If you’re a snowbird prepping for the migrating season to warmer weather for the winter, then you’re likely aware of how popular this snowbird season will be. More snowbirds are expected to travel with a readily available vaccine and boosters, fewer travel restrictions, and a hunger to leave town before chilling temperatures. But whether you’re a seasoned veteran or even a first-timer, it can be difficult to know what exactly is important to bring and what can stay at your summer home until you’re back. Double-checking bags is crucial before loading up to be sure all your bases are covered, including all the necessities. But overpacking can mean more work later and less space for what you need the most. Here are a few tips on what you should be sure you bring with you this snowbird travel season:
Important documents
While it might be normal to keep an ID on you, it may not be so common to keep important documents like your passport, copies of prescriptions from doctors, insurance policies for homes, etc., close by when you’re traveling for the winter. If they’re left behind in a filing cabinet or folder at home, they won’t be much use to you if you need them. Find a safe and secure way to transport important documents (or copies) of things you might need. You never know when that information will be useful, especially after spending months away from them.
Medicine/Prescriptions
While you might have stops along the way where you can pick up medicine or even have a pharmacy at your destination that you like to go to for prescriptions, it’s important to bring along your medicine or prescriptions still and even ensure you have extras. If something happens during your trip, or your pharmacy is behind on prescriptions, you could be without vital medications for a day or even longer. Bring enough for a few extra days than you think you might need.
Technology
While it’s true that you should have a charging pack, car charging adapter, or other technology with you to keep your device on at all times during the trip, consider other devices that can be utilized where a cell phone can’t. Mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems (mPERS) devices are a must-have for snowbirds. If you can’t dial your phone, or it’s not within reach to call for help, mPERS devices can provide a way to contact emergency services at the push of a button. They can also relay your exact location.
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Non-seasonal clothing
Although you’re attempting to go to warmer weather, expect the unexpected. It can begin to unexpectantly cool off or warm up wherever you’re headed due to unpredictable weather. Consider bringing a few articles of clothing you think you might not necessarily need unless the weather is weird. Instead of buying something new and bringing more back to your summer home, this can save you time, money, and space by being prepared.
By CEO of SecuraTrac, Chris Holbert
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