Estate Planning Before Vacation: Protect What Matters Most Before You Travel
Because peace of mind should be part of your packing list.
Why Your Summer Travel Plans Should Include Estate Planning
Summer vacation is a time to relax, recharge, and escape the daily grind. You’re busy planning flights, hotels, and excursions—but have you thought about your legal and financial safety nets?
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re dreaming of beaches or mountains, but estate planning deserves a spot on your pre-trip checklist. Emergencies—whether medical, financial, or family-related—can strike at any time, even during a much-anticipated vacation.
Every summer, there are stories of travelers who face unexpected medical crises, accidents, or even fatalities. Without a plan in place, their loved ones are left navigating stressful legal situations in the middle of emotional chaos. That’s why thinking ahead isn’t grim—it’s practical, caring, and smart.
You don’t need to be wealthy or nearing retirement to have an estate plan. If you care about who would step in for you, who would make decisions, or who would care for your children, a few simple documents can go a long way.
Three Must-Have Legal Documents Before You Leave
Whether you’re traveling out of state or overseas, consider these three essential pieces of your estate plan:
Durable Financial Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney gives someone you trust the ability to manage your financial matters if you’re unable to. This person—your agent—can handle tasks like:
- Paying bills or your mortgage
- Managing a business or rental property
- Accessing funds in your accounts if needed
Ask yourself: If you were unreachable or in a hospital abroad, who could keep things running smoothly at home?
This document helps avoid unnecessary court intervention and ensures someone can legally act on your behalf without delays.
Healthcare Power of Attorney (Medical Directive)
Also known as a medical power of attorney or advance directive, this document allows someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you’re unconscious or unable to speak for yourself.
It can include:
- Preferences about life-sustaining treatment
- Directions for pain management and resuscitation
- Organ donation choices
Ask yourself: Who knows your healthcare preferences and can confidently speak for you in a crisis?
Medical emergencies can happen in a flash. Having this document ensures that the people you trust, not the hospital or the courts, are in charge of your care.
Guardianship Nomination (If You Have Minor Children)
If you’re a parent, this may be the most important decision of all. A guardianship nomination lets you legally name who should care for your children if something happens to you during your trip.
Without this, the courts could decide who steps in, which might not align with your values or wishes.
Ask yourself: Who would you want raising your children if you weren’t able to?
Pro Tip: Always name at least one backup guardian. Life is unpredictable, and having a Plan B ensures someone you trust is always in place.
“But I Don’t Know Who to Pick Yet…”
You’re not alone—many people hesitate to start their estate plan because they’re unsure who to assign to each role. But perfection isn’t required to get started.
In fact, having something is better than nothing at all.
You can revise your estate plan at any time. Even if you just name one trusted person for each role, that’s enough to give your family some legal protection and clarity while you’re traveling.
Want to Take It One Step Further?
For those who want even more security and flexibility, consider establishing a Revocable Living Trust.
With a trust, you can:
- Avoid the probate process entirely
- Provide clearer instructions for how your assets should be handled
- Offer long-term protection and privacy for your family
- Simplify asset management if something happens to you while you’re away
It’s especially beneficial for those with blended families, business ownership, or specific inheritance preferences.
Travel With Confidence, Not Uncertainty
Vacations are meant to be joyful, not filled with “what-ifs.” When you have a solid estate plan in place, you can truly enjoy your time away knowing that your family, finances, and wishes are protected.
By preparing a few essential documents, you:
- Empower someone to act for you in an emergency
- Make sure your healthcare preferences are known
- Ensure your children are cared for by the right people
- Avoid legal confusion or court delays during a crisis
Let’s Handle It—Before You Take Off
We make the estate planning process straightforward and personalized to your needs. In just one or two meetings, we can create a foundational plan that allows you to travel with peace of mind.
Book your pre-vacation planning session today.
Because protecting your family is one of the most important things you can do, before the bags are packed and the wheels lift off.
