Before You Go on Vacation, Take Care of the “What Ifs”
Summer is here, and with it, a chance to step away from the daily grind. Whether you’re taking the family on a long-awaited vacation or traveling to visit loved ones across the country, there’s one thing we encourage you to do before you go: make sure your affairs are in order.
We’re not talking about being pessimistic. We’re talking about getting real. 30% of all accidents happen during the summer months.
You’ve Planned the Trip. Now Plan for the Unexpected
Life doesn’t pause just because we’re on vacation. Accidents, illness, and emergencies can happen anywhere at any time. That’s why it’s so important to have your legal documents in place before you board that plane or hit the road.
Ask yourself:
-
If something happened while I was away, would someone I trust be able to step in and make decisions for me?
-
Have I clearly outlined who should care for my children or manage my finances if I’m temporarily unable to?
-
If the unthinkable happened, would my family know what to do?
Having a Legal Life Plan™ gives you and your family peace of mind. It means you’ve already made the hard decisions, so your loved ones don’t have to scramble or guess in a time of crisis.
If You Already Have a Plan, Give It a Quick Checkup
Life changes quickly. Kids grow up. Parents age. Relationships shift. If your estate plan is more than a few years old, it might not reflect your current wishes.
Here are a few good questions to ask before you travel:
-
Are the people I named to handle things still the right choice?
-
Has anyone passed away or become unable to serve?
-
Have there been marriages, divorces, or new grandchildren?
-
Does my plan still reflect how I want to provide for my family?
Even small changes in your life can have a big impact on your estate plan. A quick review now can prevent confusion later.
Don’t Forget to Talk to the People Involved
If you’ve named someone to help carry out your wishes, whether as a healthcare agent, executor, or trustee, have a conversation with them. Make sure they know what’s expected and where important documents are located.
Let your children or other key family members know your wishes. These conversations don’t have to be heavy or uncomfortable. Framing them around an upcoming trip can make them feel more natural.
What to Bring With You
You don’t need to travel with a filing cabinet, but a few documents are worth having on hand:
-
Health Care Power of Attorney – This document allows someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to speak for yourself. It’s about making sure someone who knows your values is the one guiding your care.
-
Living Will (Advance Directive) – This outlines your wishes about life support and other medical treatments. It gives your loved ones clear guidance so they aren’t left guessing during a medical emergency.
-
HIPAA Release Form – This gives your chosen family members or trusted individuals the legal right to access your medical information. Without this, even a spouse or adult child may be shut out from getting updates about your condition.
These documents can be stored digitally and accessed quickly if needed. In Idaho, for example, you can upload them securely through the Secretary of State’s website and carry a small wallet card that provides access instructions.
Travel with Confidence
You deserve a vacation free of nagging “what ifs.” Knowing your affairs are in order allows you to truly relax and enjoy the moment with the people you love.
If it’s been a while since your plan was updated, or if you’ve never created one, let’s fix that before you go. We’re happy to help you review, revise, or start fresh.
Your family depends on you. Let’s make sure you’re protected, no matter where the road takes you.
