By Kate Ter Haar

When you’re nearing an upcoming vacation—whether it be a short trip in-state or a getaway across the country—it’s pretty hard to focus on anything else. The excitement of traveling to a new place and seeing new things, all while not having to worry about work or school while you’re away, can cause you to lose track of some of the important tasks that need to get done both in preparation for your trip as well as immediately following.