Security
* Lock all windows and doors securely and remove any keys hidden outside the house
* Tell neighbours that you'll be away and how they can reach you in an emergency
* Turn on your telephone answering machine. You may want to change the message on your answering machine at work to
let your business contacts know you are out of town
* Set lights and a radio on timers. Turn up the radio loud enough so it can be heard outside
* Close blinds and curtains

Kitchen
* Store food in your freezer to prevent having to run to the grocery store as soon as you return home
*Remove perishable items from your refrigerator
*Empty all waste baskets & run the garbage disposal to eliminate the possibility of unpleasant odours
*Wash the dishes (You'll be sorry when you come back if you forget this!)

Getting Your Car Ready
* Check your spare tire and jack to ensure they are both in working order
* Check oil level, tire pressure, and coolant level, and all other fluid levels
* Pack a first-aid kit into the trunk

Personal Preparation
* Schedule a medical check-up before the trip. Ask your doctor about necessary vaccinations, and have any medical
procedures done before you go
* Update any personal identification so that it contains current information and a photograph
* Pick up cash, change, and traveller's checks at the bank
* Get a telephone calling card and take it with you
* Fill out and send in your tax return form if you will be out of town at the deadline
*Fill out an absentee voter form if you will be out of town at election time
* Tell your friends where they can write to you at your vacation or out-of-town address
* Pay the rent and other bills. If you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, arrange for a friend or relative to pay the bills
* Wash clothes that you’re not packing so that you’ll have a clean set of clothes at home when you return from your trip
* Break in new shoes to prevent blisters

Sanity Savers
* Make a "fun bag" for each child and include games, books, toys, a tape player with headphones, and snacks
* Print address labels of people to send postcards to. It’s much lighter to carry a sheet of labels than your address book

Your vacation in Britain
* England is effected by 'typical oceaniac island weather' which means ever changing weather patterns. Please prepare for ocasional cold and wet patches. To make the most of your stay in England, Astral Travels reccommend bringing 'all weather' clothing inc. fleece overcoat. waterproof jacket, walking shoes and sun-cream.