n<li>Chips, pretzels, etc.<\/li>\n<li>Dark Chocolate<\/li>\n<li>Chocolate<\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>NON KITCHEN<\/li>\n<li>Extra clothes<\/li>\n<li>Stamps<\/li>\n<li>Toiletries<\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>DURABLE EQUIP<\/li>\n<li>Stock pot<\/li>\n<li>Cutting board<\/li>\n<li>Immersion Blender<\/li>\n<li>Food processor<\/li>\n<li>Electric skillet<\/li>\n<li>Subset of mixing bowls<\/li>\n<li>Strainer, Colander<\/li>\n<li>Spatter screen<\/li>\n<li>Sun tea jar<\/li>\n<li>Crock pot<\/li>\n<li>Egg poacher<\/li>\n<li>Omelet pan<\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>ALL OTHER<\/li>\n<li>Maps<\/li>\n<li>Distilled water<\/li>\n<li>Shelves<\/li>\n<li>Dinner trays<\/li>\n<li>Straws, Bibs<\/li>\n<li>Sink brush<\/li>\n<li>Cast Iron Skillet<\/li>\n<li>Green scrubber<\/li>\n<li>Little scraper<\/li>\n<li>Toiletries<\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h1>The Day Before Heading Home<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Verify transportation home<\/li>\n<li>Verify checkout<\/li>\n<li>Pack<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>The Day of Departure<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Verify travel schedules, etc<\/li>\n<li>Refill rental vehicle with gas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>At the Airport<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Arrive early enough we do not have to rush<\/li>\n<li>Request wheelchair(s) if necessary<\/li>\n<li>Discuss C-PAP bag<\/li>\n<li>Eat or dispose of liquids before security<\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Arrival in Phoenix<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Take train to Light Rail to avoid high Uber surcharge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Return Home<\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>URGENT:\u00a0 Unlock garage door to avoid damage<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\n<li>Plug in electronics<\/li>\n<li>Reset thermostat<\/li>\n<li>Check damage to back yard, garden, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Packing List Two months Out Research activities that we are able to do Research: Beaches, Bird Watching, Driving Tour, Fresh Water Fishing, Local bus tour, Museums, Parasailing, Park &amp; Nature Preserves, Railroad Tours, Restaurants, Salt Water Fishing, Screen capture maps, tide charts, etc Start searching for hotels with the following [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3152","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3152","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3152"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3152\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3396,"href":"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3152\/revisions\/3396"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.robertandrews.org\/LIFE\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}