CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 06/27/18

Plan ahead and pack the essentials for a safe, stress-free vacation

By Keishon Thomas

We are well into longer, hotter days and children are out of school and eagerly anticipating family vacation. Whether you attend a family reunion in a rural area or head to the big city, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offers the following tips to help you have a fun, safe vacation.

Make a list: Write down what you need to pack and include everything, from your medications to vehicle maintenance, to ensure you cover all of your bases. You may still forget something, but I always feel better when I miss a few small things rather than critical items.

Mail: Before you go, request that the local post office hold your mail. An overstuffed mailbox with newspapers strewn about is like advertising that no one is home.

Tell someone: Let someone know that you are going on vacation, but do not tell your 1,000 Facebook friends. Tell a trusted neighbor or friend that you are leaving and ask them if they would be willing to keep an eye on things while you are away. This will ease your mind and allow you to enjoy your vacation.

Speaking of Facebook, it is probably not a good idea to post that you are away or will be away for an extended period of time. Remember, not everyone is as honest as you are. 

Medication: Order any prescription medication in advance. I also pack antacids, Children’s Motrin, Benadryl and pain medication. I also include insect repellent because my youngest son has reactions to insect bites.

Entertainment: Make sure everyone has something to entertain them. We frequently drive long distances, and I have found that a preloaded playlist helps to keep everyone occupied — it can even prompt a family singalong. It also allows me to share “real music” — oldies — with my children.

Snacks: Provide healthy snacks for everyone. Nuts, fruits and applesauce are all great snacks for trips. Taking snacks from home also helps to minimize the unhealthy food you might buy on impulse. Don’t forget to bring a cooler with plenty of water to stay hydrated along the way.

Breaks: Are you traveling with younger or older family members? It’s imperative to make stops for stretching, bathroom breaks and physical activity. My 5-year-old is a ball of energy. He needs to run around and stretch his legs. I also benefit from stretching after long intervals of riding. I am no longer under 40.

Research: Research your destination online. The hotel, attractions and restaurants can be investigated prior to leaving for vacation. My family loves hot dogs (hangs head in shame), so in every city we visit, we search for a place that specializes in hot dogs. We have found great spots in a number of cities.

Be “in the moment”: While it may be tempting to catch up on emails, post every fun activity on Facebook or surf the internet, don’t do it. Be in the moment! I am often asked, “Did you take a picture?”  I prefer to be in the moment, enjoying our silly inside jokes and experiences that we may never have the opportunity to do again. My poor teenagers balk at the idea of going too long without technology; however, they still follow the example set by their parents. So, unplug from technology.

Be safe, enjoy and have an awesome summer of travel.

Keishon Thomas is the University of Georgia Extension family and consumer sciences agent in Bibb County.

Authors:
Keishon Thomas
Experts/Sources:
Keishon Thomas
Whether you are planning a trip out of state or a short trip in Georgia, planning ahead will make for a less stressful vacation. Packing essentials like first aid items, sunscreen and medications will make health problems away from home less trying.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Download Image
The holiday season can be a time of anticipation and joy, but balancing multiple commitments and personalities across families and friends can be a source of stress for hosts and visitors alike. Like preparing parts of the meal ahead of time to spend more of the holiday with guests, taking time ahead of the day to set expectations can go a long way to ensuring enjoyable gatherings, said Ted Futris, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension specialist and professor of human development and family science in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. CAES News
Need help managing stress this holiday season? Try these 3 tips from UGA Extension 11/21/24 Maria M. Lameiras
The holiday season can be a time of anticipation and joy, but balancing multiple commitments and personalities across families and friends can be a source of stress for hosts and visitors alike. Much like preparing parts of the meal ahead of time allows you to spend more of the holiday with guests, setting expectations ahead of the celebration can go a long way to ensuring enjoyable gatherings, said Ted Futris, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension specialist and professor of human development and family science.
LiceCheck CAES News
A back-to-school guide to the nitty-gritty on head lice 08/12/24 Allison Johnson
As students return to school, head lice often become a common concern for administrators and parents. Understanding how to prevent and manage head lice infestations is crucial for maintaining healthy environments in schools and at home. Allison Johnson, the Pesticide Safety Education Program coordinator for the University of Georgia, provides essential information and advice to help mitigate the spread of this pesky pest.
For some students, heading back to school feels like entering a pressure cooker. Parents can ease anxieties by helping their students develop strategies for handling stressful situations. CAES News
Families should make a plan to manage back-to-school stress 07/29/24 Merritt Melancon
As summer draws to an end, both students and parents need to prepare for the return to school. While a new backpack and a collection of notebooks and pens might top their to-do list, students also need to prepare emotionally, said Diane Bales, a human development specialist for University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and a professor of human development and family science in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
03 20 2024 Farm Stress Summit Allisen Penn and panel 048 CAES News
2024 Farm Stress Summit provides mental health resources for Georgia farm communities 03/25/24 Jordan Powers
As Georgia’s No. 1 industry, agriculture pumps billions of dollars into the state’s economy each year. While headlines often highlight Georgia’s commodities — peanuts, blueberries, poultry and more — one aspect of agriculture is often not discussed, the farmers themselves. At the 2024 Farm Stress Summit, held at the Chattahoochee Technical College Jasper campus, a few critical points were woven throughout each of the day’s sessions: The people are the most important part of Georgia’s agricultural industry, and the state needs to come together to help farmers and promote agricultural education and awareness.  
ELEVATE couple CAES News
UGA ELEVATE program strengthens relationships across Georgia 02/13/23 Amanda Budd
even after 14 years of marriage, there are always new opportunities to improve, according to Kiara and Rashad Baker. After a recommendation from a friend, the Bakers decided to attend the ELEVATE workshop in Clayton County to find new ways to communicate and connect.
The Georgia Capitol's Mental Health Day will include an update on rural mental health from UGA Extension Agent Jennifer Dunn. Mental health advocates will also have the opportunity to discuss their goals with Georgia lawmakers. CAES News
Mental Health Day at Georgia Capitol to highlight rural mental health 01/25/23 Amanda Budd
Mental Health Day at the Georgia State Capitol will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Jan. 31, to raise awareness of mental health issues and allow mental health advocates to share their insights with lawmakers. The event is an opportunity to increase awareness about mental health and health services, especially for those in rural areas, according to University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agent Jennifer Dunn.