The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us!  Many of us travel during this time of year.  Besides deciding what to pack, take a few minutes and follow these tips to protect you, your loved ones, and your property.

1. Contact your credit card companies to advise them of your travel plans, especially if you will be traveling to a different county. Ask them to put specific notes on your file listing travel dates and locations so they do not accidentally freeze your funds. 

2. Do NOT post on social media the dates you are leaving or post details or pictures of your trip while you are away. Save the pictures for when you return home. 

3. If you have someone watching your pets, leave contact information for your vet and an emergency veterinary hospital. 

4. Tell a trusted neighbor you will be gone and ask them to watch—and to report to police—any suspicious activity. 

5. Keep an emergency contact card in your wallet listing emergency contacts and their phone numbers. 

6. Invest in a programmable timer to turn on interior house lights in the evening. You can pick one up for less than $20 at Amazon, Home Depot, or Lowe's. 

And now a tip for your turkey. One of my law professors told me about roasting a turkey in a brown paper bag. I was skeptical, but it turned out to be the best turkey ever! No, the bag will not burn, and yes, the turkey still browns (although I have no idea how.) Google "turkey in a brown paper bag."

Try something new with your turkey this year and take a few extra precautions before traveling. Above all, have a safe and happy holiday season.

Cholewka Law specializes in estate planning. Contact Cholewka Law at 480-497-3770 to schedule a conversation or visit www.gilbertlawoffice.com for estate planning information and videos.