tips to get ready for vacation

Unfortunately, I have been on trips with people who have not called their credit card companies or banks before leaving the state they live in or even the country. Lets just say it didn

This may seem unusual as you will not even be in your home for the time you are gone. But speaking from experience, there is not a lot worse than coming home from vacation to a disaster of a house. Make sure you clean your home before leaving to prevent stress when coming back to reality.

Thanks to Facebook and Twitter, we ve become a nation of over sharers. We share our moods, meals and pictures and while most of the time all that information is harmless, posting when you leave and come back is an open invitation to robbers. People like to tell everyone where they are going on Facebook but the problem is they are telling everybody they are leaving, says Gustin.

Put together personal care kits for each family member in a zipper bag or cosmetics organizer. Include sample-sized bottles of shampoo, shower gel, lotion and sun block. Use motel supplies along the way to replenish care kits. At vacation's end, re-stock care kits and store inside suitcases for the next trip.

Whether its a new divider in a household notebook, a dedicated section in a paper planner, or a Vacation category in your handheld organizer, keep all travel information in a single location. Include contact information for airlines, car rental agencies and travel agents, passport and frequent flyer numbers, and itineraries.

Before you start planning your Hawaii vacation, you first need to decide when you will go. While your decision will likely depend on your own schedule, considering travel trends is also important. Some of the best deals and rates can often be found during the summer months, but this does not mean that winter is not also a great time to visit the Hawaiian Islands. Since the weather is near perfect all year round, anytime is really a great time to plan a Hawaii vacation.Also note that airfare and accommodations are typically higher during Hawaiis high season, which runs from mid December to mid April. Scheduling your trip during the low season, from April to mid June and September to mid December, is one way to reduce costs and avoid big crowds.

Another great tip is to compare the costs of different Hawaii travel packages carefully. Prices can vary greatly, so it always pays to spend some time researching your options and shopping around for the best deals. With a little work, you can literally save hundreds of dollars on your Hawaii vacation.One of the hardest parts of planning a vacation to Hawaii is deciding which of the Hawaiian islands to visit. Oahu is known for its amazing nightlife and outstanding beaches, making it a great choice for vacationing couples. If you're planning your honeymoon, then head to Maui, which is the number one honeymoon destination in the world. For couples looking for stunning views and romantic sunsets, the island of Kauai offers astounding seaside cliffs and secluded beaches.If you are traveling with the entire family, the Big Island offers perhaps the greatest amount of recreational options, with activities ranging from horseback riding to volcano watching. Would you prefer to be pampered during your stay? Then head to Lanai with its exclusive resorts, hotels and spas. For those looking for a unique Hawaiian experience, the traditional-minded island of Molokai, with its authentic Hawaiian food, culture and adventure, is a must.

Hawaii is served by 23 major domestic carriers and 16 major international carriers, including American Airlines and Delta Airlines. Finding flights to Hawaii that work for your budget and needs is easy. Honolulu International Airport (HNL) in Oahu is the major airport in Hawaii and handles much of the traffic in and out of the island. However, there are many smaller airports located on the other five major islands, such as the Hilo International Airport and the Kona International Airport.Take some of the hassle and stress out of flying by planning carefully. Keep your carry on packing light, but do not forget the essential. Remember that flights to Hawaii can be fairly long, and much of your trip might be spend over water. If you are in for a long flight, be sure to pack a good book or your MP3 player. Another great tip is to drink plenty of fluids before your flight in order to fight jet lag.

There are plenty of great Hawaii hotels, but try to book rooms that are fairly close to your intended destination. Are you planning to spend plenty of time at the beach? Then look for hotels and resorts near the coastline to help cut down on travel time.There are many outstanding hotels and resorts in Hawaii, so locating the right one is simply a matter of finding one that is right for your plans and budget. The Four Seasons hotel in Maui ($345-600) features an outstanding spa as well as unique activities such as cooking classes. On the Big Island, the Hilton Waikoloa Village ($149-$849) features an exciting dolphin exhibit that appeals to both children and adults. If you are planning a luxury golf getaway to Hawaii, consider the Princeville Resort in Kauai ($565 to $5,500) with its award-winning suites and two world-class championship golf courses.

Before you leave for your trip, decide exactly what you want to do and see during your vacation. After all, who wants to waste valuable vacation time looking for activities and destinations? By having these details worked out beforehand, you will be able to concentrate on enjoying your time in Hawaii. Snorkeling, whale watching, sunbathing, horseback riding and surfing are just a few of the great activities you can enjoy on Hawaii