Top Things to Do Before Leaving on Vacation

It is very common for residents of the UAE to go back to their home countries or take extended vacations during the hot summer period. Here are some top tips and advice on things to do before you go away.

Security

Did you know that you can register your villa as being unoccupied during the summer and Dubai Police will keep an eye on it while you are away? You provide details of the day you are leaving the country and when you are expected to be back.

During this time, Dubai Police sends a patrol unit to monitor the area and check on the house on a daily basis to ensure it hasn’t been burgled. To register for their “Safe Home” service, please visit www.dubaipolice.gov.ae and it is listed under their online services. Best of all it's a free service. Click Here for more info>>

Utilities

Make sure you switch off all water taps before you go away and have any leaks fixed before you go - you do not want to come back from your vacation to be hit with a major DEWA bill.

Do the same for anything electrical - unplug from the wall sockets any unnecessary electrical equipment - don’t unplug the fridge though! Turn off anything on a timer, especially alarm clocks - you don’t want to drive your neighbours crazy from 6am every day!

If you have gas provided through a refillable bottle, make sure it is stored in a safe, dry place and that it is switched off. Gas bottles should not be stored in direct sunlight.

SEE ALSO: 10 tips for home security in Dubai

There is a debate as to whether you should leave your AC on while you are away. If you have your AC control on a timer, set it to be on for a couple of hours a day while you are away just to cool down the interior of your home or put it on an automatic setting of around 25 degrees so it comes on temporarily.

Leave curtains and blinds drawn in rooms that receive direct sunlight to keep the temperature down.

The Garden

You don’t want to come back from holiday and your beautiful garden has been reduced to a desert-like state! Make sure you have arranged your gardening service to still come while you are away and make sure you have set your sprinklers to auto.

Phone a Friend

Why don’t you enlist the help of a good friend or neighbour to also check your house on a weekly basis- to check everything is ok, water plants, start your car up, turn the AC on for a while, pick up flyers from your mat, etc. Make sure you leave your overseas contact details with them and bring them a present back from your holiday to say thank you!

Pets

Make sure you have made suitable arrangements for your pets. Either get a friend to be a pet sitter in your home or take the pet to them, or use a kennel or cattery. Alternatively, ask your vet or friends for advice.

If you do use a friend, make sure you give them enough food and care items for your pet for while you are away or give them enough money to cover this.

The Bank

Check with your bank about daily withdrawal limits on debit cards. Arrange for an increase if you think you'll need it. Leave room on your credit cards and even pre-pay a sum if you'll be gone for a while. The onset of online banking has made money issues much easier to deal with when travelling. Refresh your memory on pertinent PIN numbers or change them to something you can remember.

SEE ALSO: The ultimate checklist for renting in Dubai

Purchase traveller's cheques and foreign currency. Set up internet banking or direct payments to take care of bills while you're away. Let your credit card company know that you will be travelling and to expect charges from your intended destination.

Important Documents

Make 2 or more copies each of:

• Traveller's cheque serial numbers
• Credit card numbers
• ID page of your passport
• Flight tickets or confirmation numbers
• Medical and Trip insurance policies
• Prescriptions
• Travel itinerary
• Credit card emergency number
• Bank emergency telephone number

One copy should go into a secure place at home, keep one with you in your luggage or hotel safe. Compile a list of phone numbers, e-mail and mail addresses to stay in touch or send postcards.

SEE ALSO: 5 things you need to verify before buying property in Dubai

Other home tips before you leave

Check all windows and patio doors are locked. If yours don’t lock, wooden dowling rods like broom sticks are good for jamming these kind of doors closed- check out ACE Hardware or LuLu Centre for these. Put your car in the garage if possible and don’t leave valuables on display or in the garden.

Empty your fridge and kitchen of all perishable food items, throw out all trash and don’t leave wax candles in direct sunlight either or you may have an unpleasant melted surprise waiting for you when you return! 

Most importantly, make sure you have a great, stress-free holiday knowing you have followed the tips above.