The government’s deadline for U.S. citizens to be Real ID compliant has changed to May 2025. At that time U.S citizens will need to present a Real ID or valid U.S. passport to board domestic flights, access certain federal facilities or visit U.S. military installations. What’s a “Real ID” and who needs one? A Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets increased federal security standards. Real ID’s have a star on the upper right corner. If you have a valid U.S. passport you don’t necessarily need a Real ID, but I highly recommend having both. If you depend on your passport and accidentally let it expire or lose it, you’re in for an unpleasant surprise next time you try to board a commercial airline. Tip: If you plan to use your passport, make sure it’s valid for the duration of your trip. And check the expiration date way ahead. Renewals can take 4 months! Here’s a link to passport info in case you need it: U.S. Department of State. As of May 2025 anyone 18 or older will need a Real ID to fly without a passport. Kids under 18 don’t need a Real ID […]
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All vacation pack lists are not created equal. If you search online you’ll get 171,000 results! You can’t customize most of them. And when you click a link you often end up on a site that wants you to pay for a list or buy something else like luggage. Everyone’s packing list will be different. And it’s likely to change over the years. Just ask any new parent. The pack list below is a good start. You’ll want to customize it (does anyone need phone cards or travelers checks anymore?) but once you do, you’re good to go. Download, customize and print the list. It’s free. You can download the pack list at freeprintable.net. I print several and keep them in my suitcase so I’m always ready for a quick trip. The list will come in especially handy in September when I expect news that my daughter is in labor with her second child. Fortunately, she’s just an hour’s plane ride away. One of the smartest things on the pack list is a plastic poncho. It takes hardly any room in your suitcase. In case of a downpour, you may not be the best dressed person on the street, but […]
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Have you ever left for vacation and worried that you forgot to turn the sprinklers off, the alarm system on, or something else you meant to do before leaving home? Once I forgot to leave the key for the cat sitter. It’s a good thing my neighbor and I keep each other’s house keys. I called and asked her to put the key under the mat. This list helps you remember important details before rushing out the door. Here’s a good vacation checklist from Real Simple Magazine. You can use it for starters, then add things that are unique to your household. I keep mine in my suitcase. That way I can’t even start packing without reminders of what I need to do before I leave! A few additions from my personal vacation checklist. Leave keys, payment, instructions and your vacation contact info for pet and house sitters or cleaners. Water houseplants. Turn alarm system on or off. Turn home phone answering system on or off. Put away private papers if others will be in your home. Make sure there’s an updated copy of your Emergency Information in your suitcase. Password protect and shut down computers. Discover more links […]
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