Going on vacation always sounds like a great idea, but when the time comes to actually take your trip, it can be really stressful!

When you aren’t used to traveling, leaving home can be a little nerve-inducing – especially if you’re leaving your pets behind. Luckily, with a little forethought and preparation, you can set yourself up for a few days of relaxation.

Here’s how to stress less during your next vacation:

Make a list – and check it twice!

Before you leave for vacation, make a list of all of the things you need to take care of before you’re gone. Be as meticulous and detailed or as broad as you please – this list is for your personal peace of mind. If you’re the type to worry about whether or not you turned off the oven before you left the house, add it on the list and check it off once you’ve confirmed you’re good to go. Bring your list with you during your travels to keep any random moments of “Oh crap – did I forget to do that?!” at bay.

Make a vacation plan for your pets.

Or cats, fish, or ferrets – you get the idea! Leaving behind pets can be a perfect reason to start worrying on your vacation, especially if you haven’t made arrangements for their care beforehand. Hiring someone to check in on your pets in your own home can be a good idea for short trips, but if you’re traveling abroad or you’ll be on the road for an extended period of time, a boarding facility or kennel might be the best choice. They’re often staffed by professionals who are equipped to handle anything that may happen with your pets and are often willing to send updates and photos to keep nerves at bay.

Hire a house-sitter.

Don’t love the idea of leaving your house sitting vacant for a week or two? Consider hiring a house-sitter. You can find someone to actually stay in your home for the duration of your travels or someone willing to stop by once or twice a day to bring in the mail, water your plants, or take care of any other little tasks that need regular attention.

Use technology to your advantage.

There’s an app for everything out there now, and home security isn’t any different. You can purchase and install cameras to set up in your home to detect motion and capture any unwanted visitors or activity with high-quality recordings. Depending on the system you choose, you can set up text alerts to be notified of any movement, or access a live stream at any point to see what’s going on in your home. It may be a little pricey to make the initial investment, but you’ll be equipped with peace of mind for years to come.

What steps do you take to put your mind at ease when you’re on vacation? If I didn’t cover them above, leave a comment and share your favorite strategies to relax.