Prepare a Vacation Countdown Checklist

You're finally taking that dream vacation. You've purchased the airline tickets, reserved the hotel room and your itinerary is in place. Amazingly, it's really going to happen. Make sure you leave with everything -- and with everything taken care of. You don't want to wake up in your hotel wondering whether you left the oven turned on at home. After you research your destination, use this checklist as you countdown to departure.

Stop Your Mail for Vacation
Before leaving for vacation, you may wish to stop the delivery of your mail from the United States Postal Service. Mail which piles up while you are away may provide a clue to potential burglars that you are not at home. If you leave mail in an external mailbox, you run the risk of mail theft and possibly even identity theft. Fortunately, the United States Postal Service has made it easy to stop mail delivery from three to 30 days. You can use a simple online form, fill out a form at the Post Office or call an 800 number.

Find the Perfect Vacation Home
Buying a vacation home is exciting--but as with any other major purchase, it's important to think things through carefully. Here are some suggestions to help you make the best buy.

Calculate a Prorated Vacation
You can calculate an employee-specific prorated vacation from a set, universal annual vacation allowance. That method applies to first year of employment, final year employment and all years between.

Plan the Perfect Australian Vacation
Travel and vacation planning is always challenging when you are making plans to have the perfect vacation. If you are heading to Australia, you need to keep a few key points in mind when planning your trip so you can make the most out of your time "Down Under". Pre-planning and mapping out your travels will help ensure the perfect vacation.